5 FREE FanDuel and DraftKings NBA DFS Picks 1/27
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. At the conclusion of the article, we’ll discuss how I plan on handling the slate with the information we have this early in the day. Be mindful that this preview is subject to change as news breaks throughout the day which can and will affect some of these picks.
Notable Vegas Totals
Brooklyn Nets @ Atlanta Hawks O/U 238
The Nets are riding a two-game winning streak heading into Atlanta. For pure basketball purposes, they are incredibly fun to watch. They have three of the best players in the league on the court at one time and any one of them can explode for 50 points. However, for DFS purposes they are incredibly frustrating. The Nets big three are still overpriced for their production as they cannibalize each other’s production. If I had to plant my flag on one of them I’ll go with the least expensive, Kyrie Irving.
On the other side of the court, the Hawks have won 4 of their last 5 games. They are on the second leg of a back-to-back. Last night they beat a short-handed Clippers team where Trae Young went off for 38 points and Clint Capela filled the stat sheet going for a double-double with 2 blocks and 2 steals. I love this spot for them in a fast-paced environment combined with the Net’s inability to stop big men.
Washington Wizards @ New Orleans Pelicans
The Wizards are on the second leg of a back-to-back, losing last night to the Rockets. We’ll have to monitor the status of Russell Westbrook should he miss this game all the usage will go to Bradley Beal yet again. Beal leads the league in scoring this season, averaging a blistering 34.4 points per game to go with 5.4 assists and 4.8 rebounds. The Wizards play at a top 5 pace.
Opposite the Wizards, the Pelicans play at one of the slowest paces in the league, so this should be a nice pace up game for them. I’m looking specifically at Brandon Ingram to have a breakout of sorts. It seems like the Pels haven’t found their grove under first-year head coach Stan Van Gundy but what better way to break out of a rut than to face one of the league’s worst teams in a fast-paced, high scoring matchup.
Pace Up Picks
Milwaukee Bucks @ Toronto Raptors
The 8th fastest Bucks face the 9th fastest Raptors. This game should be fun for DFS purposes with both teams relatively healthy. The news we’ll have to watch for is the status of Pascal Siakam. As with all fast-paced games I want to exposure to the guys who will have the ball in their hands – Giannis, Jrue Holiday, and Khris Middleton for the Bucks. On the other side of the court, I want exposure to Kyle Lowry and Fred Van Vleet.
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Golden State Warriors
A rematch of two teams in the top 5 of pace. I want to key in on guys who have the ball in their hands which allows them to make plays. I’m referring to guys like Steph Curry and Draymond Green for the Warriors. On the Wolves, I like the idea of D’Angelo Russell, if healthy, especially with Karl-Anthony Towns still out with COVID.
Injury News
Probable: Derrick Rose, Hassan Whiteside, Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid
Questionable: Damantas Sabonis, Cam Reddish, Goran Dragic, LeBron James, Pascal Siakam, D’Angelo Russell
Out: Blake Griffin, Kevin Love, Michael Carter-Williams, T.J. Warren, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Jimmy Butler, Avery Bradley, Karl-Anthony Towns
Early Picks
Brandon Ingram – I’m looking for the breakout game he hasn’t had this season. He has oodles of talent but just hasn’t flashed that ceiling game we want to see. If there was ever a match-up to take advantage of, it is this one.
Bradley Beal – Should Russell Westbrook miss the game due to load management I want all the Beal in what should be a high-scoring game.
Clint Capela – The Nets will continue to struggle to stop big men – just look at the box scores of their last few games. Capela’s price has risen but that shouldn’t scare you away.
Check in closer to lock to see our coach’s Building Blocks.
Questions or comments?
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