This Christmas, the greatest gift of all is more than twelve hours of nonstop basketball! The NBA’s annual holiday showcase is stocking-stuffed to the brim with title contenders, former MVPs, and rising stars looking to shine in front of a national audience. The festivities get started at noon, when Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs visit the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, and the action doesn’t stop until a nightcap duel between Nikola Jokic and Kevin Durant.
With so many big names taking the floor, narrowing down a select group to start in season-long fantasy and DFS formats is a difficult task. Here are the three forwards at the top of today’s board:
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $600K Holiday BBall Special [$150K to 1st]
1. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics vs. PHI ($9,800)
Despite a loss to the shorthanded Magic on Monday, the Celtics are rolling. The defending champs have compiled a 22-7 record, thanks in large part to the otherworldly skill of Jayson Tatum. Boston’s franchise player is averaging 28.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists through 26 games, shooting 46.3% from the field (37.2 3PT%).
Although the five-time All-Star’s status is up in the air, his all-around excellence makes for one of the NBA’s highest fantasy floors. Despite some disappointing outings vs. Philadelphia in recent seasons, Tatum put together a 29-point, 11-rebound, eight-assist performance the last time these two teams met in February. Against an even worse edition of the 76ers this season, expect this young superstar to put up points on Wednesday night.
*As of Tuesday afternoon, Tatum (illness) was questionable for Wednesday’s game with the 76ers.
2. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns vs. DEN ($9,000)
Despite several injury issues over the past few months, Kevin Durant has never looked better. The 36-year-old has been a one-man show for the Suns, putting up 27.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists through 18 appearances. Most impressive has been the veteran’s efficiency, as he’s shot 52.4% from the field (42.7 3PT%) on 18.4 field goal attempts per game.
KD is normally accompanied by Devin Booker, but the All-NBA guard has already been ruled out due to a groin injury. That should open up even more production for Phoenix’s best player. Wednesday’s opponent, the Nuggets, have struggled on defense, giving up the fifth-most DK fantasy points to opposing power forwards. Over Durant’s last five outings vs. Denver, he’s put up 28.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists. With little competition from both his opponent and his old team, this future Hall of Famer is poised for a monster performance to close out Christmas.
3. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers at GSW ($9,300)
He might not be in his prime anymore, but LeBron James is still going strong. The 39-year-old is off to another typically strong start, posting 23.2 points, 8.0 rebounds and 9.0 assists on stellar 49.4% shooting from the field. Despite a few choppy stat lines to begin the season, The King has looked terrific as of late, averaging 57.2 DK fantasy points over his last five outings.
A showdown between the Lakers and the Warriors has become a modern NBA classic. In other words, this is the kind of game where LeBron puts on a show. James has scored 33 points or more in each of the last three meetings between these two teams, including a 36-point, 20-rebound, 12-assist triple-double last January. Golden State’s defense is solid, but it’s hard not to slot LBJ into your fantasy lineups for this primetime clash.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $600K Holiday BBall Special [$150K to 1st]
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is barmy) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
