Eight games make up Wednesday night's slate. There are several big money options on the card, including a big man out of Sacramento that recently dropped over 80 fantasy points despite spitting his mouth guard at the opposing bench. Classy.
Let's see who can join the nice list tonight.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 12/21/16. 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 @DemetriRafto
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DraftKings DFS Guards
Dennis Schroder - PG, vs MIN ($7,000)
Dennis Schorder enters a solid matchup against a Minnesota Timberwolves squad that has allowed the most fantasy points to point guards this season. Schroder's price has gradually risen over the past couple of weeks, thanks to his consistent double-digit scoring and proclivity to accumulate over six assists per contest. The Atlanta Hawks have struggled a bit of late, but still remain one of the most talented teams in the Eastern Conference. We can expect this game, with Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins, and Zach Lavine on the other side of the ball, to be high scoring. Schroder is still affordable, and it would be wise to scoop him up before his price increases even more.
J.J. Barea - PG, @ POR ($4,500)
The Dallas Mavericks are one of the worst teams in the league. It's been difficult to trust any of their players for daily fantasy simply because they've had trouble putting points up on the board. Although, someone has to continue, or attempt to, picking up the slack with Dirk Nowitzki sidelined. Barea has posted 20-plus fantasy points in 10 straight contests and has breached the 30 point mark in five over that span. He's inexpensive and has been playing around the same amount of minutes as starter Deron Williams. William's is $1,500 more expensive and has producing similarly to Barea.
James Harden - PG/SG, @ PHO ($12,000)
We never really need a reason to draft The Beard. His price is glaring and can compromise the rest of your team's value considering how high it is, but not many players can put up a consistent 50 fantasy points and break out for 60 or 70 periodically. Harden, at $12,000, is still not the most expensive player on the slate tonight (Russell Westbrook) and heads into a favorable matchup against the struggling Phoenix Suns. I wouldn't be worried about a blowout scenario where Harden is rested considering how many points the Rockets allow as well (105.7 per game). The Suns surrender the third most points per game at 113.1. Expect Harden to feast.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Trevor Ariza - SF, @ PHO ($5,600)
I'm a fan of stacking Harden with Trevor Ariza Wednesday night. Ariza is affordable and has become quite the generous stat-spreader. The same should be the case tonight against a Suns team that allows a good amount of points to the small forward position. Ariza's greatest appeal lay in his three point abilities. Over his last six games, Ariza has attempted 53 from behind the arc and has sunk 20 of them. On the season, he's shooting around 38% from downtown. The Suns currently own the second highest opponent three point percentage in the league.
Gordon Hayward - SF, vs SAC ($7,600)
Gordon Hayward and the Utah Jazz will look to bounce back after getting spanked by the Golden State Warriors Tuesday night. The Sacramento Kings, despite their offensive talent, are not the MonStars and should give the Jazz an easier time to put points on the board. Hayward's six point dud will be quickly forgotten. DeMarcus Cousins is playing out of his head so the Jazz will need help from one of their top producers.
Anthony Davis - PF, vs OKC ($10,900)
It will be difficult to afford both Harden and Anthony Davis, but it's worth trying. It's also worth admitting that both, although expensive, are viable options to break out for 60-70 fantasy points. Both have solid matchups as well. The Oklahoma City Thunder are playing good basketball behind the out-of- this-world play of Westbrook. Vegas has this game listed at 208.5 points, rightfully so considering the fire power about to take the court. The Brow has proved to be inconsistent and injury-prone, but posted 70.75 fantasy points against the Thunder earlier in December (37 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, four blocks, two steals).
DraftKings DFS Centers
Greg Monroe - C, @ CLE ($4,400)
I'm usually a fan of spending up at the center position but with Harden and Davis already on this list, it will be necessary to go value in order to afford them. Greg Monroe and the Milwaukee Bucks take on the defending champions for the second straight night. While Monroe has struggled to get his fair share of minutes this season (Head coach Jason Kidd is not fond of the big man for whatever reason) he could see a boost tonight as both teams could be planning to rest some of their starters. Monroe is a lot more talented than what his price indicates and the amount of minutes he's receiving. When awarded sufficient playing time, Monroe is a double-double threat.
Steven Adams - C, @ NO ($5,200)
Continuing to spend down at the five-spot, Adams enters a battle with Anthony Davis Wednesday night. Adams, the safer option between he and Enes Kanter, has a relatively low ceiling, but doesn't need to do much to reach projection at his price. The Pelicans have struggled to defend the center position all season while Adams is also a double-double threat, specifically in games that stay close and competitive.
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