It’s a light night in the NBA with just five games on the docket. LeBron James’ questionable tag is in the big news to watch, while three teams are on the second-night of a back-to-back set.
Those are the headlines. Let’s break down everything else you’ll need to know to build a few lineups on DraftKings this evening.
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Key Injury News
IN: Lauri Markkanen, Jordan Clarkson
QUESTIONABLE: LeBron James, Alperen Sengun, Jalen Suggs, Walker Kessler, John Collins, Jerami Grant
OUT: Anthony Davis, Clint Capela
Click here for the slate’s full injury report
Matchup Analysis
Best Defensive Rating
- Orlando Magic at POR (108.1)
- Houston Rockets at MEM (108.3)
- Minnesota Timberwolves at UTA (110.0)
Worst Defensive Rating
- Washington Wizards vs. LAL (118.4)
- Utah Jazz vs. MIN (118.1)
- Portland Trail Blazers vs. ORL (116.1)
Fastest Pace
- Memphis Grizzlies vs. HOU (104.7)
- Atlanta Hawks at CLE (104.2)
- Washington Wizards vs. LAL (102.6)
Slowest Pace
- Orlando Magic at POR (96.6)
- Minnesota Timberwolves at UTA (97.7)
- Los Angeles Lakers at WAS (98.1)
Highest Game Total
- Atlanta Hawks at Cleveland Cavaliers (238.5)
- Houston Rockets at Memphis Grizzlies (236.5)
- Minnesota Timberwolves at Utah Jazz (224.5)
Top DFS Pick
PG/SG Dyson Daniels, Atlanta Hawks at Cleveland Cavaliers, $7,500
On Wednesday, the Hawks got some awful news, as it was revealed that Jalen Johnson (shoulder) would undergo season-ending surgery. That means everyone aside from Trae Young ($9,800) is about to move up a peg in the team’s pecking order. My eye is on Daniels. While Young has actually been a less efficient DFS asset with Johnson off the floor in 2024-25, Daniels has been his production go from 0.88 FPTS per minute alongside Johnson to 1.09 FPTS per minute with his teammate on the sideline. We see the same trend in his usage rate, rising to 20.5% from 16.1%. In general, Daniels has been at his best in January, averaging season-highs in points (14.5), rebounds (5.8) and assists (4.1). Remember, that all goes along with Daniels registering a league-best 3.1 steals per contest. Put it all together and it’s no surprise that Daniels has exceeded 40 FPTS in three of his last four starts. I expect another ceiling performance on Thursday evening.
Top Value Pick
SG/SF Dalton Knecht, Los Angeles Lakers at Washington Wizards, $3,900
On the surface, an injury to Anthony Davis (abdominal) shouldn’t have all that much impact on Knecht. It’s Jaxson Hayes ($4,500) that will be starting in Davis’ place and getting all the attention. However, as we saw in Tuesday’s loss to the 76ers, Knecht may actually be the main beneficiary of Davis’ absence from a fantasy perspective. The Lakers like to stagger Davis and LeBron James ($10,500), so that one generational talent is on the court at all times. Without the ability to do that on Thursday, Los Angeles will be left with lineups that suddenly need a No. 1 scoring option — a role that Knecht is more than glad to take. The rookie collected 24 points off the bench versus Philadelphia and posted a jaw-dropping 31.2% usage rate that was a new career-high. If Knecht’s gets a similar green light against the Wizards, I could see him flirting with the 20-point plateau once again. Washington owns the league’s worst defensive rating (118.4) and it’s fourth-highest pace (102.6). There isn’t a better matchup on the board.
