The NBA slate for Friday, January 2nd, features a busy 10-game schedule with several interesting usage trends. With lineups shifting due to mid-season adjustments and injuries, the DFS market presents potential value on specific player projections.
For tonight’s action, we are focusing on a Pelicans forward with a favorable interior matchup and an Orlando playmaker who has consistently filled the stat sheet. These projections appear to undervalue their current roles and recent production for the 1/2 slate.
Sleeper Fantasy Free NBA Picks, January 2nd: NBA DFS Projections
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Now, let’s dive into today’s NBA DFS projections and the best Sleeper Fantasy NBA picks to help you build a lineup.
Zion Williamson Sleeper NBA Pick: More Than 24.5 Points
Zion Williamson is coming off a strong outing to close the year, recording 31 points on 12-of-19 shooting against the Bulls on New Year's Eve. Tonight, he faces a Portland Trail Blazers team that has struggled defensively, ranking 25th in the league in points allowed (120.2 PPG).
The Blazers are currently without Jerami Grant (Achilles), which removes their most versatile wing defender. While center Donovan Clingan provides significant size in the paint, Williamson's quickness and strength often create mismatches against younger bigs. Portland has allowed high paint production recently, and with the Pelicans looking to break a losing streak, Williamson should see enough volume to challenge this 24.5-point total.
Paolo Banchero Sleeper NBA Pick: More Than 36.5 PRA
Paolo Banchero has been productive recently, leading the Magic in their last win over the Pacers with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists (43 PRA). Tonight, he plays a Chicago Bulls team that operates at a high pace and allows a whopping 122.3 points per game.
Chicago is managing a thinner roster with Josh Giddey, Coby White, and Zach Collins all ruled out. This lack of depth puts additional strain on their defensive rotation. With Nikola Vucevic anchoring the paint, opposing forwards have found success attacking the rim and securing rebounds. Banchero’s dual role as a scorer and facilitator gives him multiple avenues to reach this 36.5 PRA projection.
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