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DraftKings NBA: Best Picks, Lineup For Jan. 12

By Aaron Ferguson

Jan 1, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) shoots a free throw against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. The Bulls won 108-81. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) shoots a free throw against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. The Bulls won 108-81. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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There is an unusually big slate of games for DraftKings NBA team owners to draft players from on Jan. 12. All of the best picks, bargains and fantasy news can be found here.

Jan 1, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) shoots a free throw against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. The Bulls won 108-81. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) shoots a free throw against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. The Bulls won 108-81. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

Following three games on Monday due to college football’s National Championship game, there are 16 teams set to play on Tuesday’s unusually large NBA slate.  Three games feature teams from opposing conferences and five games feature teams fighting for playoff positions against conference foes.

Only the San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls are playing on the back end of a back-to-back. That being the case for the Spurs, head coach Gregg Popovich has been known to rest his older starters. Steering away from Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan may be a good idea, at least until it’s closer to game time and there is a definitive answer if they will play.

One game to watch is the Cleveland Cavaliers (26-9) taking on the Dallas Mavericks (22-16). The two teams are 12th and 13th respectively in points per game and combine for 203.1 points per game. Cleveland is third defensively, allowing 95.1 points per game. Steering towards Cavaliers players is the safest bet in this matchup.

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The Oklahoma City Thunder (26-12) travel to play the Minnesota Timberwolves (12-26). The over/under on the game is listed at 210 points, according to ESPN’s NBA scoreboard. That is, in part, because of the Thunder ranking second in points per game (108.9 ppg). It’s also because the Wolves are 20th defensively and allow 102.6 points per game.

The Thunder are 17th defensively allowing 101.2 points per game. So there are a lot of points to be had in this contest.

A third game to watch is a Boston Celtics (19-18) and New York Knicks (19-20) rivalry game. The over/under is only set at 200, but the two teams have the ability to score. They match up well against each other and this game could go into overtime.

With eight games being played, there is a good chance of finding some good bargains. But DraftKings players should also be weary of a couple of players who may bust on Tuesday.

Next: Top Four PGs