Josh Engleman is back again to break down my DraftKings NBA DFS picks for Thursday, Jan. 16! Today’s slate is packed with action and value, and I’m here to break it all down for you. Let’s dive into Stokastic’s NBA DFS Sims, NBA DFS projections and NBA DFS ownership projections to help you build those winning lineups.
DraftKings NBA DFS Picks Today, January 16
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5 – Cade Cunningham
Position: PG | Salary: $10,300
Projections: 26.3 Points, 5.9 Rebounds, 9.3 Assists, 1.6 Stocks
With Tyrese Haliburton likely out for Indiana, Cunningham is set up for a prime matchup against a Pacers team that will struggle to keep pace. There is plenty of value on this slate, which means there’s no reason not to spend up for high-end talent like Cunningham. He’s one of just two players north of $10,000 (alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander), and his floor and ceiling are both strong in this spot. The absence of Indiana’s primary playmaker only bolsters Cunningham’s appeal.
4 – Anfernee Simons
Position: PG | Salary: $6,500
Projections: 21.3 Points, 3.1 Rebounds, 5.7 Assists, 0.9 Stocks
With key players like Deni Avdija, Jerami Grant and the backup centers out, there’s an opportunity for Simons to step up. Last game Scoot Henderson stole the spotlight, but this time it could be Simons’ turn. While the matchup against the Clippers is tough, Simons has the usage and talent to produce. Among Portland’s guards, he stands out as the top option for today’s slate.
3 – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Position: PG | Salary: $10,500
Projections: 32.3 Points, 5.3 Rebounds, 5.9 Assists, 2.8 Stocks
Gilgeous-Alexander is having an MVP-caliber season, and tonight’s matchup against Cleveland offers another opportunity for him to shine. Even with the Cleveland defense presenting a challenge, Gilgeous-Alexander’s versatility and skill make him a top pay-up option. With no Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo or Victor Wembanyama on this five-game slate, Gilgeous-Alexander is firmly in play as a premier stud.
2 – Kevin Durant
Position: PF/C | Salary: $9,200
Projections: 29.5 Points, 6.3 Rebounds, 4.1 Assists, 2.0 Stocks
Durant comes in as a slightly cheaper pay-up option, offering flexibility with his power forward and center eligibility.. This is a homecoming game for Durant, and with Bradley Beal likely out and Jusuf Nurkic sidelined, Durant should have no problem dominating. The Wizards defensive struggles make Durant one of the easiest high-priced plays to prioritize on this slate.
1 – Jaylin Williams
Position: C | Salary: $3,300
Projections: 8.1 Points, 6.6 Rebounds, 3.2 Assists, 1.5 Stocks
With Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein out, Williams should start at center and log significant minutes. His projection exceeds his low salary-based expectations, but he has potential to play closer to 30 minutes if things break right. He’s going to be massively owned — likely 60% to 70% in tournaments — but Williams is the kind of value play you simply can’t avoid.
