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The top daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on December 18, 2019. Dale Johnson provides NBA DFS analysis and sleeper picks for building optimal DFS rosters.
Wednesday's slate heats up with 11 games on display. Of those 11 games, there are six games with a projected total of at least 212.0 overall points scored.
Here we take a lot at some players who have been streaking and could provide value around the stars you draft.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 12/18/19. You can also check out today's FanDuel lineup picks. Remember to monitor injury news as the slate can completely change before line-up lock.
DraftKings DFS Guards
Norman Powell - SG/SF, TOR @ DET ($6,400)
Powell has benefited from a plethora of injuries that has plagued Toronto this season. The newest injury has Fred Vanvleet (knee) on the pine. Powell has started in each of the four games VanVleet has missed. Over those four games, Powell averaged 22.5 points on 61.4 percent shooting, 4.25 rebounds, 3.0 three-pointers, 2.5 assists and 1.8 steals per game. This was good for an average of 37.2 DraftKings fantasy points per game. Although VanVleet is progressing well, it was reported he is "unlikely to play" Wednesday in Detroit. Powell will have another opportunity to dominate with the starters Wednesday.
Josh Hart - SG/SF, NO @ MIN ($5,300)
Despite all the on-court issues with the Pelicans right now, Hart has been on of their most consistent players lately. Hart has played at least 26.0 minutes in five straight games and has put up less than 24.0 DraftKings fantasy points just once. J.J. Redick (groin) was ruled out for Tuesday's contest more than a day ahead of time. In Redick's absence, Hart put up 14 points, nine rebounds, four threes and a steal in just over 40 minutes. The Pelicans are on the second leg of a back-to-back and Redick is in danger of missing another contest. Hart's value will increase if Redick is forced to sit again.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Davis Bertans - SF/PF, WAS v. CHI ($6,500)
The Bertans hype train has taken off and is showing no signs of returning to the station. The news just recently came out about rookie teammate Rui Hachimura (groin) out for the next five games and Bertans could seriously be flirting with almost 40 minutes a game judging by their banged up frontcourt. Since entering December, Bertans is averaging 21.0 points on 49.6 percent from the field and 5.0 three-pointers on 48.2 percent shooting from beyond the arc. Bertans faces off against a porous Chicago Bulls defense who is giving up the top-five most DraftKings fantasy points to opposing power forwards this season. This game also has the highest over/under point total on the night projected at 230.5. Bertans will be firing on all cylinders Wednesday night.
Eric Paschall - SF/PF, GS @ POR ($4,600)
Paschall has had a roller coaster ride of a season after starting the season on the bench, earning a starting role, dominating, playing through a hip injury and missing the past two contests. Paschall has already been cleared to play Wednesday and will likely return to his starting role. Being cleared over a day in advance bodes well for Paschall as there is not expected to be a minutes limit. He was ineffective in his past two games while playing with the hip injury, but will have an easy chance to bounce back in his return. The Portland Trail Blazers are giving up the most DraftKings fantasy points per game this season and this is projected to be a high-scoring affair with the total over/under sitting at 219.0. Paschall's price tag has plummeted and this is a good chance to take a flier on him before it rises again.
DraftKings DFS Centers
Bismack Biyombo - C, CHA @ CLE ($5,000)
After a few disappointing starts, Biyombo has settled into his role lately, especially in the absence of PJ Washington (finger). Biyombo has notched three double-doubles in his past five games and has put up double-digit scoring efforts in each of his past six games. The Hornets have also started fellow big man Cody Zeller at the four in each of their past two games, which bodes well for Biyombo's play time. The Cleveland Cavaliers have been absolutely cooked by opposing centers this season. Cleveland has given up the most points in the paint, second chance points, fastbreak points and points off turnovers to opposing centers this season. Biyombo has a great chance to provide at least, if not more, five times value at his current price tag.
