This NBA daily fantasy picks article utilizes Awesemo’s player point projection and value grades to identify the slate’s top potential plays for DraftKings NBA and FanDuel NBA lineups. Be aware of how the plays vary from site to site, often salary and popularity will completely change how a player looks on DraftKings as compared to FanDuel. The value rating takes into account a player’s point-per-dollar performance, while the points grade is a ranking of the fantasy point projection for NBA DFS contests.
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NBA Daily Fantasy Picks: Awesemo Grades + Ownership | Jan. 9
Guard: Malcom Brogdon
DraftKings Grades: B, Value; D
FanDuel Grades: B. Value; C
Malcom Brogdon has been exceptional to start the season, going for over 50 fantasy points in three straight games, just simply producing at a very high level. Brogdon has averaged 1.19 DraftKings points per minute with a 22.7 percent usage rate and 28.7 assist rate in 297 minutes. We should expect 36-plus minutes from Brogdon in the event this game stays competitive, as he has logged 37 minutes per game on average this season. Early indications are pointing to this being a close game with a mediocre total currently sitting at 217 with a –3 spread. Hosting the 6-2 Phoenix Suns who are currently sixth in defensive efficiency and first in points allowed, so caution is warranted. But considering how well Brogdon has played recently he still should project well enough as he’s looking at a likely 40-minute run in this game if it stays competitive.
Projected NBA DFS Ownership: DraftKings 3.2% FanDuel 9.5%
Bonus Round: LaMelo Ball – DraftKings 5.9% FanDuel 7.7%
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Forward: Khris Middleton
DraftKings Grades: B, Value C
FanDuel Grades: B, Value; A
Averaging 1.29 DraftKings points per minute to start the season, Khris Middleton has consistently been a 35-40 fantasy-point contributor throughout his career posting through nine games – 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 5.9 assists. Obviously, we all know Giannis Antetokounmpo took a nasty fall and could be rested, but at the time of this writing, we have no indication that this is what the Bucks’ plan on doing with their superstar, just my opinion. But, if that’s the case, Middleton would become the Caris LeVert of the past two slates (Mega Chalk). And for good reason as Middleton has averaged in 835 minutes dating back to last season, 1.43 DraftKings points per minute with a 33.3 percent usage rate without Giannis on the floor. He projects really well in this spot with or without Giannis sitting, and is still my preferred play here. But, if Giannis sits, he becomes an even better play along with Bobby Portis and Jrue Holiday as both should see increased minutes and usage on this NBA DFS slate.
Projected NBA DFS Ownership: DraftKings 11.7% FanDuel 20.4%
Bonus Round: Gordon Hayward – DraftKings 8.3% FanDuel 16.5%
Center: Nikola Vucevic
DraftKings Grades: A, Value; B
FanDuel Grades: A, Value; A
Nikola Vucevic has a mouthwatering matchup verses the Dallas Mavericks who have nobody remotely close on their current roster capable of containing Vucevic. Missing their anchor in Kristaps Porzingis as he works his way back from a torn meniscus. Vucevic looks poised to have a big game here. Dating back to last year with Jonathan Issaac, Evan Fournier (questionable) and Markelle Fultz off the court, Vucevic produced 1.29 DraftKings points per minute with a 28.4 percent rebounding percentage and 19.4 assists percentage in 213 minutes. He has expanded his game also, shooting 44% from three while attempting a career-high five per contest. Producing 21.1 points per game, a career high even with all the injuries the Orlando Magic are dealing with — Vucevic has maintained his elite level of play throughout posting 10.6 rebounds and three assists and one block/steal through nine games. He is producing 1.47 DraftKings points per minute in 33 minutes per contest.
Projected NBA DFS Ownership: DraftKings 16.7% FanDuel 16.9%
Bonus Round: Clint Capela – DraftKings 17.9% FanDuel 24.3%
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