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NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks 12/23/17

by John Ferrucci 0 Comments

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks 12/23/17

Saturday (12/23/17) features a twelve-game slate with games that may provide great value to your potential winning lineup. Many play opportunities lie beneath the $10,000+ priced players.


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NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks 12/23/17

POINT GUARDS:

Kyrie Irving ($8,900 FD/$8,800 DK)

Holding about the same price tag on both platforms, Kyrie Irving has some serious upside Saturday night. Uncle Drew is averaging 42 FanDuel PPG over his last three games, as he torched opposing defenses for 30+ points each night. Although the Chicago Bulls have been hot lately, their defense remains weak as they rank top 5 worst in the league in defending point guards. This match is set to be in Boston, where Kyrie Irving is also averaging 44 FanDuel PPG over his last five home games. Kyrie should definitely cross your mind when assembling your lineup.

Tyler Johnson ($6,000 FD/$5,400 DK)

With a very appealing price, Tyler Johnson may be your go-to play to preserve some salary. Johnson has been given the starting nod the last three games to patch up Goran Dragic’s recent absence as he is dealing with elbow issues. Tyler Johnson logged 36+ minutes in each of his starts and has been thriving due to Dragic’s misfortune. Johnson evidently has seen a boost in usage and workload as he faces the New Orleans Pelicans Saturday night who rank 6th in pace of play. Averaging 32.2 FanDuel PPG in his three starts, the Pelicans will force the Heat to push up their tempo with Johnson running the offense. Johnson’s price makes him extremely valuable in this slate and has a good enough resume to take the risk on.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks 12/23/17

SHOOTING GUARDS:

Khris Middleton ($7,700 FD/$7,600 DK)

Middleton and the Bucks play the Hornets Saturday night, the same team they defeated 109-104 the prior night. The Hornets rank poorly against SG’s as Middleton scored 28 points Friday night. Lately, Middleton has not disappointed DFS wise. He has scored at least 32 FanDuel points nine straight games. Ranking top 10 in the league in pace, the Charlotte Hornets will be forcing a top 10 offensive in the Milwaukee Bucks to handle more possessions. This makes Middleton immensely valuable, as the number of opportunities he could have will increase.

Tyreke Evans ($8,000 FD/$7,900 DK)

With Conley still sidelined or Memphis, Tyreke Evans continues to put on a show given the boost in usage and workload. Evans has scored 22+ points in 3 of his last 4 games. His teammate, Marc Gasol is doubtful to play Saturday night as he deals with a sore hip. Evans will be the primary source to score for the struggling Grizzlies. He shouldn’t have too much of a problem considering his opponent, the Los Angeles Clippers, rank 24th in the league in defending the position.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks 12/23/17

SMALL FORWARDS:

Josh Richardson ($6,000 FD/$6,400 DK)

Alongside teammate Tyler Johnson, Josh Richardson has been doing just fine handling his increased usage percentage due to Dragic’s injury. In the three games Dragic has been sidelined, Richardson posted an average of 41.8 FanDuel PPG. Dion Waiters is also questionable in this one. If he is in fact ruled out, Richardson will see another upward spike in workload and be deemed as one of the Heat’s primary scoring options. Despite his recent value, his salary price hasn’t budged much which is nothing to complain about. I would gladly spend $6,000 on a player with this much upside.

TJ Warren ($7,700 FD/$6,600 DK)

As the days go on TJ Warren continues to be the foundation of the Phoenix offense with Booker sidelined. Since Devon Booker got hurt, Warren is averaging 20.6 PPG. His fantasy numbers have been sub-par in comparison to his expectations, however, it seems he’s getting on the right track as he has provided at least 34 FanDuel points in three straight games. Warren faces the Timberwolves who he faced just a week ago, and although held to 26 FanDuel points, he seems a lot more appealing as the rematch now takes place in Arizona. Warren is an interesting play and most likely won’t be owned very much.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks 12/23/17

POWER FORWARDS:

Draymond Green ($8,700 FD/$7,200 DK) – 

After returning from a four-game frame Friday night, Draymond Green took no time getting right back on track as he posted a near triple-double in 30 minutes of play. He is playing the Denver Nuggets as the tough, gritty Draymond Green has significant upside. Although he can run up your salary, Green has a great match-up against a team whose defense ranks 26th in the league in defending power forwards, allowing nearly 50 fantasy PPG to PF’s this season. The Warriors are still Curry-less and need players to take the weight off of Kevin Durant’s shoulders. Draymond Green’s return may solve this issue very shortly as he will inherit that responsibility with Klay Thompson.

