There are five NBA games on Christmas’ main slate. No teams are playing the second leg of a back-to-back.
This article was written on Wednesday night. Any changes will be updated. Keep track of all the injury news at DK Network.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $600K Holiday BBall Special [$150K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers ($9,100)
Brunson is the definitive alpha for the Knicks, garnering a 33% usage rate on the season. Since the start of December, Brunson has averaged 36.9 minutes over nine games. His lack of defensive stats are always troubling from a fantasy perspective, and he put up fewer than 40 FPTS twice in December. That said, he’s one of the best bucket getters in the league and — on Christmas, and at Madison Square Garden — seems poised for a dazzling day at the office. It also helps that Cleveland is sixth in pace and 16th in defensive rating.
Other Options: Luka Doncic ($12,100), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($10,500), Donovan Mitchell ($9,400), Anthony Edwards ($9,200), Stephen Curry ($8,900), Jamal Murray ($8,600), Amen Thompson ($7,900), Darius Garland ($7,900), Stephon Castle ($7,500), Josh Hart ($7,200)
Value
Sam Merrill, Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks ($4,000)
There are plenty of good options in the $4K range on this slate, but I’m going with Merrill despite his limited minutes compared to others. Merrill averages 25.9 minutes per game this season and logged 26 in each of his last two games since returning from injury. The range of outcomes is wide for Merrill, evidenced by the two most recent contests — 14.8 and 44.5 FPTS, respectively.
That said, it’s his upside that intrigues me. Merrill is primarily known as a three-point shooter, but he’s shown some playmaking chops this season. He dished out seven and five dimes over his last two games and had an eight-assist game back in November. This game has a lofty total of 239.5, tied for the most on the slate, so Merrill should have plenty of opportunities to produce fantasy goodies.
Other Options: Naji Marshall ($5,300), Reed Sheppard ($5,100), Lonzo Ball ($4,800), Bones Hyland ($4,800), Jordan Clarkson ($4,600), Ryan Nembhard ($4,400), Cason Wallace ($4,400), Bruce Brown ($4,100), Tim Hardaway Jr. ($4,000)
Forward
Stud
Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks at Golden State Warriors ($7,300)
It took a minute for Flagg to spread his wings, but he’s now soaring in the fantasy landscape. Five games ago, he put up 42 points with seven rebounds, six assists, two blocks, and a steal in 42 minutes. On Tuesday, he went for 33 points, nine rebounds, nine assists, a block, and a steal in 40 minutes. Both games yielded more than 60 FPTS. He’s too cheap for his role, playing time, stat-stuffing ability, and potential ceiling.
Other Options: Alperen Sengun ($9,700), Anthony Davis ($9,500), Jimmy Butler ($7,800), Josh Hart ($7,200), OG Anunoby ($6,800), Jabari Smith Jr. ($6,200)
Value
Tim Hardaway Jr., Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves ($4,000)
Over the last two games, Hardaway Jr. has scored 21 and 23 points in 25 and 29 minutes — producing 30.2 and 30.5 FPTS, respectively. He doesn’t do much outside of scoring, but playing alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray offers plenty of open looks to rack up points. With Cameron Johnson sidelined, Hardaway Jr. will likely enter the starting lineup and play over 30 minutes.
Other Options: Devin Vassell ($5,800), Naji Marshall ($5,300), Peyton Watson ($5,000), Jordan Clarkson ($4,600), Dean Wade ($4,300), Sam Merrill ($4,000)
Center
Stud
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves ($12,500)
Yes, Jokic is expensive, but you usually get what you pay for. He’s a threat to record a triple-double every night and has put up the most raw points on the slate. He has the highest floor/ceiling combo in the game, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he went off for 80 FPTS. He’s topped 60 FPTS in five of his last six games with a high of 83.8 FPTS in that span.
Other Options: Alperen Sengun ($9,700), Anthony Davis ($9,500), Karl-Anthony Towns ($8,600), Deandre Ayton ($6,700)
Value
Luke Kornet, San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder ($4,200)
Playing the Spurs on Tuesday, Kornet played 26 minutes and produced 24.8 FPTS. He often plays alongside Victor Wembanyama, but with Wembanyama still ramping up from his injury, Kornet’s playing time has been more secure. He has topped 20 FPTS in each of his last five games with a high of 38.5 FPTS.
Other Options: Mitchell Robinson ($4,800), Dean Wade ($4,300)
