NBA Fantasy: Top DFS lineup selections for Jan. 15

This option offers flexibility in building your roster based on your desired strategy. Whether you're aiming for high-scoring games with explosive offensive performances or looking for value in closely contested matchups with every possession crucial, this variety allows you to customize your approach.

This primer breaks down the key matchups, highlights the top plays at each position, and uncovers value plays that can help you afford the stars. Let’s dive in and analyze the players that will give you an edge for tonight’s slate.

NBA DFS core plays

Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF, C – MIL)

DraftKings: $11,600FanDuel: $11,900

While the Orlando Magic have impressed with their solid all-around play and strong defense this season, Giannis Antetokounmpo is a force of nature that few teams can contain. He seems to elevate his game against tough opponents, and his unique combination of size, athleticism, and skill creates a mismatch for any defender. Antetokounmpo has already faced the Magic twice this season, and the results speak for themselves: A staggering average of 65.4 DraftKings points per game.

Even against a formidable defense, Antetokounmpo can dominate the game in every facet. He’ll attack the basket relentlessly, crash the boards with authority, and find open teammates with his improved passing ability.

Victor Wembanyama (C – SAS)

DraftKings: $11,200FanDuel: $11,800

Victor Wembanyama has become a must-start fantasy option on a nightly basis. His ability to contribute across every category makes him a consistent source of fantasy production, and tonight’s matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies is no exception. While the Grizzlies boast some talented defenders, they’ve been prone to inconsistency on that end of the floor, which opens the door for Wembanyama to exploit any lapses.

LaMelo Ball (PG – CHA)

DraftKings: $10,000FanDuel: $10,200

LaMelo Ball is set up for a monster performance against a depleted Utah Jazz squad tonight. The Jazz have been a dream matchup for opposing point guards, allowing the second-most fantasy points to the position over their last seven games. With numerous injuries plaguing their roster, the Jazz are even more vulnerable than usual, so Ball should have no trouble exploiting their weaknesses.

He’s been on a tear recently, recording at least 49 DraftKings points in three out of his last four games. Ball is a triple-double threat every time he steps on the court, capable of filling the stat sheet with points, assists, rebounds, and steals. In a game with a high total and a favorable matchup, Ball has the potential to be a top scorer on the entire slate.

NBA DFS cash game targets

Zach LaVine (SG, SF – CHI)

DraftKings: $8,100FanDuel: $8,600

Zach LaVine is scorching hot right now, and he’s primed for another explosive performance tonight against the Atlanta Hawks. Over his last seven games, LaVine has been putting up video game numbers, averaging 32.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. He’s a walking bucket who can score from anywhere on the court. His ability to contribute in other categories only adds to his fantasy appeal.

Facing an Atlanta Hawks team ranked 27th in defensive rating this month, LaVine should have no trouble finding his rhythm and putting up big numbers. This game has the highest total on the slate, indicating a fast-paced, high-scoring affair that perfectly suits LaVine’s style of play.

Walker Kessler (C – UTA)

DraftKings: $6,700FanDuel: $7,100

Walker Kessler has been a force in the paint recently, and tonight’s matchup against the Charlotte Hornets sets up perfectly for another dominant performance. The Hornets have been incredibly generous to opposing centers, allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to the position over their last seven games. Kessler, meanwhile, is riding a wave of momentum with averages of 14 points, 13.8 rebounds, and two blocks per game in his last four outings.

With the Jazz frontcourt currently battling several injuries, Kessler is poised to see extended minutes and a heavy workload. This should translate to ample opportunities to feast on the boards, protect the rim, and contribute offensively.

NBA DFS GPP targets

Stephen Curry (PG – GSW)

DraftKings: $8,900FanDuel: $8,800

With no game on the schedule tomorrow and a night of rest under his belt, Steph Curry should be ready to fire on all cylinders tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He’s been rolling lately, averaging 21.5 points, eight rebounds and 6.5 assists over his last three games. Curry’s presence on the court elevates the entire Golden State Warriors offense. In a game expected to be a tight contest, expect him to be aggressive and to take over.

