X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

DraftKings Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks (12/31/16): NBA DFS Advice

It's the final slate of the year. It isn't a big one, but Happy New Year, everyone!

In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 12/31/16. The DFS lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays on DraftKings. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out to me on Twitter @BalesSJustin.

Editor's Note: New users that sign up on FantasyAces, make a $20 deposit, and enter any game will receive BOTH our full season NBA and NFL Premium Passes for free, a $119.99 value. Just email [email protected] with your new FantasyAces username - and boom, that's it! We will email you with your Premium Passes.

 

DraftKings DFS Guards

Giannis Antetokounmpo – PG, at CHI ($9,800)

Antetokounmpo is an elite option any time he’s priced under $10k. He has been on fire recently, as his floor sits around 45 fantasy points with a ceiling significantly higher. He gets a great matchup against the Bulls, who he’s nearly averaging a triple double against this season. Chicago hasn’t found a way to stop Antetokounmpo thus far, and it would be surprising if he doesn’t dominate again tonight. He can safely be used in all leagues on this slate.

Kyrie Irving – PG, at CHA ($7,900)

Irving suffered a cramp in his hamstring to end the game against the Celtics, but he’s expected to play tonight. He has been playing on another level recently, as he’s averaging a healthy 51.9 fantasy points per game over the last 10 days. He has scored at least 60 fantasy points in three of his last five contests, and he’s still priced entirely too cheap. He gets a tough matchup against the Hornets, but Irving is an elite option in all leagues tonight, as long as it’s announced that he’s healthy.

Derrick Rose – PG, at HOU ($6,500) 

Rose has looked outstanding since returning from injury, and he has been able to contribute in multiple categories on a nightly basis. He is a huge part of the Knicks offense, and he recently took 28 shots from the field against the Hawks. He gets a matchup against the Rockets, who will likely be pushing the pace in this game. Rose still comes with a moderate price tag, and he has been playing well enough to be used in all leagues tonight.

 

DraftKings DFS Forwards

LeBron James – SF, at CHA ($10,400)

James has been one of the best fantasy options in the NBA recently, as he has scored at least 50 fantasy points in seven of his last nine games, including games with 66.5 and 79.75 fantasy points. His price tag is finally up, but it still isn’t high enough for his recent production. He gets a great matchup against the Hornets, who he’s averaging 62.1 fantasy points per game against this season. James is an elite option on a nightly basis, and tonight is no different. He can be used in all leagues.

Nicolas Batum – SG/SF, vs CLE ($8,000)

Batum is another player that has been on fire recently, and he’s still too cheap for his most recent production. He’s averaging 20.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and 1.8 steals over the last 10 days. He’s a player that has displayed triple double potential recently, and he gets a great matchup against the Cavs tonight. Batum is locked into big minutes, and he can safely be used in all leagues, as his price does not match his most recent production.

Dragan Bender – SF/PF, at UTA ($3,300)

Bender is an interesting player. He has seen his role increase for the Suns recently, but he has dealt with a small amount of foul troubles. He’s a player that can fill the stat sheet, and he recently scored 41.25 fantasy points in only 27 minutes against the Rockets. He’ll likely play around 25 minutes tonight, which is more than enough time for him to exceed value. He does get a tough matchup against the Jazz, but he’s a great tournament option tonight.

 

DraftKings DFS Centers

Marc Gasol – C, at SAC ($8,100)

Gasol has been an elite option with Mike Conley out this season, and he has scored 49.0 and 54.5 fantasy points in his last two games without Conley. Conley is once again listed as questionable tonight, and he’s a player to keep tabs on up until lock. Gasol can score in multiple categories, and he’ll be the focal point of the offense. He also gets a great matchup against the Kings, who have struggled against centers this season. Gasol can be used in all leagues if Conley is out, but he’s best suited for tournaments if Conley is able to play.

Derrick Favors – PF/C, vs PHO ($4,300)

Favors scored 21 points in his last game, but more importantly, he played 25 minutes in that game. His minutes have been on the rise, and he’s a player that can score fantasy points in a hurry. He does come with quite a bit of risk because of his limited minutes, but he’s extremely cheap and has more than enough upside to be used for his price tag. He also gets a good matchup against the Suns, who have been pushing the pace this season. Favors is best suited for tournaments, though.

