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FanDuel daily picks: Fantasy basketball lineup – December 25, 2017

By Jeremy Lambert

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Kevin Durant
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Kevin Durant /
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Wizards, Celtics
BOSTON, MD – MAY 15: Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) reacts as time slips away in their loss to the Boston Celtics during game seven of the Eastern Conference semifinals in Boston, MD on May 15, 2017. (Photo by Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post via Getty Images) /

High Salary SG

James Harden, HOU at OKC ($12,000): The status of Chris Paul changes the value of Harden. If Paul plays, Harden’s usage and production is sure to go down. If Paul is out, Harden will have to do it all in the Houston offense. Andre Roberson guards him about as well as anyone in the league, but Harden will get his numbers. Points and assists will not be an issue for Harden. The Thunder are 21st against shooting guards in their last 15 games, but they are second against point guards. Harden should be good for 50+ fantasy points if Paul is out, but slightly less if Paul plays. His rating is based on Paul not playing. *****

Bradley Beal, WAS at BOS ($7,600): Despite great matchups against the Magic and Nets, Beal has struggled in his last two games. He had 15.9 fantasy points against the Nets and 24.1 points against the Magic. He’ll need to be much better if the Wizards hope to have any chance against the Celtics. The Celtics are 16th against the position in their last 15 games, but still have the top defense in the league. I don’t love Beal just due to his recent shooting struggles and the matchup, but he’s capable of 40+ fantasy points if his shot is falling. **

Klay Thompson, GS vs CLE ($7,000): Despite Steph Curry being sidelined, Thompson has not stepped up like many, including myself, thought he would. He’s missed value, albeit by five points or less, in four of his last six. He’s hit value in 64 percent of contests this year, but has a dud rating in only nine percent of games. This is a game where they need Thompson to be the elite scorer that he’s capable of being. The Cavaliers are 20th against the position in their last 15 games. He’ll be at value (29.4 fantasy points) and likely closer to 35 fantasy points. ***