Daily Fantasy Basketball 2015: NBA DraftKings Studs and Duds for Jan. 28
Going with some of the big names in the NBA could get you into trouble if you play DraftKings Wednesday night. There's a good number of stars who simply aren't playing up to their expectations. Fantasy owners must beware.
On the flip slide, there's always a group of players set up to do damage to their opponents. We've identified three potential assets for your DK team.
Here's two guys your DK lineup would be fine without Wednesday. That short list is followed by three players who should rack up fantasy points.
Duds
Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs ($5,400)
While he's played in 11 straight games since missing 13 of 16, Tony Parker still hasn't regained the form most expect from him.
Proof of that lies in the fact that Parker hasn't had a 20-point game or a double-digit-assist performance this month. He and the San Antonio Spurs host the Charlotte Hornets, and that should only further complicate things for the 32-year-old veteran.
The Hornets rank eighth in opponents' points per game and 11th in opponents' field-goal percentage. Your best bet is to avoid Parker until he can string together some solid games.
Joe Johnson, Brooklyn Nets ($5,700)
Joe Johnson is still the Brooklyn Nets' leading scorer, but his statistical output of late has been poor. In his last two games, Johnson is averaging 7.5 points on 7-of-19 shooting from the field.
Wednesday night's matchup is not a great one for Johnson. The Nets travel to Hotlanta to take on the streaking Atlanta Hawks.
Don't expect Johnson to play inspired basketball against his old team. The Hawks are fifth in opponent's shooting percentage and tied for first in fewest points allowed. If you're looking for more than 10 points, you'll probably be disappointed if you draft Johnson.
Studs
While Johnson and Parker cannot be trusted Wednesday, here's three players who should perform well.
Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder ($10,400)
Kevin Durant has been nursing a sore toe over the last few days, and it's possible he could miss Wednesday's game at the New York Knicks.
Per NBA Lineups on Twitter, Durant won't be taking a bite out of The Big Apple.
That's unofficial, but even if Durant's condition improves, you'd think he'd be limited. Also, Thunder head coach Scott Brooks might be inclined to get his superstar another day's rest—especially since the team is only playing the woeful Knicks.
Russell Westbrook should be able to carry the scoring load. He's not just capable of going off as a scorer, but he stuffs a stat sheet. Even though he didn't shoot the ball well Monday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Westbrook still managed 18 points, four rebounds, five assists and a steal.
By his standards, that was a mediocre game. You can almost bet he'll respond with an even better performance.
D.J. Augustin, Detroit Pistons ($5,800)
In Tuesday night's loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, D.J. Augustin scored 19 points and had four rebounds, nine assists and two steals.
For the remainder of the season, he might be in line to continue this type of output. With Brandon Jennings out for the season with a ruptured Achilles, Augustin should get extended minutes.
Tuesday's stat line isn't an aberration.
During the 2013-14 season, Augustin averaged 15 points and five assists in 30.4 minutes per game for the Chicago Bulls. He played 36 minutes Tuesday. With a similar amount of playing time on the way against the defensively challenged Philadelphia 76ers, Augustin will be worth the $5,800 in your DK lineup.
Andre Drummond, Detroit Pistons ($8,200)
Normally taking two guys from the same team isn't something recommended; however, the 76ers defense is inspiring. Also, Andre Drummond has been a beast on the glass lately.
Tuesday night against the Cavs, Drummond had 12 points, 17 rebounds and six blocks. Though the Detroit Pistons lost, Drummond had his seventh double-double of the month.
Drummond's desire and effort on the glass has been stellar. The 76ers are dead last in opponent rebounding. That should allow for a monster game on the glass for Drummond.
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