Daily Fantasy Basketball Picks for DraftStreet and FanDuel 1/16/14

 

Today is an odd day in the NBA mostly because the Brooklyn/ Atlanta game is going on in London and anything British is just weird. For instance: their time is completely different than it is here. It's five hours ahead of the east coast. And I'm not talking about time travel. See? Gets very confusing, and today it fucks with the start times of games. So make sure you have a work excuse ready to set your lineups by 3PM. Games tipoff early. Thanks a lot England.

Quick reminder about these picks. At DFSR we employ a system that seeks to gain the most points-per-dollar. When we give a recommendation, it’s because we believe that player has the best chance to meet or exceed his price. On any given the night the highest dollar player can be expected to score the most points, but that doesn’t always make him the best play for the money. Just something to keep in mind. On to the picks. 

 

Point Guard

 

Jeff Teague DS $13583 FD $6900 - Teague is the clear PG start of the day. Though he's been up and down over his last few, I just don't think any other PG really provides the safety/ upside of JT today. On a day where maximizing dollars is crucial I'll have Teague across both sites.

Jeremy Lin DS $11175 FD $5900  - There's a special place in my heart for Jeremy Lin. In that part of my heart beats a fiery love for dudes with upside who at one point in their careers elevated an entire city. Unfortunately that part of my heart is right next to the blockage that will eventually kill me because of stress and inconsistency. I think you get the analogy, but if I need to spell it out for you, Lin's a great tourney play and carries heavy risk in cash games.

PG - FanDuel Value

Shaun Livingston FD $4400 - If he cost you money in his stinker against the Raptors don't fear, he's going to make it back for you tonight. That bad game probably stopped his price from climbing too much and now he's set to pay it off going away. Start him on FD tonight.

 

Shooting Guard

 

Kyle Korver DS $11388 FD $5200 - A DFSR favorite and it ain't just for his abnormally thick head of hair and Neanderthal-y good looks. No, it's because he pays this price almost like clockwork. On light nights its great to have a guy like Korver to set and forget.

Lance Stephenson DS $12583 FD $6600 - Getting a little expensive on FD, and you can possibly find reasons to get him out of the lineup, but I still always love the upside. Korver is the clear favorite between the two, so if you are swapping a SG out, make sure it's Lance.

Punt option Alan Anderson DS $5490 FD $3500 -  A minimum salary guy getting starter minutes is always someone to keep an eye on. If he is getting 30 minutes these are great prices, especially on DraftStreet.  

 

Small Forward

 

OK so here's the deal: On DraftStreet one of the top play at SF today is:

Paul George DS $16930 FD $8900 - Against the Knicks. He is a clear for-the-money favorite over Durant. Though remember on DS you need not worry about the micro-positional differences. Either way, I like starting George at this price there.

While on FanDuel:

Kevin Durant DS $23943 FD $11900 - Is much more in play. On that site, he and George are much closer and if I can I'm tempted to get him into the lineup. The matchup versus Houston isn't great, but the price is much more reasonable. It's never "expert" opinion to just offer the two highest salary guys, but in this case I think they are worth the money.

Keep an eye on who is starting for Demarre Carroll in Atlanta. Could be an interesting punting opportunity.

 

SF - FanDuel Value

Paul Pierce $5900 - Coming off a bunch of rest. I would start him alongside whoever you decide from above.

 

 

Power Forward

 

Serge Ibaka DS $13868 FD $6800 - Ibaka will be in all of my lineups on both sites tonight. He is the top forward play for the dollars and it almost isn't close. Simply stated: Houston cannot handle opposing power forwards and Ibaka could feast down low. Get him in your lineups without hesitation.

Paul Millsap DS $16595 FD $8400- On a night of few good PF options, he is a guy who can take over. I like the value a bit more on DraftStreet, but if you are saving in some other areas he isn't a bad way to spend the dough.

SF - FanDuel Value

Terrence Jones FD $6500 - Playing at a high level and OKC doesn't defend PF too well. I think I might prefer him to Millsap on dollar upside.

 

Center

 

Pero Antic DS $6210 FD $3900 - One way I'm getting all of the money above into play is by punting center completely today and playing Antic. Two things. One: Antic isn't that good. Two: I would never say that to him because he is terrifying looking. But he's starting for the Hawks today and there really aren't any good options at center worth the money.

 

Who'd I miss? What did I get totally wrong? Leave a comment down below or hit us up on Twitter @dailyfantasysr

  

 

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