RADIO
With 24 teams playing tonight, it's impressive how both Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday still remain at the top of the DFS mountain. Both need to be played tonight and there really shouldn't be much question about it. The Bucks rank in the top 10 against opposing guards, but since they are in the bottom 12 against non-Anthony Davis centers, this matchup is primed. Eric Bledsoe has the strength to hold up someone like Holiday, but he won't be able to account for his length, leaving Holiday with a hopefully low-ownership and incredible upside. I also like an E'Twaun Moore play here as well, but it relies more on the lack of defense the Bucks have at that position. Khris Middleton will not be guarding Moore, so expect Moore to be on the list of Pelicans who will be taking closer to 10 or 11 shots.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 12/19/18. 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 prior to opening tip. Find me in the NBA Chat Room or @HalfCourtJester on Twitter if you have questions.
DraftKings DFS Guards
Alec Burks - PG/SG, at CHA ($4,100)
There are two ways to look at this pick. Alec Burks took 16 shots last game which is ideal, but he only scored 14 points which is the opposite of promising. Expecting him to improve his efficiency from the field on the second night of a back-to-back is bold, but it's entirely possible from a pure scorer like Burks. He is a capable defender which allows him to see consistent minutes, but he needs to hit his shots to really be a worthwhile pick. I'm confident he'll pass his projection, but we want and are looking for big numbers from Burks tonight.
Tyreke Evans - SG/SF, at TOR ($3,900)
Another solid isolation scorer that throws defensive rankings by the wayside. The Raptors remain at the top of the league in a ton of different categories, but when it comes to facing opposing shooting guards they are in the bottom 11. It's not horrible seeing how they have Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard, but have you seen Tyreke Evans when he is on? He is borderline unstoppable and a triple-double threat against anyone. Despite his minutes getting lower after Victor Oladipo's return, I still expect him to sail past his value.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Cedi Osman- SF/PF, at CHA ($4,500)
Going with Cedi Osman is always a risky pick. It's not that he won't see court time, he's just too much of a role player to trust in every night situations. You have to make sure the upside is open for him and that someone like Michael Kidd-Gilchrist or Jeremy Lamb doesn't stay with him every step this game. I guarantee those two Hornets players will defend Osman at some point, but I'm banking on him doing just enough to provide value for tonight. The Hornets have been struggling at that position and if Osman is able to get to the rim early, it's going to open up his game and allow the stats to pile up quickly.
Bobby Portis - PF/C, vs BKN ($4,700)
It seems like way too low of a price for a player that barely needs 10 minutes to double-double. Many DFS players thought that Portis and Lauri Markkanen wouldn't be able to produce together and while they do pull from each other's production in some aspect, their general sources of production come from entirely different areas. Where Portis thrives in the paint and snagging offensive rebounds, Markkanen is more of an outside threat that attacks defensive rebounds leading to easy fast break points. This game will play directly into Portis' skill set and he should see an extra bump in minutes because this game will revolve around rebounds and second-chance points. Markkanen is a decent play as well, but Portis offers perfect value without sacrificing production.
DraftKings DFS Center
Mike Muscala - C, at PHI ($3,500)
You aren't going to find a cheaper option at center that actually has the potential to produce at a mid-level rate. It's not always a good idea to bank on a blowout for a player to get minutes, but it's not like Mike Muscala didn't produce when given a starters role. The Knicks haven't been struggling necessarily, but they haven't been a team to beat either. With such funky rotations, it's really a toss-up whether the Knicks keep games competitive or not. I can't see this game being close heading into the 4th quarter so I'm risking it all with Muscala and hoping he can be the perfect sleeper option.
