Full Court Press Breakdown for NBA DFS 1/15:

Welcome to another year of the DFS Army NBA Full Court Press! Members had a ton of success using the Full Court Press along with various articles and tools that DFS Army provides last season, so we are glad to be back with another year of the all-inclusive article. You have to start your research somewhere, and oftentimes going game by game and breaking down every matchup and its key players is the first step in our process. My name is Michael aka @MadnessDFS on Twitter, make sure to give me a follow as I’ll occasionally make updates to the advice in the article. But, you’ll mostly find me in our VIP coaching forums where I provide detailed lineup maneuvers and answer all lineup questions. With that said, let’s get it started!

The winning has come early and often this season! Congrats to VIP Member – “Fatherofthree” on his $150k NBA win!! Adding to the list of winners already this season!

Orlando Magic @ Boston Celtics

Vegas Total: NA

Vegas Spread: NA

We’ll kick this eight-game slate off with the Orlando Magic. Nikola Vucevic has back-to-back games with at least 50 DraftKings points and the Celtics can be had in the frontcourt. The price tag isn’t too shabby either, I like getting to him. Aaron Gordon’s price has come up to the low $7k’s, but it’s warranted. He has at least 35 minutes in back-to-back games which was the big thing on him earlier this year. He looks to be back and is play for GPPs here. I don’t like the price tag on Terrence Ross at all, he’s been held under 21 DraftKings points in three straight games. Lastly, Cole Anthony hasn’t shown me enough this season for me to want to go for him on this price tag and in this matchup. From the Celtics, Jayson Tatum is out due to testing positive for Covid, while Daniel Theis and Jaylen Brown are questionable. I’ll operate under the assumption that Tatum and Theis are in. With Tatum off the court this season, here is how the Celtics play out on the court:

• Jaylen Brown – 35.1% usage rate; 1.48 fpm
• Marcus Smart – 21% usage rate; 0.69 fpm
• Payton Pritchard – 13.1% usage rate; 0.75 fpm
• Jeff Teague – 32.8% usage rate; 1.17 fpm

Other than Payton Pritchard I do like these other guys, Daniel Theis is another guy that I like as well, however, Tristan Thompson will be back here. That’s not enough for me to dislike him though due to Tatum being out.

5-star play: Nikola Vucevic, Jaylen Brown

4-star play: Aaron Gordon, Marcus Smart, Daniel Theis

Deeper Value: None

GPP Sleeper: Cole Anthony, Jeff Teague, Daniel Theis

New York Knicks @ Cleveland Cavaliers

Vegas Total: NA

Vegas Spread: NA

From the Knicks, Julius Randle is at that $9.1k price tag again that I love here. I played a lot of him at this price last game and he dropped a 50 burger. I like going right back to him here. The price on RJ Barrett isn’t great, I’ll be honest. At this price tag, he has to get to 35 DraftKings points just to hit 5x value. He hasn’t gotten to 35 DraftKings points in three games and even then it took him 44 minutes to get to 36 DraftKings points against the terrible Thunder. Elfrid Payton has triple-double every time he steps on the court and with Alec Burks doubtful I like getting back to him in GPPs. Mitchell Robinson has at least 33 minutes in three games now and has a huge upside. That said, he’s handy on defense so a matchup with Drummond might not be the best but I still like getting to him in GPPs. From the Cavaliers, I don’t expect Jarrett Allen to be available here just because I think he’ll have to pass some sort of Covid protocol, but if he does play I’ll use it as an analysis game where I won’t really get there until we see how he’ll fit in this rotation. Maybe they make the twin towers with Andre Drummond who is a nice play as well here, but the same thing with him. If Allen is in, I likely won’t get much of Drummond until we see what the rotation will look like. Collin Sexton and Darius Garland will both be out again here so we can go back to Damyean Dotson who gets a revenge game against his whole squad. Larry Nance is getting a ton of minutes but we haven’t seen the ceiling like we saw last year, so I don’t know how much I love him at this price tag. Lastly, you can make a case for Cedi Osman as well and hope he gets hot for GPPs.

5-star play: Julius Randle, Andre Drummond

4-star play: RJ Barrett, Elfrid Payton, Mitchell Robinson, Damyean Dotson, Larry Nance

Deeper Value: None

GPP Sleeper: Mitchell Robinson, Elfrid Payton, Damyean Dotson, Larry Nance, Cedi Osman

