RADIO
After a small Thursday slate, we have a sizable Friday slate. There are plenty of juicy matchups that should feature a ton of points tonight. After looking over the slate, there are plenty of options at differing price ranges, as well, making lineup construction a bit easier tonight.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 12/22/17. I will point out players at each position who seem like a value based on their current price. I'll also provide one or two GPP plays to keep in mind for you tournament players.
If you have any questions or comments hit me up on Twitter @BalesSJustin. Let's do this thing.
DraftKings DFS Guards
Lonzo Ball - PG, at GS ($7,000)
Ball has caught fire recently, and it is difficult to avoid him for his current price. Over the last 10 days, he is averaging 15.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.5 steals in 38.3 minutes per game. He has scored 37+ fantasy points in five of his last six games, including three games with 43 or more fantasy points. He is also averaging a 15.5/4.0/8.0/1.0/1.0 line against the Warriors this season. This game is going to be fast paced and high scoring, making Ball and elite option on this slate.
Dennis Smith Jr - PG/SG, at MIA ($4,800)
Smith returned from injury in the Mavs last game, scoring 28.75 fantasy points in only 21 minutes. He is expected to see around 25 minutes tonight, and Smith is averaging slightly under one fantasy point per minute this season. He comes with an elite usage rating for his low price tag, and he gets a matchup against a young Miami defense. Smith's price tag represents his recent injury over his production this season. He should have no problems hitting value tonight.
Other Guards to Consider: Lou Williams, Milos Teodosic, Bradley Beal, Dennis Schroder, Kemba Walker
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Kevin Durant - SF/PF, vs LAL ($11,600)
Durant is coming off a bad game, but he is still averaging 30.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game over the last 10 days. He has been a better option since the injury to Stephen Curry, scoring 72.25 fantasy points against the Los Angeles Lakers just two games ago. That is the upside he carries in this matchup again tonight, as this game will be fast paced and high scoring once again. Durant is not going to come cheap, but he is an elite option on this slate.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson - SF/PF, vs WAS ($6,000)
Hollis-Jefferson has been struggling a bit recently, but he has seen an increase in minutes since the trade for Jahlil Okafor. Over the last 10 days, RHJ is averaging 14.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 steal per game. He has also been a better option at home, where he is averaging 6.9 more fantasy points per game than on the road. He was able to dominate the Wizards in limited minutes earlier this season, and RHJ comes with elite upside tonight.
Other Forwards to Consider: Harrison Barnes, Nicolas Batum, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brandon Ingram, Andre Roberson
DraftKings DFS Centers
Nikola Jokic - C, at POR ($7,400)
Jokic is another player who has a price tag representing his recent injury rather than his production this season. He was on a minute's restriction for a few games, but he was able to play 36 minutes in his last game. On the season, he is averaging 1.34 fantasy points per game, displaying his elite upside for his current price tag. He also gets a good matchup against the Portland Blazers, who have struggled at times this season. Jokic can be considered in all leagues.
Other Centers to Consider: Andre Drummond, DeAndre Jordan, John Henson, Dwight Howard, Tyler Zeller
