DraftKings NBA DFS Picks for Today (Thursday, 12/19/24): Daily Fantasy Basketball Advice

Welcome back RotoBallers. The NBA Cup is over, congrats to the Cup Champion Milwaukee Bucks. Tonight is a packed 11-game NBA slate tonight, offering plenty of opportunities to uncover value and capitalize on matchups. The slate is headlined by several injury updates that could open up game-changing value, with stars like Luka Dončić and Ja Morant carrying questionable tags. In large slates like this, injury news often dictates roster construction, so staying locked into late-breaking updates is critical.

Finding the right balance and safety for cash games while also including high-upside plays for GPPs will be the key to building successful lineups tonight. With several high-paced matchups and a mix of strong defensive teams, finding the right game environments to target will be essential. Let’s break down the best plays across price tiers to help you dominate on DraftKings.

This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 12/19/24. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our awesome NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 7:00 p.m. EST on DraftKings. 

DraftKings NBA DFS Core Picks

Cade Cunningham, PG/SG ($9,200)

Cade Cunningham is the ultimate floor-ceiling combo tonight against the Utah Jazz. With Jaden Ivey and Isaiah Stewart out, Cunningham has taken over as Detroit’s primary offensive engine. Utah ranks 25th in defensive efficiency, and with Cade’s ability to fill the stat sheet in points, assists, and rebounds, he’s a lock for 50+ fantasy points. His usage rate is nearing 34% without Ivey, and this matchup screams GPP-winning upside.

Stop sleeping on Cade Cunningham pic.twitter.com/QgC5Og3Mo3

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 17, 2024

Jaren Jackson Jr., PF/C ($7,200)

If Ja Morant sits, Jaren Jackson Jr. becomes an elite play at his price point. With a usage rate of 33.5% when Morant is off the court, Triple J has shown the ability to dominate offensively while contributing stocks (steals + blocks). Golden State’s small-ball lineups offer plenty of opportunities for Jackson to excel as the primary scorer and rebounder. Even if Ja plays, Jackson remains a strong option at this price.

Jalen Johnson, PF/C ($8,400)

Jalen Johnson is quietly becoming one of Atlanta’s most consistent contributors. Facing a San Antonio team that struggles defensively, Johnson’s versatile skill set positions him for another big game. The Spurs rank near the bottom of the league in defensive rebounding, giving Johnson a solid double-double ceiling with the potential for stocks as a bonus. His low ownership in large fields makes him an intriguing GPP pivot.

Victor Wembanyama, PF/C ($10,700)

Wembanyama is the premier high-priced option tonight and for good reason. His versatility against an Atlanta team missing Onyeka Okongwu should allow him to dominate. With a floor of 50 fantasy points and an upside nearing 70, Wembanyama is worth the investment in both cash games and GPPs.

DraftKings NBA DFS Tournament Pivots

Jordan Clarkson (SG - $6,100)

Clarkson is in a fantastic spot against a struggling Detroit defense and could go under the radar due to limited interest in Utah players outside of Walker Kessler. He can score in bunches and pick up assists, Clarkson offers significant upside at his price. Many will flock to cheaper guards or more established stars, leaving Clarkson as a strong contrarian play.

Clint Capela (C - $5,300)

Capela is unlikely to draw high ownership with most people gravitating toward value centers like Larry Nance Jr. or high-end options like Victor Wembanyama. However, Capela could dominate in limited minutes against a San Antonio team that struggles to defend the interior. He’s a great leverage play with double-double potential and stock upside.

Jonathan Kuminga (PF/C - $6,200)

Kuminga offers a high ceiling at this price. Facing Memphis, Kuminga should continue to benefit from an expanded offensive role and has shown the ability to contribute across the board. His ownership will be lower due to the crowded lower priced forward pool, making him an intriguing GPP pivot.

Jonathan kuminga since joining the starting lineup ( 6 games ):

20.8 ppg
5.2 reb
2.3 ast
1.2 blocks
49 FG%
40 3PT% on 4 attempts

4+ 20pt games in this stretch

Just 22 years old pic.twitter.com/K1qlNMtXCV

— 27 (@27woorld) December 17, 2024

De'Andre Hunter (SF/PF - $5,300)

Hunter has shown flashes of offensive upside and is in a strong spot against San Antonio’s weak defense. He’s priced in a range where many DFS players will choose more popular options like Payton Pritchard or Miles Bridges. Hunter’s ability to contribute points, rebounds, and defensive stats makes him a sneaky play with tournament-winning upside.

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DraftKings NBA DFS Value Picks

Larry Nance Jr., PF/C ($3,200)

With Clint Capela likely seeing a slight minutes cap and Onyeka Okongwu out, Nance has a path to 25+ minutes in a high-paced game. At just $3,200, Nance offers incredible per-minute production. He’s a fantastic value play that allows you to afford top-tier stars like Wembanyama or Tatum.

Payton Pritchard, PG/SG ($5,900)

If Kristaps Porzingis is ruled out, Pritchard’s role expands further. He’s been scorching hot from three-point range and has shown the ability to rack up assists and rebounds in an expanded role. Against Chicago, this game environment has a 243-point implied total, making Pritchard a great mid-tier value option.

Ausar Thompson, SG/SF ($4,400)

Thompson has stepped up in a big way with Detroit’s injuries, and he’s coming off a monster performance with 40+ fantasy points. Utah’s lack of defensive intensity provides another spot for Thompson to thrive. If Thompson starts again, he’s a near must-play at this price.

Today's Top NBA DFS Game Stacks

Detroit vs. Utah

Key Players: Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, Walker Kessler

Implied Total: 232 points

This game boasts a 232-point implied total, making it an attractive spot tonight. With injuries on both sides, this matchup provides ample upside and value. Key players to target include Cade Cunningham, who continues to lead Detroit’s offense, Ausar Thompson, who benefits from extended minutes, and Walker Kessler, a strong presence in Utah’s frontcourt.

San Antonio vs. Atlanta

Key Players: Victor Wembanyama, Jalen Johnson, Trae Young

Implied Total: 236 points

This matchup offers immense high-scoring potential and showcases several key players capable of exploiting mismatches. Victor Wembanyama headlines San Antonio’s side with his elite upside, while Jalen Johnson’s versatility and Trae Young’s dynamic scoring and playmaking make them excellent options for an Atlanta-focused stack.

My Favorite NBA DFS Picks for Today

Here is where I leave you with some of my favorites.

• Favorite Overall Play: Cade Cunningham ($9,200)
• Favorite Value Play: Larry Nance Jr. ($3,200)
• Favorite Cash Play: Jayson Tatum ($10,100)
• Favorite GPP Play: Jaren Jackson Jr. ($7,200)

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis