NBA DFS: DraftKings, FanDuel daily Fantasy basketball picks for Friday, January 16 include T.J. McConnell
Daily fantasy basketball players scanning Friday’s NBA slate on DraftKings and FanDuel will notice a familiar pattern: the stars dominate the headlines, but value guards often decide contests. That’s where a veteran table-setter like T.J. McConnell becomes especially intriguing.
McConnell is rarely the first name DFS managers plug into lineups, yet his profile checks several important boxes for salary relief. He’s a high-IQ point guard who consistently provides assists, steals, and efficient shooting without needing a high usage rate. In DFS terms, that means he can return value even on modest shot volume, particularly in formats that reward peripherals.
His appeal spikes on slates where his team is shorthanded in the backcourt or facing an opponent that struggles to contain dribble penetration. Extra minutes for McConnell typically lead to a bump in potential assists, chances for deflections, and opportunities in transition. When his playing time creeps into the upper-20s, he often flirts with the kind of stat lines that significantly outpace his mid-tier or bargain price tag.
On DraftKings, McConnell’s multi-category profile fits well in lineups built around expensive studs, allowing managers to pay up for elite scorers and rebounders. His ability to contribute in assists and steals also plays nicely with DraftKings’ scoring system, where those categories can swing contests. On FanDuel, where steals are even more valuable, his active hands and anticipation in passing lanes can provide a meaningful ceiling.
The broader DFS landscape on a busy Friday usually revolves around choosing which superstars to anchor lineups with, then identifying the right complementary pieces. McConnell is the type of steady, under-the-radar guard who can stabilize cash-game builds while still offering enough upside for tournaments if the game script breaks his way.
As always, monitoring injury reports, projected minutes, and potential matchup advantages is critical. But for managers seeking a reliable guard who can outperform his salary without dominating the ball, T.J. McConnell deserves a long look on this Friday slate.
McConnell is rarely the first name DFS managers plug into lineups, yet his profile checks several important boxes for salary relief. He’s a high-IQ point guard who consistently provides assists, steals, and efficient shooting without needing a high usage rate. In DFS terms, that means he can return value even on modest shot volume, particularly in formats that reward peripherals.
His appeal spikes on slates where his team is shorthanded in the backcourt or facing an opponent that struggles to contain dribble penetration. Extra minutes for McConnell typically lead to a bump in potential assists, chances for deflections, and opportunities in transition. When his playing time creeps into the upper-20s, he often flirts with the kind of stat lines that significantly outpace his mid-tier or bargain price tag.
On DraftKings, McConnell’s multi-category profile fits well in lineups built around expensive studs, allowing managers to pay up for elite scorers and rebounders. His ability to contribute in assists and steals also plays nicely with DraftKings’ scoring system, where those categories can swing contests. On FanDuel, where steals are even more valuable, his active hands and anticipation in passing lanes can provide a meaningful ceiling.
The broader DFS landscape on a busy Friday usually revolves around choosing which superstars to anchor lineups with, then identifying the right complementary pieces. McConnell is the type of steady, under-the-radar guard who can stabilize cash-game builds while still offering enough upside for tournaments if the game script breaks his way.
As always, monitoring injury reports, projected minutes, and potential matchup advantages is critical. But for managers seeking a reliable guard who can outperform his salary without dominating the ball, T.J. McConnell deserves a long look on this Friday slate.
