Josh Engleman is here with my NBA DFS Contenders for Friday, Jan. 3, breaking down the top 5 DraftKings NBA DFS picks. If you’re looking to dominate your contests tonight, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re building lineups for cash games or GPPs, the players on this list are the cornerstone pieces you’ll want to consider. We have a mix of value plays, mid-tier gems and a must-have stud, so let’s get into the best plays per Stokastic’s NBA DFS Sims, NBA DFS projections and NBA DFS ownership projections.
DraftKings NBA DFS Picks Today, January 3
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5 – Tobias Harris
Position: PF | Salary: $4,900
Projections: 13.7 Points, 6.2 Rebounds, 2.4 Assists, 1.6 Stocks
With Jaden Ivey sidelined, Harris is primed for a slightly expanded role. I’m expecting Ausar Thompson to start, but offensively, Thompson doesn’t pose much of a threat, which should funnel even more opportunities to Harris. He’s underpriced for the increased role he has now. Extra minutes, extra shots — Harris looks like a solid mid-tier play.
4 – C.J. McCollum
Position: PG/SG | Salary: $7,500
Projections: 24.9 Points, 4.2 Rebounds, 4.5 Assists, 1.6 Stocks
McCollum benefits from a matchup against the Washington Wizards — arguably the worst team in basketball. His positional flexibility is also great, and his salary isn’t prohibitive. McCollum typically plays around 35 minutes per night, which adds to his appeal. The Wizards inept defense only makes him look better.
3 – Cam Whitmore
Position: SF/PF | Salary: $3,900
Projections: 14.2 Points, 4.6 Rebounds, 1.2 Assists, 1.2 Stocks
With Amen Thompson suspended and Tari Eason doubtful, Whitmore is set to play more minutes, and I’ve penciled him in for 24 tonight.
Whitmore’s price and positional flexibility make it easier to fit in top-tier studs like Nikola Jokic or Anthony Davis. He averages a fantasy point per minute, and that’s exactly what you need at this price point.
2 – Nikola Jokic
Position: C | Salary: $12,200
Projections: 30.6 Points, 12.9 Rebounds, 9.0 Assists, 2.3 Stocks
If you’re paying up tonight, there’s no better option than Jokic. This guy’s numbers look like they’re straight out of a video game. Even against the Spurs and Victor Wembanyama, Jokic is unfazed. The absence of Jeremy Sochan weakens the Spurs defense even further, making Jokic a must-have if you’re going with a premium build.
1 – Ausar Thompson
Position: SF/PF | Salary: $4,000
Projections: 11.8 Points, 6.3 Rebounds, 2.1 Assists, 1.9 Stocks
With Ivey out, Thompson stands to gain the most. Whether he starts or not, I’m expecting him to see significant run. He averages a fantasy point per minute, and there’s even upside for more minutes depending on how the rotation shakes out. Thompson is the value play of the day and my No. 1 ConTENder.
