The NBA returns with a four-game main slate on New Year's Day, offering fantasy basketball players several high-upside options. Experts highlight stars like Cade Cunningham and Kawhi Leonard amid favorable matchups and injury considerations. With light back-to-backs and key absences, value plays could shine in contests on DraftKings and FanDuel.
The 2026 NBA season kicks off the new year with a compact Thursday slate featuring four main games: Houston Rockets at Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat at Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers at Dallas Mavericks, and Boston Celtics at Sacramento Kings. Analysts from DraftKings Network, RotoWire, and NBA.com emphasize building lineups around proven performers while monitoring injuries.
Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons stands out as a top guard target at $10,200 on DraftKings. He has notched triple-doubles three times this season and exceeded 50 fantasy points in six of his last eight games. Facing the league's fastest-paced team in Miami, Cunningham projects for high usage and potential 60-plus point outings, though his 15% projected ownership makes him ideal for tournaments.
In the forward category, Kawhi Leonard ($9,600) of the Los Angeles Clippers is recommended against the Utah Jazz, who rank 29th in defensive rating. Since a lineup change, Leonard has averaged over 54 fantasy points in five games, including a 90.2-point high. The Jazz's fourth-ranked pace enhances his scoring opportunities.
Joel Embiid ($8,500) of the 76ers is a strong center play versus Dallas, despite ongoing knee issues. He has hit 40-plus fantasy points in five straight games, peaking at 64.5 recently. With probable status, Embiid's matchup against the Mavericks, who allow the fifth-most points to centers, supports a projected 47-plus performance.
Value options include Brandon Williams ($4,400-$5,300) of the Mavericks, who logged 30-plus minutes and 30-plus points in his last two games, and Brice Sensabaugh ($4,900) of the Jazz, benefiting from multiple absences for extended minutes.
Injuries to watch: Alperen Sengun (questionable, calf), Tyler Herro (out, toe), and Tobias Harris (doubtful, hip). No teams play the second leg of a back-to-back, keeping the slate fresh. Projections favor high totals in Miami-Detroit (236.5) and Philly-Dallas (231.5).
