NBA DFS Expert Survey: Friday, January 2nd

by Justin Bailey (Jbails26) Last Updated 2026-01-02 19:08:43 Premium Content Part of the product NBA DFS

Our panel of experts is here to give you their insights on NBA DFS today for the 1/2 main slate on DraftKings and FanDuel. They’re ready to answer key questions that will assist you in making those crucial lineup-building decisions. Curious to know headChopper’s favorite tournament play? Or perhaps you’re wondering about Noto’s favorite salary saver? Read their thoughts below!

NBA DFS Picks: DraftKings & FanDuel Expert Survey for Friday, January 2

Who is your favorite player to spend up for in cash games?

Notorious: Zion Williamson
tcsmith031: Zion Williamson
ncorfield8k: Deni Avdija

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What is your preferred tournament format (e.g. large-field, single-entry) to play on this slate? How do you plan to beat that field of opponents? What tactic or strategy will set you apart?

Notorious: I like to play small-field and single-entry tournaments. In this format, we can afford to eat more chalk. The Nets not only have the best matchup on the board, but they are going to be without their three best players in Nic Claxton, Cam Thomas, and Michael Porter Jr. Despite that, they still have a team total that is higher than their season average. This is the spot to load up the Brink’s truck with Nets players, which has never been said before.

tcsmith031: I’ll focus on single-entry GPPs. This slate already has a boatload of appealing cheap value thanks to injury situations with the Spurs, Nets, Bulls, and Pelicans. The Brooklyn situation is my favorite spot of the lot, especially since the Nets are armed with an elite matchup against the lowly Wizards. Day’Ron Sharpe will be a very difficult fade if he starts, but I also have lots of interest in Jalen Wilson and Keon Johnson. I’ll consider a max of 3 or max of 4 of the Nets for GPP builds.

ncorfield8k: Large-field tournaments – I’ll play mostly stars-and-scrubs lineups, as there is a lot of value and some strong pay-up options. I’ll likely set a max of 3 Nets in a lineup, but I may up that to 4 depending on how injury news shakes out for the rest of the slate. I’ll get different with some of my spend-ups, including being overweight on Giannis Antetokounmpo.

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