Dallas Mavericks @ Milwaukee Bucks

Vegas Total: 227.5

Vegas Spread: Mil -6.5

Starting with the Mavericks, the big news here is that Kristaps Porzingis has returned. He played 21 minutes in his debut on his way to 27 DraftKings points. He’s still too expensive for me to want to get to him, he’s priced for his ceiling in limited minutes. Luka Doncic has at least 70 DraftKings points in three of his last four games and seems like he’s finally getting back into game shape. This is a big pace up spot for the Mavs so I like getting to Doncic in a superstar matchup with Giannis on national television. Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell feel like they’re closer to doubtful than questionable due to Covid, so we’ll assume they’re out here. If for some reason they do play, come hop in our VIP Coaching forum for an update. Willie Cauley-Stein played 30 minutes with them out last game and scored 31 DraftKings points, you can go right back to him here. Josh Richardson and Dorian Finney-Smith will be out here due to Covid protocols so that will open up some opportunity on the wing for guys like James Johnson who’s averaging right around 27 DraftKings points in his last two games. Tim Hardaway and Trey Burke will also see a bit of a boost and are viable at their price tags. From the Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 62 DraftKings points last game in 33 minutes. In a matchup that should stay somewhat close where he can see minutes in the high 30’s, I love Giannis here. Khris Middleton came down last game but he’s been really consistent this season so I’m willing to overlook it. He’s kind of meh for me at this price tag and on a bigger slate. Jrue Holiday’s probable here and is coming off a 45 point fantasy outing, he’s going to have these type of games. It feels like two of the three of Giannis, Middleton, and Holiday are going to have nice nights each time out. Brook Lopez and Donte DiVincenzo make sense for GPPs, DiVincenzo looks like the real deal but has been volatile as well.  Lopez’s minutes have somewhat solidified from earlier in the season and is priced nicely in a good matchup. Lastly, Bobby Portis looks incredible off the bench and is a guy I like getting to in GPPs due to his ability to be a nice point per minute guy.

5-star play: Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo

4-star play: Willie Cauley-Stein, Tim Hardaway, Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday

Deeper Value: None

GPP Sleeper: Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis, Donte DiVincenzo, Trey Burke

Memphis Grizzlies @ Minnesota Timberwolves

Vegas Total: 224.5

Vegas Spread: Min -3.5

We saw this game last time these two teams played so we have something to work off here. Starting with the Grizzlies, there is a chance Ja Maront could return here, if he does I would assume he’s somewhat limited so I wouldn’t have much interest in him. That said, it would quickly get me off guys like Tyus Jones and De’Anthony Melton, so keep an eye on that news. Jonas Valanciunas finally had a nice higher end game going for 50 DraftKings points last time out. Karl-Anthony Towns on defense never really worries me. We know the ceiling that Valanciunas can provide, so I’m good with getting him again here. People may be off him if Ja returns, but his points per minute actually go down with Morant off the court so it’s something I’m not worried about at all. Kyle Anderson is priced for the production he had earlier this season, he’s been consistently around 25 points, so he’s not really in play for me right now. Dillon Brooks is a fine option, he didn’t look great last time out but he’s in play for GPP. Brandon Clarke has at least 40 DraftKings points in two of his last three games, I don’t like the price tag but you can’t ignore the production. From the Timberwolves, Karl-Anthony Towns returned last game and scored 52 DraftKings points, he has at least 50 DraftKings points in three of his first four games this season, I like getting back to him at under $10k. D’Angelo Russell has been hit or miss lately, but it’s a spot you can get to in tournaments considering his recent production. The same can be said for Malik Beasley but the minutes are there for him which is intriguing. Lastly, Ricky Rubio and Anthony Edwards are fine secondary GPP options as well.

5-star play: Karl-Anthony Towns

4-star play: Dillon Brooks, Jonas Valanciunas, D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley

Deeper Value: None

GPP Sleeper: Brandon Clarke, Ricky Rubio, Anthony Edwards, D’Angelo Russell

Chicago Bulls @ Oklahoma City Thunder

Vegas Total: NA

Vegas Spread: NA

Starting with the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a guy that’s going to be streaky, we’ve seen that in the past week where he had a few games of 50+ DraftKings points and now he’s had back-to-back games of under 35. This is a matchup that I think he can bounce back in and is a guy I like getting to in tournaments. Darius Bazley is questionable here but for this article’s sake, I’ll assume he’s playing. I like the matchup for him again here. Outside of these two guys, it’s just George Hill and Al Horford that I’ll have a sprinkle of but that’s about it from the Thunder. From the Bulls, it sounds like Lauri Markkanen is going to return here so we should see minutes for guys like Otto Porter and Thad Young drop. I wouldn’t expect Markkanen to be limited here and at this price tag I think you can make a case for him in tournaments, but not someone I’m going to prioritize. Zach LaVine’s price has come WAY up to $9.5k, but it’s not without warrant. He’s scored at least 59 DraftKings points in back to back games. Coby White is a guy I like for GPPs, he’s been somewhat volatile but in a good matchup against a bad Thunder team, I like getting back to him here. Lastly, I can never get Wendell Carter right, but it’s not the worst matchup or price tag.

