It’s Sunday, January 19th, and tonight could be something special. We’ve got some exciting matchups and it’s shaping up to be a thrilling night for DFS lineups. Nuggets at Magic is set to be a good time, while Bulls at Trail Blazers could also turn into a fun one. This is the kind of night where you might have to get a little uncomfortable and creative to unlock the best value.
There are plenty of cheap options that could get the job done, especially if you’re considering a stars-stars-and-a-scrub lineup. I know it’s a new concept and probably won’t catch on universally, but tonight, I’m finding that on slates like this, where value feels a bit uncomfortable but undeniably present, it’s worth exploring.
Think of it like this: After doing some deep dives (no, not through thousands and thousands of combinations, but a few slates), I realized you can combine above-average, highly-rated stars with underrated, undervalued, or somewhat “unregulated” players – kind of like mixing “B-rated” non-“AAA-rated” players into your stack to outsmart the market. It’s tough to bet against that setup, right? Ahhh…I will digress. Let’s jump into it.
As always, our FantasyPros team is here to ensure you have everything you need to navigate tonight’s challenges. Tap into the expertise of Nick Rodriguez (@NickIsInNet), Ryan Coleman (@ryancoleman_98) and Daniel E. Dobish (@danieledobish), whose insights will elevate your game and sharpen your approach.
Let’s tackle tonight’s games with focus, creativity and confidence. The slate is set, the opportunities are endless and the clock is ticking. Let’s lock in and make it count. Game on.
View the best player prop bets for tonight’s slate with our NBA Prop Bet Cheat Sheet
NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer
NBA DFS Core Plays
- DraftKings: $10,200
- FanDuel: $8,800
Player Fantasy Narrative: The Comeback Kid is Magic
We aren’t going to say anything about Paolo Banchero‘s price on FanDuel – directly, that is – we’re just going to be Tthankful and play him. Banchero came back from a lengthy and scary injury not missing a single beat, and let me tell you, it’s created a “What if?” scenario for all of us. Tonight, we have the chance to finally get that answer, and I’ve got a feeling it’s going to be a big one.
The young star has been nothing short of impressive since returning. Given the gauntlet of opponents he’s faced, you could think tonight might be a letdown game, but sometimes you have to play it straight up and not get cute. The comeback kid is magic.
The matchup against the Nuggets might not look great on paper, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a golden opportunity. Despite their ups and downs, the Magic are sitting comfortably in the playoff race, and they’ve done that with several of their stars sidelined for much of the season. Yeah, the Magic. Pretty scary, right?
Denver Nuggets Opponent Stat Rankings:
- Points Per Game: 23rd
- Rebounds: 8th
- Assists: 30th
- Blocks: 19th
- Steals: 21st
Recommendation and Strategy: Maximize the Opportunity, Enjoy the Stage
While the Nuggets are still one of the top teams in the West, this is a game where Banchero has the chance to truly shine. Denver’s defense is tough, but they have some holes, especially in areas where Banchero thrives. His ability to contribute across multiple categories – from scoring to playmaking – makes him a prime candidate to exploit these weaknesses.
While this matchup might not look perfect on paper, Banchero’s all-around game puts him in a great spot. The Nuggets are still the team to beat, but with Banchero back and ready to prove himself, his involvement will be key to the Magic’s success. Whether the game turns into a high-scoring affair or a more methodical one, expect Banchero and Nikola Jokic to lead the charge.
At his price on FanDuel, there’s no reason not to lock him in. The Magic are ready to make a statement, and Banchero is set to deliver, no matter the pace of the game.
*Player Pivot Note – Slate Breakdown between DraftKings and FanDuel
The Nuggets-Magic game is not included in the main slate on DraftKings. Pivot to Tyrese Maxey if playing the 7:00 p.m. slate on DraftKings only, and not the 6:00 p.m. slate.
