Today is Sunday, January 12, 2025, and we’ve got a unique slate tonight. I won’t lie — this one’s going to be an interesting one to crack. It’s going to call for some superstar-level slate-breaking plays but also a healthy dose of high-quality value.

We’re coming down to the wire, and I want to make sure we all get those lineups in before lock. I know it’s a little last minute, and for that, I appreciate your flexibility. Unexpected events have pushed this one to the wire, but that’s life sometimes – always keeping us on our toes. I want to take a moment to thank you for your patience and remember, today was another growth day.

Whether you’re already set or just locking in now, let this be confirmation of what you’ve already been thinking. Let’s eat, make some magic happen, and ride this wave with confidence.

As always, the FantasyPros team is here to guide you through the slate. Lean on the expertise of Nick Rodriguez (@NickIsInNet), Ryan Coleman (@ryancoleman_98), and Daniel E. Dobish (@danieledobish) for insights that will elevate your approach and help you make informed decisions.

Let’s tackle tonight’s games with focus, creativity, and confidence. The slate is set, the opportunities are endless, and the clock is ticking. Let’s lock in and make it count. Game on!

View the best player prop bets for tonight’s slate with our NBA Prop Bet Cheat Sheet

NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer

NBA DFS Core Plays

LaMelo Ball (PG – CHA)

• DraftKings: $9,700
• FanDuel: $9,000

A Foundational Joy to Watch
LaMelo Ball is an absolute joy to watch, night in and night out. His ability to play with flair and creativity makes him a fantasy manager’s dream. Tonight, on a slate where many options seem overpriced, LaMelo presents a solid foundational piece for your lineup. He’s playing at a career-high level across multiple categories, with averages of 29.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while knocking down 4.5 three-pointers per game.

Recommendation and Strategy
The Suns are exploitable across most major categories, with a solid defense only in the blocks and steals areas. This matchup plays directly into LaMelo’s strengths, as he thrives in high-scoring environments and is a key figure in Charlotte’s offense.

While the Suns are riding a two-game winning streak, which could lead to some early momentum, LaMelo’s role as a central figure on this team ensures that his involvement will be crucial for the Hornets’ success.

There’s a chance he might turn in an average performance if the Suns come out strong, but given his price point and all-around ability, he mitigates that risk. LaMelo’s consistent production provides you the chance to round out your roster with solid value while hedging against the downside risk.

Core Play Considerations

Devin Booker (PG/PF – PHX)

• DraftKings: $9,200
• FanDuel: $9,100

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG – OKC)

• DraftKings: $10,700
• FanDuel: $11,500

NBA DFS Cash Game Targets

Devin Booker (PG/PF – PHX)

• DraftKings: $9,200
• FanDuel: $9,100

Booking Brilliant

Booker’s brilliance has largely flown under the radar this season due to injuries and inconsistent play within the Suns’ roster. With superstars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokic dominating headlines, Booker has quietly continued to perform at a high level, averaging 24.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 0.3 blocks, and 1.1 steals.

Despite the Suns’ struggles, Booker remains a reliable fantasy asset, and his price point presents an opportunity for consistent production on a slate where value options are scarce.

Tonight, he faces the Charlotte Hornets, a team that, while not a freebie, still allows talented players to shine. The Hornets rank middle-of-the-pack in several defensive categories, including points allowed (15th), rebounds (19th), and assists (15th).

This creates a favorable situation for Booker to exploit, as he can fill up the stat sheet in multiple areas, including scoring, facilitating, and contributing defensively.

Recommendation and Strategy

In a slate where many will be chasing high-ceiling plays, Devin Booker stands out as a stable, high-floor option. His ability to contribute across the board – especially in scoring and assists – makes him a safe bet for cash games.

The Hornets’ defense is exploitable enough to give Booker the room to shine, and given his price, he offers excellent value for managers looking to lock in consistent production.

Booker’s high-floor potential makes him an ideal candidate for cash games, where consistency is key. He might not have the explosive upside of other superstars, but his reliable stat line and favorable matchup should make him a top choice for those looking to play it safe while still having room to diversify their lineup elsewhere.

While many DFS players will likely be looking for boom-or-bust candidates, Booker provides a steady, high-floor option that can be the backbone of your cash game lineup.

