RADIO
All throughout the 2014-15 campaign, RotoBaller will be giving you the top NBA DFS lineup picks at the guard, forward and center positions as well as a couple of sleepers for the day. Below are our favorite picks for December 17th, 2014.
Keep in mind, fantasy basketball is a fickle game when it comes to injured players, so be sure to check all lineups prior to tip-off. If you want to chat about your roster picks, check out the DFS chat room at the bottom of this post.
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Worth the Investment
James Harden (HOU, G) - $9,000
In case you have not been playing daily fantasy basketball recently, Harden is absolutely on fire. The Rockets' stud shooting guard has scored a ridiculous 179.5 fantasy points over the last three games. For those worried that the return of Dwight Howard would eat into value, there is no need to fear.
On the year, Harden is leading all guards in fantasy scoring at 48.42 points per night. Tonight, he takes on Denver, a team he just lit up for a triple-double on Saturday. Despite the high price tag, Harden should be on every roster.
Tim Duncan (SAS, F) - $6,800
Duncan should be an excellent contrarian play tonight, as he not only missed the Spurs last game, but also has a tough matchup against the Grizzlies. Those two factors should drive down his ownership percentage, but do not shy away, as the veteran big man is averaging 37.89 fantasy points per game.
Duncan has produced north of 35 fantasy points in each of his last six games, including two games of over 46 points. The other positive for Duncan is that Zach Randolph and the Grizzlies will be traveling to San Antonio after a tough game against the Warriors last night. For a reduced price, Duncan should be a solid under-the-radar pick.
Nikola Vucevic (ORL, C) - $7,400
There are many solid options to choose from at center, including LaMarcus Aldridge and Marc Gasol, but Vucevic stands out as the nights' top option. In two games since returning from injury, he has 31 points, 20 rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Apparently, Vucevic is dealing with little, if any, lingering back pain.
Tonight, the Magic take on a Celtics' front line that includes Jared Sullinger, Kelly Olynyk and Tyler Zeller, which means rebounds should be available in massive proportions. A double-double with a few blocks and steals should make Vucevic a strong value in this one.
Top Sleepers
Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL, G) - $3,700
Antetokounmpo is known as the “Greek Freak” for a reason, he is one of the few players in the league capable of putting up the vaunted 5x5 line of at least five points, rebounds, blocks, steals and assists.
Antetokounmpo is still a young, somewhat inconsistent player on a nightly basis, producing efforts of 29.25, 34.75 and 15.00 fantasy points over the last three games. However, adding to his potential is the news that rookie teammate Jabari Parker will be out for the season with a torn ACL, possibly giving Antetokounmpo even more playing time.
The Bucks versus Trailblazers matchup could certainly turn into a shootout, so having some low cost exposure to that game is definitely a good idea.
Chris Kaman (POR, C) - $3,000
Kaman is Another player likely to benefit greatly from an injury to a teammate. With Robin Lopez (hand) out for at least the next six weeks, Kaman will take on the starting center role for the Blazers.
As a reserve so far this season, Kaman has posted a solid 20.79 fantasy points per contest. That production should only increase now that the veteran should receive around 30 minutes per game. For just six percent of your cap space, Kaman is almost guaranteed to be a steal at this price.
As mentioned before, Harden looks like a must own tonight, meaning you will need to get a few value plays. Milwaukee is a team that can be exposed on the interior, so Kaman has a solid opportunity in this one.
