Join me in building the perfect NBA FanDuel fantasy basketball lineup for Jan. 3 (main slate).
Timothy Downs is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. You can ‘like him’ on Facebook, add him on Google or follow him Twitter @Tidow1212
PG - Brandon Knight - Phoenix Suns - $6,500
Getty ImagesBrandon Knight is running the show for the Phoenix Suns with Eric Bledsoe out. Against Sacramento on Saturday, Knight finally stepped up with 23 points, five rebounds and five assists after struggling in Bledsoe's absence. This evening, the Suns take on the Los Angeles Lakers, who are among the NBA's worst teams at defending the point. Fire up Knight expecting over five times value.
PG - John Wall - Washington Wizards - $10,200
Getty Images
John Wall is a must-play at home against any team. His matchup with the defensively stout Miami Heat isn't ideal, but his upside is impossible to ignore.
SG - C.J. McCollum - Portland Trail Blazers - $8,200
Getty ImagesDamian Lillard is expected to return for the Portland Trail Blazers this evening, which will send McCollum back to his natural position at shooting guard against Denver. Pay the king's ransom for McCollum in a favorable matchup, as the position is barren of impressive bargain options.
SG - Will Barton - Denver Nuggets - $7,200
Getty ImagesThe return of Danilo Gallinari from injury last evening scared some NBA aficionados away from rostering Will Barton, but it's clear now Barton will be playing over 30 minutes per game going forward for the Denver Nuggets. Barton is the chalk play at the position on this small slate -- don't miss out.
SF - T.J. Warren - Phoenix Suns - $4,600
Getty ImagesT.J. Warren is logging heavy tick for the injury-riddled Phoenix Suns, and he's making the most of his increased role. Warren has crushed value in each of his last four games and projects to do the same against the woefully inadequate wing defense of the Los Angeles Lakers this evening.
SF - Danilo Gallinari - Denver Nuggets - $6,700
Getty ImagesAfter missing six games with an ankle injury, Danilo Gallinari made his triumphant return last evening against the Golden State Warriors and played incredibly well. Gallinari tallied 24 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals for over 35 fantasy points. Against the Los Angeles Lakers, who play abysmal defense, expect a repeat performance at home from Gallinari.
PF - Julius Randle - Los Angeles Lakers - $5,700
Getty ImagesJulius Randle is averaging 11.6 points and 9.5 rebounds per game this season, which means he's essentially good for a double-double every night. The Denver Nuggets will be without Kenneth Faried this evening, and Randle projects to take advantage. Expect a solid stat line from Randle in an ideal scenario.
PF - Darrell Arthur - Denver Nuggets - $3,500
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY SportsDarrell Arthur is expected to start for the Denver Nuggets in Kenneth Faried's absence. For minimum price, Arthur will have to pull a vanishing act to disappoint. Expect 20 fantasy points as a floor.
C - Marcin Gortat - Washington Wizards - $7,100
Getty ImagesMarcin Gortat has been on a rampage lately. He has double-doubled in five of his last six games and has been right around 30 fantasy points most nights. Sure, a matchup with Hassan Whiteside of the Miami Heat isn't perfect, but Gortat projects to rise above with another stellar showing.
