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Building the Perfect NBA FanDuel Lineup for Jan. 12

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By @Tidow1212

Building the Perfect NBA FanDuel Lineup for Jan. 12

Gasol
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Building the perfect NBA FanDuel lineup is a difficult chore, so I hope this helps you out. Keep in mind that the NBA can be tricky on DFS sites, considering there are many "game-time decisions" and random days off to worry about. Always double-check to ensure all these players are scheduled to play as expected.

PG - Brandon Jennings - Detroit Pistons - $7,500

Brooklyn Nets v Detroit Pistons
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PG - Brandon Jennings - Detroit Pistons - $7,500

Brooklyn Nets v Detroit Pistons
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The Detroit Pistons are among the hottest teams in the NBA and look like a completely rejuvenated group after sending the incontrovertible malcontent Josh Smith to the waiver wire and ultimately to Houston. Brandon Jennings has picked up the slack scoring the ball in a major way. Over his last six games, he has scored 29, 35, 13, 14,14, and 20 points while adding adequate secondary and tertiary statistics each time which gives him 40-plus upside.

PG - Jarrett Jack - Brooklyn Nets - $6,600

during their game at the Barclays Center on January 7, 2015 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
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PG - Jarrett Jack - Brooklyn Nets - $6,600

during their game at the Barclays Center on January 7, 2015 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
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With Derron Williams out with injury, the Brooklyn Nets rely on Jarrett Jack to shoulder the majority of the burden at PG and he's been doing a swell job of it of late. Jack's had two double-doubles in his last four games and occasionally scores 20 points on the floor. When he does that, and adds in an occasional steal while limiting turnovers, he's going to crush value with 40 fantasy points. His matchup isn't ideal, but fire him up anyway.

SG - Jimmy Butler - Chicago Bulls - $9,000

Milwaukee Bucks v Chicago Bulls
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SG - Jimmy Butler - Chicago Bulls - $9,000

Milwaukee Bucks v Chicago Bulls
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Jimmy Butler is coming off of a sub-par (for his high standards) 20-25 fantasy point performance, but do not let that curb your desire to roster him on this four-game slate. He leads the NBA with average minutes played per game (39.8) and draws a stellar matchup against the second year combo-guard Victor Oladipo of the Orlando Magic. His down showing last game was mainly due to Pau Gasol's dominating performance, so he should bounce back.

SG - Lou Williams - Toronto Raptors - $5,400

Toronto Raptors v Portland Trail Blazers
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SG - Lou Williams - Toronto Raptors - $5,400

Toronto Raptors v Portland Trail Blazers
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Lou Williams has played between 28-32 minutes over the last four games for the Toronto Raptors, and I would expect this trend to continue even if DeMar DeRozan makes his return from injury. Williams simply provides too powerful of a spark off the bench and the Raptors rely on his guaranteed 15 points on the floor. He can score 20 with no problem, and will drop a 30-burger occasionally -- thus obliterating 5x value.

SF - Trevor Ariza - Houston Rockets - $5,600

Houston Rockets v New York Knicks
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SF - Trevor Ariza - Houston Rockets - $5,600

Houston Rockets v New York Knicks
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Although he does not have the upside as someone like Lou Williams, Trevor Ariza is going to see between 25 and 30 minutes every night. Ariza rarely will disappoint you, even on nights when he only scores 10 points on the floor, as he has a knack for accumulating adequate secondary and tertiary statistics. For $ 5,600 on this four-game slate, he is a borderline must-play considering how weak the SF is.

SF - James Johnson - Toronto Raptors - $4,900 (Or Terrence Ross Depending On DeMar DeRozan's Status)

Boston Celtics v Toronto Raptors
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SF - James Johnson - Toronto Raptors - $4,900 (Or Terrence Ross Depending On DeMar DeRozan's Status)

Boston Celtics v Toronto Raptors
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I included two options here based on circumstance. James Johnson started last game for the Toronto Raptors and performed very well. However -- in all likelihood -- if DeMar DeRozan returns to start at SG, Terrence Ross will move from SG to start at SF. Thus, Johnson's minutes and upside would be limited. Keep tabs on this scenario, and if DeRozan is indeed out again, both players should be excellent value plays under $ 5,000.

PF - Pau Gasol - Chicago Bulls - $9,400

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PF - Pau Gasol - Chicago Bulls - $9,400

duelcomedypaucropped
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Pau Gasol is coming off of what was likely the best game of his life on Saturday, scoring 46 points, with 18 rebounds while accumulating an absolutely freakish 71 fantasy points. Against the Orlando Magic -- and the maddeningly inconsistent Kyle O'Quinn defending him -- Gasol should be in for another night of fantasy gold -- albeit something a bit more conceivable (around 40-45 fantasy points).

PF - Ryan Anderson - New Orleans Pelicans - $5,600

Memphis Grizzlies v New Orleans Pelicans
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PF - Ryan Anderson - New Orleans Pelicans - $5,600

Memphis Grizzlies v New Orleans Pelicans
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Ryan Anderson is averaging 23.9 fantasy points per game, and it is a fairly reliable 23.9 fantasy points because he averages 15 points and five boards per game. However, he has 20-point, 10-rebound upside any given night as he can be relied on for 30 minutes of playing time every time out. This is oftentimes overlooked by those who see that he does not start for the New Orleans Pelicans and misunderstand his role. Don't make the same mistake.

C - Jonas Valanciunas - Toronto Raptors - $6,000

Charlotte Hornets v Toronto Raptors
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C - Jonas Valanciunas - Toronto Raptors - $6,000

Charlotte Hornets v Toronto Raptors
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While Jonas Valanciunas does not add much from a tertiary statistical standpoint -- which is somewhat surprising considering most centers can block shots -- he is a double-double candidate every night and will occasionally add 20 points on the floor to those 10 rebounds for an incredibly solid fantasy outing. Averaging essentially 25 fantasy PPG, he does not have to do anything spectacular to hit 5x value with 30 fantasy points.

Timothy Downs is a fantasy sports writer for www.RantSports.com. You can ‘like him’ on Facebook add him on Google or follow him on Twitter @Tidow1212.

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