The last time these two teams met, Curry put on a show with 31 points and 10 assists. He’s a threat to score from anywhere on the court and can rack up fantasy points in a hurry.

Paul George (SG, SF – PHI)

DraftKings: $8,100FanDuel: $8,200

The Philadelphia 76ers are dealing with a wave of injuries, making their rotation a bit of a guessing game as we approach tip-off. Keep a close eye on the injury report, but one player who could be in line for a significant role is Paul George. He’s coming off two strong performances, averaging 25 points, 10.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists. If

Tyrese Maxey

and

Joel Embiid

end up sitting this one out, George’s usage and fantasy ceiling skyrocket.

Isaiah Collier (PG – UTA)

DraftKings: $5,000FanDuel: $4,600

The Utah Jazz backcourt is decimated by injuries right now, with a significant portion of their guards sidelined. This has opened the door wide open for Isaiah Collier to step into a prominent role, and he certainly didn’t disappoint in their last outing. Collier stuffed the stat sheet with 23 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, showcasing his all-around ability.

With the majority of Utah’s key backcourt players already ruled out and

Keyonte George

questionable, Collier is primed for another big performance.

NBA DFS value plays

Brice Sensabaugh (SF – UTA)

DraftKings: $4,500FanDuel: $4,700

With all the injuries the Jazz are dealing with, one guy who has seen an uptick in minutes and making the most of his opportunities is Brice Sensabaugh. The second-year forward has now cleared 25 minutes in three straight appearances and is averaging 25.7 points on 56% shooting from the field during that span.

Kel’el Ware (C – MIA)

DraftKings: $4,200FanDuel: $5,500

Keep a close eye on the injury report for

Bam Adebayo

tonight. If he’s ruled out again, Kel’el Ware becomes an incredibly intriguing option. With Adebayo sidelined on Monday, Ware stepped into a major role, logging 33 minutes and exploding for 19 points and 13 rebounds. This showcased his ability to contribute in a variety of ways, and his per-minute production is undeniably impressive.

Ware is a versatile big man who can score both inside and out, and he’s not afraid to crash the boards with authority. He’s also shown flashes of defensive potential with his shot-blocking ability. Against a Los Angeles Lakers team that can be vulnerable in the paint, Ware has the opportunity to put up another strong performance.

Daniel Gafford (C – DAL)

DraftKings: $4,300FanDuel: $4,500

With

Dereck Lively II

listed as questionable for tonight’s game, Daniel Gafford could be in line for a significant boost in minutes. In his last outing, Gafford made the most of his 19 minutes on the court, recording 13 points, four rebounds, and a block. If Lively is ultimately ruled out, Gafford could easily see 23+ minutes against a New Orleans Pelicans team struggling defensively.

Over their last five games, the Pelicans rank 21st in defensive efficiency, which bodes well for Gafford’s fantasy prospects. He’s a high-energy big man who excels at finishing around the rim, crashing the offensive glass, and providing weak-side rim protection.

Vít Krejčí (PG, SG – ATL)

DraftKings: $4,000FanDuel: $4,400

Vít Krejčí has emerged as a valuable fantasy asset for the Atlanta Hawks, and his potential tonight hinges on the availability of

Jalen Johnson

and

De’Andre Hunter

. If both players are ruled out again, Krejčí is poised for another night of significant minutes. With Johnson and Hunter sidelined yesterday, Krejčí played 35 minutes and filled the stat sheet with 14 points, six assists, five rebounds, and two steals.

Krejčí is a versatile player who contributes across multiple categories. He’s a capable scorer and facilitator, and he’s not afraid to crash the boards and make plays defensively. Against a Chicago Bulls team that can be susceptible on the perimeter, Krejčí has the opportunity to showcase his offensive skills and rack up fantasy points.