Fansided

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

By Jeremy Lambert

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Kevin Durant
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Kevin Durant /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 12
Next
Timberwolves, Lakers
DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 20: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves puts up a shot over Trey Lyles #7 of the Denver Nugets at the Pepsi Center on December 20, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

High Salary SF

LeBron James, CLE at GS ($12,000): Few players have been as good as James this year for fantasy owners. He’s hit value in 76 percent of games this year and all but one contest in Dec. The Warriors are second against the position in their last 15 games, but this is LeBron we’re talking about. He’s going to put up big numbers in all categories and make a defensive play or two. He’s turned the ball over a lot lately, which is about the only concerning thing about his game right now. Take him knowing you’re getting a minimum of 50 fantasy points. *****

Kevin Durant, GS vs CLE ($12,100): After a hot start without Steph Curry, Durant has cooled down a bit. He’s been held under 40 fantasy points in two of his last three as he’s struggled to score or pick up assists. Still, he represents the best option on the Warriors and will certainly raise his game against LeBron and the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers are 14th against the position in their last 15 games. I expect Durant to be back to his 50 point fantasy ways in this one. *****

Jimmy Butler, MIN at LAL ($8,700): Butler has been up-and-down in his last four games, but overall he’s been a good play in December. There might be concerns that he’s wearing down from a heavy workload, but I expect him to have a boost of energy in this Christmas Day match-up. It helps that the Lakers are last against the position in their last 15 games. Butler is the most reliable player on a Timberwolves team that has struggled to get consistent performances from their young guys. ****