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DraftKings and FanDuel Daily Fantasy Basketball Picks (12/16/21): NBA DFS Lineups

The top daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on December 16, 2021. Euan Leith provides NBA DFS analysis and sleeper picks for building optimal DFS rosters.

Happy Thursday, Rotoballers! Originally, tonight should've been a five-game slate. However, because of the postponement of the Chicago-Toronto clash, we are down to four contests. That leaves us with Pistons-Pacers, 76ers-Nets, Knicks-Rockets, and Wizards-Suns to fill out our DFS lineups.

As of this writing, the Philadelphia-Brooklyn matchup has a 212-point over/under and is set as a pick 'em. Indiana and Phoenix are at least nine-point favorites in their matchups, while Houston is a 4.5-point home dog against New York. On my sheet, every game has a projected pace below 97, and it could make for a low-scoring night. Still, there are several spots to attack across the board, and the Knicks-Rockets contest will draw a lot of my attention. Over the last 10 games, both teams allow at least 116 points per 100 possessions. Meanwhile, Phoenix (105.3 defensive rating) and Philly (109.3) will make life difficult for their respective Thursday opponents.

This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 12/16/21. Remember to monitor injury news as the slate can completely change before lineups lock.

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DraftKings and FanDuel Guards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks

Cade Cunningham - PG/SG, DET at IND ($8,600 DK; $7,900 FD)

The rookie is making moves. Since the calendar flipped to December, Cade Cunningham is turning up the fantasy production and becoming a fantastic fantasy asset. Over five games, the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft averages 22 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 3.4 three-pointers, and two steals. He's eclipsed the 50-point DraftKings barrier in two of his last four outings and has recorded at least 15 points in seven straight. He will travel to a Pacers team tonight, allowing the seventh-most FPPG (fantasy points per game) to point guards over the last two weeks. With the two 50-point outings, Cunningham's shown the type of ceiling he can touch in fantasy, and I believe he can replicate that against the Pacers on Thursday.

Tyrese Maxey - PG, PHI at BKN ($6,900 DK; $6,400 FD)

From Dec. 3-Dec. 11, Tyrese Maxey did not attempt more than 10 shots in a game. However, after that four-game slide, he's returned to his high-volume ways and jumped back into the DFS player pool. In the previous two matchups, Maxey averaged 25 points on 16.5 field-goal attempts, with six assists, two three-pointers, 1.5 rebounds, and one stock (steals+blocks) per night. It's all added up to 37.6 Draftkings FPPG. That would be an initial five times return on investment at his $6,900 salary on DraftKings tonight, but he has even more working in his favor. The Nets allow a league-worst 54.16 FPPG to point guards and will be shorthanded again for this Eastern Conference showdown. So follow the volume and roll out Maxey in this primetime contest.

Eric Gordon - SG, HOU vs. NYK ($5,600 DK; $5,700 FD)

Eric Gordon (groin) missed Wednesday's contest against the Cavaliers after Head Coach Stephen Silas said the team is still managing their veteran guard's injury. Still, he should be good to go on the B-side of a back-to-back, and fantasy managers should be eager to get him on their DFS squads. Last time out, Gordon posted 32 points, five triples, three assists, three rebounds, and a steal on his way to 42.75 fantasy points. The five three-pointers made it the fourth time in five outings where the shooting guard drained at least three triples. Gordon won't be in a Rockets uniform much longer, but he is enjoying the number of shot attempts at his disposal while he can. In the last four games where he's taken at least 14 shots, Gordon averages 36.4 DraftKings FPPG, and I expect that number of attempts against a Knicks defense giving up the seventh-most FPPG to shooting guards over the last 15 games.

Others to consider: Malcom Brogdon ($8,400; $7,800), Alec Burks ($7,100; $5,500), Patty Mills ($6,600; $6,500), Raul Neto ($3,200; $3,800)

 

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DraftKings and FanDuel Forwards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks

Kevin Durant - SF/PF, BKN vs. PHI ($12,300 DK, $12,000 FD)

Without James Harden (protocols) and Kyrie Irving (personal) to help, the Brooklyn Nets rely solely on Kevin Durant to carry this team through the Christmas season. The crazy thing is that he's doing precisely that. Before Thanksgiving (18 games), KD hadn't played more than 40 minutes in a game this season. However, since then, he's seen at least 40 minutes in five of eight contests and is producing incredible real-life and fantasy numbers with 33 points, 8.3 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 2.3 stocks, and 1.9 three-pointers. It seems like nothing can stop the former MVP in his current form. On a four-game slate, I'm not betting against him. Durant is a must-play asset in cash games.

Julius Randle - PF/C, NYK at HOU ($10,000 DK; $8,700 FD)

A lot has been said this season about whether last season was Julius Randle's peak and if we will ever see it again. Well, for me, Randle is like that high-school girl/boyfriend who you were on-again, off-again in your early years. It was tumultuous with many highs and lows, but the highs always brought you back for more. That's me with Randle right now. I haven't rostered him on a DFS squad this season, and I remember the 2020-21 campaign with rose-tinted goggles. Plus, the Winter Dance (a matchup with Houston) is coming up, and Randle seems like the perfect dance partner.

