What’s going on, everybody? Josh Engleman is back again with my DraftKings NBA DFS picks for Friday, Jan. 17. We have a loaded slate to tackle, so who made the cut? Let’s break down my favorite plays for this DraftKings slate with help from Stokastic’s NBA DFS Sims, NBA DFS projections and NBA DFS ownership projections.
DraftKings NBA DFS Picks Today, January 17
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5 – Drew Eubanks
Position: C | Salary: $4,100
Projections: 10.3 Points, 8.0 Rebounds, 2.0 Assists, 2.0 Stocks
Utah is missing half its roster, including Walker Kessler, which opens the door for Eubanks to step into the starting center role. I have him projected for 27 minutes. The Jazz don’t have much depth behind him, with only Oscar Tshiebwe and Kyle Filipowski as options. If Eubanks starts — and there’s no reason he won’t — he’s going to be a priority value play today.
4 – LaMelo Ball
Position: PG | Salary: $10,400
Projections: 29.8 Points, 5.4 Rebounds, 8.0 Assists, 1.9 Stocks
Next up, Ball is facing off against his brother’s Chicago Bulls. Ball has been a usage monster, and this game has pace and minimal defense, making it the perfect environment for Ball to thrive. A triple-double is firmly in play, and with Eubanks providing salary relief, it’s easy to pay up for Ball. He’s a top-tier spend-up option today, and I expect him to show he’s the better Ball in this sibling rivalry.
3 – Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Position: SG/SF | Salary: $3,300
Projections: 10.0 Points, 3.0 Rebounds, 3.0 Assists, 1.3 Stocks
With Donte DiVincenzo ruled out, Alexander-Walker becomes a prime value play at $3,100. I have him playing 28 minutes, and his shooting guard and small forward eligibility make him incredibly flexible for lineup construction. Minnesota tends to consolidate its rotation, so there’s even a chance Alexander-Walker will see increased minutes. His salary and versatility make him a fantastic option to balance your lineup.
2 – Mike Conley
Position: PG | Salary: $3,500
Projections: 10.0 Points, 2.9 Rebounds, 4.8 Assists, 1.5 Stocks
Staying with Minnesota, Conley is back in the starting point guard role with DiVincenzo out. I project him for 28 minutes, but even 26 minutes would be enough to make him a strong value. Conley’s salary is reflective of his backup role over recent games, but with a return to the starting lineup, he’s an excellent play. Pairing Conley with Alexander-Walker provides a great way to maximize value.
1 – Giannis Antetokounmpo
Position: PF/C | Salary: $11,400
Projections: 33.3 Points, 11.4 Rebounds, 6.1 Assists, 2.2 Stocks
There’s no one on the Raptors who can slow Giannis down. He’s one of the best per-minute producers in the league, and this slate’s value options make it easy to fit him into your lineup. Pairing Giannis with Ball is a straightforward path to success, and there’s no need to overthink it — he’s the No. 1 ConTENder for a reason.
