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Daily Fantasy NBA Lineup Picks for FanDuel (12/21/16) - DFS Basketball Advice

Happy Holidays, my friends, and welcome to another round of NBA Wednesday daily fantasy competition. Hopefully you get to kick back and build lineups all morning and afternoon in preparation for tonight. If you're stuck at work, like me, well I hope you still find a way to build a lineup - or a few dozen. We have an eight game slate tonight that looks pretty enticing as of this writing. In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 12/21/16. The DFS lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays on DraftKings.

Before I get into player selections and reasoning, let's glance at a few Vegas lines that are of interest. Due to back-to-backs, and therefore odds-makers not knowing who may or may not sit for rest tonight, we have a lot of games with spreads and over/unders that haven't been posted. Of those games that have been posted, for stacking purposes, there are three games that interest me most. The first, Rockets at Suns, is because of the incredibly high over/under, which is listed at 226. The other two that catch my eye are Wizards at Bulls and Thunder at Pelicans. Both of those games feature an over/under total of 208 and spreads of six points or less.

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FanDuel DFS Guards

Russell Westbrook -  PG, at NOP - $12,500

Tonight, a rested Westbrook should be worth every penny - and then some. Sure, the price is a little steep, but when you consider the fact that Russ has been outperforming his price implied value on a consistent basis, it wouldn't be crazy to call him a bit of a bargain. He's coming off two unbelievable performances, and he matches up really well against New Orleans. For the season, the Pelicans have allowed the fourth most points to opposing point guards of any team taking the floor tonight. Not that many teams do, but the Pelicans backcourt simply doesn't have anyone capable of slowing Russ and his 42.3 Usage rate down.

 

Ricky Rubio - PG, at ATL - $5,600

If you really want to go fishing in the bargain bin at point, Rubio has an incredibly enticing matchup and a low price tag. His 32 minute per game average helps create a high floor, and while his season long numbers (12.73 PER and 14.3 Usage) leave something to be desired, his play has been improving drastically. In his last three games, he's exceeded 30 FanDuel points with each performance, and that was all while attempting an average of just six shot attempts per game. The matchup tonight is most enticing because of Atlanta's defensive struggles - of the 16 teams playing tonight, no team allows more points to opposing point guards than the Hawks.

 

Eric Gordon - SG, at PHX - $5,700

A healthy Eric Gordon has been an absolute pleasure to watch this season and a joy to own, in both DFS and season long formats - and for the Rockets, I would think. The former Indiana Hoosier is finally healthy and is shooting it from three at an incredible percentage this season - 43% to be exact, good for 11th best in the NBA - and has drained a total of 105 threes, which is just five behind your NBA leader, Steph Curry. Over his last 10 games, Gordon has exceeded value eight times, and by an impressive margin of nearly five points a night. Tonight, in a game with a high projected total and against a team that isn't known for their defensive prowess, Gordon should shine.

 

Also Consider: Dwyane Wade - SG, vs WAS - $7,000

 

FanDuel DFS Forwards

Andrew Wiggins - SF, at ATL - $6,400

After an explosive and promising start to the season, Wiggins seemed to fizzle out in November and into this month, but his recent play suggests that dip was just a quick slump and not something to be overly concerned with in the long run. Wiggins has now outperformed salary based expectations in each of his last four games - and by a very large number. In each of those contests, he's put up at least 17 field goal attempts - reaffirming his position as one of the focal points of this Minnesota offense. Tonight, his matchup - as well as his price - are great, as Atlanta has had many defensive struggles and the pace of the game suits Wiggins' style of play.

 

Kevin Love - PF, vs MIL - $8,700

Keep an eye on Love's status for tonight, as he is currently listed as questionable. Now that that's out the way, let's look at the reasons why you should play Love if he suits up tonight (and I have a feeling he will). First off, Love has been one of the most productive fantasy players this season, especially among forwards, as he's put up a strong 25.8 PER and is averaging 1.21 fantasy points per minute. He's had outbursts this season, too, the kind that remind us the kind of dominance he maintained while in a Timberwolves jersey, as three of his last four games have resulted in more than 50 FanDuel points. From a team perspective, there is a good chance that Kyrie Irving and LeBron James - who combined for 92 minutes last night - end up sitting, which would give Love the bulk of the offensive responsibility to shoulder, raising his fantasy floor and ceiling quite a bit.

