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Friday brings an eight-game slate in the NBA. Some of the matchups are rematches from Wednesday’s set of games, which makes for some interesting storylines. One that isn’t, but is still noteworthy, will feature the Celtics hosting the Magic.
There are a lot of big names who are listed as questionable. Among them are LeBron James (calf), Anthony Davis (groin/hip), Zion Williamson (ankle), and Desmond Bane (illness).
This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 12/15/23. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our awesome new NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 7:00 PM EST. Good luck, RotoBallers!
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DraftKings and FanDuel Guards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Scottie Barnes, TOR vs. ATL – PG/SF/PF ($9,000 DK; $9,200 FD)
This is one of the rematches from Wednesday. Barnes picked apart the Hawks in that game, recording 27 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists over 34 minutes. Over his last six games, he has averaged 23.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. The Hawks have played at the third-fastest pace and have the fourth-worst defensive rating in the league, putting Barnes in a great spot to thrive again.
Bennedict Mathurin, IND at WAS – SG/SF ($6,000 DK; $5,200 FD)
Mathurin is instant offense off the bench for the Pacers. Across his last eight games, he has averaged 15.4 points and shot 45.6 percent from the field. When he took on the Wizards earlier this season, he provided 18 points, four rebounds, five assists, and two steals over 26 minutes. With the Wizards having the worst defensive rating in the league, don’t expect them to be able to slow down Mathurin.
Bilal Coulibaly, WAS vs. IND – SG/SF ($5,400 DK; $5,600 FD)
One of the few bright spots for the Wizards this season has been the play of Coulibaly. He has taken on an expanded role as things have moved along, averaging 29 minutes over the last eight games. During that span, he provided averages of 10.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 three-pointers. The Wizards and Pacers are the top two teams in the league in pace of play, so expect Coulibaly to receive enough playing time to be able to provide value.
ALSO CONSIDER: Brandon Ingram, NO at CHA – SG/SF/PF ($8,200 DK; $8,400 FD), Bogdan Bogdanovic, ATL at TOR – SG/SF ($6,800 DK; $6,900 FD)
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DraftKings and FanDuel Forwards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Pascal Siakam, TOR vs. ATL – PF/C ($8,300 DK; $8,300 FD)
Siakam also torched the Hawks on Wednesday, posting 33 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists over 36 minutes. He’s having one of the most efficient seasons of his career, shooting 50.4 percent from the field. That’s despite him shooting only 25.3 percent from behind the arc. With the fast pace at which the Hawks usually play and their porous defense, rolling with both Siakam and Barnes could prove to be profitable.
OG Anunoby, TOR vs. ATL – SF/SG ($6,400 DK; $6,500 FD)
Staying with the Raptors, Anunoby is another viable option who has a significantly cheaper salary than both Barnes and Siakam. After battling injuries earlier in the season, he has averaged 16.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.6 three-pointers over his last 11 games. He also played well against the Hawks, posting 22 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two three-pointers over 37 minutes.
Jabari Smith Jr., HOU at MEM – PF ($6,000 DK; $6,700 FD)
Smith has shown significant improvement already. He only shot 40.8 percent from the field during his rookie campaign, but he is shooting 49.3 percent this season. Much of that improvement has come from behind the arc, where he is currently shooting 37.0 percent. After recording 20 points and 10 rebounds versus these same Grizzlies on Wednesday, Smith could provide value again.
ALSO CONSIDER: Kyle Kuzma, WAS vs. IND – SF/PF ($8,400 DK; $8,300 FD), Tari Eason, HOU at MEM – SF/PF ($5,200 DK; $6,100 FD)
DraftKings and FanDuel Centers - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Joel Embiid, PHI vs. DET – C ($11,800 DK; $12,600 FD)
Jalen Duren (ankle) and Marvin Bagley III (back) have been ruled out for this matchup. That leaves Isaiah Stewart and James Wiseman to battle with Embiid. That duo couldn’t slow him down Wednesday, leaving Embiid to record 41 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and two steals over 31 minutes. There is blowout potential again for this matchup, but Embiid still has a crazy high upside.
Clint Capela, ATL at TOR – C ($6,300 DK; $6,500 FD)
Capela has continued to hold off Onyeka Okongwu to remain the starting center for the Hawks. He is logging 26 minutes per game, which is right on par with his playing time last season. He has done nothing to lose his role, putting up 11.2 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. After contributing 17 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks against the Raptors on Wednesday, Capela is an appealing mid-tier salary center.
Nick Richards, CHA vs. NO – C ($5,400 DK; $5,400 FD)
The Hornets are in trouble at the center position. Mark Williams (back) is listed as doubtful and P.J. Washington (shoulder) is questionable. Richards has started each of the last four games, averaging 8.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks. Expect him to remain in an expanded role until the Hornets get healthy.
ALSO CONSIDER: Victor Wembanyama, SA vs. LAL – C/PF ($9,100 DK; $10,300 FD), Isaiah Hartenstein, NY at PHO – C ($5,100 DK; $5,700 FD)
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