Nikola Mirotic ($6,800 FD/$6,500 DK) – 

Mirotic, or MiroFix? Since returning from injury, the what once was 3-20 Chicago Bulls have managed to ride a seven-game winning streak which was snapped Thursday by the Cleveland Cavaliers, who only won by three. Mirotic provides some serious help on the offensive end coming off the bench and has been a pretty good asset in DFS play. He has averaged 35.6 FanDuel PPG over his last five contests. Mirotic plays the #1 ranked defensive efficiency rated team in the NBA in the Boston Celtics. Despite overall rating, the Celtics rank 27th in the league in solely defending big men (PF/C’s). The PF position in this slate seems thin, making Mirotic a great fairly priced play.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks 12/23/17

CENTERS:

Nikola Jokic ($8,300 FD/$7,600 DK)

From one Nikola coming off an injury to another, we now focus on the rising star over in Denver. Jokic has regained his playing time as he has logged 36+ minutes in back-to-back games. Due to his injury and initial minute restriction, Jokic has been priced down as we once saw him in the high $9,000 range on FanDuel and DraftKings. Jokic is coming off a 48.8 FanDuel point performance against the top 5 defense the Portland Trailblazers carry. The idea of this former second-round pick getting his rhythm back is scary for competitors, but a joy for DFS users. He clashes with the Golden State Warriors Saturday night, where he seems to have some upside considering his minutes boost and recent production.

Myles Turner ($8,100 FD/$6,500 DK) 

Myles Turner has a fairly big gap in salary between FanDuel and DraftKings, making him especially appealing on DK where his $6,500 salary seems way too cheap. Turner will be doing his thing at the Barclay Center Saturday night as he opposes the Brooklyn Nets for the second time in the past week. The first performance for Turner was average, posting 16 points on 7-for-11 shooting, which soon accumulated to 31 FanDuel points. This second time around may be a breakout game for Turner as the Nets rank third-worst in the league in defending centers. He is also coming off of a 40 FD point performance against the Atlanta Hawks. Regardless, the price for Myles Turner is extremely fair and seems to have a great opportunity for the ones seeking to take advantage of it.

 

 

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 12/22/17 – Value Plays

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner*

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 12/22/17 – Value Plays



Use Code “CYBER30” at checkout for 30% off Seasonal Package
 

With nine games on the NBA schedule Friday, there are a lot of lineup possibilities for your DFS entry. That also means there are more opportunities to add some cheaper value plays to your entry. Let’s examine only those value plays today as we attempt to end your week on a high note.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Austin Rivers, LAC at HOU
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,600

With the bevy of injuries suffered by the Clippers this season, Rivers is averaging a career-high 33 minutes per game. He also has a career-high 21.7% usage rate, which brings him significant value when you factor in the added playing time. The Rockets play at the eighth-fastest pace (101.5) in the league, so Rivers should have added opportunity to provide value. The price is right to consider him for your entry Friday.

Shabazz Napier, POR vs. DEN
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $4,300

Napier has shown the ability to provide some scoring punch off the bench, averaging 8.0 points in 17 minutes per game this season. He doesn’t provide much in the way of rebounds or assists, but his 1.2 steals per game is impressive considering his limited minutes. Damian Lillard (hamstring) will not play Friday and while Napier might not start in his place, he still should see added minutes. The Nuggets allow the fourth-most points per game on FanDuel and fifth-most points per game on DraftKings to opposing point guards, so Napier might be worth the risk at this very cheap price.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Eric Gordon, HOU vs. LAC
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,900

Gordon is expected to enter the starting lineup with Chris Paul (leg) out Friday, which is a role he thrived in earlier this season. He made 13 starts with Paul out previously, averaging 22.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 4.0 three-pointers per game. The Clippers are struggling right now and don’t have a lot of size outside of DeAndre Jordan, which is great news for the style that Gordon and the Rockets like to play. I can’t get him in my lineups fast enough.