5-star play: Zach LaVine

4-star play: Darius Bazley, Al Horford, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Coby White

Deeper Value: None

GPP Sleeper: George Hill, Al Horford, Coby White, Wendell Carter, Lauri Markkanen

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Atlanta Hawks @ Utah Jazz

Vegas Total: 224

Vegas Spread: Utah -5.5

Starting with Atlanta, Trae Young has been all over the place in terms of performance. I don’t love the matchup with the Jazz, so it’s a tournament only deal with him. Clint Capela isn’t on the injury report here, but it’s a tough spot against Rudy Gobert. That said, the minutes should be there for him again to a point where you can make a case for GPPs. John Collins is really volatile right now, he’s hard to trust in cash games but we know he has a massive ceiling which puts him firmly in play for GPPs. Bogdan Bogdanovic is going to miss some time here which will open up minutes for guys like Cam Reddish and Kevin Huerter. Lastly, De’Andre Hunter continues to be one of the more consistent producers for cash games on this team, I don’t hate him has a secondary option. From the Jazz, the price tags on Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert just don’t intrigue me. They’re fine options, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not something I’m seeking out. Mike Conley seems to have gotten back on track lately and in a good matchup, I like him as a secondary option. Jordan Clarkson has at least 40 DraftKings points in two of his last three games and is always in play for tournaments. Lastly, you can make a case for Bojan Bogdanovic in tournaments, but know what you’re getting yourself into, he needs to shoot well in order to get you there.

5-star play: Trae Young

4-star play: Clint Capela, John Collins, De’Andre Hunter, Cam Reddish, Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert, Mike Conley

Deeper Value: None

GPP Sleeper: John Collins, Cam Reddish, Jordan Clarkson, Bojan Bogdanovic

New Orleans Pelicans @ Los Angeles Lakers

Vegas Total: NA

Vegas Spread: NA

Starting with the Pelicans, Brandon Ingram had a fine game last time out in a tough matchup, but not what you want out of him at this price tag. It’s a little better of a matchup here, but still not someone I love. I do like the price tag on Zion Williamson, it’s a tough matchup against Anthony Davis and company but he’s athletic enough to get there. Lonzo Ball is out again here while Eric Bledsoe is questionable. If Bledsoe is out again we go right back to Nickeil Alexander-Walker who dropped 52 DraftKings points last game. This kid can ball and will be a core for me if these guys are out again. From the Lakers, we kind of know the story by now. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are going to be questionable, while the ancillary pieces on this team are GPP or secondary cash plays. I will say, LeBron and Davis both being under $10k is interesting in a great matchup. Marc Gasol kind of makes sense as a cheap center option, but there isn’t any ceiling there and he’s honestly just dusty.

5-star play: LeBron James, Anthony Davis

4-star play: Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, Eric Bledsoe, Dennis Schroder

Deeper Value: None

GPP Sleeper: Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, Dennis Schroder, Montrezl Harrell

Los Angeles Clippers @ Sacramento Kings

Vegas Total: 230.5

Vegas Spread: Lac -6.0

Starting with the Clippers, Kawhil Leonard and Paul George continue to perform very well. This is a great matchup for them and at under $10k they make a heck of a lot of sense. Serge Ibaka has been under 25 DraftKings points in two straight games but this is a spot I think you can get back to him in GPPs. Nic Batum is fine but I just think at some point Marcus Morris is officially going to take his minutes, they paid Morris a ton of money and it wasn’t to play 20 minutes a night. Both Patrick Beverley and Lou Williams are questionable here, if they miss it opens up some minutes and opportunity for Luke Kennard. From the Kings, this price tag on De’Aaron Fox was just wrong last time out, they’ve adjusted this to get him back up over $8k and in this matchup, I don’t exactly love him. He’s fine for tournaments but on a bigger slate, I’d probably rather go elsewhere. Harrison Barnes came down to Earth last game but getting good minutes. However, the Clippers have some pretty elite defense on the wings. Buddy Hield is always in play for GPPs due to his ability to score from the field as we saw last game, but more of a deeper option for me on this slate. The trio of Richaun Holmes, Marvin Bagley, and Tyrese Haliburton are all viable for GPPs, they’ve been a bit volatile but have shown nice ceilings.

5-star play: Kawhi Leonard, Paul George

4-star play: Harrison Barnes, Buddy Hield, De’Aaron Fox

Deeper Value: Luke Kennard

GPP Sleeper: Richaun Holmes, Marvin Bagley, Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, Serge Ibaka

NBA Lock of the Day: Nickeil Alexander-Walker (DK – $4.4k; $5.5k)

I’ll start by saying, this lock is only assuming Eric Bledsoe sits. We know Lonzo Ball is out here, but I would want Bledsoe to be out as well. If Bledsoe is in, I think you can still get here in GPPs, but he’s truly one of the best plays on the slate for me if Bledsoe is out, so that’s the big news. With Ball and Bledsoe out last game, Alexander-Walker dropped 52.5 DraftKings points in 33 minutes. It’s a small sample size of just 51 minutes but with Ball and Bledsoe off the court he’s got a 34.7% usage rate and 1.44 fantasy points per minute, so he would just be underpriced here. Tweet me (@MadnessDFS) your lock predictions and if your player gets over 5x tonight I’ll give you a shoutout on Twitter, let’s have some fun with this!

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