RADIO
Would you just look at this slate? Just look at it. Thirteen games that have the potential to produce an endless amount of results. The highest priced option for each position has a decent matchup so trust your gut and pick away. If you would rather trust my gut, look for Russell Westbrook to build on last night's clutch shot, Karl-Anthony Towns to dismantle the Pheonix Suns frontcourt and John Wall actually hitting value in response to an embarrassing Friday night loss to the Nets.
This is the last night of games before the Christmas Day games, so make sure to roster the right people that will show out for your benefit. With such a big night of games, do not feel obligated to spend up. Points will not be scarce Saturday night so look for the best matchup and fire away.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 12/23/17. The DFS lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options, and value plays on FanDuel.
FanDuel DFS Guards
Eric Bledsoe - PG, at CHA ($7,200)
Eric Bledsoe is coming off a 25 point, ten assist game and is facing the Hornets backcourt who tends to struggle with athletic guards. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is a more than capable defender, but he will most likely be tasked with guarding up against someone like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Khris Middleton. Some DFS players will be turned off by Milwaukee being on the second night off a back-to-back, while others might think Bledsoe will "return to Earth" after one of his better performances in a Bucks uniform. Regardless, this was simply another quality outing from Bledsoe. Instead of crumbling, expect Bledsoe to impose his will on the Hornets.
Mario Chalmers - PG, vs LAC ($3,600)
Mario Chalmers has been disappointing from a fantasy perspective, but it doesn't change his inclusion in the Grizzlies rotation and offense. He shoots and looks to pass which is a recipe for success, but his play hasn't necessarily translated to anything close to fantasy relevant lately. This can work for your advantage since Chalmers will be lining up against Austin Rivers. Not only is Rivers on the second night of a back-to-back, but he's coming off a career high scoring night. There is little chance that offense outburst leads to increased defensive effort the next night, so assume Memphis will force their offense to run through the backcourt and one of the few trustworthy hands on the team.
Other DFS Guard to Consider: Wayne Ellington - SG, vs NOP ($3,800)
FanDuel DFS Forwards
Josh Richardson - SF, vs NOP ($6,000)
Josh Richardson has put together his longest double-digit scoring streak of the season and it shouldn't end if Dion Waiters misses a game or two with an ankle injury. Richardson's price has tediously gone up recently but he should still manage to hit value against the Pelicans. Richardson may be one of the more impactful players on the Heat, but New Orleans will not gameplan to shut him down specifically. Outside of Dante Cunningham, the Pelicans roster doesn't have many athletic defenders that will be able to keep Richardson from producing.
Montrezl Harrell - PF, at MEM ($3,900)
Believe it or not, Montrezl Harrell tends to have some of his better games against slower opponents. His frame allows him to take on a "Nene-ish" style on the court, so posting four or five rebounds alongside eight or ten points will be his floor. The slower pace of the Grizzlies works toward his strengths and rebounding ability, but has no problem running the floor the Clippers can get out in transition. Harrell tends to be limited in his overall production, but for his price, his floor is extremely high.
Other DFS Forward to Consider: Sam Dekker - SF, at MEM ($3,500)
FanDuel DFS Centers
Nikola Jokic - C, at GSW ($8,300)
Not only are both teams on the second night of a back-to-back, but most DFS players won't pick a non-shooting big like Jokic immediately after a big scoring night. The stars might be aligned for Jokic to fail, but the Warriors frontcourt still needs help statistically and Jokic is one of the most productive centers in the game. His price is incredibly low and I wouldn't fade him because of a good game Friday night. Until his price raises, Jokic is gong to be a value play and even if he lines up against Draymond Green, Jokic still has potential to break value.
Other DFS Centers to Consider: Tyson Chandler - C, vs MIN ($4,000)
