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Fantasy basketball advice: NBA FanDuel sleepers/busts for Sunday, Jan. 10
The Jan. 10 schedule features nine games, which makes it a great day to enjoy some NBA FanDuel action. Click here for the chance to win $10,000 by spending just $2 today!
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As for what we're doing in this space: The goal here will be to direct your attention toward some players who you might not otherwise consider. If you're here and reading this, then you already know that LeBron James is really good. But when filling out a roster you can't just pick out stars. You'll blow your cap and get stuck praying to the basketball gods that a guy like Kosta Koufos gets into the game. No, if you want to win, you have to take advantage of certain matchups — and in order to do that you have to know where to look. That's what we're here for. Also, this space is going to be used to give you advice for the games on Sunday, Jan. 10. So, with that, let's get started.
3 players to target
Paul George, SF, Pacers ($8,800): The numbers have been steady -- 25.6 points, 8.2 rebound, 3.4 assists over his last five -- and the matchup Sunday is fantastic. George gets to take on the hapless Rockets defense, a team allowing opposing power forwards to register 38 FanDuel points per game (via RotoWire), the third highest mark in the league. At this price George is actually undervalued for Sunday.
Ish Smith, PG, Sixers ($6,100): Smith is the center of the Sixers' new anti-tanking approach. Since being brought in about two weeks ago by new team boss Jerry Colangelo Smith, over eight games he is averaging 16 points and 7.5 assists in just under 30 minutes per game. He has a tough matchup Sunday -- against the Cavaliers -- but the playing time should still be there, which means the output will, too.
Robin Lopez, C, Knicks ($4,400): Lopez has been in a good groove recently. He's averaging 13 points, five rebounds, two assists and a block over his last three games. Not spectacular numbers, but ones you'll certainly take for less than $5,000. Also, the Knicks play the Bucks on Sunday, which means Lopez should see plenty of playing time. New York is going to need him defending Greg Monroe.
3 players to avoid
James Harden, SG, Rockets ($10,000): On Sunday, Harden and the Rockets take on a Pacers team holding teams to 98.3 points per 100 possessions, the third-lowest mark in the NBA. Also, Indiana is likely to stick Paul George on him, which will make Harden's evening even more difficult. You're better off spending your money elsewhere.
Isaiah Thomas, PG, Celtics ($8,000): It's never a good idea to take a point guard going up against the quick feet and steady hands of Mike Conley. Making this matchup even worse for Thomas: over the last 10 games Memphis has gotten its defense in order and is holding opponents to a stingy 96.5 points per 100 possessions.
Kyrie Irving, PG, Cavaliers ($7,800): Irving has been great since returning from injury. The problem here is that with the Cavs facing the weak Sixers on Sunday, it's unlikely Irving sees more than 20 minutes of playing time.
Other Notables
Rudy Gobert vs Lakers is a great play. Only three teams are allowing opposing centers to score more FanDuel points per game than Byron Scott's crew. ... If you're looking to spend a major chunk of cash on one player, Damian Lillard would be a good choice. He's red hot and the Thunder struggle containing opposing point guards. ... Kristaps Porzingis has been aggressive over his last few contests and is taking advantage of Carmelo Anthony's newfound generosity.
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