 

NBA & DFS Premium Subscription

Get an edge on your NBA DFS competition, every single night of the week:

  • DFS Cheat Sheets and Lineup Picks: Access to 10 deeply researched lineup picks, and sample lineups - seven days a week! Includes advanced stats to unlock NBA player values, and boost DFS success.
  • DFS Optimizer Tool: Generate optimal DFS lineups in seconds. Use advanced features and stats for including/excluding players, cash games vs. GPPs, stacks and more.
  • DFS Value Picks: Our Optimizer helps you find, sort and filter the best lineup values and DFS sleeper picks. Premium stats like "Usage Rate" and "Points/$1K" give you a leg up on the DFS competition.
  • Daily NBA Projections: Our secret sauce - the Optimizer Tool provides DFS points projections for FanDuel, DraftKings and Yahoo scoring.

 

Lineup Optimizer/Generator & Sleepers Tool


Click here to see a full size version of the tool


Click here to see a full size version of the cheat sheet

 

Premium NBA DFS Lineup Picks & Cheat Sheet


Click here to see a full size version of the cheat sheet




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Ben Rice

Could See More Time as Catcher Following Free Agent Addition
Clarke Schmidt

Still Targeting Second Half Return
Anthony Volpe

Unlikely to Return Until May?
Brett Wisely

Designated for Assignment by Rays
Mike Vasil

to Compete for Starting Rotation Spot
San Diego Padres

Padres Seeking Another Hitter, Starting Pitcher
Miguel Mendez

Could be on the Big-League Radar in 2026
Konnor Griffin

Can Konnor Griffin Win Shortstop Job in Pittsburgh?
Brandon Sproat

Should be in Mix for Brewers Rotation Spot
Dylan Ross

Pushing for Bullpen Role at MLB Level
Ben Rice

to Lose Playing Time With Veteran First Baseman Returning?
Paul Goldschmidt

Returning to Yankees on One-Year Deal
OG Anunoby

Won't Play on Friday
Tobias Harris

is Cleared for Friday's Game
Jalen Duren

is Ruled Out for Friday's Game
Gary Harris

is Returning on Friday
Jared McCain

Expected to Make Team Debut on Saturday
Nate Garkow

Receives Invitation to Spring Training
Isaiah Hartenstein

is Ready for Saturday's Game
Chet Holmgren

is Cleared for Saturday's Game
Emiliano Teodo

Could be Bullpen Asset for Rangers
Julius Randle

Cleared to Play Friday
Bobby Portis

is Available for Friday's Game
Josh Hart

Available Against Pistons
Junior Perez

in the Running for Backup Outfield Spot
Karl-Anthony Towns

Ruled Out Friday
Connor Prielipp

has the Arsenal to Start for the Twins
Josh Giddey

Won't Play Saturday
Cameron Johnson

Upgraded to Questionable
Luinder Avila

Seen as Potential Starting Pitcher
Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokic Considered Questionable for Saturday
Stephen Curry

Out Saturday, Doesn't Have Timeline for Return
Cade Winquest

an Option for Yankees Opening Day Roster?
Miles McBride

to Miss 6-8 Weeks
Spencer Miles

Rule 5 Pick Spencer Miles Could Earn Bullpen Spot With Toronto
Kyle Kuzma

Unavailable Against Pacers
Boston Red Sox

Red Sox Still Looking to Make Prospect-Based Trade for a Bat
Domantas Sabonis

Won't Play Friday Against Clippers
Anthony Banda

Dodgers Designate Anthony Banda for Assignment
Peyton Watson

Out at Least Four Weeks
CFB

Rutgers Hiring South Dakota Head Coach Travis Johansen as Defensive Coordinator
Vinicius Oliveira

Looks For His Seventh Consecutive Win
Mario Bautista

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 113
Kyoji Horiguchi

Set For UFC Vegas 113 Co-Main Event
Amir Albazi

Looks To Bounce Back
Rizvan Kuniev

Looks For His First UFC Win
Jailton Almeida

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Marc-Andre Barriault

In Dire Need Of Victory
Michal Oleksiejczuk

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Michael Penix Jr.

Says he's Ahead of Schedule After Knee Surgery
Cleveland Browns

Jim Schwartz Resigns as Browns Defensive Coordinator
Malik Nabers

Says his Rehab has Been "Phenomenal"
CFB

Oklahoma Hiring Former NFL Defensive Lineman DeShawn Williams to Analyst Role
Dominick Barlow

Lands Standard Contract With 76ers
Jalen Suggs

Records First Career Triple-Double vs. Nets
CFB

Jahmal Edrine Charged with Sexual Assault, No Longer Enrolled at Virginia
Jakob Chychrun

Makes Big Impact in Thursday's Win
Brandon Bussi

Shuts Out Rangers With 16 Saves
Anze Kopitar

Reaches 1,300 Career Points
Mark Stone

Becomes First Vegas Player With 100 Multi-Point Games
Daniil Tarasov

Injured in Battle of Florida
Andrei Kuzmenko

Hurt Versus Vegas
John Carlson

Suffers Lower-Body Injury
Matthew Stafford

Named 2025 NFL MVP, Will Return in 2026
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Takes Home Offensive Player of the Year Honors
Christian McCaffrey

