DraftKings NBA DFS: Top Picks, Matchups & Injury Update for Jan 5

As the NBA season progresses, fantasy managers face a crucial slate of games that require sharp decision-making. With several teams dealing with injuries, staying updated can significantly impact daily fantasy sports (DFS) lineups.
DraftKings NBA DFS: Top Picks for January 5
This article highlights elite player selections, matchups, and injury news essential for optimizing fantasy basketball lineups for January 5th.
NBA Games Scheduled
- New York Knicks at Detroit Pistons
- Atlanta Hawks at Toronto Raptors
- Chicago Bulls at Boston Celtics
- Charlotte Hornets at Oklahoma City Thunder
- Phoenix Suns at Houston Rockets
- Denver Nuggets at Philadelphia 76ers
- Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Clippers
- Utah Jazz at Portland Trail Blazers
Key Injury Updates
Injury news plays a pivotal role in NBA DFS decisions. Here are the latest updates:
| Team | Player | Status |
|---|---|---|
| New York Knicks | Landry Shamet | OUT |
| Detroit Pistons | Cade Cunningham | Probable |
| Atlanta Hawks | Trae Young | OUT |
| Chicago Bulls | Coby White | Probable |
| Boston Celtics | Jayson Tatum | OUT |
| Denver Nuggets | Nikola Jokic | OUT |
| Philadelphia 76ers | Joel Embiid | Probable |
Top DFS Picks
- Cade Cunningham (Pistons) – $10,500
- Tyrese Maxey (76ers) – $9,700
- Jalen Johnson (Hawks) – $10,000
- Kevin Durant (Rockets) – $8,900
- Joel Embiid (76ers) – $8,700
Expected DFS Chalk
Jaylen Brown of the Celtics ($9,800) is expected to be a popular choice after achieving a remarkable 50-point performance in his previous game. He’s consistently logged over 46.8 DK points recently, making him an appealing option against the Bulls.
Mid-Range Picks
- Peyton Watson (Nuggets) – $6,400
- Dillon Brooks (Suns) – $6,200
Value Picks
- Spencer Jones (Nuggets) – $5,200
- Miles McBride (Knicks) – $4,600
- Luka Garza (Celtics) – $4,600
Utilizing the DraftKings NBA Lineup Optimizer will assist in tailoring your player pool and maximizing exposure across your DFS lineups. Keep monitoring the latest news to refine your strategy and ensure optimal performance as the game day approaches.




