NBA Winners From Downtown: 1-15-16

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

- Every game on tonight's slate has a 200+ total except for Miami-Denver.

- Wolves-Thunders is the only blowout concern according to Vegas, with a -13 spread.

- Thunder, Celtics, Hawks, and Pacers are your four highest projected scoring teams in that order.

Top Picks

Salary: FD: $9,200 DK: $9,400

There are not many players playing better than Damian Lillard of late, averaging 25-9-5 in the last five games. He dialed up 21-10-7 in just 28 minutes against the Jazz last game, continuing to hit the three ball. Brooklyn has allowed the 6th most fantasy points per game to opposing point guards, and are allowing the most steals per game. Lillard is in another great spot, and despite all the great point guard options, I will be paying up for Lillard again. That 31% usage rate is a gem in a 104 this evening. Fire him up!

Salary: FD: $10,300 DK: $9,900

The good news is LeBron James will not have to see Kawhi Leonard tonight. Instead he will take on the Rockets, who have allowed second most fantasy points per game to opposing SF. James has been shooting tremendously from the field of late, with a 57% rate over the last five games. James shot decent from the field last night with Leonard on him. It is another top heavy night at SF, and unlike earlier in the season, James is the top guy now. Averaging 26-7-8 in the last five games, I will take that all day. James dropped 65 DK points on Houston last season, and in an uptempo game tonight, he could push that again. I know, it is asking a lot, but really take the James high floor in cash games. I also like Jae Crowder tonight in the mid-priced range.

Salary: FD: $8,400 DK: $8,100

I will spending down a tad from Anthony Davis, going with another strong cash game power forward, Paul Millsap. He has averaged 18-3-6, with 3.1 blocks+steals per game in the last four games, shooting 50% from the field. Milwaukee ranks 25th in rebound differential, and has given up the 4th most fantasy points per game to opposing PF. With the Bucks allowing 104 points per game this season, the Hawks should be a DFS friendly team to target tonight. However, Millsap is really the only one you can trust in your cash games.

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

There are two centers I love tonight, Brook Lopez and Greg Monroe. So if you can't afford Lopez, and don't force it, Monroe is another nice option about $1,000 cheaper. Portland has struggled against centers this season, allowing the 7th most fantasy points per game. Lopez has the third highest usage rate among centers, behind DeMarcus Cousins and Marreese Speights. He is averaging 19-2-7 in the last six games, with 2.5 steals+blocks per game. I still believe $7,600 is entirely too cheap for Lopez's production, but DK continues to underprice centers, but take advantage of it.

Salary: FD: $8,900 DK: $8,700

Well holy Jimmy Butler. 53-6-10 last night, as he carried his team to an overtime win against 76ers. Derrick Rose is due back tonight, so the 24.9% usage rate won't be at the 31% when Rose is off the floor. Before last night, Butler has averaged 25-7-5 in the last five games. Butler is always going to play heavy minutes, and his offensive game has taken a big step over the last few weeks. Dallas has been average against shooting guards this season, allowing the 13th most fantasy points per game. If Rose somehow sits tonight, make sure Butler is in your lineup, but either way he is an elite option.

Value Plays

Jeremy Lin (PG - CHA) FD: $5,400 DK: $5,000

Jeremy Lin has embraced the 6th man role in Charlotte, and has done quite well. He is averaging 12-3-3 in an average of 26 minutes per game this season. Great matchup for the Hornets tonight, as New Orleans ranks 27th in defensive efficiency. They have allowed the 10th most fantasy points per game to opposing PG, and the 2nd most to opposing SG.

Gerald Green (SG - MIA) FD: $4,200 DK: $4,600

Gerald Green has been a great play off the bench for Miami of late, and has been very fantasy relevant for us. He is averaging 23 fantasy points per game in the last six, shooting 46% from the field. Green sees a 20-22% usage rate, taking double-digit shot attempts in the last four games.

P.J. Tucker (SF - PHX) FD: $4,500 DK: $4,600

As much as I prefer T.J. Warren over P.J. Tucker as a player, I can't stomach the random 7 or 12 minute games Warren ends up with. Tucker has been consistent with minutes of late, and been a more consistent fantasy player. He is averaging 6-2-8, with two steals per game in the last four games. Boston has struggled against SF this season, allowing the 8th most fantasy points per game.

Jabari Parker (PF - MIL) FD: $5,100 DK: $5,000

Both of these front-courts are in a good spot tonight because they both can't defend. Atlanta has allowed the 10th most fantasy points per game to opposing PF. Parker is back into his normal minutes, seeing around 30-32 most nights. He is averaging 14 and 5, shooting 51% in the last six games. He has faired well in the last ten games against tougher matchups.