There are all types of great plays on this slate, as there are double digit games. We have multiple elite options to go along with mid-priced players and salary relief plays, as well. More options will continue to come out as injuries are announced, and tonight should be a fun, high scoring slate.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 12/16/16. The DFS lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays on DraftKings. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out to me on Twitter @BalesSJustin.
Editor's Note: New users that sign up on FantasyAces, make a $20 deposit, and enter any game will receive BOTH our full season NBA and NFL Premium Passes for free, a $119.99 value. Just email [email protected] with your new FantasyAces username - and boom, that's it! We will email you with your Premium Passes.
DraftKings DFS Guards
John Wall – PG, vs DET ($8,900)
Wall has been playing on another level recently, especially for his price tag. He has scored at least 45 fantasy points in eight of his last nine games, including seven games with 50 or more fantasy points. He has been extremely consistent over that span, but he has also displayed elite upside. He gets a tough matchup against the Pistons tonight, but Wall has been matchup proof recently, and he can be used in all leagues tonight.
Isaiah Thomas – PG, vs CHA ($7,000)
Thomas is currently listed as questionable, but he’s expected to play tonight. He saw his price tag decrease a significant amount because of his recent injury, and he should easily his value tonight. He has tremendous upside for his low price tag, and Thomas will return to his normal role in the Boston offense. He can be used in all leagues as long as it’s announced that he won’t be on a minute’s restriction tonight.
Sergio Rodriguez – PG, vs LAL ($5,000)
Jerryd Bayless was recently ruled out for the season, which means Sergio Rodriguez will continue to play around 30 minutes per game. He has been playing well recently, as he’s averaging over 25 fantasy points per game over the last 10 days. He generally hits value at his current price tag when given the minutes, and he has the potential for much more. He also gets a matchup against a fast paced Lakers team, and Rodriguez can be used in all leagues tonight.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
DeMarcus Cousins – PF/C, @MEM ($10,900)
DeMarcus Cousins was given a day of rest in the Kings last game, which means he should be well rested for tonight. He has been on fire recently, as he has scored at least 60 fantasy points in four of his last five games. He only struggled in a game against the Jazz, who have one of the best defenses in the NBA. Cousins gets a significantly better matchup against the Grizzlies tonight, and he can be used in all leagues.
Nicolas Batum – SG/SF, @BOS ($7,100)
Batum comes with a hefty price tag tonight, but he has been on fire recently. He has displayed elite versatility, as he’s averaging 14.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game over the last 10 days. He gets a tough matchup against the Celtics, but Batum’s ability to contribute in multiple categories allows him to be used in any matchup. It also helps that he’s multiple position eligible between both guard and forward, and Batum has been playing well enough to be used in all leagues.
Jahlil Okafor – PF/C, vs LAL ($5,100)
Joel Embiid is expected to play tonight, which hurts the value of Okafor a bit, but they have been able to play together this season. Okafor has scored at least 25 fantasy points in each of his last four games, including three games with 30 or more fantasy points. He is scoring well, but he has also been contributing in the other four categories at some level. He gets a great matchup against a fast paced Lakers team tonight, and Okafor is cheap enough to be used in all leagues.
DraftKings DFS Centers
Marc Gasol – C, vs SAC ($7,900)
There is word that Mike Conley will be returning from injury soon, but Marc Gasol will keep his value until that happens. Gasol has been the focal point of the offense recently, and he’s averaging 25.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game over the last 10 days. He’s touching the ball nearly every possession, and he has been one of the best centers in the NBA recently. He gets a great matchup against the Kings tonight, and Gasol can be used in all leagues.
Robin Lopez – C, vs MIL ($4,700)
Robin Lopez has been an interesting fantasy option this season. He generally is best suited for tournaments, but he has hit value in four of his last five games. He’s a player that has the ability to double double with points and rebounds, while also adding a few stats in other categories, as well. He gets a good matchup against the Bucks, who have struggled against the center this season, as well. He is locked into big minutes for the Bulls, but he’s still a player that is best suited for tournaments, as he does come with some risk.
NBA & DFS Premium Subscription
Get an edge on your NBA DFS competition, every single night of the week:
- DFS Cheat Sheets and Lineup Picks: Access to 10 deeply researched lineup picks, and sample lineups - seven days a week! Includes advanced stats to unlock NBA player values, and boost DFS success.
- DFS Optimizer Tool: Generate optimal DFS lineups in seconds. Use advanced features and stats for including/excluding players, cash games vs. GPPs, stacks and more.
- DFS Value Picks: Our Optimizer helps you find, sort and filter the best lineup values and DFS sleeper picks. Premium stats like "Usage Rate" and "Points/$1K" give you a leg up on the DFS competition.
- Daily NBA Projections: Our secret sauce - the Optimizer Tool provides DFS points projections for FanDuel, DraftKings and Yahoo scoring.
Lineup Optimizer/Generator & Sleepers Tool
Click here to see a full size version of the tool
Click here to see a full size version of the cheat sheet