 

Also Consider:  Jimmy Butler - SF, vs WAS - $8,400

 

FanDuel DFS Centers

Steven Adams - C, at NOP - $5,200

Due to back-to-backs, steep prices and not very enticing matchups among the centers I would normally consider the "top options," I'm hunting in the bargain bin tonight and Adams has the salary, upside and matchup I'm looking for. Adams performance has been steadily increasing, as has his role in the Thunder offense, and as a result, he has outperformed salary based expectations in seven of his last 10 games. Outside of the over-priced monsters like Karl-Anthony Towns and DeMarcus Cousins, Adams has one of the highest usage projections of any center taking the floor tonight, and on top of that, he's facing the team that allows the most points to opposing centers.

 

Also Consider:  Robin Lopez - C, vs WAS - 4,900

 

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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Caris LeVert

Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert Available Sunday
Dean Wade

Max Strus Replaces Dean Wade in Starting Lineup Sunday
Luke Kornet

Iffy for Monday
Larry Nance Jr.

Won't Play Sunday
De'Aaron Fox

Listed as Questionable for Monday's Action
Jalen Williams

Officially Available for Game 1 Against Spurs
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Named MVP for Second Straight Year
Jonah Coleman

is an Intriguing Power Back to Target in Dynasty Leagues
Colt Emerson

Mariners Promoting Top Prospect Colt Emerson to Major Leagues
Darius Slayton

Lacking Long-Term Upside for Dynasty Managers
Keaton Mitchell

a Prime Dynasty Handcuff Option Entering First Season in L.A.
Jadarian Price

Looks Like the Running Back of the Future in Seattle
Isaiah Bond

Dynasty Outlook Clouded by Uncertain Role in Cleveland
James Cook III

Remains a High-End Dynasty RB1 Entering 2026
Lamar Jackson

Poised for Bounce Back Season in 2026
Bucky Irving

Expected to Be Ready for Training Camp
Kyle Williams

Deep Threat Kyle Williams Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time
Michael Pittman Jr.

Could Receive Short-Term Value Uptick in PPR Leagues
Stefon Diggs

Chiefs, Commanders Could Make Sense for Stefon Diggs
Will Howard

Dynasty Value Dealt a Blow
Jaylen Warren

Should Benefit From Veteran QB's Return to Pittsburgh
Drew Allar

Could Continue to Hold Dynasty Value
Pat Freiermuth

Could See a Small Dynasty Bump With Veteran QB Returning
DK Metcalf

A Dynasty Sell Candidate With Veteran QB Returning?
Bones Hyland

Wants to Stay in Minnesota
Mike Conley

Hints He Will Continue Playing Next Season
Kevin Huerter

Iffy for Sunday Night
Caris LeVert

Questionable for Game 7
Duncan Robinson

Back on Injury Report Ahead of Game 7
Larry Nance Jr.

Likely Out Sunday Due to Illness
Munetaka Murakami

Fantastic First Season Continues With Two More Homers
Cristopher Sánchez

Cristopher Sanchez Dazzles With 13-Strikeout Complete Game on Saturday
Aaron Rodgers

Signs One-Year Deal With Steelers
Blake Snell

to Undergo Elbow Surgery on Tuesday
Clay Holmes

Could Miss Around Three Months
Jose Altuve

Exits After Swing
Corey Seager

Absent With Back Spasms on Saturday
Jeremy Lauzon

Misses Saturday's Practice
Mark Stone

Doesn't Practice Saturday
Josh Manson

Misses Practice, Considered Day-to-Day
Brent Burns

Day-to-Day Ahead of Conference Finals
Cale Makar

Considered Day-to-Day
Alex Lyon

Likely to Start Game 6 Against Canadiens
Owen Power

Available Saturday
Isaac TeSlaa

Can Isaac TeSlaa Carve Out a Larger Role in Detroit Going Forward?
Troy Franklin

Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time in Denver
Trevor Lawrence

Should Trevor Lawrence Be Valued as a Dynasty QB1?
Courtland Sutton

in Line for Reduced Role in Denver?
Trevor Story

Hits the Injured List With Groin Injury
Blake Snell

Likely to Need Elbow Surgery
Duncan Robinson

Nets 14 Points With Four Triples
Cade Cunningham

Contributes 21 Points in Game 6 Win
Jalen Duren

Bounces Back With Double-Double
Anthony Edwards

Finishes Season-Ending Loss With 24 Points
Victor Wembanyama

Tallies 19 Points in Friday's Win
De'Aaron Fox

Highly Effective in Blowout Win
Stephon Castle

Shines in Series-Clincher
Kyle Schwarber

on a Heater, Hits Two More Homers to Take Major-League Lead
Clay Holmes

Suffers Fractured Fibula on Friday Night
Blake Snell

Heads to 15-Day Injured List
Austin Reaves

Could Command $40M Per Year With New Contract
Blake Snell

Scratched From Start on Friday for Undisclosed Reasons
Max Fried

Heading to Injured List With Elbow Bone Bruise
CFB

Julian Sayin Looking To Build Off Of Strong Debut Season
CFB

College GameDay Set for First Three Weeks
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Aiming For Ohio State Receiving Records
CFB

