NBA Winners From Downtown: 1-16-16

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

- Half of the teams tonight are on the second night of a back-to-back, but Vegas' totals have this slate looking like it could be fairly high scoring.

- Knicks-Grizzlies has an unappealing total, but tons of value in that game with possible players sitting out.

- Only possible blowout concern to Vegas is Atlanta -11, but Atlanta hasn't had the blowout ability this season.

Top Picks

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

Plenty of big names at point guard tonight, but none are playing better than Damian Lillard. He is averaging 29-9-5 in the last five games, and while his scoring has been impressive, the 9-10 assist games in the last four have been even more so. Lillard has a monster 31.4% usage rate which is why he gets the bump over the other point guards tonight, and the matchup adds to it as well. Philly is allowing the 9th highest FG% a game to opposing point guards, and are allowing 105 points per game. I will be ponying up the dough yet again for Lillard.

Salary: FD: $6,000 DK: $6,400

Lou Williams has rarely been a cash game play in his time, but the consistency has been there. He is averaging 22-3-3 in the last six games, despite shooting 37% from the field. Utah has allowed the 12 most fantasy points per game to opposing guards in the last ten games. Williams had no troubles against Utah a few games ago, going 18-6-8. I will definitely not be heavy on the Lakers, given their 91 team total, but Lou Williams is still providing solid value for the price. On DraftKings I will be paying the $400 extra to go with Khris Middleton.

Salary: FD: $6,400 DK: $6,400

Washington has been the worst defensive team against small forwards this season, allowing the highest FG%, and the most fantasy points per game. Jae Crowder has been an excellent cash game play this season, especially of late. He is averaging 17-2-4, with 2.4 steals per game in the last six games. Crowder has averaged 14-2-7, with 2.5 steals per game in two against Washington already this season. Crowder has a great price tag, and the matchup is one of my favorites to exploit on the night.

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

Despite an overtime game last night, Vegas has the Hawks' team total at 108. Paul Millsap comes in yet again as my top cash game PF, of course where DeMarcus Cousins is not listed as a PF. Millsap is coming off of a monster 23-6-10 game, where he racked up six blocks+steals. Millsap's defensive stats this season have added to the safety of him being a cash game play, as well as a tournament play. He has averaged 3.2 blocks+steals per game this season, and 3.6 in the last five games. Brooklyn has allowed the 10th most fantasy points per game to opposing PF in the last ten games, and Millsap has had no problem with them this season, averaging 14-3-7, with three steals in two games.

Salary: FD: $10,800 DK: $10,500

If you have been fading DeMarcus Cousins, and I don't know why you would, but you are probably having a bad week. Cousins is averaging 33-3-13 in the last five games, and is also tacking on three blocks+steals per game. The Clippers rank 27th in rebound differential, allowing the 7th most offensive rebounds per game. The Clippers have allowed the 8th most fantasy points per game to opposing centers this season. Cousins usage rate leads all centers, and even has a bigger usage rate than Russell Westbrook. Cousins leads the slate tonight in fantasy points per minute.

Value Plays

Mario Chalmers (PG - MEM) FD: $5,600 DK: $6,500

Mike Conley is doubtful again, and more so on FanDuel, Mario Chalmers is still a value play. Chalmers is averaging 38 minutes a game in the last five, alongside a 17-6-5 line. Chalmers has averaged a 22% usage rate in those five games, and will take on a hindered Knicks team.

Robert Covington (SF - PHI) FD: $4,600 DK: $5,000

With Jerami Grant and Nik Stauskas doubtful for tonight's game, Philly will hand over the minutes to Robert Covington. He went 25-1-6 in 29 minutes against the Bulls, before fouling out. He will take on an average Portland defense, who have allowed a 47% field goal percentage to opposing teams this season. Portland has allowed the 5th most fantasy points per game to opposing SF in the last ten games. They have also allowed the 6th most to shooting guards. Whether Covington sees time at the two or the three, it is a good spot. Bob-Cov is a little risky, but SF is not a strong position tonight.

Nene Hilario (PF - WAS) FD: $4,200 DK: $4,400

Marcin Gortat is down for a few games, and Nene Hilario has been healthy stepping into the center role. Hilario will not see more than 25 minutes, but for the price I am fine with it. Boston has allowed the 13th most fantasy points per game to opposing centers. Nene has averaged 23 DK points in the last three games. Trey Lyles is another value PF to target tonight.