Top NBA DFS core plays at each position on DraftKings on Jan. 23

Even though there are just three games on the slate, we have plenty of studs in action. The Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, Portland Trail Blazers and Dallas Mavericks are all playing tonight, so we have plenty of stars to choose from. These are a few of my favorites:

Luka Doncic, DAL at POR ($12,300)

Even though Kristaps Porzingis is back, Doncic still has plenty of upside. This is apparent, but it was nice that he reminded us on Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Clippers. Luka finished an assist shy of a triple-double and scored 67 DKFP. It was his third consecutive games with at least 60 DKFP. In two games against Portland this season, Doncic is averaging 62 DKFP and he is a triple-double threat again tonight.

Damian Lillard, POR vs. DAL ($9,900)

This is the highest price Dame has had all season. Coming off a career-high 92 DKFP in a win over the Golden State Warriors, it’s easy to see why he’s so expensive. Despite the salary, I think he’s worth rostering as long as C.J. McCollum is out. He’s currently questionable and Lillard gets a big bump when he’s out. With McCollum off the court, Dame’s usage jumps to 34.6% and he scores 50.2 DKFP per 36 minutes.

Hassan Whiteside, POR vs. DAL ($8,800)

Even if McCollum plays, Whiteside makes for a fine play. He’s scored at least 45 DKFP in three of his last four games and there is reason to think this matchup against the Mavericks isn’t too difficult. Dallas has been decent against centers this year, but Dwight Powell is out for the season after tearing his achilles. Without him, the Mavs’ defense figures to regress. They are going to have to rely on weaker defensive players like Boban Marjanovich and Maxi Kleber to matchup against Whiteside.

Kyrie Irving, BKN vs. LAL ($8,400)

After missing a game because of a hamstring injury, Irving is expected to play tonight against the Lakers. As long as he doesn’t have any restrictions, he’s one of the higher upside plays on the slate. Prior to sitting out on Monday, Irving was starting to find his rhythm working his way back from a shoulder injury. He is averaging 45.92 DKFP in his last three games. The Lakers have one of the league’s top defenses, but they are susceptible to point guards. Los Angeles allows the 10th most DKFP to the position.

I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is gehrenberg) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.