DraftKings NBA picks December 18: Can we finally trust Westbrook again?

DALLAS, TX – OCTOBER 20: George Hill #3 of the Sacramento Kings drives to the basket against J.J. Barea #5 of the Dallas Mavericks and Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks in the first half at American Airlines Center on October 20, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

DraftKings NBA picks December 18: Can we finally trust Westbrook again?

We are back up to ten games for our DraftKings tournaments tonight. There are stars all over the court. Which ones does it make sense to pay for? There is tons of value out there, so let’s see which of those will hurt us the least.

Point Guards

Best Bets:

Russell Westbrook ($11,200): This may seem like a peculiar pick because of Westbrook only hitting 34.25 DraftKings points in the first meeting. I can guarantee you that Westbrook wont go 6-22 from the floor again. Westbrook’s 46.25 on Saturday was his lowest total of the month of December. He has raised his floor to the point where it is no longer a big risk to play Westbrook.

Ben Simmons ($9,600): As with most rookies, Simmons has had a bit of a tough go lately. He has only hit 5x value in five of his last ten games. This looks like a place for Simmons to do it again though. No matter where he plays, the Bulls can’t stop him.

Chris Paul ($9,000): Paul shredded Utah for 58.25 DraftKings points 11 days ago. Since that game, Paul has at least 40 DraftKings points in every game. He is playing at a high level just like the rest of the team. I don’t trust many against Utah, but Paul is one of the exceptions.

Honorable Mention:

Damian Lillard ($8,900): The main reason that Lillard is on here is low ownership. Paul has been the more consistent and the overall better player lately, and he is just $100 more than Lillard. However, Lillard has a nice matchup with the Timberwolves. Lillard could come close to Paul’s production at a fraction of the ownership.

Kemba Walker ($7,100): If you are looking to step out of the top tier, Walker is a great option. I usually leave Kemba alone except when the matchup is right, and tonight it certainly seems to be. The Knicks are the fifth worst team in the league in fantasy points allowed to point guards. Walker put up 39.25 on the Knicks in the first meeting. That puts him comfortably at 5.5x value.

Lonzo Ball ($6,900): Ball has at least 40 DraftKings points in three of the last four games. He picked up 36.5 in the first meeting with the Warriors this year. With Curry out and Livingston doubtful, Ball wont have much to worry about as far as to who is guarding him. It will be a mismatch that he can exploit.

Kris Dunn ($6,800): Dunn is playing at a high level right now. High enough that the Bulls are going to have a tough decision to make when LaVine comes back. Dunn has at last 5x value in seven of the last ten games. This is a great matchup against the Sixers tonight. Expect more of the same from Dunn.

Dark Horses:

Yogi Ferrell ($5,000): I do like Barea, but not at $1,200 more than the starter! Ferrell has tons more upside than Barea, and has played very well with Dennis Smith out. The Mavs upgraded Smith to questionable, so if he plays, I’m avoiding Ferrell because of minutes and Barea because of the price.

Milos Teodosic ($4,900): Teodosic is worth playing as long as the Clippers don’t rest him. Teodosic has taken all of the value away from Austin Rivers and even some from LouWill as well. I love Teodosic as a value play at this price. He has 78.25 DraftKings points in three games since his return.

Frank Ntilikina ($4,200): Ntilikina torpedoed those that used him on Saturday. I didn’t trust him against the Thunder, and truth be told I’m not wild about him here either. However, there isn’t much at this tier at the point, and even 4x value from Ntilikina is better than anyone else down here. Just make sure you guess right on the stud you spend on if you feel you have to go this cheap.

My pick: Walker(PG), Paul(SG), Teodosic(G); Westbrook(PG), Ball(G)

BOSTON, MA – NOVEMBER 16: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors stands for the national anthem before the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on November 16, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Shooting Guards:

Best Bets:

Klay Thompson ($7,000): Shooting guard is a minefield of places to waste money in the upper tier. Harden barely hit 4x value against Utah with Paul healthy 11 days ago. Oladipo faces Boston, who has allowed the least fantasy points to shooting guards this year. Butler is questionable. Booker is out. LouWill is too sporadic for his price. That leaves the incredibly consistent Thompson. He has only been out of the 30’s for DraftKings points once in the last ten games. That was against the Lakers, who held him to 28.5. At least you know what you’re getting with Klay. Everyone else is a sizeable risk.

Donovan Mitchell ($6,700): The rookie continues to lead the Jazz in scoring. His offensive prowess gives Mitchell certain minutes even though everyone else’s may fluctuate. Mitchell has 68 DraftKings points in two games against Houston so far this year. That’s right about where you want him.

