Fantasy Basketball Picks 12-23-14
These fantasy basketball picks are the key to unlocking BIG winnings tonight!
Last night belonged to James Harden and Jimmy Butler. Harden had arguably the best performance of any player this season, with 44 points, 7 assists and 5 steals in less than 32 minutes. Butler has become matchup proof, even with Derrick Rose in the lineup. I am late to that party, but I will not be without Butler until he slows down. Stephen Curry didn’t see the court in the 4th quarter of a blowout win, Monta Ellis came back down to earth, and Kyle Korver got hot. Remember, studs and duds are determined based off of return on salary, not total points. Any player not listed in “Studs” or “Duds” recap was an average play that came near paying off their salary.
Studs: Kyle Korver (32.25), Dwight Howard (40.25)
Duds: Monta Ellis (26.25), Gerald Henderson (13.25), JJ Hickson (6.25)
Today’s Top Plays
Guard:
Russell Westbrook ($21,550) vs Portland– Westbrook has been a machine since his return, and as long as Kevin Durant is out, he is instantly one of the top options on the board. His usage rate without Durant on the floor is an astronomical 46.5%, and he draws a great matchup against Damian Lillard tonight. His price tag is prohibitive, but if this one stays close, he has 60 FP upside. Keep an eye on Durant’s status and fire up Westy as an elite option if he sits again.
John Wall ($17,600) vs Chicago– Wall is a tremendous alternative to Westbrook tonight. He draws a matchup with Derrick Rose and the Bulls who have been a sieve against PG this season, ranking 28th in the NBA. Wall has eclipsed 50 FP in 7 of his 16 home games, and is averaging 42.8 FP per contest this season. He will find his way onto most of my rosters tonight.
Jarrett Jack ($8,850) vs Denver – Deron Williams is one of many players who are listed as “Questionable” this morning, and Jack makes for a great value if he sits once again. Jack posted a 15/10/4 line against the Pistons in D-Will’s absence Sunday, and would be in a great spot tonight against a Denver team that plays up in tempo. Vegas only has this total pegged at 200, but Jack could easily eclipse a 3X goal at this depressed price tag.
Mo Williams ($10,100) at Cleveland - Kyrie Irving and company have really struggled to defend opposing PG this season, although they currently rank 15th in the NBA vs the position. Mo Williams saw his first full game of action since his return on Sunday against Indiana, and picked back up where he left off to the tune of 24/10 and 42.50 FP. A matchup against his former team in a game with a 207.5 point total make him one of my favorite plays tonight. Get him in your lineups if you’re looking for a discounted upside play at guard.
Forward:
Jimmy Butler ($15,600) at Washington - I’m surprised at myself for recommending a player against the Wizards tonight, but there is no denying how impressive Butler has been. In his last three games, he has posted 62, 48.50, and 60 FP and shown his versatility at every turn. He may not be able to keep up this pace, but he isn’t priced like a player who is averaging nearly 57 FP per contest this week. Get him in your lineups and don’t look back. This kid is the real deal.
Jared Dudley ($6,550) vs vs Charlotte - Dudley is a risky play, but has emerged as a reliable option since the injury to Jabari Parker, with two straight games of at last 30 FP. His price tag brings you some upside, while also allowing you to pay up for the top options on the night. He is my favorite play under $7,000 tonight, and it isn’t particularly close.
Kyle O’Quinn ($7,800) vs Boston – Boston’s struggles against big men are well documented, and O’Quinn has locked up a starting spot at PF for the Magic tonight. The Celtics rank 29th against PF this season, and while O’Quinn doesn’t play huge minutes, he will likely see around 25 solid minutes in a dream matchup. He could solidify himself as an everyday starter with a solid performance tonight, and I expect him to easily hit value at this price.
Luol Deng ($11,850) vs Philadelphia - As one of the most under-appreciated players in the game, Deng’s tremendous matchup may fly under the radar tonight. Chris Bosh is out, and Dwyane Wade could also end up sitting out, which leaves Deng as the primary scorer. He is coming off of two straight 30+ FP performances, and draws a 76ers squad that is 29th in the NBA vs SF. Deng is a great sneaky play tonight.
Center:
Mason Plumlee ($11,350) vs Denver- If you have been playing DFS for the last few weeks, you know how well Plumlee has played. He has at least 32.25 FP in six straight games, and now draws the worst interior defense in the league in Denver. Plumlee has shown no signs of slowing down, and I’ll be taking advantage of this price tag for as long as I can.
You can find me on Twitter @BigItaly42 and I’d love to help you out with any questions!