Named Comeback Player of the Year
Tetairoa McMillan

Named Offensive Rookie of the Year
Myles Garrett

Unanimously Wins Defensive Player of the Year Award
Brad Marchand

Evan Rodrigues Among Panthers Absentees Thursday
Calum Ritchie

Rejoins Islanders Lineup as Second-Line Center
Zach Benson

Sits Out Second Straight Game
Pierre-Luc Dubois

Available Against Predators
Rickard Rakell

Out Thursday
Brayden Point

Won't Play in Olympics
Jonathan Huberdeau

to Have Season-Ending Hip Surgery
CFB

Houston, Vanderbilt, Tennessee Land Top-Three QBs in 2026 Class
Joe Mixon

Committed to Playing in 2026
CFB

Michigan Signs Top-15 Recruiting Class Despite Coaching Change
CFB

USC Finishes with No. 1 Signing Class in 2026
Valeri Nichushkin

Sets Up Three Goals Wednesday
CFB

Trinidad Chambliss Denied Medical Redshirt Waiver By NCAA
Ryan O'Reilly

Delivers Three Assists in Overtime Loss
Matt Boldy

Records Historically Fast Hat Trick Wednesday
Jet Greaves

Gives Blue Jackets Second Straight Shutout
Wyatt Kaiser

Hurt Against Blue Jackets
Sandis Vilmanis

Injured in Wednesday's Win
Jack Hughes

Out Thursday
CFB

Sam Leavitt to be Limited In Spring Practice
Jordan Love

Avoids Offseason Surgery
Matt Fitzpatrick

Back in Action at WM Phoenix Open
Sahith Theegala

Riding Hot Start Into WM Phoenix Open
J.J. Spaun

Looks to Regain Form at WM Phoenix Open
Viktor Hovland

a Volatile Option at WM Phoenix Open
Rasmus Hojgaard

Aims to Build on Solid Start to 2026
Brian Harman

Looks to Find Form at WM Phoenix Open
Daniel Berger

Has the Tools to Go One Step Higher at Scottsdale
Max Greyserman

Searching for Consistency at WM Phoenix Open
Jake Knapp

Wants Revenge at WM Phoenix Open
CFB

Joey Aguilar Granted Temporary Restraining Order Against NCAA
Joel Dahmen

Carrying Momentum Into WM Phoenix Open
Corey Conners

Unlikely to Contend at Scottsdale
Sepp Straka

Seeks a Rebound After The American Express
Jordan Spieth

Healthy Heading to WM Phoenix Open
Keith Mitchell

Building Momentum for Event in Scottsdale
Tom Hoge

The Tom Hoge Roller Coaster Heads to Scottsdale for WM Phoenix Open
Rickie Fowler

Worth a Look at WM Phoenix Open
Xander Schauffele

Making Second Appearance at Phoenix Open
Collin Morikawa

Needs a Bounce-Back at Waste Management Phoenix Open
Hideki Matsuyama

Has a Shot to Challenge at the Waste Management Phoenix Open
Max Homa

Playing Well Heading to Waste Management Phoenix Open
Ben Griffin

Will Need to Find Approach Game to Compete in Phoenix
Michael Penix Jr.

Matt Ryan Not Committing to Michael Penix Jr. as the Starting QB
NASCAR

Billy Horschel Unlikely to Right the Ship in Phoenix
Matthew Stafford

Doesn't Need Offseason Back Surgery
CFB

Joey Aguilar Files New Lawsuit Against NCAA Seeking Sixth Year of Eligibility
Davante Adams

Expected to Return to Rams in 2026
Los Angeles Rams

Rams Sign Sean McVay, Les Snead to Contract Extensions
Diego Lopes

Outclassed At UFC 325
Alexander Volkanovski

Dominates Diego Lopes
Dan Hooker

Stopped In The Second Round
Benoît Saint Denis

Benoit Saint Denis Extends His Win Streak
Rafael Fiziev

Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
MMA

Maurício Ruffy Gets Back In The Win Column
San Francisco 49ers

49ers Set to Name Raheem Morris Their Defensive Coordinator
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Close to Naming Klint Kubiak the Next Head Coach
Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals Finalizing Deal to Make Mike LaFleur the Next Head Coach
CFB

Gus Malzahn Retiring from Coaching
Breece Hall

Jets Want to Re-Sign Breece Hall, Could Use Franchise Tag
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF