Fansided

FanDuel daily picks: Fantasy basketball lineup – December 18, 2017

DENVER, CO - APRIL 9: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder high fives with fans after the game against the Denver Nuggets on April 9, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - APRIL 9: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder high fives with fans after the game against the Denver Nuggets on April 9, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 15: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on December 15, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 15: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on December 15, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

High Salary PF

Ben Simmons, PHI at CHI ($9,900): With Embiid out, Simmons will see the offense run through him. He’s been over 45 fantasy points in two of his last three. The Bulls are 15th against the position in their last 15 games, but Simmons is not your typical power forward. He can put up double-digit numbers in points, rebounds, and assists. He’s been hit-or-miss without Embiid in the lineup as the lack of his Process partner means more attention on him. But this is a good matchup for him to be at 50+ fantasy points. ****

LaMarcus Aldridge, SA vs LAC ($8,400): Kawhi Leonard’s minutes will continue to be monitored, which means Aldridge remains the top option in San Antonio for the time being. The Clippers are still trying to piece together their frontcourt without Blake Griffin and the Spurs are definitely a team that can take advantage of so many uncertainties. Aldridge should get his points and rebounds in this one. He had 43.2 fantasy points on Nov. 7 against the Clippers. ****

Nikola Mirotic, CHI vs PHI ($7,000): Mirotic has produced points and wins for the Bulls since returning from injury. With no Joel Embiid, the paint will be a little more open for the Bulls big man. While he’s used as a stretch-four, he can score on the inside and is a strong rebounder. He needs 29.5 fantasy points to hit value, which should not be a problem unless he finally goes cold from the field. He’s been at 35+ fantasy points in three straight. The return of Lauri Markkanen may cut into his numbers, but they’ll continue to go to him based on recent performance. ***