DFSGhost 
As December has arrived, we are that much closer to the holidays and more NBA action awaits us. With a ton of studs being of interest, we’ll look for some value throughout the day with a number of players already listed as questionable with an illness to make it all happen. It’s Wet Wednesday’s edition of the Gems – let’s ride.
One thing I want to clarify based on the questions I have received over the past few years is that I will never list a player under the $5,000 price tag simply because I use the projection model to identify all targets in this range and below. While there are often plenty of options that I like at $5,000 and less, since I often find myself with not only one – but multiple – in my NBA DFS lineups, you all have access to the very model I use to make my own selections, so when asking yourself: “Should I use player X or player Y?”, make sure to check the model because that is how I make all of my own decisions and I truly ride or die by it on a daily basis.
Before running to the DraftKings, FanDuel, or Yahoo lobby to construct your NBA DFS lineup after reading this article, please make sure to utilize the abundance of tools we have at Win Daily:
Point Guards
Luka Doncic ($11,600 DK / $10,600 FD)
With Kristaps Porzings questionable to play after leaving the Mavericks’ last game versus the Cavaliers, Luka Doncic is in a prime spot to lead the NBA slate in scoring. Even if KP plays in this one, the matchup versus the Pelicans, who rank 25th in defensive rating and struggle mightily versus primary ball handlers, is simply too good to pass up on when looking at Doncic’s ceiling tonight. He has now rallied five straight games of impressive scoring lines after struggling out of the gate to begin the season, where Doncic has a 35.5% usage rate to go with his 27.8/8.6/11 average on 45.1% shooting.
Kevin Porter Jr. ($7,400 DK / $6,800 FD)
Sporting a 26.5% usage rate in his last two games with Jalen Green sidelined, KPJ has dazzled while running the Rockets’ offense. Posting a 17/9/11.5 scoring line in these two appearances, KPJ has logged nearly 38 minutes per contest, while taking 16 and 17 shots, respectively. Playing the same OKC team that he just dropped a triple-double on, KPJ will be one of the most popular options in the mid range of this NBA slate, and rightfully so.
Honorable Mentions:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($8,300 DK / $8,200 FD)
- Cole Anthony ($7,900 DK / $7,800 FD)
Shooting Guards
D’Angelo Russell ($8,400 DK / $7,900 FD)
With 18 or more points in six of his last seven, DLO has really turned it up for the Timberwolves as of late. Not only is he leading the NBA in clutch scoring, but he’s contributing in all facets of the offense, with a 22.1/4.4/6.9 scoring line in those appearances. With Anthony Edwards questionable with an illness, DLO can see an even bigger bump on offense here tonight.
Tyler Herro ($7,200 DK / $7,000 FD)
Contingent on Jimmy Butler sitting out again to really peak my interest, I’d love to be able to play Tyler Herro on tonight’s NBA slate. The Heat were starving for offense last game with both Butler and Herro out, and tonight, the latter looks to be making his return to the lineup. Despite coming off the bench for a championship contender, Herro has a ridiculous 29.3% usage rate while also logging 33.6 MPG – far from your typical bench player. He has over 20 PPG and is shooting 45.2% from the field this season, and would be a true tournament differentiator for us tonight, should Butler be out again.
Honorable Mentions
- Kelly Oubre Jr. ($5,400 DK / $5,600 FD)
- Seth Curry ($5,200 DK / $5,400 FD)
Small Forwards
The player pool is awful at this position and frankly, I don’t feel comfortable recommending anyone in particular at the time of writing. There are shooting guards listed above who are small forward eligible, but this will primarily be a punt spot for me with multiple injuries that include:
- Jimmy Butler (Q)
- Jaylen Brown (Q)
- Harrison Barnes (Q)
- Justin Holiday (OUT)
- Cody Martin (OUT)
Players to benefit at this position will be:
- Tyler Herro / Max Strus
- Jayson Tatum / Dennis Schroder (SG)
- Buddy Hield
- Kelan Martin
- Kelly Oubre Jr.
In addition, a few players on my radar right now are:
- Jae’Sean Tate ($5,200 DK / $5,600 FD)
- ATL Hawks duo of Kevin Huerter ($4,400 DK / $4,800 FD) and Cam Reddish ($3,400 DK / $4,700 FD) with both De’Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic already ruled out
Power Forwards
Giannis Antetokounmpo ($12,100 DK / $11,200 FD)
Facing a Hornets defense that ranks 27th in defensive rating, including being 28th in the NBA in points allowed in the paint per game, Giannis is set to break the slate tonight at an expensive price tag. The defending champion has a 33.8% usage rate this season, averaging 27/11.8/5.9 on 52.6% shooting, including 27.7/11/5 in his last three, and finds himself in one of the best game environments, with the Hornets ranking 3rd in pace.
Domantas Sabonis ($9,400 DK / $8,500 FD)
With Myles Turner reportedly “feeling under the weather” after missing the last game with an illness, Sabonis could be in line for another start versus Clint Capela and the Atlanta Hawks. Despite seeing little usage increase last game from his 22% average on the season, Sabonis will be tasked with logging serious minutes for a second straight affair should Turner sit out once again, which looks likely. While he’ll be in tough to match his 16/25/10 triple-double from a few days ago, his price tag is simply too low on this NBA slate for the upside he carries with Turner off the floor, in addition to Justin Holiday being out tonight.
Honorable Mentions:
- Franz Wagner ($5,500 DK / $5,700 FD)
- PJ Washington ($5,100 DK / $4,900 FD)
Centers
- Nikola Jokic ($11,800 DK / $11,000 FD)
- Christian Wood ($8,900 DK / $8,600 FD)
Honorable Mentions:
- Jonas Valanciunas ($9,200 DK / $8,200 FD)
- Richaun Holmes ($5,800 DK / $6,700 FD)
You can find us on Twitter @DFS_Ghost and @Bucn4life
