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Free daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for today's slate on DraftKings and FanDuel. Use Koby's NBA DFS expert picks to building winning DFS lineups on December 5th, 2024.
Welcome back, Rotoballers! We have a loaded slate for us on this fine Thursday. It is an eight-game slate on Fanduel but only a seven-game slate on DraftKings as they have left the Rockets vs. Warriors game off. So keep that in mind when setting your lineups and I will adjust accordingly throughout so that it is easier for you as well.
With a bigger slate, we have a few more injuries than normal we have to keep an eye on the injury report and make sure you adjust as needed. These are the players who are out or questionable that could have fantasy implications; Stephen Curry, Brandon Ingram, Kevin Durant, Fred VanVleet, Josh Giddey, Miles Bridges, Malcolm Brogdon, Kyle Kuzma, Coby White, Andrew Wiggins, Yves Missi, Tari Eason, Draymond Green, Naji Marshall, Gradey Dick, Kyshawn George, Corey Kispert.
The key to succeeding in NBA DFS is making adjustments during the day as injury information becomes available. But it's always essential to have a game plan and zero in on the best players and spots before making those adjustments. To keep up with all the latest developments and get access to updated projections, grab an NBA season pass and access our RotoBaller Premium Discord, where @chiefjustice6 is talking about the slate up until lineups lock! This article will provide my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 12/5/24. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our excellent NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 7:00 p.m. EST on DraftKings and FanDuel.
Today's NBA DFS Core Picks
Here is a look at some of the higher-priced players we can use as building blocks for cash and GPP contests.
Luka Doncic came back from injury and immediately made an impact. He has scored 69 FP in both of the games since his return and now gets an elite matchup against the Wizards who are giving up the second most fantasy points to opposing PGs. Doncic is easily one of the best plays on the slate.
Brandon Miller might be one of the best plays on the slate. With LaMelo Ball and Tre Mann out, Brandon Miller has taken over this Charlotte Hornets team—his usage increases by nearly 7% when those two are out. On top of that, Brandon Miller goes up against a Knicks team that is giving up the third most fantasy to SFs this season.
Brandon Miller over his last 8 games:
- 28.3 PPG
- 6.3 RPG
- 1.4 SPG
- 1.1 BPG
- 58% TSHe’s hit 42% of his threes on 12.5 attempts/game over that stretch 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Gob94XUUki
— The Lead (@TheLeadSM) December 4, 2024
Alperen Sengun has been monstrous across the last five games going for 40+ FP in all five including three games of over 52! He now gets an elite matchup against the Warriors who are giving up the fifth most fantasy points to opposing Centers this season and the most rebounds. Sengun averages 10.7 rebounds a game but could be in line for a 15+ rebound night with a matchup like the Warriors.
Evan Mobley has been carving up defenses recently. He has scored 35+ fantasy points in seven of his last eight games, and the one he missed, he only played 17 minutes. He now gets a Denver defense that has given up the third most fantasy points to opposing PFs this season.
- Luka Doncic, DAL @ WAS ($11,200 DK; $11,700 FD)
- Brandon Miller, CHA @ NYK ($8,500 DK; $8,300 FD)
- Alperen Sengun, HOU @ GSW ($8,800 FD)
- Evan Mobley, CLE vs. DEN ($7,800 DK; $8,000 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Value Picks
This is where we talk about saving salary. Whether it's a severely underpriced backup or even as simple as a guy playing like someone who should be priced higher, this is where you'll find guys who make lineups work.
Charles Bassey is in line for a large role in this matchup against Chicago. With Victor Wembanyama going down with an injury, Bassey will likely step into the center role. He averaged 23 minutes a game during Victor's absence in November and averaged 31 FPPG in that span. He is also still fairly cheap at only 5.5k on FD and is min-priced on DK! Chicago is also giving up the fourth most fantasy points to opposing Centers this season.
I'm not sure I understand the price on Ochai Agbaji, 4,7k is relatively cheap for someone who can put up 40+ on any night. He has a very high upside for his price and should be highly considered for someone who averages 30+ minutes a game.
Jonathan Kuminga could be in for an expanded role with the Warriors tonight, Both Curry and Green have been ruled out of this game and Andrew Wiggins is also dealing with injury. Kuminga sees a nearly 7% increase in usage when these guys are out and with Kuminga being as cheap as he is, he should be a solid value for us.
Top Value Plays:
- Charles Bassey, SAS vs. CHI ($3,000 DK; $5,500 FD)
- Ochai Agbaji, TOR vs. OKC ($4,800 DK; $4,700 FD)
- Jonathan Kuminga, GSW vs. HOU ($5,800 FD)
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Today's NBA DFS Picks: Point Guard
Chris Paul has been good for a solid 30 FP this season, and with Victor going down, Chris Paul should see a 4% usage increase in that case. In the three-game absence in November for Victor, Chris Paul averaged 32 FP, he also gets a fantastic matchup against the Bulls who are giving up the third most fantasy points to opposing PGs this season.
