We have a tougher five-game slate to attack tonight, as we have a lot less value than we are used to this season. The bottom and top ends of the slate both leave something to be desired here, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. We often discuss how slates with a ton of value can be more of a dart throw while these tougher slates allow for competent DFS players to separate themselves from the pack. The Jazz rested pretty much everyone on the roster last night against Toronto, and that is not going to happen tonight. However, the Jazz are still missing some big names starting with center Rudy Gobert. We are going to look to Utah for some budget priorities, while our favorite spend-up options are split across the slate.
Here’s Two Core Plays For DFS Basketball 1/8/22 (using DraftKings Values)
| Point Guard | |||
| Shooting Guard | |||
| Small Forward | |||
| Power Forward | G. Antetokounmpo | $11,600 | |
| Center | H. Whiteside | $3,500 | |
| Guard | . | ||
| Forward | |||
| Utility |
Giannis Antetokounmpo really stands out tonight, as a lot of the top DFS producers are not playing. Antetokounmpo is head and shoulders above the rest of the slate as a DFS producer, so we are going to him for the raw FPTS. He is going to be an essential Cash play for us, and we will get a lot of exposure to him in tournaments as well. Antetokounmpo should be in for nice usage here as star guard Jrue Holiday is sidelined, and he has a fantastic matchup against the Charlotte Hornets.
The Jazz will remain without Rudy Gobert as he entered the league’s health and protocols on January 6th. Hassan Whiteside saw a huge opportunity in his absence last time out, playing 30 minutes. He scored 20.75 FPTS, but we would expect a lot more from him in this much floor time. To put it in perspective, the last time Whiteside averaged 30 minutes a game he was one of the best DFS producers in the league. He blocks shots like no other and can stuff the points and rebounds charts. $3,500 is a ridiculous price for 30 minutes of Whiteside, so he is our favorite play on this slate as of now.
Here’s a Fade DFS Basketball 1/8/22 (using DraftKings Values)
Julius Randle has been significantly less productive for DFS than he was last season, so it is a bit absurd that he is still more expensive than ever. Randle is averaging 42.2 FPTS on the season, and he has only gone over 50 FPTS one time in the past ten games. Randle rarely shows us that 65 plus FPT upside that we are really chasing at this price point, but there is a lot of risk.
Now, what do you get if you sign up now for $99?
• A cheap guard who has been playing a ton of minutes.
• A stud big man who is underpriced tonight.
• A high upside priority from New York.
• A few more priorities for cheap value.
Point Guard
Killian Hayes – PG ($3,400 DK) We do not have a ton of value across five games tonight, so our standards for budget plays are somewhat low. Hayes has been playing a lot of minutes since returning from health and safety protocols. Playing 24 minutes in each of his first two games, and 30 minutes last game. We expect him to hit value at $3,400 if the minutes hold up, so he looks good in this spot.
Shooting Guard
Alec Burks – ($5,900 DK) Burks got the start at the point for the Knicks last game, and he played 37 minutes. Burks went for 27.25 FPTS last game, despite his shooting one for ten from the field. Burks has a ton of upside in this shot, as we expect him to shoot more if the shots are falling. Burks is a guy who can explode on any given night, and that would make him a must-have on a slate like this.
Wesley Mathews – ($3,400 DK) Mathews has been playing a lot of minutes with Jrue Holiday out for the Bucks. He played 30 minutes last game and 29 minutes in the game before that. We expect him to hit some decent value at this price point with the minutes he is playing, and this salary goes a long way for us.
Jae Crowder – ($3,800 DK) As is the case with a lot of our value plays tonight, we would not be looking to Crowder on a slate with more options. However, Crowder looks good on this slate where he is priced. Crowder typically plays around 30 minutes a game, and he is averaging over 20 FPTS on the season. We are not expecting a huge night from Crowder here, but he looks good to hit value and save us some salary.
Mo Bamba – ($5,500 DK) Bamba came back from the health and safety protocols recently, and he had some slower nights right after returning. However, Bamba has been a great DFS producer last night, and he showed that last time with 38.5 FPTS. Bamba is averaging just under 30 FPTS on the season, so he should be closer to $6,000 in this spot. The Pistons are an easy matchup, so we really like Bamba here.
General strategy
Whatever news breaks is going to be the key tonight, as a few guys being ruled out could really turn this slate on its head. Assuming the slate stays the same, we are going to have to rely on value options like Crowder, Hayes and Royce O’Neale. Guys who are not great per minute producers, but we know play solid minutes. For top end options we love paying up for the Freak here, and we will be using some midrange guys like Burks and Bamba. Have some fun with this one and make money tonight.
