Daily Fantasy

NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer: Dec. 30

FantasyPros considers the best player values for DraftKings and FanDuel NBA DFS.

Joel Bartilotta, FantasyPros

December 30, 2022 6:17 PM

Jaden Ivey is a player to watch during Friday night’s Pistons and Bulls matchup at 8 ET.

Injury Report

Anthony Davis (foot) OUT
Stephen Curry (shoulder) OUT
Devin Booker (groin) OUT
Karl-Anthony Towns (calf) OUT
Jrue Holiday (illness) Doubtful
Brandon Ingram (toe) OUT
Bradley Beal (hamstring) Questionable
Fred VanVleet(back) Questionable
Tyrese Maxey (foot) Questionable
Jamal Murray (knee) Questionable
Andrew Wiggins (adductor) OUT
Khris Middleton (knee) OUT
Aaron Gordon (shoulder) Questionable
Wendell Carter Jr.(suspension) OUT
Clint Capela (calf) OUT
Killian Hayes (suspension) OUT

Core Plays

Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF/C – MIL): $11,900 DraftKings, $11,900 FanDuel
Not enough people are talking about how ridiculous Giannis has been this season. The former MVP is in line for more votes this year, scoring at least 36 DraftKings points in every game. That’s why he has a 57-point average, dropping a season-high 80 DraftKings points in his most recent outing. While that’s unlikely to happen again, it’s more likely since Minnesota owns a 26th OPRK against opposing power forwards. We also don’t mind that he has at least 55 fantasy points in each of his last six meetings with Minnesota en route to a 65-point average.

Damian Lillard (PG – POR): $9,700 DraftKings, $9,100 FanDuel
Dame has always excelled against Golden State throughout his career. In 31 career games against the Warriors, Lillard is averaging 28.5 points and 6.1 assists per game. That’s scary when looking at Lillard’s recent form, averaging 46 fantasy points per game this season. This is one of the worst Warriors defenses he’s faced, too, with Golden State ranked 26th in points allowed.

Paolo Banchero (SF/PF – ORL): $7,800 DraftKings, $8,500 FanDuel
It’s scary to think what Banchero’s role will look like here with the stellar rookie season he’s been having. Orlando has nine players missing in this game due to injury and suspension, leaving Banchero to do everything in this offense. He was already averaging 38 fantasy points per game with a healthy roster, but we believe that’s his floor with so many players sidelined. Paolo is looking at 20 shots, 40 minutes, and a 30% usage rate in this spot!

Cash Game Considerations

Nikola Jokic (C – DEN): $11,800 DraftKings, $12,100 FanDuel
Jokic has been the best player in DFS for three years now, and he’s in one of the best stretches of his career right now. The two-time reigning MVP has scored at least 51 DK points in 10 straight games, flirting with a 70-point average in that span. He’s actually got at least 78 DK points in four of those, and it doesn’t really matter who he plays.

Domantas Sabonis (PF/C – SAC): $10,300 DraftKings, $10,400 FanDuel
We weren’t sure how Sabonis would look with his broken thumb, but 55 DK points in his first game shows he’ll be fine. That gives Domantas at least 52 DraftKings points in six straight games, generating a 58-point average in that span. That’s why he was an All-Star last year, and we expect him to continue that streak with Utah surrendering the second-most fantasy points to opposing big men.

Kristaps Porzingis (PF/C – WAS): $8,700 DraftKings, $9,000 FanDuel
With Bradley Beal likely missing this game, Porzingis should be in for another big night. The Latvian has been going off whether Beal’s been healthy or not, scoring at least 27 DraftKings points in every game this season. More importantly, he’s scored at least 48 fantasy points 12 times, posting a 43-point average for the year. Facing an Orlando team with most of their roster missing is far from scary.

GPP Targets

Markelle Fultz (PG – ORL): $6,000 DraftKings, $6,800 FanDuel
Fultz is finally healthy for the first time in his career, and we’re seeing glimpses of why he was the top pick five years ago. The versatile guard has at least 27 DraftKings points in seven of his last eight games, totaling a 35-point average in that span. That’s all you can ask for from a $6K player, especially since Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony will miss this game, likely leaving Fultz with one of the most prominent roles of his career.

Jaden Ivey (PG – DET): $5,900 DraftKings, $5,900 FanDuel
Ivey had to battle Cade Cunningham and Killian Hayes for point guard minutes earlier in the year, but that won’t be an issue here. Both of these guys will miss this game, leaving Ivey with a 40-minute role as the primary point guard. This kid has flashed moments of brilliance in a diluted part, scoring at least 24 DK points in six straight games. We believe that’s his floor in this expanded role, especially since Charlotte sits 27th in defensive efficiency and 28th in points allowed.

Jevon Carter (PG – MIL): $3,900 DraftKings, $3,700 FanDuel
Whenever Jrue Holiday is sidelined, Carter needs to be considered. The young point guard always starts in these circumstances, averaging 21 DK points per game across 28 minutes a night in his 27 starts this year. He’s also scored at least 28 fantasy points in nine of those while flashing a 57-point upside. All you need is 20-25 fantasy points for Carter to be a good value, and it seems likely here, with Minnesota ranked 22nd in total defense.

Value Plays

Bol Bol (PF – ORL): $4,800 DraftKings, $6,500 FanDuel
Bol will be in everyone’s lineup on DraftKings, and that’s chalk you have to swallow. The simple fact is, Bol needs to play 40 minutes with so many players missing for Orlando. This guy can produce when given that chance, scoring at least 41 DK points in five of the six games he played at least 33 minutes. Getting 30-35 minutes should be a breeze, and we’re not worried about him facing a 20th-ranked Washington defense.

Brook Lopez (C – MIL): $6,100 DraftKings, $6,500 FanDuel
Lopez is amid a bounce-back season in Milwaukee, averaging 31 fantasy points per game. That’s a great total from a $6K player, and he should continue to produce with Khris Middleton sidelined. Lopez is rolling right now, too, scoring at least 27 fantasy points in seven straight games. We’ve already discussed Minnesota’s struggling defense, and Lopez should continue to strive in this matchup.

John Collins (PF/C – ATL): $5,700 DraftKings, $6,300 FanDuel
We’ve had Collins in here all week, and we’re going right back to the well. He is just too cheap with Clint Capela sidelined. Injuries hurt Collins averages earlier on, but he’s back to a full workload now. This guy has been a $7K player throughout most of his career and has at least 34 DK points in three straight outings. That makes the pricing hard to understand, especially since the Lakers rank 27th in points allowed.