Top NBA DFS Picks for Monday, January 17, 2022 – Jimmy Butler and More

The NBA is in full force today, as the league celebrates MLK Day. There is non-stop action to track, with games starting in the early afternoon.

You can get some skin in the game all day long, just be sure to use the safest sports betting websites before placing any bets.

I’ve got you covered from a daily fantasy basketball perspective. I’ll be attacking the main slate at DraftKings, though, so join me as I break down my favorite NBA DFS picks, sleepers, and top lineup.

There are three studs worth paying up for on the MLK Day main slate. Murray feels like the best value compared to LeBron James and Luka Doncinc.

He’s projected to be the lowest owned of that trio, and he reminded everyone of his triple-double upside a few games ago.

Murray feels like the top spend tonight, but the mid-range options are amazing on this slate. Tyler Herro is another that stands out, but for just $500 more, I might still prefer Anfernee Simons.

C.J. McCollum is back, but Damian Lillard is still out. Simons doesn’t project as well given the news, but McCollum could be limited in his return. If that helps lower Simons’ ownership, I will be all over him.

Jimmy Butler may ultimately be my favorite stud. He’s too cheap when you look at his floor, ceiling, and projection. He has the fifth best projection on this slate, and Kyle Lowry won’t be playing tonight.

Kyle Lowry (personal) out Monday. https://t.co/IYq9Gdl9HK

— FantasyLabs NBA (@FantasyLabsNBA) January 16, 2022

No Lowry should mean big minutes for both Butler and Herro. I don’t mind pairing them, but if I have to pick one, I’ll go out of my way to roster Butler.

Porzingis heads a weak PF position. He’s a nice price and he projects decently, so I won’t be sad to get to him. Finding superior value at power forward will be a goal of mine, however.

Nurk Alert still feels like a smash play. He gets a beatable Magic defense, and he’s not projected to garner much ownership at the moment.

The value on this slate isn’t very encouraging. It’s just a five-game slate, too, so unless something wild happens, it might not get a whole lot better.

Kyle Lowry is out, so Miami guys are on the table. That puts Vincent, Martin, and others in play, but I’d still focus most of my energy on the Heat’s better players.

Portland could still help us out. Nassir Little is a good price, and he could still see some run. Just keep an eye on C.J. McCollum’s minutes limit, and whether or not Norm Powell returns.

The big salary saver should come from Phoenix, as Deandre Ayton could sit out after exiting his last game with an injury.

Deandre Ayton (ankle sprain) will not return to the game.

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) January 16, 2022

Jalen Smith benefited from Ayton missing some time recently, and he’d be the first guy I’d look to here. McGee is also a strong per-minute guy, of course, so if he draws the start, he could have plenty of success at a cheaper salary.

As noted, I’m not high on the value. Right now, I am saving cash by using Martin, Suggs, Smith, and Howard. L.A. probably needs Howard’s size against Rugy Gobert, but I will definitely be looking for upgrades leading into lock.

This feels like a slate where you can get away with not spending way up. King James, Luka Doncic, and Murray are the only legit studs you need to worry about fading, and right now I won’t be rostering them.

Hopefully my NBA DFS picks treat you well. If you want to bet on the games or props, here’s a little extra advice going into Monday.