5 FREE FanDuel and DraftKings NBA DFS Picks 1-19
Welcome to the Team Rise or Fall Free FanDuel and DraftKings NBA DFS picks article. This morning we will highlight some standout Vegas totals, pace ups picks, notable injury news, and my preferred way to pick apart the slate. Be mindful that this preview is subject to change as news breaks throughout the day. I also want to point out that today is a small two-game slate so be smart with your bankroll and do not play outside what you normally have in play.
Vegas Totals
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Denver Nuggets O/U 220.5
The road Thunder have won 3 of their last 5 games while averaging 111.6 per game in that timeframe. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) leads the Thunder in his do-it-all role for the team. SGA heads the Thunder in scoring at 21.6 points per game while grabbing 5.3 rebounds and dishing out 6.2 assists per game. What I love about him is that he also fills the stat sheet with steals and blocks.
On the opposite side of the court, the Nuggets have also won 3 of their last 5 games averaging 112.8 points per game. My NBA DFS man crush, Nikola Jokic, is the man that leads Denver statistically in almost every category. Jokic is a walking triple-double averaging 25 points, 11.4 rebounds, 10.3 assists, 1.9 steals per game.
New Orleans Pelicans @ Utah Jazz O/U 217.5
The Pels have dropped 4 of their last 5 games averaging 109.8 points in that span. They are led by their trio of young stars: Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and Lonzo Ball. They have yet to find their grove under Stan Van Gundy. They are having to adjust to playing slower than they did last year under then-head coach Alvin Gentry.
The home Jazz are riding a 5-game win streak into tonight’s game. They have averaged 113.8 points per game during this winning streak. Donovan Mitchell is the face of the Jazz and will lead them tonight. He’s scoring 23.2 points per game on the season and will look to extend this Jazz’s winning streak to a season-high 6 games.
Pace up Picks
The Pelicans are in a pace up spot going against the Jazz – but not by much. The Pelicans rank 25th in pace while the Jazz are one whole spot up ranking 24th. I’m targeting the guys who touch the ball most on both teams.
The Nuggets are going to be the stars of the slate here as they are in a pace up game. Denver typically plays slow, tied for 25th in pace with the Pelicans. However, the Thunder play fast tying for the 12th fastest pace in the league.
Injury News
Probable: Lonzo Ball, Derrick Favors, Joe Ingles
Questionable:
Out: Michael Porter Jr, Juancho Hernangomez, Al Horford, Trevor Ariza
Early Picks
Nikola Jokic – I’m almost willing to bet my firstborn that he’ll be the highest-scoring fantasy player on the slate. As seen in my previous articles, I love Jokic and his style of play. He’s such a skilled player that excels at everything but defense. He’ll be locked into nearly every one of my lineups.
Brandon Ingram – KD light as I like to refer to him, is in play here. Though the game will be slow he fills the stat sheet in every category for the Pels. His size makes him a tough opponent to defend as he can get a shot over pretty much anyone. The question will be if he can get his shot to fall.
Everyone – What I mean here is that if you’re going to be playing tournaments you’re going to have to be willing to take some chances and roster guys you don’t typically like to roster. You may have to pick role players that are usually the 6th or 7th guys off the bench to get the coveted takedown.
You can check out our NBA coaches Building Blocks closer to lock to help you pick your willing lineup.
Question or comments?
Hit me up in Discord or on Twitter @EdArias87
