Only five games on the slate make for some very limited options. When you have slates like tonight, you need to find those one or two value plays, so the rest of your lineup can be loaded with consistent options that you know will produce. Russell Westbrook is the only overly expensive player and playing him against the Hawks should actually, somehow, work in your favor. I also think it would be a good idea to stack the Nuggets against the Mavericks and the Pacers against the Wizards. Both, the Mavericks and Wizards are on the second night of a back-to-back which makes them prime targets for tonight.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 12/19/16. The DFS lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays on DraftKings. The players I advise are the players that are in my lineup so if it all goes downhill, I'll be tumbling down right next to you. Let's get rolling…
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FanDuel DFS Guards
Emmanuel Mudiay - PG, vs DAL ($5,000)
Mudiay got out of a nine-game slump against the Knicks and I feel comfortable taking him against the Mavericks. Dallas is on the second night of a back-to-back and combined with a backcourt that does not fare well against point guards as it is, I’ll take Mudiay at that price any day. There are not many options I actually like today other than a few must-play superstars but Mudiay, I feel confident should put up similar numbers to his previous game. I’m predicting 20 points with around 8 assists with a few steals thrown in for giggles.
Joe Young - PG, vs WAS ($3,700)
The Pacers backcourt has been near depleted with Monta Ellis and Rodney Stuckey going down with injuries. Joe Young fills in the role that both Ellis and Stuckey leave by being primarily a scorer. Joe Young does not see consistent minutes but he is effective. He is able to get shots off against any opponent but he needs the minutes to be productive. I threw this name out here as a name to watch that will be a great streamer while the Pacers search for scoring, especially from their backcourt players not named Jeff.
Also Consider: Devin Booker - SG, @ MIN ($5,700)
FanDuel DFS Forwards
Alex Len - PF, @ MIN ($4,800)
Alex Len has been very effective in the minutes he has been given lately. He has been dealing with a hip injury which makes his game log unnerving. That being said, Len is an avid rebounder that has decent touch for a big man. He needs minutes to be productive which makes him risky but, as long as he is off the injury report, he is an intriguing play every night. I feel confident going with Len because of his matchup with Minnesota for a cheap price. If you need a mid-ranged PF, Len is your guy.
Nikola Jokic - PF, vs DAL ($5,900)
Putting both Len and Nikola Jokic up here seems redundant but, where Len offers value, Jokic offers upside. Jokic is going up a very weak defensive front court and has a great price for what he can offer up tomorrow. His last two outings have been uncommonly low when it comes to minutes but Nuggets coach Mike Malone always plays the hot hand. Jokic should get plenty of minutes tomorrow while dominating the Mavericks.
Also Consider: Paul George - SF, vs WAS ($8,100)
FanDuel DFS Centers
Myles Turner - C, vs WAS ($6,500)
Im really liking Myles Turner above any other Center tonight, especially when he is lined up against Marcin Gortat. Gortat usually puts up a fight but Turner's athleticism should give him the upper hand. Gortat is still probably for a double-double and will more than likely win the rebound battle, but Turner should be able to score with ease as he slowly finds rhythm in his outside shot. Tonight, you can go cheaper at the Center position and a play like Turner should be a top play for the night. If Turner can get his shot to fall early against Gortat, it will only mean good things for whoever has him in their lineup.
Also Consider: Andre Drummond - C, @ CHI ($7,800)
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