Last game, he had 31 points, seven rebounds, and five three-pointers, and I'm ready to do the Cha Cha Slide on the dance floor as the Rockets give up the second-most points to power forwards in the last two weeks. Of course, I'm prepared to be burned by Randle and instantly remember that he chews food with his mouth open or says "like" too much. This is the risk and the reward with your high-school flame. He's a tournament-only play for me on Thursday night.

Jae'Sean Tate - SF/PF, HOU vs. NYK ($6,500 DK; $6,300 FD)

I would much rather play Tate than the previously mentioned Randle, all things being equal. With Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green missing, the sophomore forward recorded terrific results. He's attempted at least 10 shots in five of his previous nine contests and averages 40.35 DraftKings FPPG when he hits that benchmark. Additionally, the Knicks are a middle-0f-the-pack defense versus forwards, coming into the game as the 13th-toughest matchup for opponents. Regardless, Tate can contribute to any fantasy category and is well worth looking at this four-game slate. I prefer him on FanDuel, but he's also a differential option on DraftKings.

Others to consider: Cameron Johnson ($5,100; $5,400), Justin Holiday ($4,200; $4,000), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ($4,000; $5,000);

 

DraftKings and FanDuel Centers - NBA DFS Lineup Picks

Deandre Ayton - C, PHX vs. WAS ($8,800 DK; $8,000 FD)

Devin Booker (hamstring) is still on the sidelines for Phoenix, and it's allowing Deandre Ayton to shine as the backup singer to Chris Paul. On Tuesday against the Trail Blazers, Ayton came away with 28 points, 13 rebounds, two steals, and an assist for 49.75 DraftKings points. Tonight, he welcomes the Wizards to Arizona for a plus matchup. Over the last 15 games, Washington is the third-easiest matchup for opposing centers, giving up 60.11 DraftKings FPPG. Ayton has six double-doubles in his previous nine games and should have no problem dispatching the Wizards and making it seven in 10, tonight.

Nicolas Claxton - C, BKN vs. PHI ($3,900 DK; $5,900 FD)

As I mentioned with Kevin Durant, James Harden (protocols) is out, Kyrie Irving (personal) is nowhere, and, now, LaMarcus Aldridge (protocols) will also be absent. Aldridge also missed Tuesday's game versus the Raptors, giving Claxton the chance to shine. In 26 minutes, the third-year player registered 16 points, seven rebounds, an assist, and a block. He returned nine times his salary, and it's not difficult to imagine a similar scenario on Thursday. Yes, Philadelphia has Joel Embiid guarding the paint, but they are a bottom-10 defense against centers over the last two weeks. I like Claxton on DraftKings more than FanDuel (that price difference!!!) but can see him as a good tournament play on either site.

Others to consider: Domantas Sabonis ($10,500; $9,200), Christian Wood ($9,400; $8,300), Alperen Sengun ($5,500; $5,800)



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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Griffin Conine

To Have Shoulder Surgery On Tuesday
Luke Keaschall

Twins Prospect Luke Keaschall Suffers Broken Forearm
Logan Gilbert

Leaves Friday's Start With Forearm Tightness

Vikings Select Tai Felton To Finish Day 2

Seahawks Select Quarterback Jalen Milroe With The 92nd Pick Overall

Browns Select Dillon Gabriel 94th Overall

Packers Pick Savion Williams At No. 87 overall

Steelers Snag Kaleb Johnson In Round 3

Broncos Select Wide Receiver Pat Bryant With The 74th Overall Pick

Texans Select Jaylin Noel With 79th Pick

Lions Select Wide Receiver Isaac TeSlaa With The 70th Overall Pick
Jack Leiter

To Start On Sunday

Patriots Add Wide Receiver Kyle Williams In Round 3

Browns Draft Harold Fannin Jr. With 67th Pick
Garrett Mitchell

Makes Early Exit
Luke Keaschall

Removed Early On Friday
Blake Snell

Likely Avoids Major Injury
Cole Ragans

Dealing With Mild Groin Strain

Broncos Add RJ Harvey To Backfield With 60th Pick

Raiders Select Jack Bech With 58th Pick

Chargers Add Wide Receiver Tre Harris In Round 2
Detroit Lions

Lions Acquire 57th Pick From Broncos

Seahawks Draft Elijah Arroyo 50th Overall
Carolina Panthers

Panthers Acquire 51st Pick From Broncos
Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals Snag Will Johnson At No. 47

