RADIO
With six games on the main slate, we really get to test our accuracy. On night's with massive slates, sometimes luck is our best attribute. With smaller slates you need to stack high scoring games and be perfect with value picks, if you even go that far. With 5-8 game slates, you need the perfect balance of super-value, the high-priced stud, with consistent options spread throughout. There are a TON of studs tonight, meaning that once again, my list will comprise of mostly $3,000-$5,000 options. Russell Westbrook and James Harden are your go-to guys tonight. Harden is cheaper but the Grizzlies pace WILL keep Harden production in a more limited space. Personally, I think Harden thrives in this type of offense because it always him to get in isolation, but I'm more curious to see how the Memphis defense will impact that. My guess would be Harden gets his 30 points, but hits closer to nine assists and eight rebounds.
Russell Westbrook will see minutes against Patrick Beverley, which should keep some players from rostering him. If you recall the last time these two met, Westbrook put up 32 points on 25 shots. We want Westbrook taking as many shots as possible and I really can't imagine the Clippers backcourt stops that. Westbrook has been on a small tear lately so just expect that to continue. If I had to choose between Westbrook and Harden, I honestly think Harden could go for 50 tonight.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 12/15/18. These DFS lineup picks can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on DraftKings. You can also check out today's FanDuel lineup picks. As always, don't set your lineups to early and check player statuses before the opening tip.
DraftKings DFS Guards
Marcus Smart - PG/SG, @ DET ($4,600)
Marcus Smart only took two shots last game and failed to score. However, his defensive contributions made him more than relevant and that type of momentum usually carries into his offensive output. The Pistons have been struggling against hybrid guards this season despite having the players to accommodate for that. Both Langston Galloway and Stanley Johnson are able to keep up with players, but they tend to play the quality of defense that doesn't allow them to get beat, but it allows their opponents to get to their spots. It won't be easy for Smart and he will have to take (and make) the open shots that fall into his lap. It will happen and banking on a good shooting night from Smart is bold, but at the same time, there are more than enough minutes to go around and Smart will literally be forced to be a playmaker and generate offense. Terry Rozier is also a decent option for $200 less, so excuse for me trying to be extra bold with the Smart pick.
Josh Hart - PG/SG, @ CHA ($4,500)
The Hornets just lost a overtime game at home to the Knicks, so although they won't be experiencing having travel fatigue, they will be exhausted from Friday night's game. They blew a massive 4th quarter lead and were not playing physical defense. I expect the Lakers to be a serious problem for them, mainly LeBron James. Hart has been scoring at a more efficient rate recently and when James is running through the Charlotte defense expect Hart to see most of the pass-outs. I know these options are the same position and arguably offer the same type of inconsistency, but both are set up to have big games with low ownership rates.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Kyle Anderson - PG/SF, vs. HOU ($4,300)
The slow pace of the Grizzlies fits perfectly into Kyle Anderson's skill set. Since Anderson is the type of player that knows his role and understand defense, he always has upside for some reason or another. If he get's minutes he is good for across the board production. Since the Rockets are seriously lacking offensive firepower and will rely on their backcourt, Anderson might actually have his work cut out for him on defense and give him extra shot opportunities. His game log has been all over the place and he should see an excess of minutes tonight to try and slow down Houston.
Jerami Grant - PF, vs. LAC ($3,900)
The Clippers have quality rebounders on their team, but Jerami Grant is still an athletic specimen that has the length to get second-chance points against anyone. Lately, he has been doing more perimeter defending and boxing out, rather than actual rebounding, but the Thunder will need to establish themselves in the paint with Steven Adams and Jerami Grant grabbing rebounds over Montrezl Harrell and Marcin Gortat. His price is low because his production has taken a dip, but his minutes haven't changed all season and I would expect him to have a solid game tonight. Expect a few extra shot attempts and more defensive stats tonight.
DraftKings DFS Center
Montrezl Harrell - C, @ OKC ($5,600)
Another rebounder that has been trending down lately, but Boban Marjanovic demands usage when he is on the court. His ability to clog up the paint is a tremendous help for the Clippers as a whole, but it takes away from the rest of the team's production. It's not like he has a negative impact on the rest of the squad, but for DFS players, Marjanovic absolutely has been taking away from Harrell's stats lately. Tonight, the Clippers will be forced to run a bit smaller, leaving Harrell to see most of the minutes in the backcourt. Doc Rivers will use Marjanovic to counter Steven Adams, but it won't last long so expect Los Angeles to go back to their small-ball ways.
