NBA King of the Court contests reward one thing above all else. Raw scoring volume. You are not chasing efficiency or peripheral stats. You are targeting players who can realistically lead the entire slate in points on a single night. January 20 presents several spots where usage, matchup, and recent trends align. Two of the clearest names at the top are James Harden and Steph Curry. But they are not the only paths you can take.
This breakdown is designed to help you decide how to approach King of the Court strategically. You will see why certain players stand out, how to think about alternatives, and what questions you should ask before locking in a pick.
© Matt Marton-Imagn ImagesHow NBA King of the Court Picks Work
King of the Court is simple in structure but tricky in execution. You select one player. That player must score more points than anyone else on the slate.
That simplicity creates sharp decision points.
You are balancing three core factors.
Scoring ceiling Likelihood of minutes and usage Game environmentAsk yourself a direct question before you pick.Who has a realistic path to 40 or more points tonight?
If the answer feels forced, you may be overthinking it.
NBA King of the Court Picks Including James Harden, Steph Curry
This slate naturally funnels attention toward high-usage guards. That makes sense. Guards control the ball. They take the most shots. They also benefit from late-game free throws.
James Harden and Steph Curry both fit that profile in different ways.
James Harden January 20 Scoring Outlook
James Harden remains one of the most reliable volume scorers in the league when the situation calls for it. Even as his role has evolved, his ability to spike into a massive scoring night has not disappeared.
What works in Harden’s favor.
High on-ball usage Strong free throw rate Comfort taking double-digit three point attemptsHarden thrives when games stay close. Tight spreads matter because they keep him on the floor late. Late possessions are where King of the Court contests are often decided.
You should also think about roster context. When secondary scoring options are limited or inconsistent, Harden’s shot attempts rise naturally. That matters more than season-long averages.
Before locking Harden in, ask yourself.Is this a game where he needs to score, or can he defer?
If the answer is that he needs to score, Harden becomes very appealing.
Jan 3, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after a teammate scored against the Utah Jazz during the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn ImagesSteph Curry January 20 Scoring Outlook
Steph Curry offers a different type of upside. His ceiling is tied to shooting variance rather than free throws. When his shot is falling, no one on the floor can match his scoring pace.
Why Curry remains elite for King of the Court.
Unlimited three point range Willingness to take 15 to 20 shots Ability to score in bunchesCurry does not need perfect efficiency. He needs volume and rhythm. A fast-paced opponent helps. So does a defense that struggles to navigate off-ball screens.
There is one key question you should always ask with Curry.Does this game environment encourage three point attempts?
If the answer is yes, Curry can win the contest even in a balanced scoring night.
Other King of the Court Picks to Consider
You should not limit yourself to two names. Ownership often concentrates around obvious stars. That creates leverage opportunities.
Here are a few archetypes worth considering.
Dec 10, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) runs down court after a 3-point basket during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesHigh-Usage Wings
Elite wings can quietly match guard scoring when their shot profile tilts aggressive.
What you want to see.
35 plus minutes Willingness to attack the rim Increased shot attempts in recent gamesThese players may not lead in usage every night, but when they do, they can break a slate.
Primary Ball Handlers on Short Rotations
Injuries and rest days matter. When a team loses secondary creators, one player often absorbs the workload.
This is where hidden value appears.
Ask yourself.Who benefits the most if one starter is out?
That player may not be a household King of the Court name, but the role shift can be decisive.
Big Men in Soft Matchups
This is less common but still viable.
Dominant centers can lead a slate if they face weak interior defense and see heavy minutes. This works best when the opponent struggles to defend without fouling.
The risk is obvious.Bigs rely on others to get them the ball.
Only consider this route if the usage is secure.
Game Environment Matters More Than Matchup Narratives
You will often hear about good or bad matchups. That can be misleading.
Instead, focus on these elements.
Pace Point spread Total pointsHigh totals and competitive spreads create more possessions and more late-game scoring. That is where King of the Court winners emerge.
Ask a simple question.Which game is most likely to stay close in the final three minutes?
Start there.
Ownership and Game Theory
You are not required to be contrarian, but you should be aware of ownership.
If Harden and Curry are both popular, you can still play them. Just understand the risk. You are tying your fate to a player many others have chosen.
If you want to pivot, do it with intention.
Similar scoring ceiling Similar minutes expectation Lower perceived name valueRandom pivots rarely work. Structured pivots do.
FAQs About NBA King of the Court Picks
Should you always target guards?Most of the time, yes. Guards control possessions and close games. Exceptions exist, but they are slate specific.
Does efficiency matter?Less than you think. Volume matters more. Missed shots do not hurt you unless they cost minutes.
Do blowouts ruin King of the Court picks?They can. That is why spread matters. Avoid players who may sit the fourth quarter.
Is recent scoring form important?It helps identify confidence and role stability, but do not overweight it. Opportunity drives results.
Final Thoughts for January 20
James Harden and Steph Curry both offer strong paths to leading the slate in scoring. Harden brings stability through usage and free throws. Curry brings volatility and unmatched shooting upside.
Your job is not to pick the best player overall. Your job is to pick the player most likely to score the most points tonight.
Ask yourself.Who needs to score.Who is allowed to score.Who stays on the floor late.
Answer those questions honestly, and your King of the Court decision becomes much clearer.
Responsible Gambling and Bankroll Management
King of the Court contests are high variance by nature. One hot quarter can decide everything. That makes discipline essential.
You should treat these contests as a small part of your overall bankroll.
Set a clear budget before entering Avoid chasing losses from previous slates Focus on decision quality, not short-term resultsYou are making a single-player bet in a volatile environment. Accept that variance. Manage your exposure. Stay consistent with your process. New users must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Responsible Gaming Resources
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