This is my first article since Christmas, so I would like to say welcome back! How did everyone enjoy their holiday? We have a massive Friday slate, featuring nine games. There are a ton of matchups that look good on paper, and I'm here to sort that out for you.

In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 12/29/17. I will highlight players who seem to provide value at the guard, forward, and center positions based on their asking prices. I'll also point out a few GPP possibilities for each position too.

If you have any questions or comments, hit me up on Twitter @BalesSJustin. You can also read more DFS advice and lineup picks for sites like FanDuel, and other sports too. Let's do this.

DraftKings DFS Guards

James Harden - PG/SG, at WAS ($11,600)

Harden's value will depend on Chris Paul. Paul is currently questionable, and if he is out tonight, Harden can be locked into all leagues. He is scoring at an elite level with Paul out of the lineup, as he has 50+ points in two of his last four games. He can also add peripheral stats with the potential to triple double. He gets a fast paced matchup against the Washington Wizards, and Harden is an elite option, but only if Paul is ruled out.

Jordan Clarkson - PG/SG, vs LAC ($6,400)

Clarkson has taken over for an injured Lonzo Ball. In two games without Ball, Clarkson is averaging 19.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 2.0 steals in 36.5 minutes per game. He is leading the Lakers team in usage rating, and he has taken 17 and 24 shots in his last two games. He gets a solid matchup against the weak Los Angeles Clippers defense, and Clarkson's price tag has yet to match his new role.

Other Guards to Consider: Bradley Beal, George Hill, Dennis Schroder, Lou Williams, Austin Rivers

DraftKings DFS Forwards

Kevin Durant - SF/PF, vs CHA ($10,600)

Durant has cooled down significantly over his last few games, but that has caused his price tag to drop a bit. Even with the recent cool down, he has scored 65+ fantasy points in three of his last seven games. He gets a good matchup against the Charlotte Hornets in what should be one of the fastest paced and highest scoring games on the slate. Durant could go a bit underowned because of his recent struggles, but he can be used in all leagues tonight.

Serge Ibaka - PF/C, vs ATL ($5,600)

Ibaka is another player coming off a bad game, but he had scored 25+ fantasy points in more than 10 consecutive games before that. He also comes with solid upside, recently scoring 43.75 fantasy points against the Phoenix Suns. He gets a solid matchup against a young Atlanta Hawks defense, and Ibaka's price has dipped a bit recently. He can be considered in all leagues on this slate.

Other Forwards to Consider: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Harrison Barnes, Khris Middleton, Allen Crabbe, Brandon Ingram

DraftKings DFS Centers

Dwight Howard - C, at GS ($7,400)

Howard has looked outstanding when given big minutes, but he has struggled to stay on the court at times this season. Overall, he is averaging 1.22 fantasy points per minute on the season. He has played 32 and 36 minutes in his last two games, scoring 47.5 and 43.75 fantasy points. He has been a better option at home this season, but he gets a great matchup against the Golden State Warriors, who do not have anyone that is as physically imposing in the paint as Howard. He is a great option tonight.

Other Centers to Consider: Tyler Chandler, Myles Turner, Hassan Whiteside

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts