There are plenty of games today, but DraftKings has broken it down into two slates. The early slate only has three games, while the late slate features five games. This article will strictly use plays from the larger, later slate.

In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 12/31/17. I play both cash and GPP, so I will be looking for both players who have consistency, along with value plays that have upside from a favorable match up, or other factors.

If you have any questions or comments, let me know @BalesSJustin on Twitter. You can also read more DFS advice and lineup picks for sites like FanDuel, and other sports too. Let's get to it.

DraftKings DFS Guards

Jordan Clarkson - PG/SG, at HOU ($6,500)

Clarkson has recently taken over for an injured Lonzo Ball, and that will continue tonight. In three games without Ball, Clarkson is averaging 38.1 fantasy points per game. He has played at least 35 minutes in each of those games, and he is leading the team with usage rating. He can contribute in multiple categories, as well. Furthermore, Clarkson gets a great matchup against the Houston Rockets, who will be looking to push the pace in this game. Clarkson can safely be used in all leagues.

George Hill - PG/SG, vs MEM ($4,700)

Hill has been playing well recently, averaging 11.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 32.4 minutes per game over the last 10 days. He hasn't necessarily been the most consistent option, but he has scored at least 24 fantasy points in six of his last 10 games, including two games with 35+ fantasy points. It's a short slate, making Hill even more valuable for his low price tag. He can be used in all leagues.

DraftKings DFS Forwards

Brandon Ingram - SG/SF, at HOU ($6,400)

Ingram has been playing big minutes over the last 10 days, as he is averaging 39.1 minutes per game over that span. He is a player that relies heavily on scoring, and he will be in one of the fastest paced and highest scoring games of the slate. Ingram is also averaging 15.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game against the Rockets this season. He makes a great option on the slate tonight.

Dwight Powell - PF/C, at OKC ($3,300)

Powell is an interesting option. He is only averaging 19.1 minutes per game over the last 10 days, but he is also averaging 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.0 steal per game over that span. He has scored at least 15 fantasy points in each of his last five games, and he still comes with an extremely low price tag. He doesn't necessarily have a high ceiling, but he is a safe option for a low price tag on a limited slate. He'll allow you to get some of the bigger names, as well.

DraftKings DFS Centers

Joel Embiid - C, at PHX ($9,900)

Embiid was given the game off last night, suggesting he will be well rested and ready for big minutes tonight. He has been a dominant option on the road this season, averaging 1.59 fantasy points per minute through 12 road starts. He also was able to dominate the Suns in their only matchup this season, scoring 49.5 fantasy points in 34 minutes. Phoenix does not have anyone that is going to be able to defend Embiid, making him an elite option tonight.

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts