RADIO
Initially, I wrote a FanDuel article when it was supposed to be DraftKings. Luckily, the picks I had planned didn't change, but the prices did. I apologize and the this article has been updated accordingly. Mostly, I apologize to Tom Vecchio, who puts out dynamite content on Wednesdays, and whose clicks I probably stole...my bad.
Anyway, there are 10 games on our post-Christmas day slate, meaning there are 20 teams wanting to be part of the Christmas-week basketball narrative. Sadly, there were only about two or three good games yesterday, leaving much more to be desired from an athletic standpoint. Nearly every game has a ton of upside and even though the Clippers and Kings are projected to have the highest scoring game, it's doubtful it ends up that way. Jrue Holiday, Jamal Murray, Anthony Davis, and Collin Sexton are a few names you MUST consider tonight because of their price and upside, but Tyreke Evans is one player you need to watch. If he plays, he should be the main source or production off the bench for the Pacers.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 12/26/18. These DFS lineup picks can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on DraftKings. You can also check out today's FanDuel lineup picks.
As always, don't set your lineups too early and check player statuses before the opening tip. Find me in the NBA Chat Room or @HalfCourtJester on Twitter for questions.
DraftKings DFS Guards
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander- PG/SG, vs. SAC ($4,500)
I'd prefer to go for more value in this position, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is facing the Kings backcourt which has been borderline pathetic all-season. They rank in the bottom five against opposing point guards, and while Gilgeous-Alexander hasn't been the most explosive fantasy asset, he still plays the minutes and receives more than enough usage every night. He consistently puts up stat lines that fill up every category, just not to the point where you NEED to roster him. Tonight, he has a ton upside and I think the Kings pushing the pace will be exactly what he needs to find a groove. He should be one of the lower-owned options tonight with so much other talent spread out.
Langston Galloway - PG/SG, vs. WAS ($3,300)
This is risky but the upside is there. Langston Galloway had a great game last outing versus the Hawks, but it's the Hawks. Not the toughest competition although they have athletic defenders that can cause problems for shooters. The Wizards on the other hand have been letting up big games to role players all season. Galloway has been floating around 10-12 shot attempts almost every game, and while he has games where he doesn't shoot as much, I can't see that happening tonight. I don't see him being the highest scorer on either team, but I see him being the secondary scorer for Blake Griffin to find on the perimeter consistently. This game should break down into the Pistons frontcourt dominating from the inside-out, so Galloway and players like Reggie Bullock should be open on the wings all game.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Harrison Barnes - SF/PF, at NOP ($6,000)
The Pelicans are going to score on the Mavericks and Harrison Barnes is going to be hard to stop. Along with Luka Doncic, I don't expect New Orleans to stop either forward from getting to their spots and involving their teammates. Barnes price is a tad high for recent production outside of his last game, but the Pelicans have been literally the worst team at guarding opposing hybrid forwards. Even with his price at a mid-level, his upside is unreal. New Orleans has struggled to stop opposing offenses and have engaged in a more shoot-outs since the start of the season. They are still a good team, but there's little chance this game turns into a complete blowout.
James Johnson - SF/PF. at TOR ($3,700)
Normally, I would have gone with shooters in this game, but I'm confident both teams best shooters will struggle. The last time these two teams met, Danny Green, Delon Wright, Rodney McGruder, and Wayne Ellington were ineffective from the field. Leaving all the production up to Dwyane Wade and Bam Adebayo. James Johnson didn't play last game, which means he will be a new development the Raptors will need to adapt for. Johnson isn't the greatest DFS player, but his attention to defense and ability to fill the stat sheet makes him a great play in what should be competitive games. His price is extremely low for his upside and I wouldn't be surprised if Johnson ends up leading the charge for Miami tonight.
DraftKings DFS Centers
Nikola Vucevic - C, vs. PHO ($8,900)
It's hard not to like this Nikola Vucevic versus Deandre Ayton matchup. Ayton has the strength advantage, but Vucevic has been able to get to his spots and use his body better than most bigs. Because he doesn't have the height to dominate through size, he uses playmaking and post-scoring techniques to outplay his matchup. Time and time again, Vucevic has been the best player on a very bad team. Normally, this would qualify as a reason to fade him, but since the Magic are playing the Suns, a good chunk of the production should come directly from those two players. Ayton has upside in rebounding, but Vucevic has the experience to produce against anyone, but mainly he is a solid option that should have a low ownership rate.
