It is another short slate for daily fantasy basketball. With only six games scheduled to take place tonight, starting at 7:00 PM EST, value players become very important, once again. This article, as always, will help to find those cheaper and mid-priced options, along with recommending the top options.

These are my daily fantasy NBA lineup picks for FanDuel on 12/13/16. The DFS lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays on FanDuel. I think it is more important to highlight value plays so I try to include my most confident value picks. I advise the players in my lineup so if it all goes downhill, I'll be tumbling down right next to you. Let' get rolling.

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FanDuel DFS Guards

Russell Westbrook - PG, at POR ($12,600) 

This is the easiest recommendation on the board tonight. Russell Westbrook is the best fantasy basketball player in the world right now, and he gets the best possible matchup against the uptempo Portland Trailblazers. The Trailblazers should keep this game close, which will allow Westbrook to stay in the game and likely triple-double. He did not triple-double against the Boston Celtics, which means that he is due for one. He is averaging around 60 fantasy points per game, and his upside is over 80. Use him in both 50/50 contests and tournaments without hesitation.

Derrick Rose - PG, at PHX ($6,800) 

Derrick Rose is a great tournament option tonight against the Phoenix Suns. The Suns are one of the faster teams in the league, which will keep the New York Knicks from dozing off while on the court. Rose has over 30 fantasy points in three of his last four games, and against the Oklahoma City Thunder a few games back, he posted over 40 fantasy points in 38 minutes. The game prior, which was against the Charlotte Hornets, he posted just under 50 fantasy points in 34 minutes, so the upside is there. Rose's price tag is increasing right now, so make sure to roster him before it gets too high.

Also Consider: Elfrid Payton - PG, at ATL ($5,100)

 

FanDuel DFS Forwards

LeBron James - SF, vs MEM ($10,000) 

LeBron James recently posted over 70 fantasy points in 42 minutes against the Charlotte Hornets. If that doesn't get fantasy owners excited, nothing will. Tonight, James gets a tougher matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, but with only six games to choose from, he is definitely one of the better small forward options of the night. He has over 50 fantasy points in three of his last four games, and for his current price tag, that is value. The Grizzlies have a solid defense, but James is matchup proof. Use him in all leagues.

Carmelo Anthony - SF, at PHX ($7,800)

Carmelo Anthony went on a mini-slump of recent, but it looks like he is back to his normal self now. In his last four games, he has over 35 fantasy points in three of them and over 40 in two. Against the Sacramento Kings, he posted just under 50 fantasy points in 36 minutes. Tonight, he gets a very good matchup against the uptempo Phoenix Suns. Anthony has been contributing in points (obviously), rebounds, assists, and steals of recent. He also has one blocked shot in three of his last four games. His price tag dropped since earlier this season, so take advantage of that.

Also Consider: Serge Ibaka - PF, at ATL ($6,200)

 

FanDuel DFS Centers

Dwight Howard - C, vs ORL ($7,600)

 

Dwight Howard is a tournament only option tonight against the Orlando Magic. The Magic are one of the worst teams in the league defensively against opposing big men, so it should be one of Howard's better outings, but nothing is ever guaranteed with the Atlanta Hawks' center. He posted under 30 fantasy points in his latest game, which was against the Milwaukee Bucks, but against the Miami Heat, he posted over 50 fantasy points in 35 minutes. Foul trouble is an issue for Howard, but if he plays enough tonight, he should at least hit value. Again, do not use him in 50/50 contests.

Also Consider: Robin Lopez - C, vs MIN ($5,100)

 

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