Core Play Considerations
- DraftKings: $9,700
- FanDuel: $9,500
- DraftKings: $7,000
- FanDuel: $7,900
- DraftKings: $7,300
- FanDuel: $8,000
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
- DraftKings: $7,000
- FanDuel: $7,900
Player Fantasy Narrative: A Timely Return to Form
Despite the unfortunate ups and downs this season, DeMar DeRozan is back in a groove that reminds us all why we were excited when he joined the Kings. A timely return to form over the past few games has shown flashes of the star we’ve come to expect, with his ability to score, rebound and facilitate still intact. Sure, the season has had its rough patches, but when he’s on, DeRozan is one of the most versatile players on the floor.
Early in the season, it wasn’t clear if it was an injury, a roster controversy or coaching decisions that were holding him back. It’s all been a bit of a mystery. But he’s started to show that the struggles were just temporary.
His recent play has reminded us exactly what makes him special, especially when he’s on a team like the Kings built for competitive success. At a price of just under $8,000, DeRozan is looking like a solid investment for a safe, high-floor game.
Despite some of his earlier inconsistencies, DeRozan has always been capable of playing at a high level. Now that he’s rounding into form this matchup against the Wizards could be the moment he fully re-establishes himself.
Washington Wizards Opponent Stat Rankings:
- Points Per Game: 30th
- Rebounds: 30th
- Assists: 26th
- Blocks: 23rd
- Steals: 26th
Recommendation and Strategy: Cash Money Matchup for a Cash Play
The Wizards have struggled defensively this season, ranking 30th in both opponent points and rebounds, two areas DeRozan can easily capitalize on. While they’re respectable in assists, DeRozan’s ability to contribute across the board makes him a solid cash game play.
His scoring and ability to fill up the stat sheet with steals, rebounds and assists will be essential against a team still figuring out their identity.
At a sub-$8,000 price tag, DeRozan offers excellent DFS value, especially in cash games. While he’s more reliant on scoring than we’d like, his overall ability to contribute in other categories makes him a reliable play tonight.
The Wizards’ struggles with defense and DeRozan’s return to form make him a strong candidate to meet his floor with upside potential. If you’re looking for a safe, yet impactful player in your lineup, DeRozan is a solid choice tonight in cash games.
Cash Game Target Considerations
- DraftKings: $5,200
- FanDuel: $5,300
NBA DFS GPP Targets
- DraftKings: $9,700
- FanDuel: $9,500
Player Fantasy Narrative: Philly Star Shining through Circumstance
Despite the tough circumstances surrounding the Sixers this season, Tyrese Maxey is shining and has continued to prove why he’s one of the league’s most exciting young stars. We were expecting him to take that next step this season, and while it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster, he’s showing us the talent and determination that will undoubtedly help him build a legacy.
Since entering the league, Maxey has seamlessly stepped into a leadership role, filling shoes many wouldn’t have been ready for, especially when it comes to living up to “The Process.”
The circumstances around him haven’t always been ideal, but his rise has been nothing short of impressive. At $9,500 on FanDuel and $9,700 on DraftKings, he’s not the cheapest option tonight, but he’s one with the potential to break the slate.
In tonight’s matchup against the Bucks, Maxey will need to prove he can carry the Sixers through a tough stretch. Despite a challenging five-game losing streak, the Bucks may be the most favorable matchup they’ve faced during this slump, making this game an important opportunity for Maxey to deliver.
Milwaukee Bucks Opponent Stat Rankings:
- Points Per Game: 10th
- Rebounds: 22nd
- Assists: 7th
- Blocks: 1st
- Steals: 9th
Recommendation and Strategy: Golden Opportunity to Make a Statement
The Bucks may be a powerhouse in the East, but they do have exploitable weaknesses. Despite being one of the top teams in the league, their defense, while solid, ranks 22nd in opponent rebounds and ninth in steals, two areas Maxey excels. His ability to generate steals, rack up assists and contribute across multiple categories could allow him to capitalize on these weaknesses.
