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
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

DraftKings and FanDuel NBA DFS Lineup Picks (12/27/21): Daily Fantasy Basketball Advice

The NBA continues to work through the tail end of a heavily COVID-impacted final month of the calendar year, with Monday night's seven-game slate featuring quite a few big names still sidelined due to health and safety protocols.

The top end of the player pool remains particularly afflicted, with names like Kevin Durant, Luka Doncic and Karl-Anthony Towns among those out of uniform for the time being. Nevertheless, the fact there are 14 teams in action does still offer us a solid player pool to work with. Additionally, we have a handful of players in particularly appealing positional matchups that sport reasonable salaries they could well overdeliver on.

This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 12/27/21. Remember to monitor injury news as the slate can completely change before lineups lock. Good luck, Rotoballers.

Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 50% off using code SUMMER! Win more with expert advice from proven winners and exclusive DFS tools. Get instant access to RotoBaller's Lineup Optimizers, Research Stations, daily picks and VIP chat rooms across 10 sports! Go Premium, Win More!

 

DraftKings and FanDuel Guards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks

James Harden - PG/SG, BKN at LAC ($11,200 DK; $11,000 FD)

Harden offered a nationally televised reminder of his ability to still take over a game and offer eye-popping fantasy production when he erupted for a 36-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double on Christmas Day against the Lakers. The Beard should be in a similar high-usage position again Monday, as Kevin Durant is expected to remain out in health and safety protocols. Factoring in Saturday's outburst, Harden boasts a 35.5 percent usage rate and averages 53.9 DK/51.6 FD points per 36 minutes with his star teammate off the floor. Meanwhile, the Clippers are already ranked in the bottom 10 in offensive efficiency allowed to PGs (25.5 percent) and come in allowing over 44 fantasy points on either site in the last 15.

Jalen Brunson - PG/SG, DAL at POR ($7,700 DK; $7,600 FD)

Brunson should continue handling starting point guard duties Monday with Luka Doncic slated to remain in health and safety protocols. The veteran has been outstanding when running with the first unit this season, and he's averaging 21.1 points, 7.3 assists and 3.4 rebounds across 35.4 minutes per contest during his current seven-game starting stint. The matchup lines up well for another strong night Monday, as the Trail Blazers are allowing 45.6 DK/44.3 FD points per game to PGs over the last 15 and could also be taking the floor without Damian Lillard (personal), who's listed as questionable for the contest.

Eric Bledsoe - PG/SG, LAC vs. BKN ($6,000 DK; $5,500 FD)

Bledsoe is another guard benefitting from the absence of multiple starters on his squad, as the veteran has picked up his production with Reggie Jackson (COVID-19 protocols) and Paul George (elbow) sidelined. Bledsoe has started each of the last two games at point guard in Jackson's stead and produced over 35 fantasy points on each site in those contests, including a haul of 50 DK/53.4 FD points in his most recent contest with George also out. He should have primary ball-handling responsibilities again Monday night against the Nets, which have conceded 51.6 DK/49.9 FD points per game to PGs in the last 15 contests.

Also consider: Malik Beasley ($6,200, $6,000); Jordan Clarkson ($5,300; $5,200)

 

Want more NBA DFS tools and content? Our NBA Premium package includes our daily DFS Cheat Sheets, Research Station, Optimizer, and access to our Premium Slack Chatrooms where members can chat with our NBA analysts. Check out this big win from RotoBaller premium member Bsuperak on FanDuel using our Premium tools - join in on the winning!

 

DraftKings and FanDuel Forwards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks

Zach LaVine - SF, CHI at ATL ($9,600 DK, $8,600 FD)

LaVine enters Monday's contest on fire despite the recent return of DeMar DeRozan to the floor, averaging 29.7 points, 6.2 assists and 5.5 rebounds on 52.5 percent shooting, including 44.7 percent from three-point range over six December games. He'll have the advantage of facing a depleted Hawks squad Monday that is projected to be missing multiple players from its backcourt rotation and that comes in having allowed 41.8 DK/40.9 FD points per game to shooting guards, along with the second-highest offensive efficiency to the position (24.8 percent). Moreover, LaVine boasts a massive 35.0 percent usage rate with Lonzo Ball off the floor, and the latter is slated to remain out Monday due to COVID-19 protocols.