Wesley Matthews, DAL at MIA
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,600

The Mavericks are not just a bad team, they are a bad team that can’t score as they are one of only five teams in the league averaging less than 100 points per game. Matthews is not a great offensive weapon at this stage of his career, but his average of 12.0 points per game is tied for third-highest on the team. The good news is he gets a lot of playing time, averaging 34 minutes per game for his third straight season. His ceiling isn’t very high, but he’s cheap enough to consider Friday.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Josh Richardson, MIA vs. DAL
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $6,100

Richardson is going to be too expensive to be considered as this type of value play if he keeps up his recent excellent play. The Heat have been decimated by injuries, leaving Richardson to average 24.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.7 steals, 1.7 blocks and 3.3 three-pointers over his last three games. Hassan Whiteside (knee) and James Johnson (ankle) will be out again Friday while Justise Winslow (knee) might not play again either. Richardson should have a big role again in this game, making him someone to strongly to consider for your entry.

Mario Hezonja, ORL vs. NO
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,700

Hezonja only scored 12 points and grabbed two rebounds Wednesday against the Bulls, but he only played 24 minutes as the Magic were down big early. Both Aaron Gordon (calf) and Evan Fournier (ankle) are doubtful for Friday, which should leave significant playing time open for Hezonja. The Magic and Pelicans are both in the top-seven in the league in pace of play, so take a chance that he rebounds with a better performance in this contest. Of note, Hezonja is small forward eligible only on FanDuel as he is listed as a shooting guard on DraftKings.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Larry Nance Jr., LAL at GS
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,200

The Lakers will be without starting center Brook Lopez (ankle) for the next three weeks, opening up minutes in their frontcourt. While Kyle Kuzma rightfully stole all the headlines with his play Wednesday against the Rockets, Nance was no slouch either. He played 22 minutes in the game, finishing with 13 points, nine rebounds, four assists and one steal. This should be a high-scoring game between the Lakers and Warriors as they are both in the top-four in the league in terms of pace of play. Kuzma is priced significantly higher and will be a great option Friday, but Nance should also be considered an excellent value play.

Mike Scott, WAS at BKN
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,600

Scott is rolling right now, averaging 21.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.3 three-pointers over his last three games. He played at least 23 minutes in all three of those contests, largely because of Otto Porter Jr. (hip) missing time due to injury. Porter is listed as questionable for Friday’s game against the Nets, so Scott would likely be in line for increased playing time if he sits again. The Nets play at the fourth-fastest pace (103.3) in the league, so scoring opportunities could be plentiful for Scott. If Porter is ruled out, make sure Scott is in your lineup.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Marcin Gortat, WAS at BKN
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $5,200

Gortat is not having a great season and has played especially poorly of late, scoring nine points or less in seven of his last nine games. One of those performances came against these same Nets when he only scored five points, but he somewhat salvaged the game by grabbing nine rebounds and dishing out three assists. Even though the Nets added some size up front in Jahlil Okafor, he has barely played as the team tries to improve his conditioning and get him familiar with their offense. There aren’t many great cheap options at center, but Gortat has potential based on the Nets struggles at center.

Nene Hilario, HOU vs. LAC
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $3,700

Clint Capela (knee) is listed as doubtful for Friday, which would likely lead to Nene playing a more significant role. He only scored four points to go along with six rebounds while helping fill in for Capela on Wednesday, but that was not a good matchup against a Lakers team that went with a lot of small lineups. The Rockets are going to need him to battle with DeAndre Jordan on Friday, which is much better suited for Nene’s game. Considering how little he will cost, he could provide nice value if you want to go really cheap at center.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 12/20/17 – Value Plays

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner*

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 12/20/17 – Value Plays



Use Code “CYBER30” at checkout for 30% off Seasonal Package
 

Wednesday’s slate in the NBA is loaded with 12 games, giving you plenty of options for your DFS entry. We took a look at some of the overall excellent plays in Wednesday’s article on Sports Illustrated, but let’s now dive deeper into only the cheaper value plays that can help make you a winner.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

George Hill, SAC at BKN
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,800

Hill did not play Tuesday due to an illness but is expected to return for Wednesday’s game against the Nets. Fellow guard De’Aaron Fox (quad) entered Tuesday’s game with an injury and tried to play, but had to leave the game early. Considering Fox missed Sunday’s game with the same injury, it would be surprising if he plays Wednesday. That would leave Hill in line for increased minutes, giving him a boost in value. He scored 16 points to go along with five assists and one steal in 33 minutes with Fox out Sunday, making him someone to consider again for this game.

