The NBA is back with an electrifying seven-game slate this Friday, Jan. 10, and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) enthusiasts are primed to construct their lineups. With top-tier stars facing favorable matchups and underrated players poised to overdeliver, this is your chance to dominate your league. Whether you’re aiming for high-risk, high-reward contests or crafting a reliable cash lineup, these insights will give you the edge.
Top-Tier Stars to Anchor Your Lineup
1. Luka Dončić (Dallas Mavericks)
Matchup:Mavericks vs. Clippers
Salary Premium
Why He’s a Must-Play Luka Dončić continues to put up MVP-caliber numbers, averaging a triple-double over his last five games. The Clippers’ defense, while respectable, has struggled to contain elite ball handlers, ranking 25th in defensive efficiency against primary playmakers. Expect Dončić to exploit mismatches and post a 60+ DFS point outing.
2. Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
Matchup: Celtics vs. Bulls
Salary: High-End
Why He’s a Must-Play: Tatum is in peak form, and with Jaylen Brown questionable for this matchup, Tatum’s usage rate could skyrocket. The Bulls have allowed the fourth-most points to opposing small forwards this season, making Tatum a prime candidate for a monster performance.
3. Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
Matchup: 76ers vs. Thunder
Salary: Premium
Why He’s a Must-Play: Embiid is a DFS powerhouse, and the Thunder’s lack of a true defensive anchor in the paint should allow him to dominate. He’s a double-double machine and could flirt with a 30-point, 15-rebound stat line.
Mid-Tier Gems to Balance Your Budget
1. De’Aaron Fox (Sacramento Kings)
Matchup: Kings vs. Trail Blazers
Salary: Moderate
Why He’s Worth It: Fox thrives in high-paced games, and the Blazers’ defense ranks near the bottom in guarding opposing point guards. With a projected total exceeding 230 points, this game offers DFS gold, and Fox is a safe bet for 40+ DFS points.
2. Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls)
Matchup: Bulls vs. Celtics
Salary: Moderate
-Why He’s Worth It: If DeMar DeRozan sits, LaVine becomes the Bulls’ offensive centerpiece. He’s coming off a 35-point performance and should get plenty of volume against a Celtics defense that sometimes struggles against athletic guards.
3. Alperen Şengün (Houston Rockets)
Matchup: Rockets vs. Spurs
Salary: Moderate
Why He’s Worth It: Şengün’s versatility and the Spurs’ weak interior defense make him an appealing option. His ability to rack up points, rebounds, and assists gives him a solid DFS floor and the potential for a ceiling game.
Value Picks to Maximize ROI
1. Malik Monk (Sacramento Kings)
Matchup: Kings vs. Trail Blazers
Salary: Bargain
Why He’s a Sleeper: Monk has been a reliable spark off the bench, and his three-point shooting will be critical in a game with a high over/under. At his price, Monk could easily return 6-7x value.
2. Isaiah Joe (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Matchup: Thunder vs. 76ers
Salary: Dirt Cheap
Why He’s a Sleeper: Joe is getting more minutes with the Thunder’s rotation in flux, and his sharpshooting ability makes him a low-risk, high-reward option. If the game becomes a blowout, Joe could see extended garbage time production
3. Derrick White (Boston Celtics)
Matchup: Celtics vs. Bulls
Salary: Budget-Friendly
Why He’s a Sleeper: White’s role expands when Jaylen Brown is out. His ability to contribute across all categories makes him a reliable low-cost option in both GPPs and cash games.
Game Stack to Consider: Kings vs. Trail Blazers
This matchup boasts one of the highest projected point totals of the night, making it a prime target for stacking. Pair De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis with Trail Blazers’ stars Damian Lillard and Jerami Grant for a high-upside GPP lineup.
Tips for Building a Winning Lineup
1. Focus on Usage Rates: Players with high usage rates are more likely to accumulate DFS points. Injuries to key players can create opportunities for others to shine.
2. Target Weak Defenses: Exploit matchups where teams struggle to defend specific positions or play at a high pace.
3. Monitor Late Injury Reports: Adjust your lineup based on breaking news. Value plays often emerge when starters are ruled out.
4. Diversify in GPPs: To maximize upside, include low-ownership players with the potential to outperform their salary.
Friday’s seven-game slate is brimming with potential, offering DFS players numerous ways to construct winning lineups. Whether you’re investing in superstars like Luka Dončić or uncovering hidden gems like Malik Monk, the key is balancing risk and reward. Stay updated on injury news and trust the process as you build your path to DFS glory.
