Fantasy Basketball Picks: Top DraftKings NBA DFS Lineup Strategy for Clippers vs. Warriors Showdown on January 6

So, I’m starting to think that the reports of Stephen Curry’s ($11,200) downfall were a little premature. The former MVP has been lighting up the scoreboard as of late — including a career-high 62-point performance on Sunday — which has led directly to back-to-back blowout wins for the Golden State Warriors. Can they keep the good times rolling this evening in a matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers?

Let’s break it all down from a Showdown perspective.

Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA Showdown $100K Fadeaway [$25K to 1st] (LAC vs GSW)

SHOWDOWN STRATEGY

Captain’s Picks

Stephen Curry ($16,800 CP) - I know. It’s a real shocker. Captaining Curry obviously impacts the way you can build the rest of your lineup, but it’s difficult to not see the value in rostering a man that comes into Wednesday’s slate with a 34.9% usage rate and leading the NBA in three-point attempts (84). Plus, when looking at the options that Golden State presents, there just isn’t a real level of trust with any other of the team’s high-end options. In fact, Andrew Wiggins ($9,000), Kelly Oubre ($7,600) and Draymond Green ($6,800) — the Warriors’ second, third and fourth most expensive assets — have combined to shoot 36.7% (76-for-207) from the field so far this season. I’ll gladly pay a little extra for the security of someone like Curry, who has managed at least 45.0 DKFP in six of his seven starts in 2020-21.

Kawhi Leonard ($15,900 CP) - Even without Marcus Morris ($6,600; knee) having played a single minute so far this season, the Clippers have showcased a deep roster of talent. That’s good news for anyone cheering on the less popular Los Angeles squad in real-life, yet it makes for a bit of a headache from a fantasy perspective. There’s simply not a lot of places to turn if you’re looking for a moderately priced asset with some serious ceiling. To wit, only three players on the team are averaging more than 25.0 minutes per game: Leonard, Paul George ($10,400; ankle) and Nic Batum ($6,200). Heck, Leonard and George are the lone men on the Clippers putting up more than 10.0 shots per contest through eight games. Will Leonard play on the second night of a back-to-back? Will George return from his ankle issue? It’s all unclear, but whichever of the two is active is a viable Captain against the NBA’s seventh-worst defense by points per 100 possessions (112.6).

Value FLEX Plays

Lou Williams ($5,400) - This is a play that hinges on one of Leonard or George being inactive this evening. Through eight contests, Williams is playing a massively reduced role in Ty Lue’s system, averaging his fewest minutes (20.9) and points (10.0) per game since all the way back in his sophomore campaign of 2006-07. The irony is that Williams has actually been pretty efficient, coming into Wednesday shooting 40.0% from three-point range. In any case, Williams’ best two scoring nights of the season — 20 points versus Minnesota and 15 points versus San Antonio — have come with either Leonard or George injured. He might not be getting consistent opportunity to shine, yet when an opportunity presents itself, the veteran has shown an ability and willingness to take advantage.

Damion Lee ($2,600) - Lee isn’t someone who is going to have a jaw-dropping DFS performance on Wednesday’s slate, yet he’s an incredibly consistent and inexpensive asset that can certainly assist with lineup construction. He’s a value that can be found when looking at the slight pricing flaws. For instance, Lee is sixth on the Warriors in total minutes (124), yet he’s the ninth-most expensive member of the team’s rotation. That could be accounting for the fact that Lee’s only exceeded 20.0 DKFP once in 2020-21, but he’s also never scored fewer than 12.0 DKFP. At this price, that matters. His 15.3 DKFP average is basically 6x value.

Fades

Draymond Green ($6,800) - I’ve been impressed by how quickly Green’s been able to work himself back into game shape — even playing 28 minutes against the Blazers this past Sunday — yet his complete reluctance to shoot is an obvious detriment. It’s crazy to say this, but Green’s most concerning stat isn’t that he’s shot 12.5% from the field through three games, it’s that he’s only attempted eight shots in 67 minutes of action. You know he’ll be able to rack up rebounds, assists and steals, but points are the easiest path to a huge fantasy showing, and Green’s 7.7% usage rate leaves me wanting more — especially with his price tag still hovering around $7K.

THE OUTCOME

It’s hard to predict this game without really knowing who’s going to suit up for the Clippers, but I’d still be leaning in Los Angeles’ direction. Yes, the Warriors have back-to-back blowout victories against terrible defensive teams; however, they still possess the NBA’s seventh-worst net rating (-4.7). Golden State always has a puncher’s chance if Curry is cooking, yet the depth of the Clippers is a real advantage, if at least one of Leonard or George is playing.

Final Score: Los Angeles 115, Golden State 108

Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA Showdown $100K Fadeaway [$25K to 1st] (LAC vs GSW)

Put your knowledge to the test. Sign up for DraftKings and experience the game inside the game.

For sports betting, head over to DraftKings Sportsbook or download the DraftKings Sportsbook app.

I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is theglt13) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA) or TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789. 21+ (18+ NH). NJ/PA/WV/NH/IN/NH/IA/CO/IL/TN only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.