NBA Winners from Downtown 1-13-15

Winners From Downtown is bringing the top daily picks for your cash games, alongside some value plays, and Vegas notes. Be sure to check out our minutes tool, and Colossus lineup optimizer.

Projections show DraftKings prices and fantasy points.

Vegas Notes

- We're back with a nice 10-game slate on Wednesday night after a crazy day filled with NBA news and scratches yesterday. We are still waiting on some totals for the late games, so keep an eye on those as the day moves along (Pelicans-Kings, Jazz-Blazers, Heat-Clippers).

- Warriors-Nuggets (211, +9) is currently the highest total on the board, with Draymond Green likely to sit out for the Warriors for rest.

- The lowest total belongs to Knicks-Nets (192.5, +5), where we'll find the brother vs. brother battle of Brook vs. Robin.

- The Thunder (209, -10) own the highest spread tonight, over the Mavericks at home. Aside from that, most games are projected to be close, and this should be a nice slate of midweek action!

Top Picks

Salary: FD: $9,100 DK: $9,200

While Russell Westbrook and Stephen Curry make for fine options tonight, I'm content saving some salary and paying down to Lillard in cash games. He has been nothing short of tremendous recently, with 48.75, 69.75, and 57.75 DK points in his last 3 games. He dominated the Jazz in their first meeting to the tune of 35/4/3 and 46 DK points in 40 minutes. On a big slate, I want elite upside without the elite price tag, and Lillard fits that bill. He remains one of the highest usage players in the NBA, and the Jazz don't have a capable defender in the backcourt to slow him down.

Salary: FD: $7,600 DK: $8,200

With Draymond Green unlikely to play tonight, more offensive responsibility will fall on Thompson and Stephen Curry against a Nuggets team that is allowing the 4th-most fantasy points to opposing guards this season. Thompson has been on fire of late, with 40+ FP in 6 of his last 9 contests, and 30+ in 8 of those 9. He'll face a Denver team that ranks 24th in the NBA in defensive efficiency this season, and this spread sits at just 9 points, which means that Klay should see his full compliment of minutes in the game with the night's highest total. He is averaging 39 DK points per game against the Nuggets in 3 contests this season.

Salary: FD: $7,200 DK: $7,100

As mentioned above, this game has the highest total on the board and is expected to be competitive. Gallo has had some success against the Warriors this season, averaging 32.3 DK points in 3 contests, and has been lights out in 5 games since his return, averaging just over 40 DK points per contest in that span. The Nuggets will need a big contribution from their top scorer if they are going to compete in this one, and Gallo's price is still very reasonable considering his recent play.

Salary: FD (C): $10,600 DK (PF): $10,500

Cousins has been incredible recently, averaging nearly 62 DK points in just over 37 minutes per game in games against the Thunder, Mavericks, Lakers, and Warriors. Tonight he draws the Pelicans and their 28th-ranked defensive efficiency. From a fantasy standpoint, he is the best player on the planet right now, and I can't fathom a way to fade him in cash games in any matchup, especially one against a Pelicans team that can't seem to defend anyone (not even the Lakers).

Salary: FD: $7,600 DK: $6,800

Once again, Monroe's price on DK is much more enticing than his FD tag, especially with the double-double bonus potential. With Marcin Gortat dealing with knee problems, he may sit out once again (he was in the hospital as of last update with a knee infection). This would leave the Wizards very short-handed down low once again, and Monroe could have a field day against the weak frontcourt the Wiz will be rolling out in his absence.

Value Plays

Mareesse Speights (PF/C - GSW) FD (PF): $3,600 DK (C): $3,300

With Draymond Green likely to sit, the high-energy Speights will likely see 18-20 minutes of court time, and he can fill it up in a hurry when he sees the court, especially against a frontcourt like Denver's. He went for 8-8 in 18 minutes last time they faced off, which was good for 17 DK points.

Shabazz Muhammad (SF - MIN) FD: $3,800 DK: $4,000

"Bazz" has been seeing an increase in both minutes and production recently, and is coming off another solid game with his 2nd 28-point DK effort in 3 games. He saw 34 minutes of court time, and now draws a Houston team that ranks 22nd in the NBA in defensive efficiency.

Emmanuel Mudiay (PG - DEN) FD: $5,000 DK: $5,400

Mudiay remains cheap, and was solid in his return, posting a total of 29.5 DK points in 39 minutes against the Hornets. Jameer Nelson sat that one out, so don't expect 39 minutes again, but Mudiay should be a safe bet for around 30 minutes, and is averaging 34 DK points per game in 2 matchups with the Warriors this season.