Cash Game Target Considerations

Jordan Poole (SG/SF – WAS)

• DraftKings: $8,100
• FanDuel: $7,400

NBA DFS GPP Targets

Jordan Poole (SG/SF – WAS)

• DraftKings: $8,100
• FanDuel: $7,400

Flexing Redemption in the Capital
Poole’s journey to Washington has been full of highs and lows. After a tumultuous exit from Golden State, many questioned whether his transition to the Wizards would be successful. While his scoring has taken a dip (from 20.4 PPG in Golden State to 17.4 PPG in Washington), he’s managed to establish himself as a steady contributor and key figure on a team that’s in flux this season.

The Wizards, while still trying to find their identity, have leaned on Poole as a consistent player who can lead by example—and his recent performances reflect that. Let’s see if his Redemption year continues as the team looks to remain competitive enough to keep fans interested.

Recommendation and Strategy
The matchup against Oklahoma City isn’t ideal on paper, with the Thunder ranking 2nd in points allowed per game and 1st in steals. However, Poole has shown the ability to rise to the occasion in difficult matchups, and this game offers the potential for an upset, especially with Washington getting healthier and starting to build more chemistry.

While the Thunder’s defense is tough, it is vulnerable in certain areas, like rebounding (29th), which plays to Poole’s strengths as someone who can capitalize on both ends of the floor.

Given his reduced price tag, Poole provides great value in GPP formats. While he’s up against a tough defense, his ability to contribute across multiple categories (points, assists, and rebounds) gives him a high ceiling in what could be an unpredictable game.

With Washington getting healthier and starting to find their rhythm, this could be a prime opportunity for Poole to step up in a potential upset. Don’t shy away from him – the upside is there, and his price offers a lot of flexibility for the rest of your lineup.

GPP Target Considerations

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG – OKC)

• DraftKings: $10,700
• FanDuel: $11,500

NBA DFS Value Plays

Max Strus (SF/SG – CLE)

• DraftKings: $3,900
• FanDuel: $4,100

Critically Offensive

Max Strus is a key value play to consider for this slate, especially if you’re looking to stack your roster creatively while keeping an eye on budget flexibility. With the Cavaliers needing to expand their offensive game to position themselves for a postseason run, Strus offers the type of dynamic play that could elevate their rotation.

A healthy Strus brings a versatile skill set, capable of hitting the three-pointer, grabbing boards, and contributing as a playmaker – all critical aspects for a team looking to compete at the highest level.

Though there’s some risk regarding his ramp-up time and role on the team, Strus’ price makes him a worthy gamble for those looking to invest in his potential.

With the Wizards facing an on-fire Pacers squad, Strus’ involvement could be key in a high-paced game. While there’s no guarantee he’ll hit his ceiling tonight, the potential upside – combined with his affordable price – offers a solid value play for your lineup.

Recommendation and Strategy

The Indiana Pacers defense is vulnerable in certain areas, particularly in opponent scoring (22nd), making Strus an intriguing option. While they limit three-pointers (7th in opponent blocks), Strus’ ability to impact the game in multiple facets gives him an edge.

Tonight’s game could serve as a gut check for Strus as he looks to prove his worth in both on-ball and off-ball situations. If he can contribute in a balanced way, he could see an increase in playing time, boosting his value significantly.

Strus presents a high-risk, high-reward opportunity in a game that could be pivotal for Washington’s chemistry. At this price, he’s well worth taking a shot on – his potential to outperform his salary is there, and with his savings, you can find additional ways to strengthen your roster. Don’t sleep on this one; the payoff could be worth the gamble.

Value Play Considerations

Bradley Beal (SF/SF – PHX)

Primary Format(s): GPPs

Primary Appeal(s): Production Potential, Price, Contrarian

• DraftKings: $6,600
• FanDuel: $6,600

Kelly Oubre (SG/SF – PHI)

Primary Format(s): GPPs

Primary Appeal(s): Production Potential, Price, Contrarian

• DraftKings: $6,600
• FanDuel: $5,800

Bilal Coulibaly (SF/SG – WAS)

Primary Format(s): GPPs

Primary Appeal(s): Price, Production Potential, Contrarian

• DraftKings: $6,100
• FanDuel: $5,800

Isaiah Collier (PG – UTA)

Primary Format(s): GPPs

Primary Appeal(s): Production Potential, Price

• DraftKings: $4,000
• FanDuel: $4,300

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