There are nine NBA games on Thursday’s post-Christmas slate. What a way to keep the holiday cheer chugging along.
As for injuries: Trae Young, Kristaps Porzingis, Domantas Sabonis, Josh Giddey, Aaron Gordon, Myles Turner, and Giannis Antetokounmpo are all questionable. Keep track of all the pertinent injury updates at DK Live.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, there are only two games with double-digit favorites. The Milwaukee Bucks are -10.5 over the Brooklyn Nets despite Antetokounmpo’s status, and the Memphis Grizzlies are -11.5 over the Toronto Raptors. The Houston Rockets are also heavily favored to beat the New Orleans Pelicans tonight at -8. Log into DK Sportsbook for the updates.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $222K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets at Washington Wizards ($10,000):
Brandon Miller is still questionable tonight to suit up against the Wizards, but we aren’t too concerned about his status when it comes to Ball’s outlook tonight. The Washington Wizards are surrendering the most FPTS in the league; a statistic confirming the vulnerability of their second league-worst defense. It’s disappointing because Washington actually has some talented defensive players in Bilal Coulibaly and Alex Sarr.
Regardless, Ball’s cheaper than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who admittedly isn’t facing an elite defense either. But when we’re making close decisions, it’s nice to just bank on ole’ reliable: pick the player who’s playing the Wizards. Ball played the Wizards on December 19th; a loss in which he smoked the Wizards for 34 points, 13 assists, and four steals with one turnover. Ball’s upside is too monstrous to ignore in this spot.
Other Options: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($10,300), Trae Young ($9,200), Damian Lillard ($9,300) if he plays
Value
Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets at New Orleans Pelicans ($6,000): Without Dillon Brooks or Tari Eason, Amen Thompson will get a large role in tonight’s contest against the Pelicans. The Pelicans are a woeful league third-worst defense with a 117.7 defensive rating. Thompson isn’t known for his offense (although he is improving in that area), but tonight’s spot is pretty juicy. In his three starts this season he’s been averaging 18 PPG, 9 RPG, 2.7 BPG and 2 SPG. Steals and blocks both count for two points, and these are stats which Thompson is capable of getting in spades. In Monday’s win over the Hornets without Dillon Brooks, Thompson started and logged 19 points, 11 rebounds, and four stocks.
Other Options: Trevelin Queen ($3,600), Cason Wallace ($4,300)
Forward
Stud
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brooklyn Nets at Milwaukee Bucks ($11,300): This is an intriguing spot for Antetokounmpo, who will be facing off against Brooklyn’s 5th-worst defense. Upon first glance, it looks like a lock for Giannis to go off tonight, but I’m not super convinced. Brooklyn ranks 17th in paint defense this season, which is hovering around league average. But Antetokounmpo is simply so good that I don’t even care. With Lillard’s status up in the air, we may be seeing Antetokounmpo in attack mode from the get-go. I’m not sure Brooklyn has an answer for him. Few teams do.
Other Options: Jalen Johnson ($9,000), Jalen Williams ($8,000)
Value
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Miami Heat at Orlando Magic ($4,300): KCP is on somewhat of a heater. He’s enjoying a consistent role in Orlando’s system given all their injuries, and recently exploded for 24 points with two blocks with 12/12 shooting from the line. He’ll be needed tonight against the Jimmy Butler-less Heat as he looks to continue his strong play. He’s been racking up defensive stats in a hurry.
Other Options: Justin Champagnie ($5,200), Ochai Agbaji ($4,700)
Center
Stud
Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets at New Orleans Pelicans ($8,000): Poor Pelicans. The aforementioned third-worst-rated defensive team in the league will get a nice boost once Zion Williamson returns to the fold – who am I kidding – what does that really change? They’re 5-25, dead last in the West, and going absolutely nowhere like the Wizards.
Yves Missi has done a nice job of filling in as starting Center, but he’ll be outmatched tonight against Houston’s rising All-Star big man. The Pelicans are surrendering the second-most points in the paint this season and Sengun will give Missi all he can handle.
Other Options: Nikola Vucevic ($8,300), Isaiah Hartenstein ($7,300), Jaren Jackson Jr. ($7,200)
Value
Noah Clowney, Brooklyn Nets at Milwaukee Bucks ($4,400): If Dorian Finney-Smith is sidelined for another game, Clowney could be due for another nice game against the Bucks tonight. Clowney’s been stringing together some strong games, averaging 13.3 PPG and 6 RPG alongside 2.6 3PM per game in his past three.
Other Options: Jonathan Isaac ($3,600), Clint Capela ($5,200)
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $222K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is sontzu) 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.