Maxey’s price point might seem a bit steep, especially with the Sixers’ current injury woes, but this game has the potential to be a breakout opportunity. With the Bucks still trying to separate themselves from a series of stumbles early in the season and the Sixers needing to piece their talent and health together, Maxey’s involvement will be critical. If he can contribute not only in scoring but also in steals, assists and even add a timely block or two, he could easily exceed expectations.
The Bucks’ defense, while good, might not be enough to stop Maxey from breaking through and delivering a huge fantasy performance. Given the current slate, where value is tight and Maxey’s upside is high, he’s a player to watch closely for a potential slate-breaking performance. Even if you’re not sure about betting on him, the opportunity is too good to ignore.
GPP Target Considerations
- DraftKings: $12,800
- FanDuel: $12,600
NBA DFS Value Plays
- DraftKings: $5,200
- FanDuel: $5,300
Player Fantasy Narrative: The Return of the Jerami
Jerami Grant is back from injury and ready to remind everyone just how valuable he is. After missing some time due to a face contusion, Grant’s return is a much-needed boost to the Trail Blazers’ frontcourt. While it’s a relatively minor injury, the team has been cautious. We’ve seen his skills shine even with the limited minutes he’s played so far. Grant is one of those players who’s often underrated, but when he’s on, he’s a game-changer.
After returning to action in a tough game against the Houston Rockets, Grant put up solid numbers in just 24 minutes: seven points, four rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Considering the aggressive frontcourt talent the Rockets possess, it’s impressive that Grant was able to contribute in meaningful ways. This shows he’s in a position to thrive, especially as he continues to return to full form.
The match against the Chicago Bulls isn’t going to be a walk in the park, but it’s the perfect opportunity for Grant to re-assert himself. The Trail Blazers are not out of the playoff picture just yet, and Grant’s performance in this game could be a key factor in deciding how they move forward this season.
Chicago Bulls Opponent Stat Rankings:
- Points Per Game: 29th
- Rebounds: 29th
- Assists: 29th
- Blocks: 16th
- Steals: 16th
Recommendation and Strategy Section: In this matchup… I’d take it for Grant-ed
The Chicago Bulls’ defense has struggled significantly this season, ranking near the bottom in points, rebounds, and assists allowed. This sets up Grant for a potentially productive night, as he excels in multiple areas beyond scoring, such as blocks, steals and rebounding.
Grant’s ability to impact the game in a variety of ways makes him a strong DFS option, especially against a team that has been vulnerable in those exact areas. A price tag below $5,000 provides excellent value given the Bulls’ defensive weaknesses.
If Grant can step up, play a solid game and contribute across multiple stat lines, he could be a key player to target on the slate tonight. While Grant may need to step beyond his usual role as a scorer and capitalize on opportunities for steals, blocks and rebounds, the matchup with Chicago bodes well for his all-around game.
As long as he stays healthy, avoids fouls and gets minutes, this could be a breakout game for him. While it won’t be a cakewalk, we shouldn’t take his success for granted.
Value Play Considerations
Primary Format(s): GPPs
Primary Appeal(s): Price, Production Potential, Ownership
- DraftKings: $7,500
- FanDuel: $6,200
Primary Format(s): GPPs and Cash
Primary Appeal(s): Production Potential, Contrarian, Price
- DraftKings: $6,000
- FanDuel: $5,300
Bilal Coulibaly (SF, SG – WAS)
Primary Format(s): GPPs
Primary Appeal(s): Contrarian, Production Potential, Price
- DraftKings: $5,500
- FanDuel: $5,500
Anthony Black (PG, SG – ORL) | FanDuel Target
Primary Format(s): GPPs
Primary Appeal(s): Contrarian, Price, Production Potential
- DraftKings: $4,800
- FanDuel: $4,800
Eric Gordon (SG – PHI) | DraftKings Target
Primary Appeal(s): Price, Contrarian, Production Potential
- DraftKings: $3,300
- FanDuel: $4,000
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