Dejounte Murray, SA at POR
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,100

The Spurs have ruled out starting point guard Tony Parker (rest) on Wednesday, which should open up more playing time for Murray. Murray started the last three games that Parker missed, averaging 19.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. While it might be hard to replicate those numbers Wednesday, he won’t need to in order to still have excellent value at this price.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Justin Holiday, CHI vs. ORL
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,200

Holiday has seen significant playing time of late, logging at least 38 minutes in three of his last six games. The Bulls finally have some depth with Nikola Mirotic, Bobby Portis, and David Nwaba all healthy, which is making it harder for defenses to key in on Holiday. He’s not just an offensive threat either as he is averaging career-highs in both rebounds (4.5) and steals (1.3) per game. The Magic play at the seventh-fastest pace (102.2) in the league, so look for Holiday to have a chance to make a big impact in this game.

Josh Hart, LAL at HOU
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,000

Hart is likely to receive another start Wednesday as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will be unable to play as he can’t leave the state of California due to a legal issue. Hart started on the road Thursday against the Cavaliers, finishing with 11 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block in 33 minutes. Both the Lakers and Rockets are in the top-eight in the league in pace of play, so this could be a high-scoring affair. Hart is someone to consider based on his dirt cheap price on both sites.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Josh Richardson, MIA at BOS
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,900

The Heat are running out of healthy players. Hassan Whiteside (knee) and James Johnson (ankle) have already been ruled out Wednesday, Justise Winslow (knee) is doubtful and Goran Dragic (elbow) is going to try and play after missing Monday’s game. With so few options left, Richardson has been forced to log at least 36 minutes in three of his last four games. He has shown great upside in his last two games, averaging 27.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.0 steals, 2.5 blocks and 4.0 three-pointers per contest. With plenty of minutes likely available Wednesday, consider Richardson for your entry.

Mario Hezonja, ORL at CHI
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,700

Injuries continue to pile up around the league as the Magic will be without Aaron Gordon (calf) on Wednesday. Hezonja has played at least 31 minutes in three of the last four games due to Gordon’s absence, averaging 17.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, 1.3 blocks and 3.7 three-pointers per contest. The Bulls have allowed at least 100 points in five of their last six games, so this could be another high-scoring contest based on the Magic’s pace of play. He is only shooting guard eligible on DraftKings, but should still provide value on both sites regardless of his position.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Kyle Kuzma, LAL at HOU
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,800

The Lakers frontcourt is going to be a little thin going forward as Brook Lopez (ankle) has been ruled out for three weeks. While he wasn’t playing particularly well, Lopez was still averaging 22 minutes per game. Kuzma should be one of the players who benefits from Lopez’s absence, which he showed by playing 40 minutes in Monday’s overtime loss to the Warriors. The Rockets like to use a lot of small lineups, which fits well with Kuzma’s skillset. The price is right to get him in your lineup for this game.

Trey Lyles, DEN vs. MIN
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,800

Lyles did not play much earlier this year, logging at least 20 minutes in only one of the first 19 games. An injury to Nikola Jokic opened up some playing time for Lyles, and it doesn’t look like he’s planning on going back to a limited role anytime soon. He’s developed a consistent role over his last 10 games, averaging 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.2 three-pointers per contest. He’s passed Kenneth Faried on the depth chart as Faried hasn’t even played in two of the last four games. At this price, it might be worth taking a chance that Lyles keeps things rolling Wednesday.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Alex Len, PHO at LAC
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,600

The Suns center position is extremely frustrating. They have been rotating DNP’s between Len, Tyson Chandler, and Greg Monroe, making it difficult to choose who to us in DFS any given night. One sliver of hope is that Len has played the last three games in a row, averaging 11.7 points, 13.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.3 blocks per game. He seems to be the more talented player between the three, it’s just a matter of getting consistent minutes. Keep an eye on his status throughout the day as he has value at this price if he takes the floor.

Bam Adebayo, MIA at BOS
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,600

With all the Heat’s problems with injuries already detailed, Adebayo is one of the players who has been counted on for extra minutes. His offensive upside isn’t great, but Adebayo has averaged 11.0 points and 6.2 rebounds over his last five games. This isn’t an ideal matchup against a tough Celtics defense, but there aren’t great cheap options at center Wednesday. If you want to take a chance on someone who won’t cost much, Adebayo could provide value.