Honorable Mention:

Courtney Lee ($5,800): Lee continues to see good minutes with Tim Hardaway Jr. out, but he doesn’t always to a lot with them. However, Lee is producing lately, putting up 99 DraftKings points over the last three games. Due to the injuries and inconsistencies at the top of the position tonight, taking a chance on Lee may not be a horrible idea.

J.J. Redick ($5,600): Redick has been lights out lately, putting up at least 5x value in seven of the last eight games. His spot shooting from the perimeter makes the Philadelphia offense that much more dangerous. So long as he is hitting shots, the Sixers will ignore his defensive shortcomings and let him rack up the points from the outside.

Jordan Clarkson ($5,300): Clarkson punished the Warriors with 41 DraftKings points in the first meeting. Clarkson’s minutes have stayed consistent, but his production has not. That said, Rodney Hood was not good against Houston his first game against them. I would opt for Clarkson over Hood tonight at the same price. Most wont.

Dark Horses:

Josh Richardson ($4,800): Richardson torched the Hawks for 38 DraftKings points in the first meeting with them. The Heat backcourt is crowded, but Richardson is playing too well right now to take him out. Richardson has hit three of more three pointers in seven of the last ten games. Ride this hot streak, especially against an Atlanta team that can’t guard him.

Wesley Matthews ($4,700): I like his matchup with the Suns even if Thomas is back. However, if Thomas is out again, Matthews is almost a must-play for me. I will put him in my lineups if he is going to play 35 minutes against this defense.

Andre Roberson ($3,600): His minutes restriction was in effect on Saturday, but I would guess that Roberson would be back to his normal workload here. Roberson wont wow you with his production, but when he plays at least 30 minutes, he is always above 20 DraftKings points. It’s hard to find a more consistent value play.

My pick: N/A; Richardson(SG)

DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 08: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to two three made free throws in the fourth quarter while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on December 8, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Golden State won the game 102-98. . (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Small Forwards:

Best Bet:

Kevin Durant ($11,600): Yes, the Lakers are good against power forwards. They have held KD himself under 50 both times they have played him. This has more to do with the Warriors having nothing else on the court with him. Three starters and Shaun Livingston are already ruled out. Its KD and Klay. That’s it for the starters. Durant will have a big game because he doesn’t have much of a choice.

Paul George ($7,600): George got back on track over the weekend, so expecting him to hit value against Denver is not too much to ask. It looks as though Steven Adams will be out again, so someone will have to pick up the scoring. George looks up to the task.

Honorable Mention:

Harrison Barnes ($6,800): I don’t get this one. Barnes hasn’t been over 5x value in two weeks, yet his price is up $800 over that span. I get it. The Suns are awful defensively. They have been especially weak on the interior. If Barnes plays on the inside, I really like him here.

Brandon Ingram ($6,600): Ingram destroyed the Warriors in the first meeting. He dropped over 50 DraftKings points on them in that game. With three of the five starters out, I love Ingram in this situation. Look for another big game relative to his price against Golden State tonight.

Robert Covington ($6,300): The back bruise that kept Covington out of two games did nothing but lower his price. Covington game back and racked up 38.5 DraftKings points on the Thunder. He has another tasty matchup against the Bulls tonight. Look for Covington in the high 30’s like he has been in the last three games and four of the last five.

Dark Horses:

Kyle Kuzma ($5,600): Kuzma not having to deal with Draymond is definitely a plus. I kind of have the feeling that other Lakers will be too busy taking over the game in order for Kuzma to get a lot done, but he may still get to 5x value. I just don’t think his upside is as high as it has been.

Omri Casspi ($4,100): Casspi has been outstanding with Draymond Green out. Casspi has 67 DraftKings points in just 55 minutes over the last two games. The production is going to far exceed the price point again tonight. Casspi is a chalk play, but a necessary one.

My pick: N/A; Ingram(SF)

NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 14: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks grabs the ball as Rondae Hollis-Jefferson #24 of the Brooklyn Nets defends at the Barclays Center on December 14, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Power Forwards

Best Bets:

Kristaps Porzingis ($9,000): Porzingis ruined a lot of lineups on Thursday when he left after just 18 minutes. He is still questionable for this one, but the consensus seems to be that he will play. If Porzingis is in there, he is worth a look. Porzingis had 41.25 on the Hornets in the first meeting despite playing only 29 minutes. If Porzingis is out, fire up Beastley again!