Keshaun Singleton Projects as Auburn's WR1
CFB

Jeremiah Cobb Impresses New Auburn Staff
CFB

Alberto Mendoza Very Likely to Start for Georgia Tech
CFB

Charles Woodson Jr. Commits to Michigan
Jordan Westburg

to Have Season-Ending Elbow Surgery
Melquizael Costa

Set For UFC Vegas 117 Main Event
Arnold Allen

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 117
Daniel Santos

Set For UFC Vegas 117 Co-Main Event
MMA

Dohoo Choi Returns At UFC Vegas 117
Juan Diaz

Set To Make His UFC Debut
Malcolm Wellmaker

Looks To Bounce Back
Christian Edwards

Set For His UFC Debut
Modestas Bukauskas

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Tarik Skubal

Resumes Playing Catch, Ahead of Schedule?
Lane Hutson

Contributes Two Assists in Game 5 Victory
Nick Suzuki

Amasses Three Points in Crucial Victory Thursday
Juraj Slafkovsky

Dishes Out Three Assists in Game 5 Win
Carter Hart

Stops 31 Pucks in Series-Clinching Win
Pavel Dorofeyev

Enjoys Second Consecutive Multi-Goal Game
Shea Theodore

Records Two Points in Game 6 Win
Mitchell Marner

Scores Special Goal in Series-Clincher
Ryan Johnson

Takes Over as Canucks GM, Sedins Promoted to Co-Presidents
Drew Helleson

Won't Play Thursday
Radko Gudas

Unlikely to Play Thursday
Jeremy Lauzon

Remains Out Thursday
Mark Stone

Misses Third Consecutive Game
EDM

Kris Knoblauch Fired as Oilers Head Coach
CFB

Virginia Tech Lands Commitment from Four-Star QB Peter Bourque
Byron Buxton

Scratched on Thursday With Hip Soreness
Cal Raleigh

Heading to Injured List With Oblique Strain
Francisco Alvarez

has Knee Surgery, Expected to Miss Eight Weeks
Quinn Hughes

Finishes Postseason With 15 Points
Cal Raleigh

Exits With Apparent Side Injury on Wednesday Night
Juan Soto

X-Rays Come Back Negative on Juan Soto's Ankle
CFB

NFL Veteran Tom Moore Joins Iowa Coaching Staff
CFB

Can Cam Cook Dominate in Return to Big 12?
CFB

ACC, Big 12 Support 24-Team College Football Playoff
CFB

Anthony Colandrea Looking to Elevate Nebraska Back to National Contention
CFB

Kwazi Gilmer Set for Big Impact at Nebraska
Justin Thomas

Trending Well Ahead of PGA Championship Despite Concerning Form
J.J. Spaun

Trending Up Ahead of PGA Championship
Adam Scott

Riding Strong Form Into PGA Championship
Patrick Reed

Looking to Make Another Run at PGA Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Looks to Build on Strong Finish at Truist Championship
Sam Burns

Must Keep Ball in Play at PGA Championship
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Complete Career Grand Slam at Aronimink
Brandt Snedeker

Not the Best Option for the PGA Championship
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Volatile Option at PGA Championship
Maverick McNealy

Seeking Better Start in Philadelphia
Harry Hall

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Aronimink
Hideki Matsuyama

Attempts to Improve Over 2025 PGA Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Defend PGA Championship at Aronimink
Nicolai Hojgaard

Wants to Keep Momentum Rolling in Philadelphia
Ben Griffin

Attempting to Bounce Back After Truist Championship
CFB

Transfer Defensive Lineman Devarrick Woods Commits to Clemson
Harris English

Will Need His Putter to Thrive at Aronimink
Akshay Bhatia

Creative Flair Could Show Itself in Philadelphia
Keegan Bradley

Knows the Aronimink Golf Club Well
Si Woo Kim

Struggles at Truist Championship
Gary Woodland

Can Continue Incredible 2026 Season at PGA Championship
Xander Schauffele

In Excellent Form Heading to PGA Championship
CFB

Isaac Brown Has All-American Upside in 2026
CFB

Nyck Harbor Heading into Breakout Year?
CFB

Notre Dame, USC in Discussions to Resume Rivalry Series
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Has Eyes on ACC Title
CFB

Ahmad Hardy's Gunshot Wound Not Viewed as Career-Threatening
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF