Daily Fantasy NBA News and Injury Updates - 12/13/18

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What We Know

Trevor Ariza is expected to start against the Mavericks tonight

Ariza was active last game, but didn't play a minute. Prior, he played 39 and 33 minutes. The coaching staff has already said it was for precautionary reasons on the second leg of a back to back. He should be right back to his full complement of minutes and this match-up is solid. He's been playing bigger minutes since the trade rumors and the Suns may be showing the league the asset they have. I actually like him a lot against a Mavs team that is susceptible on the perimeter. He's cheap enough in all formats.

Brandon Knight is expected to return tonight against the Lakers

This is a lot bigger news to me than I think most are taking it. I personally think Brandon Knight is going to play a big role in the Rockets catching their footing. He gives them a legitimate scorer and ball-handler off the bench that can play 25-30 minutes and put up a fantasy point per minute. In his first game back, I doubt he gets more than 20-25 minutes. If he does get 20 minutes, he's at least interesting at minimum price. Gerald Green and Danuel House should lose a few minutes.

Dirk Nowitzki will play for the first time this season against the Suns tonight

Who knows, maybe he comes out and plays 25 minutes. I doubt it. I more so expect 15 or so minutes, which nowhere near enough when he's not even close to minimum. I don't have interest in any of these Mavericks bigs tonight, including Dirk.

What We're Waiting to Know

Dennis Smith Jr., J.J. Barea, and Maxi Kleber are all questionable to play against the Suns

This game starts at 10:30 on the west coast, so we probably won't know what's going on until well after lock. With Dirk Nowitzki expecting to make his return tonight, I don't see much opportunity with any of the big men. As for Barea and DSJ, I'll stay away if either of them play. If both are out, Jalen Brunson will get a ton of run and be in play in all formats. Wesley Matthews would also be in line to receive some extra run.

Every Lineup Guys

Josh Hart FD - $4500 DK - $4200
Opponent - HOU
Proj Pts FD - 28.08 DK - 27.8

Hart has picked up 30+ minutes in each of the last three games. He did flop against the Heat and Spurs, but those are two excusable match-ups for a guy that relies on space and speed to perform. There will be plenty of open shots on the perimeter tonight and the Rockets are always willing to run and gun. The peripherals are there for the taking and Hart is going to be in there for another 30-35 minutes. There isn't a ton of reliable value on the slate and Hart is a solid option at one of the weakest positions out there.

Nikola Vucevic FD - $8800 DK - $8900
Opponent - CHI
Proj Pts FD - 48.1 DK - 49.65

The optimizer is loving Nikola Vucevic tonight. The Bulls are someone we've been targeting with big men all season long and rightfully so, with them ranking 27th against centers on the season. Bucevic has seen his minutes decrease over the last two, but that was puer situational. If this game is competitive, Vucevic is going to see his 30+ minutes. He'll bully this interior and could easily finish over 45 fantasy points. Outside of Jordan and maybe Ayton, this position is bare. Vucevic is solid with upside and will be in every lineup of mine.

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