NBA DFS Preview – First Look (1/18)

After a loaded day of NBA action Monday, we only have two games Tuesday, which is very, very upsetting. Of course, every DFS slate deserves our attention, so let’s take a look at this pair of games.

Be sure to check out the FTN NBA Optimizer. 

NBA Vegas Data for January 18 | NBA DFS First Look

Minnesota Timberwolves @ New York Knicks

MIN -3, total: 213.5
Pace: MIN (3rd), NYK (30th)

Situations to monitor:

• Kemba Walker is listed as questionable for New York, while Nerlens Noel has been ruled out for the third straight game.

Detroit Pistons @ Golden State Warriors

GSW -15, total: 218
Pace: DET (11th), GSW (12th)

Situations to monitor:

• Draymond Green will remain sidelined with his calf injury, while Gary Payton II is listed as questionable (back).
• Jerami Grant is still out for the Pistons.

Stats to Know | NBA DFS First Look

RJ Barrett is averaging 1.08 fantasy points per minute over the last week

With both Kemba Walker and Derrick Rose sidelined, Barrett has taken a huge step forward for New York. Over the last week, he is averaging nearly 1.10 fantasy points per minute, while sporting a usage rate just north of 28%. And over his last five games, Barrett is averaging 25.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and just over 41 fantasy points per contest. Walker is questionable to play Tuesday but if he remains out, Barrett will once again set up as a strong fantasy play.

Otto Porter is sporting a 26% rebounding rate with Draymond Green off the floor this season

Porter has been playing some great basketball for the Warriors as lately, especially during the absence of Green. He is posting a 26% rebounding rate with Green off the floor this season, while also averaging just over a fantasy point per minute in the split. Porter’s peripherals have been very strong lately, while hauling in at least seven rebounds in three of his last five games.

Value Plays | NBA DFS First Look

Jaden McDaniels vs. NYK
Kevon Looney vs. DET

On a two-game slate, there is not going to be a ton of value to choose from unless we get some news. 

Last Night’s GPP Performances | NBA DFS First Look

DraftKings optimal lineup

Chris Paul (45.5)
Devin Booker (71.75)
Dorian Finney-Smith (39.0)
Moritz Wagner (27.0)
Jusuf Nurkic (62.0)
Luka Doncic (65.75)
Stanley Johnson (31.75)
Bismack Biyombo (39.0)

FanDuel optimal lineup

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (52.7)
Luka Doncic (67.2)
Dorian Finney-Smith (36.0)
Devin Booker (72.0)
Stanley Johnson (33.5)
De’Andre Hunter (33.8)
Precious Achiuwa (31.5)
Pascal Siakam (60.2)
Jakob Poeltl (48.8)

With Deandre Ayton out for the Suns, JaVale McGee became the most popular play of the slate, especially given how good he’s been on a per-minute basis. So, of course, Bismack Biyombo ends up having the great game, scoring 17 points to go along with 14 rebounds in 25 minutes. Meanwhile, a 48-point showing from Devin Booker will lead to an appearance in both optimal lineups.