The NBA starts to hit the next gear around the holidays, and Sunday provides another loaded slate filled with intriguing matchups.
DraftKings is offering a showdown contest with the chance to win $20,000. Below, I’ve identified a pair of DFS value plays that will give your lineup a crucial advantage.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $100K Fadeaway [$20K to 1st]
DraftKings Value Picks
PF/C Jabari Smith Jr. ($5,700)
Houston has too many guys. This ultra-rare problem in the NBA can be a long-term blessing or catastrophe. Jabari Smith Jr., the third overall pick in the 2022 draft, has fallen into this category but is trying to prove he is a franchise cornerstone. Throughout his time at Auburn, Smith flashed being the next prototypical modern wing. Even with ball-dominant guards, he showed the potential of being a three-level scorer who, paired with his length, offered elite defensive versatility.
As a pro, Smith has been a defensive menace who has excelled as a small-ball five. The offense has been streaky at best, often struggling to create separation and looking a bit slow in his process. Whether it’s mounting criticism or constantly being in trade rumors, something has clicked for the young big. He’s playing with a newfound confidence and prioritizing the deep ball. Smith is still streaky, but the signs of rapid improvement are impossible to miss.
Miami is a sinking ship, and “Heat Culture” has been invisible this season. It’s a favorable matchup for Smith, who looks hungry to continue his solid form. He’s had over 38 fantasy points in two of his last four outings and is in a position to keep stuffing the stat sheet.
PF/C Al Horford ($4,900)
How is Al Horford still doing this? In year 18, there are signs of wearing down, but that doesn’t mean he still isn’t a pivotal player. Horford has taken over the mantra of “Boston’s heartbeat”—a veteran who will do anything to win. With Kristaps Porzingis consistently battling various injuries, Horford has reclaimed a starting role and is playing far more than anticipated.
He’s averaging a hair under ten points a night but is shooting 40% from distance on over five attempts a game. Horford has a green light from beyond the arc, which dramatically helps his fantasy floor. Indiana struggles to guard the line, so expect it to be shooting practice for the 38-year-old. If he continues to play big minutes, Horford’s consistency at this cheap pre-assigned value is hard to pass up.
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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 xaiver-aguiar) 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 skills 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.
