NBA DFS: Ghost’s Ghouls 12/15/2019

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This article discusses a core for DFS players to build around for today’s FanDuel NBA slate. While there are many different sports and various contests pertaining to DFS along with their respective strategies, we focus on the main approaches to build both reliable cash and GPP lineups for a successful NBA night including pace, the projected over/under, one on one matchups, and a team’s defensive rating. Make sure to stay active when building NBA lineups – if you cannot be in front of a computer, tablet, or on your phone an hour before lock do not throw your money away! NBA DFS lineups can change at the blink of an eye and are the most variable compared to any other sport in DFS; players get injured, some sit for load management, and others find themselves on the DNP list for other reasons; any of which can sway your lineup and where to find value. Stay alert on the WinDaily Discord chat to follow along with our updated plays. GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

PointGuard – Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers ($8,600)

With the second-highest over/under on the NBA slate at 217.5, the Philadelphia 76ers-Brooklyn Nets game is one that I want my exposure to. Coming off a tremendous outing against the New Orleans Pelicans the other night, Ben Simmons finds himself in a great matchup versus Spencer Dinwiddie and the Nets. Allowing 26.23/6.5/8.4 to point guards, Simmons is in a situation that can see him deliver a triple-double tonight and he has the potential to collect a few steals along the way; Brooklyn plays at the 9^th fastest pace in the NBA and Dinwiddie turns the ball over 2.7 times per game.

ShootingGuard – Buddy Hield, Sacramento Kings ($7,800)

While this game could end up being a blowout, the spread indicates otherwise, and I do expect Draymond Green to be back for the Golden State Warriors after resting on Friday. The combination of Green and D’Angelo Russell should keep the former champions in the game long enough for Buddy Hield to exploit the new-look Warriors that seem defenseless against shooting guards. With D’Angelo Russell and Alec Burks carrying the load on offense, both have been invisible on the defensive end; Golden State ranks near the bottom of the NBA in defensive rating, allowing a league-high 47.87 FanDuel points per game to shooting guards.

SmallForward – De’Andre Hunter, Atlanta Hawks ($5,200)

On a slate that leaves NBA DFS players across the industry starving for value plays, look for Atlanta’s De’Andre Hunter to make a large impact on defense for the Hawks. With Trae Young being no match for LeBron James (who is questionable to play), look for Hunter to be given the task of guarding the greatest player of his generation. Averaging 31.8 minutes per game this season, Hunter’s ability to score from anywhere on the court combined with his 7’2’’ wingspan on defense makes for an intriguing value play tonight.

PowerForward – Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers ($11,300)

Coming in with the highest NBA over/under set at 226.5, I want all that I can get out of the Los Angeles Lakers-Atlanta Hawks game. The star I want? Anthony Davis. With LeBron James questionable to play due to elbow soreness, I expect Davis to be the one to carry the offense. He is in a great matchup against a terrible Atlanta Hawks frontcourt that will most likely leave both Damian Jones and Alex Len out to dry against the All-NBA talent. As one of the worst rebounding teams in the league, the Hawks rank last in defensive rebounding and fifth-worst in total rebounding at a 69.5% and 48.7% rate, respectively. Look for Davis to score in bunches and attack the glass all night.

Center– JaVale McGee, Los Angeles Lakers ($3,900)

Even though Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers is in a smash spot versus the Brooklyn Nets, it is tough to fit him into our NBA DFS lineups with both Anthony Davis and Ben Simmons without scrambling for punt plays on such a small slate. My main play will, therefore, be JaVale McGee of the Los Angeles Lakers. The reason for which he is a more viable play than Dwight Howard at a similar salary ($4,200) is that Howard will not be able to run up and down the court with a young Atlanta Hawks squad looking to push the pace. With Kyle Kuzma already ruled out, look for McGee to be the one to see extended run in the Lakers’ frontcourt.

Gamesto Target

• Atlanta Hawks vs Los Angeles Lakers (226.5over/under)
• Philadelphia 76ers vs Brooklyn Nets (217.5over/under)