FanDuel daily picks: Fantasy basketball lineup-December 23
High Value PG
D’Angelo Russell-Los Angeles Lakers (5,900): Russell is still struggling to score efficiently since returning from his three-week layoff, but he has been able to put up at least 28 fantasy points in three straight including 17-4-7 last night against the Heat in Miami. Orlando is an easier matchup for him tonight and if he plays over 30 minutes again he should be able to get over 30 fantasy points making him a relatively “safe” pick at under 6K.∗∗∗
Patrick Beverley-Houston Rockets (5,700): Another solid option to consider under 6K is Patrick Beverley of the Rockets as Houston visits Memphis tonight. Beverley is coming off a huge game in Phoenix on Wednesday when he had 18-9-9 for 42.3 fantasy points. He has at least 25 fantasy points in eight of his last nine games including two of his last four over 35 fantasy points. He still is letting James Harden run the show, but he’s finding ways to contribute across the stat sheet making him an interesting option with plenty of upside even in a tough matchup in Memphis.∗∗
Emmanuel Mudiay-Denver Nuggets (4,900): Mudiay torched owners on Tuesday with a scoreless effort against the Clippers in LA while finishing with just 7.5 fantasy points. He had two nice games at home before that disaster with 18-5-7 against Dallas for 33.5 fantasy points and 22-7-5 for 38.9 fantasy points against the Knicks. Tonight, he’s back at home and in a good matchup against Atlanta who allows the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing PG. he’s risky because he can always torch you, but he does have several key factors in his favor, so if you can afford the risk I think he could ultimately provide the reward.∗∗
Ty Lawson-Sacramento Kings (4,500): Lawson has picked things up off the bench for the Kings which is a good thing since starting PG Darren Collison has continued to struggle. Lawson has posted at lest 21 fantasy points in four of his last five game including solid games this week against the Blazers (16-3-8 for 33.6 fantasy points) and Jazz (19-5-1 for 27.5 fantasy points). If Lawson can get you 20+ fantasy points again tonight against the T-Wolves, he can allow you nice flexibility elsewhere. ∗∗∗
Shelvin Mack-Utah Jazz (4,000): The Jazz backcourt is spread thin tonight as they welcome the Raptors. George Hill and Dante Exum are both already ruled out for tonight and Rodney Hood is questionable as he continues to battle illness. Mack should get a ton of playing time tonight against the Raptors like he die in his last game when he logged 34 minutes against the Kings. He had 13-3-2 in that game for just 18.6 fantasy points, though, so just because he’ll play more doesn’t mean he’ll produce. It does mean he’ll have the opportunity to, though, and should be a solid investment since he has at least 18 fantasy points in ten of his last 11 games overall including three games in his last seven over 22 fantasy points.∗∗∗
Raymond Felton-Los Angeles Clippers (3,500): The best ultra-cheap play tonight could turn out to be Raymond Felton who looked good last night against the Spurs and could get more playing time or even a start tonight against this former team the Mavericks. Felton had 21.3 fantasy points last night against the Spurs on 13-4-3 playing 23 minutes mostly after Chris Paul left with a hamstring injury in the third quarter. He will likely split responsibility at the post with Austin Rivers tonight, but I think Felton is the better option and will be the top bargain-big play if CP3 is ruled out. No Paul-∗∗∗ With Paul-∗
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