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DFS NBA Picks for FanDuel and DraftKings - Thursday 12/29
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Guards
Luka Doncic FD - $12400 DK - $12000
Opponent - HOU
Proj Pts FD - 61.79 DK - 65.59
Hard not to concentrate on Luka tonight coming off a game for the ages where he became the only player in history to drop a 60-point triple-double. While I am not expecting another 100-point fantasy performance, it seems odd that the price never budged on DraftKings and is still $1000 lower than his season-high of $13K. Luka provides an elite floor with his contributions across the board with access to a huge ceiling, especially against a Rockets team that is 28th in defensive efficiency and 30th in fantasy points to guards. More than enough value should pop up to make it easier to build around Luka in all formats.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander FD - $10800 DK - $10100
Opponent - CHA
Proj Pts FD - 53.22 DK - 54.89
In terms of cash game lineup construction, it is going to be much more optimal to start your lineup and build around SGA who seemingly checks all the boxes tonight. First of all, while he doesn't have anywhere near the same ceiling as Luka, the floor has been very comparable this season. Over 31 games played, he has provided 50 or more DraftKings points 18 times while posting under 40 points just four times. He contributes across the board with averages of 31.5 points, 5.8 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks+steals. We should see that floor once again in a projected high-pace game against a Hornets team that is 27th in defensive efficiency and 10th in pace. Fire up SGA in all formats Thursday.
Immanuel Quickley FD - $6000 DK - $5000
Opponent - SA
Proj Pts FD - 34.56 DK - 37.28
We will have to keep an eye on the Jalen Brunson injury but it appears he could miss a second straight game opening up some value for the Knicks' backcourt. It was Quickley who benefited last game in an overtime marathon against the Mavericks. He played an insane 51 minutes and picked up a season-high 15 assists and 42 DraftKings points. While that is not very sustainable, neither is the terrible shooting he displayed making just 5 of 21 shots(24%) and just 1 for 10 from beyond the arc. Either way, if he starts, I love the matchup against a Spurs team that ranks dead last in defense and runs a top-10 pace.
Small Forward
Scottie Barnes FD - $8200 DK - $6700
Opponent - MEM
Proj Pts FD - 34.3 DK - 37.02
The Raptors don't exactly get the best matchup on Thursday against the Grizzlies but we can't ignore the huge price differential between the sites. I am not very interested in the inconsistency of Barnes' play on FanDuel at his price but very interested in DraftKings where the price continues to trend down despite back-to-back excellent performances. He has not only shot the ball very well(18 for 31) but has also added 22 rebounds and 12 assists in those games. There is a chance FVV is out with an injury tonight which would only enhance the PTS/$ projection and lock Barnes in as a top play in all formats. Stay tuned.
Power Forward/Center
Julius Randle FD - $9500 DK - $9500
Opponent - SA
Proj Pts FD - 48.92 DK - 53.6
If it's consistency you are after, look no further than Julius Randle who is on an epic run as of late and someone still below $10K on both sites. He comes into Thursday's action having dropped 50 or more DraftKings points in four straight games and has averaged just over 53 per game going back to early December(11 games). He has been a double-double machine averaging 27.9 points and 12.2 rebounds in that time and now faces a Spurs team that is dead last in defensive efficiency and 21st in rebounding. At these prices, Randle is a top play in all formats.
Jarrett Allen FD - $7300 DK - $6300
Opponent - IND
Proj Pts FD - 36.84 DK - 38.22
Allen isn't a player I am targeting in GPP formats with his lack of overall upside but for cash games, he fits the bill being a consistent force on boards. He isn't ever going to get a ton of volume in the Cavs offence but is averaging 14 points and nine rebounds over the last nine games while tallying 30 or more DraftKings points in seven of those games. In a plus matchup against the Pacers who are 25th in rebounding, I will have plenty of Allen in my DraftKings cash game builds.