Norman Powell - SF, POR vs. DAL  ($6,600 DK; $6,100 FD)

Powell makes for a cost-effective way to attack a short-handed Mavericks squad Monday. The veteran wing checks in on a nice hot streak that's seen him average 22.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals across 40.3 minutes over his last eight games. He'll take the floor without both C.J. McCollum (chest) and Jusuf Nurkic (COVID-19 protocols) on Monday, a scenario in which he boasts a 26.4 percent usage rate and averages 35.1 DK/34.1 FD points per 36 minutes. There's even a chance Damian Lillard (personal) also sits out, which would naturally make Powell even more appealing.

Keldon Johnson - SF/PF, SAS vs. UTA ($5,700 DK; $6,300 FD)

Johnson's breakout season hasn't resulted in particularly elevated salaries, which naturally heightens his appeal. The 2019 first-round pick has come into his own and has been impressively efficient with 48.1 percent shooting overall, including 47.6 percent from three-point range. The matchup against the Jazz isn't the most appealing on paper, but starting power forward Jae Crowder is likely to remain out due to COVID-19 protocols Monday and Utah does come in allowing an elevated 47.1 DK/45 FD points per game to PFs in the last seven contests.

Also consider: Mikal Bridges ($5,00; $5,300)

 

DraftKings and FanDuel Centers - NBA DFS Lineup Picks

Rudy Gobert - UTA at SAS ($9,100 DK; $9,100 FD)

Gobert has been one of the most dependable high-end centers in the fantasy realm all season, and his matchup Monday should ensure more of the same. The Spurs come in allowing a robust 58.1 DK/55.8 FD points per game to centers in the last 15 games, along with the fifth-highest offensive efficiency to the position on the season (33.3 percent). Meanwhile, Gobert has been a double-double machine as usual and is averaging an outstanding 15.8 points, 15.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 2.5 blocks across 33.1 minutes in his last 11 games. Finally, consider Donovan Mitchell will miss Monday's game for Utah due to a back strain, and Gobert is averaging 43.2 DK/42.8 FD points per 36 minutes without his teammate on the floor.

Christian Wood -  HOU at CHA ($8,200 DK; $7,900 FD)

The Hornets have made for excellent DFS targets with respect to centers all season, and Wood has more than enough talent to exploit the considerable vulnerabilities of Charlotte's sieve-like frontcourt. The big man has kicked up his contributions on the scoring front lately, posting at least 20 points in nine of the last 12 games while also averaging 11.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.1 blocks during that span. The Hornets are giving up NBA-high 36.8 percent offensive efficiency to centers for the season, along with NBA-high 68.3 DK/66.1 FD points per contest to the position in the last 15 games. Charlotte is also surrendering an NBA-high 56.9 rebounds per contest, furthering Wood's prospects of a double-double and big night on the boards overall.

Also consider: Nikola Vucevic ($9,000; $8,300)



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy basketball mobile app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, lineup notifications & DFS articles. All free!

