DraftKings NBA Lineup Picks, Advice & Preview for January 26

Though there are only four games on the NBA schedule for Thursday, there is still plenty of DFS potential. Leading the way is a matchup between the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets. Seemingly just another inconsequential real-life basketball game that has little effect on the standings (though to be fair, Denver is fighting for the No. 8 spot in the West) it's a crown jewel for fantasy purposes. Both teams are in the top five in pace and in the bottom seven in defensive rating, leading to a whopping over/under of 229 points, which is one of the highest projected totals you'll see in a non-Rockets and non-Warriors game. The night's other three games have some intriguing potential as well, but if you're looking to stack a game, you should look first at those playing in Denver. With that in mind, you can click through the gallery for my ideal DraftKings lineup for January 26, and you can click here for more DFS analysis and picks. (Getty)

PG: Eric Bledsoe, Phoenix Suns

Opponent: at Denver Nuggets

Price: $9,200

Not only are the Nuggets 29th in the NBA in defensive rating, but they allow the second-most DraftKings points per game to point guards on the year. Bledsoe, meanwhile, is averaging 23.5 points, 1.8 threes, 8.3 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals despite Tuesday night's ugly performance. Don't overthink this one. It's one of fantasy's best players in a perfect matchup. (Getty)

SG: Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns

Opponent: at Denver Nuggets

Price: $7,100

The Nuggets are generous to all members of opposing backcourts, as they also allow the second-most DK points per game to shooting guards. Booker may not fill up the box score at the same kind of rate as Bledsoe, but his role in this offense--27.4 usage percentage and 17.6 field-goal attempts per game--gives him big upside, especially in a game that should resemble a track-meet. (Getty)

SF: Gordon Hayward, Utah Jazz

Opponent: vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Price: $7,300

We'll step away from the Phoenix-Denver game for now to remind you that the Los Angeles Lakers, owners of the worst defensive rating in the NBA, are also playing on Thursday night. Hayward has been pretty cold over the last five games, but it wouldn't be surprising if he used this one to get back on track in a big way. (Getty)

PF: Darrell Arthur, Denver Nuggets

Opponent: vs. Phoenix Suns

Price: $3,000

Since returning from a four-game absence, Arthur is averaging 18.6 minutes, 11.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.0 blocks and 23.75 DK points in three contests. He is the team's first big man off the bench, and even if this wasn't a projected shootout with a fast pace and very little defense, he would represent a solid value pick at the minimum price. (Getty)

C: Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz

Opponent:vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Price: $7,500

Part of me worries about this game turning into a blowout and Utah resting its players, but the other part remembers that Gobert, the league's No. 5 rebounder, is going up against a Lakers team is 24th in the NBA in defensive rebounding percentage and 29th in DraftKings points per game allowed to centers. He might have a double-double in first quarter. (Getty)

G: Victor Oladipo, Oklahoma City Thunder

Opponent: vs. Dallas Mavericks

Price: $5,300

Since returning from his wrist injury 12 games ago, Oladipo is averaging 32.8 minutes, 16.5 points, 2.1 threes, 3.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals per contest. He still has some ugly games here and there, but against a Mavericks team that is 20th in defensive rating, dead last in three-point percentage allowed and will be without its best perimeter defender in Wesley Matthews, he should have a game where he flashes his upside. (Getty)

F: Will Barton, Denver Nuggets

Opponent: vs. Phoenix Suns

Price: $5,800

Barton has had two ugly games in a row, but don't forget that in the three previous contests he racked up 45.0, 35.25 and 29.25 DraftKings points. He will always have a big ceiling, and this is the perfect matchup to take the gamble on him. I'd probably stay away in cash games, but he's a compelling GPP and tournament-play risk. (Getty)

UTIL: Seth Curry, Dallas Mavericks

Opponent: at Oklahoma City Thunder

Price: $4,500

Curry has been solid since re-entering Dallas' starting lineup, averaging 29.1 minutes, 13.5 minutes, 2.3 threes, 3.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.7 steals and 23.08 DraftKings points. Now, with Wes Matthews out, he'll likely see an even bigger offensive role and shouldn't have much trouble providing good value at this price. (Getty)