Josh Engleman here, back with today’s DraftKings NBA DFS picks. It’s Wednesday, Jan. 8, and we have a fun hump-day slate to dive into. With eight games on the slate, there’s a ton of value, top-tier pay-up options and some intriguing mid-range plays to consider. Let’s break down the picks with Stokastic’s NBA DFS Sims, NBA DFS projections and NBA DFS ownership projections!
DraftKings NBA DFS Picks Today, January 8
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5 – Shaedon Sharpe
Position: PG/SG | Salary: $5,700
Projections: 20.1 Points, 4.1 Rebounds, 3.0 Assists, 1.2 Stocks
Sharpe has a great spot here, especially with the Trail Blazers consolidating their rotation. I have him projected for 35 minutes, and with Portland’s injury situation and the Pelicans potentially missing several key players on the second half of a back-to-back, Sharpe stands out. The dual-position eligibility helps too, giving you flexibility in lineup construction.
4 – Brandon Boston Jr.
Position: SG/SF | Salary: $3,400
Projections: 12.4 Points, 3.1 Rebounds, 2.2 Assists, 1.4 Stocks
We’re starved for value today, and Boston fills that need perfectly. He’s only $400 above the minimum price, and I have him projected for 24 minutes. On a slate where paying up for stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Nikola Jokic might be necessary, Boston provides the kind of salary relief we’re looking for. His multi-position eligibility is the cherry on top.
3 – Deandre Ayton
Position: C | Salary: $6,200
Projections: 16.7 Points, 10.7 Rebounds, 1.9 Assists, 1.8 Stocks
Ayton has been a consistent performer, and his minutes look secure in a solid matchup against a likely shorthanded Pelicans squad. At this price, he’s a strong mid-tier option. The potential for increased minutes, especially if Portland needs to lean on him heavily inside, makes Ayton an appealing play.
2 – Kelly Oubre Jr.
Position: SG | Salary: $5,100
Projections: 15.6 Points, 6.1 Rebounds, 1.9 Assists, 2.1 Stocks
Oubre gets a massive boost with Joel Embiid, Paul George and others sidelined. The 76ers face a Washington Wizards team that is, let’s be honest, abysmal defensively. I have Oubre projected for 35 minutes, but that number could easily climb. With this kind of opportunity, Oubre becomes one of the best value plays on the slate.
1 – Tyrese Maxey
Position: PG | Salary: $8,900
Projections: 31.0 Points, 3.7 Rebounds, 5.7 Assists, 1.9 Stocks
Maxey is the clear standout play today, and it’s not even close. With Embiid and George out, Maxey will shoulder an enormous workload in a cake matchup against the Wizards. He’s logging heavy minutes — think 38 to 40 — and his production in this spot should be through the roof. If you’re building lineups today, Maxey is your cornerstone.
