RADIO
Nine games total today, but the Brooklyn Nets - Milwaukee Bucks game isn't on the main slate or any slate for that matter, so we'll skip over what could be one of the better games tonight. It won't be the highest scoring game like the Pelicans-Rockets should be, but do be wary of the idea that the Pelicans might come out slow after slightly edging out the Mavericks last night. Anthony Davis went off and I love his ability to string together monstrous games and I won't fade him tonight unless he rests even though I will be extremely cautious of his status. Another game to target that has high-scoring potential despite a narrative that would prove otherwise is the Clippers versus Spurs. Both teams are on the second night of a back-to-back, but seeing how both games came down to the final quarter and in the Spurs case, seconds, it's easy to find plenty of value here.
Both teams will want to close out the weekend with wins and I'm confident stacking both the Nuggets and Spurs will be a solid strategy tonight. Personally, I favor the Nuggets over San Antonio, but look for Derrick White to continue to pick up momentum, while Nikola Jokic, and Jamal Murray should continue to carry the weight of the offense. Trey Lyles had a big game defensively last night, so tonight so I'm going to stick with Lyles as my go-to value play.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 12/29/18. 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 to early and check player statuses before the opening tip.
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DraftKings DFS Guards
Dante Exum - PG/SG, vs. NY ($3,500)
With Ricky Rubio dealing with minor injuries, and Dante Exum emerging as a more than reliable guard option for the Jazz, this pick comes with an added dash of upside. Two games ago Exum had his highest scoring game this season. Then he responded with having his first 20-point game this year. He is on the up and up and while the scoring is a fantastic bonus, he really produces off of other stats. He is one of the taller guards on the team and it allows him to be a defensive playmaker without sacrificing any other upside. He should have zero problems scoring on the Knicks and seeing how this game should lead to a blowout, he will get a few extra minutes, especially if Rubio is out.
Alec Burks - PG, @ ATL ($4,500)
I was hesitant about this pick and was considering Nicolas Batum instead, but it's hard to fade someone playing literally the worst defense at guarding opposing shooting guards. Alec Burks seems like his minutes would get sacrificed for younger players, but he gets consistent minutes and has a solidified role in the offense. Starting doesn't impact his production and he's had some of his bigger games coming off the bench, so hope for him to come off the bench versus the Hawks. He's started the past three games so chances are he will have a modest outing tonight, but if he can take his normal nine or 10 shots tonight, I'm confident he passes his projected. Also, consider Cedi Osman.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
JaMychal Green - SF/PF, vs. BOS ($3,900)
JaMychal Green should be a low-owned pick tonight especially versus the Celtics. I can't imagine many people see the upside in this pick, but Green is a rebounder that will step up to the competition. His offense and minutes leave much more to be desired, but I am confident he will find plenty of usage tonight. The Celtics are going to focus on stopping Marc Gasol and Mike Conley, leaving the rest of Memphis with the chance to produce. The Grizzlies can keep games competitive and while I can see this game being close in the first three quarters, that's where I expect Green to prove his worth. The Celtics are too good of a team to lose to Memphis unless literally no one can hit shots. If that is the case, then that's just more upside for Green. With Jaren Jackson Jr. up and coming, Green's minutes will be limited, but that doesn't mean he won't produce and have big games against quality opponents. If you prefer more potential, the next pick can replace JaMychal Green.
Jaron Blossomgame - PF/C, @ ATL ($3,400)
His last game gives me a ton of hope he will have no problem breaking through his projected, but there is limited rebounding potential since he is lining up across from John Collins. Even then, the Cavs are lacking frontcourt talent and Jaron Blossomgame has appeared to be an ideal matchup to play with Larry Nance Jr. Both played 30 minutes last game versus the Heat and despite the blowout, both forwards produced. Moving forward I like Blossomgame's ability to rack up double-digit rebounds, but in the 13-games we've seen from him, he has yet to really prove his value on offense. He has increased his shot attempts almost every game and while his upside increases every minute, he still has to produce for us to see him as a viable option. He has picked up momentum over the last week and tonight should be the night where you start considering Blossomgame as a consistent option on the Cavaliers. Tristan Thompson might have to find himself a new role moving if Blossomgame can continue to keep the floor spaced.
DraftKings DFS Centers
Enes Kanter - C, @ UTA ($5,600)
Playing in Utah really caps the upside of the Knicks as a whole, but Enes Kanter could produce if it was 5-on-1. Kanter is too strong and uses his body too well for defenders to really impact him unless they are literally pushing him around. Rudy Gobert is one of the better defenders in the league, but he doesn't have the strength to keep Kanter from boxing him out and squeezing by in the lane. I expect the Knicks to struggle this game and while there is blowout potential, I am looking for Kanter to have a massive first half, keeping the game close and carrying the team on his back.