Jets Add A Pass-Catcher With Mason Taylor At No. 42

Rams Select Terrance Ferguson With 46th Pick
Houston Texans

Texans Acquire 48th Pick From Raiders, Draft Aireontae Ersery

Saints Snag Tyler Shough At No. 40
Brenton Doyle

Out For Personal Reasons On Friday
Brandin Podziemski

Not On Injury Report For Game 3
Jimmy Butler III

Warriors Optimistic About Jimmy Butler III Playing Saturday
Jae'Sean Tate

To Remain Out Saturday
Jock Landale

Unavailable For Game 3
Terry Rozier

Out On Saturday
Jrue Holiday

Ruled Out For Friday Night's Game 3 Against Orlando
Kevin Love

To Miss Saturday's Game
Jaylen Brown

Available For Friday Night's Game 3 Against Magic
Gary Payton II

Iffy For Saturday's Action
Jayson Tatum

Officially Available On Friday For Game 3 Against Magic
Will Smith

Back From Injury On Friday
Luke Kennard

Questionable For Game 4 On Saturday
Darius Garland

Listed As Questionable For Game 3
Ja Morant

To Miss Game 4 On Saturday
Rui Hachimura

Available For Game 3 In Minnesota
Aaron Ekblad

Available To Return Saturday
Erik Swanson

Ryan Burr Progressing
Daulton Varsho

To Return On Tuesday At The Latest
Max Scherzer

Takes Positive Step On Friday
Aleksander Barkov

Questionable For Saturday
Gabriel Landeskog

Set For Larger Role In Game 4
Calvin Pickard

To Start Game 3 For Oilers
Randy Arozarena

Resting For First Time This Year
Jonas Siegenthaler

To Play Limited Minutes In Game 3
MLB

Red Sox-Guardians Game Postponed On Friday
Luke Hughes

Remains Out On Friday
MLB

Tigers-Orioles Postponed On Friday
Patrik Laine

A Game-Time Decision Friday
Yainer Diaz

Out On Friday Against Royals
Iván Herrera

Ivan Herrera Hopes To Start Rehab Assignment Next Week
Salvador Perez

Sitting Out For First Time This Season
Jaylen Brown

Questionable For Game 3 On Friday
Brendan Donovan

Back In Action On Friday
Jimmy Butler III

Could Miss Game 3 On Saturday
Coby Mayo

Getting On A Roll At Triple-A
Carlos Prates

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Ian Machado Garry

Set For UFC Kansas City Main Event
Cade Cunningham

Collects Double-Double In Loss
Jalen Brunson

Drops 30 Points In Game 3
Karl-Anthony Towns

Leads All Scorers In Game 3 Victory
Zhang Mingyang

Scheduled For Co-Main Event
Anthony Smith

Set For His Final UFC Bout
David Onama

Set For Featherweight Bout
Giga Chikadze

Looks To Bounce Back
Abus Magomedov

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Michel Pereira

Returns To Action At UFC Kansas City
Nicolas Dalby

An Underdog At UFC Kansas City
Randy Brown

A Favorite At UFC Kansas City
Andre Muniz

Set To Open Up UFC Kansas City Main Card
Ikram Aliskerov

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Sergei Bobrovsky

Shuts Out Lightning In Game 2
Cam Fowler

Finishes Thursday's Win With Five Points
Robert Thomas

Posts Four Assists In Game 3 Win
Pavel Buchnevich

Celebrates Hat Trick During Four-Point Performance
Dylan DeMelo

Battling An Illness
Marcus Johansson

Exits Early Thursday
Aleksander Barkov

Hurt In Game 2
Jrue Holiday

Tagged As Questionable For Friday
Jayson Tatum

Likely Out Again On Friday
Anthony Cirelli

Good To Go Thursday
Andrei Vasilevskiy

Looks To Bounce Back In Game 2
Rasmus Ristolainen

To Miss Training Camp
Jonas Siegenthaler

Returns To Practice
Aliaksei Protas

Traveling With Capitals
Gabriel Vilardi

Still Out On Thursday
Max Pacioretty

Set To Join Maple Leafs Lineup For Game 3
Cam Davis

Looking For Better Fortunes At TPC Louisiana
Adam Svensson

Making Third Apperence At Zurich Classic
Max Greyserman

Aiming For Similar Success At TPC Louisiana
Lee Hodges

A High-Upside Player In New Orleans
PGA

Nico Echavarria Looks To Ride Off Of Elite Putting In New Orleans
Gary Woodland

A Player Worth Watching In New Orleans
Max McGreevy

Returns To The Zurich Classic Of New Orleans
Rasmus Hojgaard

In Search Of Consistency Ahead Of Zurich Classic
Sam Stevens

A Boom-Or-Bust Candidate In New Orleans
Nicolai Hojgaard

Looking To Turn Season Around At Zurich Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Looks To Sway A Hot Putter In Teams Favor At Zurich Classic
Akshay Bhatia

Looking To Bounce Back At TPC Louisiana
Carson Young

Looks To Turn Things Around At TPC Louisiana
Erik Van Rooyen

Looking For Momentum In Louisiana
Andrew Novak

Making Start At TPC Louisiana After Near Miss At Harbour Town
Ben Griffin

Making Third Career Start At Zurich Classic
Taylor Moore

Competing With A New Teammate In New Orleans
Wyndham Clark

Making Return To New Orleans
Kurt Kitayama

Teeing It Up Again In New Orleans
Collin Morikawa

Back At Zurich Classic For Fifth Time
Thomas Detry

Making Third Appearance At New Orleans Team Event
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