Ayo Dosunmu is in line for an extended role in the offense, especially if Josh Giddey is out of this game. Ayo's usage will increase by over 5% if Giddey is out on top of Coby White and Lonzo Ball. Ayo has had 30+ fantasy points in two of his last three games and could be in line for another solid performance.
Top PG Options:
- Luka Doncic, DAL @ WAS ($11,200 DK; $11,700 FD)
- Chris Paul, SAS vs. CHI ($5,900 DK; $6,200 FD)
- Ayo Dosunmu, CHI @ SAS ($5,300 DK; $5,700 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Picks: Shooting Guard
With Kevin Durant back on the injury report, this opens up the opportunity for Bradley Beal to take on a bigger role in the offense. When Kevin Durant is off the court, Beal sees a 6.5% increase in usage. Bradley looks to be back up to 30 minutes which is good for us as he shouldn't have any restrictions in this game.
Brandon Boston Jr. has been a solid guy off the bench, averaging 25 minutes a game across the last five games, and even with Dejounte Murray and CJ McCollum returning to the lineup, he is still producing solid numbers and is worth a shot in GPP tournaments.
Top SG Options:
- Bradley Beal, PHO @ NOP ($8,300 DK; $7,100 FD)
- Ochai Agbaji, TOR vs. OKC ($4,800 DK; $4,700 FD)
- Brandon Boston Jr., NOP vs. PHO ($5,300 DK; $5,100 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Picks: Small Forward
We did already mention Brandon Miller and Jonathan Kuminga above, however, a couple of other guys that deserve mention are Scottie Barnes, Jalen Williams, and Keegan Murray.
DeMar DeRozan is a stellar option at SF on this slate, Memphis is giving up the seventh most fantasy points to opposing SFs. DeMar has shown how he can take over a game and just recently had 55 FP against the Spurs.
Brandon Miller over his last 8 games:
- 28.3 PPG
- 6.3 RPG
- 1.4 SPG
- 1.1 BPG
- 58% TSHe’s hit 42% of his threes on 12.5 attempts/game over that stretch 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Gob94XUUki
— The Lead (@TheLeadSM) December 4, 2024
Top SF Options:
- Brandon Miller, CHA @ NYK ($8,500 DK; $8,300 FD)
- DeMar DeRozan, SAC @ MEM ($7,500 DK; $7,800 FD)
- Jonathan Kuminga, GSW vs. HOU ($5,800 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Picks: Power Forward
P.J. Washington has been on a monster tear recently, scoring 35+ FP in seven of his last nine games, and now gets one of the best matchups on the slate. The Wizards are giving up the most fantasy points to opposing PFs this season. The only thing stopping PJ from 5x his price is a blowout. He will be one of my topped-played PFs on this slate.
Aaron Gordon is back and looks to be playing full minutes once again. In his first full game back he finished with 34 FP against the Warriors. He now gets a solid matchup against the Cavaliers who are allowing the fifth most fantasy points to opposing PFs and the second most rebounds.
The player that had the best rim defense during last night's games based on the shooting percentage on shots defended at the rim (minimum 5 attempts defended):
Evan Mobley - Defended at Rim FG%: 33.30%#NBA #Evan #Mobley #Cavaliers #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/WqI4ZqK42j
— Swish Stats (@SwishStatistics) December 5, 2024
Top PF Options:
- P.J. Washington, DAL @ WAS ($6,800 DK; $7,300 FD)
- Evan Mobley, CLE vs. DEN ($7,800 DK; $8,000 FD)
- Aaron Gordon, DEN @ CLE ($5,900 DK; $6,100 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Picks: Center
Both Sengun and Bassey were mentioned earlier, Dereck Lively and Karl-Anthony Towns are both great options as well.
Isaiah Hartenstein came out like a cannon this season, scoring 35+ fantasy points in five of six games this season, and came up short on Tuesday because of the blowout against Utah. Toronto has been bleeding FP to Centers this season too giving up the second most! Hartenstein should be a good pivot in GPP as most will focus on Sengun if they pay up for a center.
Charles Bassey PROTECTING the rim 😲
📺 SAS-DAL on NBA TV pic.twitter.com/FNZgrLhUR0
— NBA (@NBA) November 17, 2024
Top C Options:
- Alperen Sengun, HOU @ GSW ($8,800 FD)
- Isaiah Hartenstein, OKC @ TOR ($7,600 DK; $8,100 FD)
- Charles Bassey, SAS vs. CHI ($3,000 DK; $5,500 FD)
Today's Top NBA DFS Game Stacks
- Nuggets @ Cavaliers (o/u 237.5)
- Kings @ Grizzlies (o/u 243.5)
- Bulls @ Spurs (o/u 236.5)
Today's Top NBA DFS Avoids
Shai-Gilgeous Alexander and Nikola Jokic are very expensive on this slate and there are other places I would rather spend money. The Center position is loaded and I don't think it's necessary to spend up there to get Jokic.
My Favorite NBA DFS Picks for Today
Here is where I leave you with some of my favorites.
- My favorite overall play on the slate: Brandon Miller
- My favorite CASH play on the slate: Alperen Sengun
- My favorite GPP play on the slate: Evan Mobley
- My favorite value play: Charles Bassey
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