With seven games on the main slate, we have a much higher chance of having some repeating lineups, regardless, there is no real reason to fade anyone because of ownership rates. We need to play the most productive players tonight and since some of these games are lined up to be very high scoring, do not be scared off from stacking some contests. It's not suggested, but tonight that strategy could pay out handsomely.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 12/21/19. You can also check out today's FanDuel lineup picks. Remember to monitor injury news as the slate can completely change before line-up lock.
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Jarrett Culver - PG/SG, @ POR ($3,400)
Last game, Jarrett Culver burned everyone again, but this time he actually played. It's been a rough start for Culver and the Timberwolves, especially seeing how players like Treveon Graham, Shabazz Napier, and Jaylen Nowell are all seeing more minutes. That is probably because he is coming back from missing a game, but even moving forward the future does not look bright.
He needs to start having some solid outings if he wants to keep getting minutes, so look for him to show out a little more and begin producing more inspiring box score numbers, starting with this promising matchup versus Portland.
Tony Snell - SG/SF, vs. CHI ($3,400)
It is never a good idea to roster Tony Snell. Never. You couldn't convince me he was a smart play even if the Pistons came out and said Snell is the only one shooting tonight. It's not that he's a terrible player, he's just an inconsistent scorer and loves passing up shots. He will take them if he is open to start the game, but once he starts missing, he stops shooting. Since he is playing his former, former team, this game has a small narrative behind it and there is always the chance he goes off. If you love risk and players with >1% ownership rates, here you go. You could always look to Langston Galloway, but he has seen a small price increase and doesn't have that amazing, sub-$3,500 value of Snell.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
DeMar DeRozan - SG/SF, vs. LAC ($6,900)
It's always nice picking superstars like this because they don't require too much explanation. We know DeMar DeRozan doesn't have a problem scoring when he is getting to his spots, and despite Kawhi Leonard and Paul George being elite defenders, DeRozan is a still a special player regardless of who is guarding him. This should be an in-game competition between all the superstars and whatever Spurs guard decides to be hitting that night.
Dario Saric - SF/PF, vs HOU ($5,000)
It helps that Dario Saric is playing at home, but what is important here is whether or not Deandre Ayton plays. If Ayton plays, you already know he most likely won't clear his projected. If he doesn't, a ton of players are going to roll with Frank Kaminsky because the Suns are playing the Rockets, a heavy, three-point shooting team. That's great, but this is Frank Kaminsky, not the caliber of player that is going to dominate usage over someone like Saric. Both players are similar, but since Saric has a better history of producing elsewhere, I think he will get more chances to score even if he isn't hitting three's.
DraftKings DFS Centers
Ivica Zubac - C, vs SA ($4,000)
Since the Clippers are fairly comfortable in their rotations, Ivica Zubac has been a staple of DFS lineups. He has been consistent in terms of minutes and projections. That might seem confusing, but what I mean is that it's fairly easy to recognize what teams he has a chance of producing against. He hasn't had a really outstanding game versus the Spurs yet this season which seems like a cause for alarm, but he just needs to rebound to get a few extra minutes. The Spurs frontcourt has been weird to play against all season and even if they have stopped Zubac in the past, I expect him to get the better of San Antonio in his last home game between these two.