NBA DFS Picks for FanDuel, DraftKings - Hornets vs. Lakers Thursday Night Showdown

Happy Thursday, RotoBallers! Welcome back to our weekly showdown. We absolutely crushed last week's article as the top four plays from the article were the top four scored in the Blazers vs. Wizards game. The value hurt us a bit, but it still led to us cashing really well. This week, we have a tough one with a lot of the Lakers questionable going into tonight's game. So make sure to keep an eye on injury news as it can really affect this game. The Hornets are their own set of problems but at least we know who will be in and who won't be!

I absolutely love playing the NBA showdowns daily, it has become one of my favorite forms of DFS. Nothing is more thrilling than having a lineup consisting of players from one game and sweating it out while watching it live. There is a lot less room for error though with there being fewer options to choose from. Hopefully, with all the advanced stats, I will be able to bring you the best analysis possible and get you some extra cash for the weekend ahead. So strap in as the season is just beginning and we will be here all year long. 

I will provide you with daily fantasy basketball picks on FanDuel and DraftKings for the Hornets vs. Lakers NBA DFS showdown slate on December 28. These NBA DFS lineup picks can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on both DraftKings and FanDuel. If you have any questions, you can follow me on Twitter/X @DFSKoby and please feel free to ask any questions about upcoming slates as I'm happy to answer any DMs or in our RotoBaller Discord!

MVP/Captain Plays

Anthony Davis/LeBron James- C, $14,700 (DK), $16,500 (FD)

Key Stats

• 2023 Avg. Season Stats: 24.9 points, 3.2 assists, 12.4 rebounds with a combined 3.6 STOCK average.

I put both guys here as unfortunately, we sit here with a couple of "questionable" tags. If one or the other starts, you have to grab one of them and stick them at captain or MVP on FD. If both end up starting, I believe you have to start with Anthony Davis. He is once again in one of the best spots he can be in this season as the Charlotte Hornets are giving up the most fantasy points to centers in the league this season! Anthony Davis has been on a tear recently, scoring 50+ fantasy points in 12 straight games. He is the clear No.1 option on this slate, we just need him to end up playing!

Terry Rozier- PG, $12,300 (DK), $14,500 (FD)

Key Stats

• The last 10 games average: 23.2 points, 7.7 assists, and 3.8 rebounds with a combined 1.8 STOCK average

Charlotte has had the injury bug recently, leading to Terry Rozier going on quite the run. This also happens to be the perfect spot for Terry to go ballistic. The Lakers are giving up the second-most fantasy points to PGs in the league this season. Since LaMelo Ball has been out, Terry has only had below 35 fantasy points in two of the 13 games played since his injury. With Gordon Hayward out as well, this only increases Terry's usage in the offense.

Other Captains/MVPs: LeBron James, Miles Bridges

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DFS Flex Plays

Austin Reaves- SG, $7,000 (DK), $12,000 (FD)

With D'Angelo Russell going to the bench, this seems to have given Austin Reaves more opportunity to increase his scoring. He has a solid floor at around 25 fantasy points, but has some boom ability to score in the high 30s or even 40s. If either AD or LeBron are out, then I would expect Reaves to get an increased workload. But with that being said, I still love Reaves as an overall play and he should be rostered regardless of injury news.

Nick Richards- C, $5,800 (DK), $10,000 (FD)

With Mark Williams more than likely doubtful to play, this makes for a great spot that Nick Richards can thrive in. The Lakers give up the fifth-most fantasy points to centers this season, making him a solid play. Mark has been out for eight straight games, but it's been his two recent games where he has thrived, scoring 43 and 30 fantasy points against solid teams in Denver and the LA Clippers. $5,800 is a great flex price and could even be considered a bit of value. With his minutes getting up in the high 30s, I would consider this a crucial play against a big LA team.

Other Flex Options: Miles Bridges, P.J. Washington

DFS Value Plays

Taurean Prince- PF, $4,800 (DK), $8,500 (FD)

This is more of a DK play as he is still incredibly cheap over there. FD can be a bit tougher to get to, but he has been incredible since seeing an increased workload. He has scored nearly 30 fantasy points in three of his last four games. He mainly is a scorer, but when he can get involved on the defense and get a few steals/blocks, his fantasy points can get up there. With this game more than likely leading towards a blowout, I could see one of AD or LeBron sitting, giving Prince even more chance to score well.

Cody Martin- SF, $6,200 (DK), $6,000 (FD)

Cody Martin might be a shot in the dark, but with all these injuries that Charlotte has, he could be in for an increased workload off the bench. He is only two games removed from his injury that kept him out of the majority of the season, but he has seen 25 minutes in their recent game against the Clippers. He scored 27.4 fantasy points and the nice thing is he is dirt cheap and minimum price on FD. It is worth a shot on someone so cheap.

Other Value Plays: Rui Hachimura, Cam Reddish (if he plays)

Have a great night and let's make some cash!

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