RADIO
Now that the fantasy football season is behind us, unless you are in one of those weird leagues that actually plays until Week 17, we can now turn our attention towards hoops as we close out 2017. I hope everyone's 2018 is filled with good health, happiness and plenty of fantasy success. Happy New Year!
Below you will find our daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 12/31/17. These DFS lineup picks can vary from higher-priced players and elite options, to lower-priced players and value picks on FanDuel.
Feel free to follow me on Twitter @Den_Clausen. Let's get started!
FanDuel DFS Guards
Russell Westbrook - PG, vs. DAL ($11,900)
After a rough start to the season from a scoring perspective, averaging only 19 points in October, Russell Westbrook is back to playing like he did last season. Now in December, he is averaging nearly a triple-double by way of 27 points, 10 assists and a tad under 10 boards per contest. Dallas is giving up the most points per game to opposing playmakers this season, allowing 23 points per outing and as a result, Westbrook should see good numbers, especially with Paul George out on Sunday with a knee issue.
Kyrie Irving - PG, vs. BKN ($9,100)
If you are having issues affording the services of Russell Westbrook, don't worry, Kyrie Irving is available at a much lower price. Brooklyn is always a nice team to pick on for a few reasons. For starters, the Nets love to play fast, which is always a good thing when it comes to fantasy hoops. Secondly, they are not good, like at all. Irving is the clear offensive focal point in the Boston offense and is averaging nearly 25 points per contest, which is around 10 points higher than Jaylen Brown, the team's second-leading scorer.
Tyus Jones - PG, @ IND ($6,100)
With the knee injury to Jeff Teague, which will keep him out for up to a month, Tyus Jones was inserted into the starting unit and responded well, putting up 35 fantasy points against the Milwaukee Bucks a few nights ago. He needs to score a few more points, which could happen if Andrew Wiggins doesn't play because of a bum ankle. Keep an eye on that situation prior to opening tip.
Other FanDuel DFS Guards to Consider: James Harden - SG, vs. LAL ($11,000), John Wall - PG, vs. CHI ($9,300), Devin Booker - SG, vs. PHI ($7,800), Eric Gordon - SG, vs. LAL ($5,800), J.J. Redick - SG, @ PHO ($5,400)
FanDuel DFS Forwards
Ben Simmons - PF, @ PHO ($8,700)
Even though Ben Simmons has been starting at the one, FanDuel is still insistent on listing him as a power forward, but who cares, right? Simmons, who also played Saturday night, actually plays better with no days of rest in between games. In addition, Phoenix is allowing opposing point guards to score 22 points and dish out eight assists per contest as well as shoot 44 percent from the field, which is one of the worst numbers this season. Not a bad way to go, and not a bad price either.
Dario Saric - PF, @ PHO ($6,500)
So moving on from the imposter power forward, to the real one, Dario Saric is another guy who is capable at putting up some solid numbers. He plays a lot of minutes, and is looking like the guy who almost walked away as the Rookie of the Year last season (I think he should have won). He started off the season slow, but is now averaging 13 points, seven boards and shooting nearly 44 percent from the field.
Trevor Ariza - SF, vs. LAL ($5,200)
If you look at the three spot on Sunday, you will notice that the options aren't looking that favorable. Sure, Jimmy Butler is there but I'd rather spend $8,800 on someone else. Then you have T.J. Warren and Otto Porter, who are as inconsistent and high-priced as ever. Same with Brandon Ingram. However, Trevor Ariza is available to save the day. The Rockets love to get as much as possible out of the starting unit, meaning Ariza will see big minutes, as usual. Los Angeles is also the worst team in the league at defending opposing small forwards, which is another good sign. Oh, and by the way, Ariza put up nearly 50 fantasy points against the Lakers not even two weeks ago.
Other FanDuel DFS Forwards to Consider: Carmelo Anthony - PF, vs. DAL ($5,900), Jaylen Brown - SF, vs. BKN ($5,500)
FanDuel DFS Centers
Joel Embiid - C, @ PHO ($10,500)
With some extra time off for rest, Joel Embiid should be back and ready to go against the youthful Suns. Phoenix is allowing opposing big men to shoot 47 percent from the field this season as well as accumulate 18 points, 12 boards and nearly two blocks per matchup. Embiid should put a hurting on Phoenix and is worth the asking price. See why I don't want to pay for Jimmy Butler?
Karl-Anthony Towns - C, @ IND ($9,800)
If you are a little apprehensive about spending a good chunk of change for Joel Embiid, which I can't blame you, check out Karl-Anthony Towns. I'll fill you in on a little secret, too. Indiana sucks at defending opposing centers this season. Yes, I am aware that Myles Turner is leading the league in blocks, but the other numbers don't lie. Andre Drummond recently put up 21 and 18 against them, followed by Dirk Nowitzki, who scored 15 and pulled down seven boards. Even Robin Lopez dropped 12, and even though it's only 12, we are still talking about Robin Lopez. With these performances in mind, what do you think Towns is going to do on New Year's Eve? I bet he will finish the year off strong.
Other FanDuel DFS Centers to Consider: Marc Gasol - C, @ SAC ($8,600), Clint Capela - C, vs. LAL ($7,800), Al Horford - C, vs. BKN ($7,400)
