It's the day after Christmas and it was a heck of a night, the Cavaliers won by one and it sure was a fight. The Clippers went down, thanks to the Lakers great shooting. Between the Spurs and the Bulls... we know Chicago is hurting. Porzingis went hard, but Boston would win, and victorious Westbrook carried the Thunder with a shrug and a grin. Well, the night is over but look, Monday is here. It's an 11-game slate, so let out a cheer. There are plenty of options, so don't be sad, just stack against Portland, their defense is bad.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 12/26/16. The DFS lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays on FanDuel. 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
James Harden - PG, vs PHO ($11,600)
If you want to spend up tonight, James Harden is the guard you should be looking at. Against a Phoenix Suns team that is mediocre against guards, Harden is an automatic play tonight. He has been on a different level this year and no matter the matchup, Harden is not getting stopped. Because the Suns have not been statistically terrible against other backcourt players, Harden should go under-owned tonight. When you have a player of this caliber available, it is almost better to take them in tougher match-ups in hopes the game stays close and Harden is needed to facilitate the offense the entire game. The Rockets should still win, but this will be a shootout between a face-paced Suns squad and a Houston team that has been lethal from being the arc.
Gary Harris - SG, at LAC ($4,700)
Do not let his last outing fool you. Gary Harris is a great shooter and proved quickly after his return why he was the starter a season prior. At this price, Harris has a very good chance of beating his projection against the Clippers who are going to struggle without Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. Harris hit the ground running and for what his price is at, its hard not to take advantage. Harris is a true shooter whose usage will slowly increase as the season progresses making this sub-$5,000 option a top value play for the day.
Also Consider: Kyle Lowry - PG, at POR ($8,700)
FanDuel DFS Forwards
Maurice Harkless - SF, at TOR ($5,000)
With Evan Turner still out, Maurice Harkless will continue to see a good amount a minutes each night. His versatility makes him a major contributor in everything but assists. His athleticism gives him an advantage over a fairly weak Raptors front court. While his production is on a downtrend, which should not last past tonight, his minutes have increased in each of his last three games. It is hard to argue against minutes with a player that is comfortable playing with both the starting and bench players. Portland coach Terry Stotts seems comfortable leaving Harkless in regardless of the situation, and tonight, Harkless should break out of his offensive slump with a favorable matchup.
T.J. Warren - SF, at HOU ($5,600)
As you can see, I am going value at the SF position with Harkless and T.J. Warren. While Harkless is more of a defensive specialist with a knack for rebounding and finishing around the rim, Warren is a finisher that has a knack for heating up against stiff competition. Warren stepped up in crucial moments for the slumping Suns before his injury, and now that he has returned, it seems Phoenix could not be happier to have one of their more consistent sources of offense back in the lineup. He has scored 19 points in his last two games and tonight against the Rockets, Im projecting 25 points, around 8 rebounds, and 3 assists for Warren. Like I said before, this game should be a high scoring game and I'm taking scorers.
Also Consider: Andrew Wiggins - SF, vs ATL ($6,200)
FanDuel DFS Centers
Brook Lopez - C, vs CHA ($7,300)
I really wasn't sure who I wanted to write about, Brook Lopez or Cody Zeller, but seeing how Lopez should go off for more points, I will advise him as a top Center for tonight that should dominate against Charlotte. Lopez is not the best rebounder but neither is Cody Zeller, making this a great time to pick Lopez. We knew his scoring is never a problem and Zeller will not be able to get out and stop Lopez from hitting his deep perimeter shots. Lopez is always a potential option due to his ability to score but his chances of contributing elsewhere in a tasty matchup make Lopez a mid-high priced option that will exceed his projected points with gusto.
Also Consider: Cody Zeller - C, at BKN ($5,100)
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