3 NBA DraftKings Studs to Target on 1/17/18

Russell Westbrook, PG, Oklahoma City Thunder

DraftKings Salary: $11,600

As per usual, Russell Westbrook's price tag stands out, as he is the most expensive stud by $800. Is he worth targeting at a salary that requires 58 DraftKings points for him to reach value?

He was on his way to that type of a game his last time out, but was ultimately ejected and finished with just 51 DraftKings points. He had reached the 58-point mark in 10 of his 12 games prior to that, and should have no problem making that 11 of 13 if tonight's game remains competitive.

That is the only issue with Westbrook today -- this game carries significant blowout risk. The Los Angeles Lakers are 0-7 without Lonzo Ball, and Vegas doesn't see that changing, as the Oklahoma City Thunder are 9.5-point favorites at home. Westbrook was on his way to a monster performance the last time he faced this Lakers squad, but a blowout kept him to just 48 DraftKings points in 27 minutes.

If this game stays competitive, Westbrook is a very strong bet to be the highest scorer on the slate. The Lakers have no answer for him at the rim, and their league-high pace of play should create plenty of opportunities for him to get all the way to the cup. No team has allowed more points from within five feet of the rim than L.A., which is great news for Westbrook, who ranks third in the league in attempts from that range.

He averaged 72.75 DraftKings points in three meetings with the Lakers last season, which goes to show how ridiculous his upside is if this game remains competitive.