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Samuel Basallo

Called Up From Triple-A Norfolk
J.K. Dobbins

Expected to Win Starting RB Job?
Quentin Johnston

Suffers Concussion in Preseason Loss
Jaxson Dart

Plays Well on Saturday Night
Marcus Semien

Avoids Serious Injury
Kyle Stowers

Heads to Injured List With Left-Side Strain
Zack Wheeler

Placed on Injured List With Blood Clot in Shoulder
Terry McLaurin

Commanders Optimistic Terry McLaurin Deal Can Get Done Soon
De'Von Achane

De’Von Achane Dealing With Lower-Body Injury
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Likely Avoids Serious Injury
Josh Hader

Unlikely to Return During Regular Season
Denny Hamlin

the Heavy Favorite to Win at Richmond
Christopher Bell

Has Been Great at Richmond
Kyle Stowers

Out Saturday With Left-Side Tightness
Tyrese Haliburton

No Longer Using a Scooter, Crutches
Ryan Blaney

Can Ryan Blaney Finally Break Through at Richmond?
Joey Logano

Will Start Last at Richmond After Practice Trouble
Chase Elliott

Lack of Top-Line Speed Hurts his DFS Potential
Kyle Larson

Recent String of Crashes Make Him a Big Risk at Richmond
William Byron

Probably Slightly Too Inconsistent at Richmond to Start for DFS
Ryan Preece

on Pole at Richmond as Playoff Deadline Looms Closer
Brad Keselowski

Probably the Best RFK Racing DFS Option at Richmond
Chase Briscoe

Still Figuring Out Richmond
Chris Buescher

a Solid Choice for DFS Play, but Teammates Look Faster
Ty Gibbs

is Mediocre at a Track Where his Grandfather's Team Won 19 Times
Ross Chastain

Despite Qualifying 33rd, Ross Chastain Not As Strong a DFS Option As Usual
Carson Hocevar

Will Carson Hocevar's Speed Overcome His Lack of Racecraft?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Not Enough Attrition at Richmond for Shane Van Gisbergen to Be Viable
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Looking for Another Solid Richmond Race
Austin Cindric

After Strong Iowa Run, Austin Cindric Might Surprise
Corey Heim

Probably Too Inexperienced to Contend at Richmond
Daniel Suarez

Won't Benefit From the Same Strategy Play This Year
Erik Jones

Was Slow at Richmond Even When He Had Fast Cars
Zane Smith

Not a Great DFS Option on Paper, but Typically Outperforms His Expectations
Jhoan Duran

Feels "100%"
Marcus Semien

Out on Saturday, Going for X-Rays on his Wrist
George Springer

Activated and Starting on Saturday
Dylan Beavers

Called Up by Orioles
Terry McLaurin

Commanders Activate Terry McLaurin From PUP List
Jhoan Duran

Takes Comebacker Off Foot, X-Rays Negative
Rashee Rice

NFL Could Reach Settlement Before Hearing
Matt Chapman

Goes to Injured List
George Springer

Likely Returning on Saturday
Max Muncy

Lands on 10-Day Injured List
Joe Mixon

Not a Lock to be Ready For Week 1
Rashee Rice

Receives Clearance to Travel to Brazil for Week 1
Haywood Highsmith

Dealt to Brooklyn on Friday
Amir Coffey

Signs One-Year Deal With Bucks
Jacob Misiorowski

Activated and Starting on Friday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Back From the Injured List
Khamzat Chimaev

A Favorite At UFC 319
Dricus Du Plessis

Set For His Third Title Defense
Aaron Pico

Set For UFC Debut
Lerone Murphy

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Chase Burns

Hits 15-Day Injured List With Flexor Strain
Geoff Neal

Looks For His Second Win In A Row
Travis Hunter

Dealing With Upper-Body Injury, Could be Held Out of Preseason Game
Michael Page

Set For His Second Middleweight Bout
Jared Cannonier

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Kai Asakura

Looks For His First UFC Win
Tim Elliott

Set To Open Up UFC 309 Main Card
CBJ

Mikael Pyyhtia Re-Signs With Blue Jackets for One Year
UTA

Caleb Desnoyers Expected to Miss 12 Weeks After Wrist Procedure
Tyson Foerster

on Track to Be Healthy for Season Opener
NHL

Olivier Rodrigue Signs KHL Deal
NHL

Emil Bemstrom to Join Swiss Team
Payton Pritchard

Reportedly Moving Into Starting Lineup
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Expected to Return Friday
Michael King