Carmelo Anthony ($6,500): Melo dropped 42.25 DraftKings points on his former team in the first meeting with Denver. He was ridden like a rented mule for his return to the Garden, but that didn’t go so well. The Thunder offense has looked out of sorts lately, which limits the effectiveness of all of the components here.

Honorable Mention:

Thaddeus Young ($5,900): Young is usually consistently solid, but unspectacular. He has a chance to be spectacular against Boston tonight. The Celtics continue to have problems against opposing power forwards, and Young is priced to buy tonight. He could exceed 6x value without a problem tonight.

Dario Saric ($5,800): Saric is a lot like his teammate, J.J. Redick. He constantly produces. Saric has only been under 5x value once in his last ten games. He is certain 30 DraftKings points, which makes him a strong value play. Saric doens’t have a lot of upside due to all of the talent on the team, which leaves him better suited for cash games.

John Collins ($5,400): Collins dominated Miami for 34.25 DraftKings points in just 18 minutes in the first meeting. Now this time around Collins wont have to deal with Whiteside or James Johnson. He could have an even bigger game tonight!

Dark Horses:

Kelly Olynyk ($5,000): Olynyk is the most accomplished of the Miami frontcourt. He could even earn a start along Adebayo tonight with Johnson out. It remains to be seen who will step up big in the Miami frontcourt with all of the injuries, but I would say that Olynyk has the best chance.

Trey Lyles ($4,600): Lyles has been a huge value with Paul Millsap out. He is more reliable in the rotation than Faried, so Lyles is the one to use on a nightly basis. Lyles isn’t as susceptible to Malone’s crazy rotations for some reason. At least we have some closure in DFS as to the pecking order with Millsap out.

Jordan Bell ($4,500): Bell’s price is steadily creeping up, but his performances are far better than his price still. Bell has 55 DraftKings points in the last two games with Pachulia out. That is nearly 7x value. Bell is pretty much a must play at this point when he starts.

Maxi Kleber ($3,700): Kleber put up a huge game against the Spurs. He is largely inconsistent still, but he has the coveted upside for those that play GPP tournaments. Kleber hit 9x value on Saturday. That’s what he is capable of with his price this low.

My pick: Lyles(SF), Young(PF), Collins(UTIL); Bell(PF)

LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 06: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves scores over Danilo Gallinari #8 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on December 6, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Center:

Best Bets:

Karl-Anthony Towns ($8,800): Towns has been an absolute monster lately. Towns has at least 53 DraftKings points in each of the last five games. With Butler possibly out again, look for another big night for the big man that was often forgotten earlier in the season. Portland isn’t that strong on the interior, so Towns is definitely a threat to go over 50 again.

Nikola Jokic ($8,100): Jokic hasn’t really found his groove yet, but he has only played 22 minutes in one game since his injury on November 30. Jokic gets to take on an Oklahoma City team without defensive stalwart Steven Adams. If Jokic plays 30 minutes, he could be in for a huge game.

Honorable Mention:

DeAndre Jordan ($7,100): Jordan struggled in his first meeting with the Spurs, but he has been carrying some of the load with Griffin out. Jordan has four straight double-doubles, going over 20 rebounds in two of those. His heavy workload has me willing to consider Jordan again tonight.

Al Horford ($6,900): The Pacers are the worst team in the league in allowing fantasy points to centers. They surrendered 43.25 in the first meeting to Horford. If Horford can do that again at this price, that is nearly 7x value!

Jusuf Nurkic ($6,200): Nurkic should see his minutes increasing again now, which bodes well for him tonight. He gets to take on Towns and the Timberwolves, who allow a lot of fantasy points to centers. Nurkic is priced at the point where he could be a huge value if he is back up to 30 minutes in this one.

Dark Horses:

Richaun Holmes ($4,100): Embiid is resting and the newly acquired Trevor Booker is out, so look for a huge workload for Holmes. Holmes has done a great job when he gets minutes this year. There will be plenty of minutes waiting for Holmes tonight!

Ekpe Udoh ($3,700): Keep an eye on the status of Derrick Favors for tonight. He still has not passed the concussion protocol, so Udoh could see a lot of minutes once again. On top of that, Houston may be without Capela, which would be another huge plus for Udoh. There is lots of value to be had here tonight.

Amir Johnson ($3,500): Johnson put up 16 points and 30.25 DraftKings points the last time he started. Whatever the case, Johnson and Holmes are both going to see quite a few minutes tonight. They could both be worth using against the Bulls.

My pick: Towns(C),Holmes(F); Jokic(C), Holmes(F), Udoh(UTIL)

Next: NBA DFS Picks and Pivots

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