Heading to 15-Day Injured List
Aaron Nola

to Return on Sunday
Quinshon Judkins

Won't Face Formal Charges
Sam LaPorta

To "Miss a Little Bit of Time"
Rashee Rice

Disciplinary Hearing Scheduled For Late September
Chris Godwin

Likely to Start the Season on PUP List?
Kevin Durant

Rockets Not Interested in Keeping Kevin Durant with Max Extension
Paul Goldschmidt

Could Land on the Injured List
NBA

Isaiah Mobley Joins Turkish Team
NBA

Cole Swider Links Up with EuroLeague Powerhouse
Ethan Thompson

Joins Heat for Training Camp
Los Angeles Clippers

Clippers Add Jason Preston for Training Camp
Stefon Diggs

Unsure About Availability for Week 1
Justin Jefferson

Won't Practice This Week, Will be Re-Evaluated Next Week
Akshay Bhatia

a High-Upside Play at BMW Championship
Robert MacIntyre

a Safe Play at BMW Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im a Risky Play at BMW Championship
Xander Schauffele

Chases Big Week at BMW Championship
Shane Lowry

Aims to Rebound at BMW Championship
Si Woo Kim

Looks to Build Momentum at BMW Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Looking to Rebound at BMW Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Eyeing Another BMW Championship Victory
Neemias Queta

Wants to Raise His Free-Throw Attempts
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Stuggling to Trade Anfernee Simons
James Cook

Bills Agree on Four-Year Extension
Cole Anthony

Focuses on Winning with Bucks
NBA

Jesse Edwards Moves to Australia
Kessler Edwards

Joins Nuggets
Bradley Beal

Feeling Rejuvenated in Los Angeles
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Looking "Incredible"
PIT

Chad Ruhwedel Retires From NHL
MIN

Jack Johnson Signs Tryout Deal with Wild
Ryker Evans

Kraken Extend Ryker Evans with Two-Year Deal
Rondale Moore

Out for the Season With Knee Injury
Christian Watson

Likely to Begin Season on PUP List
Jordan Love

Undergoes Procedure on Left Thumb
Bud Cauley

Needs a Big Result in Maryland
Harris English

Confident for BMW Championship
Jason Day

Faces Uphill Battle at BMW Championship
Cameron Young

Hot at the Right Time
J.J. Spaun

Rolls in After Near Miss in Memphis
Brian Harman

is a Longer Shot Heading to Maryland
Corey Conners

Appears Safe This Week in Maryland
Daniel Berger

Must Play Better at BMW Championship
Miami Heat

Kai Jones Works Out for Heat
Sacramento Kings

Russell Westbrook Likely to Join Kings
Golden State Warriors

Al Horford Expected to Sign with Warriors if He Doesn't Retire
Jonathan Kuminga

Reportedly Leaning Toward Accepting Golden State's Qualifying Offer
Sepp Straka

Withdraws From BMW Championship
Maverick McNealy

Finishes Tied for 28th at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Finishes Tied For Third at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Collin Morikawa

Finishes Tied For 22nd at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Rory McIlroy

Finishes Tied For Seventh at Open Championship
Brandon Aiyuk

Could Return in Week 6
Anthony Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak To Eight
Roman Dolidze

Submitted At UFC Vegas 109
Ode' Osbourne

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 109
Steve Erceg

Gets Back In The Win Column
Angela Hill

Outclassed At UFC Vegas 109
Angela Hill

Iasmin Lucindo Dominates Angela Hill
Christian Rodriguez

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Andre Fili

Gets Back in the Win Column
Miles Johns

Drops Split Decision At UFC Vegas 109
Miles Johns

Jean Matsumoto Edges Out Miles Johns To Win Split Decision
Eryk Anders

Suffers First-Round TKO
Christian Leroy Duncan

Scores First-Round TKO Win

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP