DraftKings NBA Picks December 5: Which star shines brightest?

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – APRIL 20: Myles Turner #33 and Bojan Bogdanovic #44 of the Indiana Pacers celebrate at the end of game three of the NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 20, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 92-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

DraftKings NBA Picks December 5: Which star shines brightest? We have a ton of stars on display, but who holds the edge?

We double the DraftKings NBA slate tonight with ten games. Last night was mostly devoid of star power. Not tonight. Russ, Curry, Giannis, LeBron, Embiid, Brow, and KD are all on this slate. Who’s worth paying for? Let’s dive into this thing!

DraftKings NBA Point Guards:

Best Bets:

Russell Westbrook ($11,200): Russ hasn’t been anywhere near value in five of the eight games since his return. However, I’m at least considering him tonight. The Nets have been destroyed by point guards this year. The only thing I question is just how close this game will stay. That will have a bigger impact on whether Westbrook can hit value or not. I tend to think that Westbrook goes off here in a tasty matchup, but there is still some risk involved.

John Wall ($9,400): Again, this is more matchup based than anything Wall has done recently, though the 15 assists last game were a nice touch. He’s not going to pass that much against Atlanta because he wont need to. The Hawks have struggled defending point guards this season as well, so there is potential for Wall to come up big. The downside is that Wall has only hit 5x value three times in the last ten games.

Jrue Holiday ($9,100): Why take chances on the what if? Holiday has not been under 35 DraftKings points in almost six weeks, and he doesn’t look to be letting up any time soon. Holiday has a good matchup in his own right against Dallas, and is the safest bet among the upper tier because of the high floor.

Honorable Mention:

Mike Conley ($8,700): The Clippers have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing point guards of any team this season. So the fact that he only got 39.25 in the first meeting against the Clippers is a touch disappointing. However, Conley has been over 5x value in three of the last four and five of the last seven games. It looks like he should be once again.

Luka Doncic ($6,700): It’s a little easier to pay this price for Doncic, especially in a game where the Mavs will be paced up by the Pelicans. That type of game should suit Doncic and his special passing ability. Doncic has shown the ability to still hit value even if his shot doesn’t fall. Now that his price has fallen, I’m a little more inclined to take a chance on him in an uptempo game.

Malcolm Brogdon ($6,200): Sure, Detroit is tough on guards, but Brogdon has at least 32 DraftKings points in five straight games. On top of that, his minutes are now in the mid-30’s. The Bucks love his defense and everything else he brings to the table. Even in a tougher matchup, I think I trust Brogdon for cash games here. He may not have the upside you want for GPP’s, but the amount of minutes he is playing has my attention.

Dark Horses:

Collin Sexton ($4,900): The Cavs like George Hill‘s defense, but Sexton was a solid defender with him out as well. How much longer will the Cavs let Hill be out there without getting anything from him, especially when Sexton is still playing well? Sexton’s price still makes him worth a look, but so long as the Cavs are willing to keep playing Hill, the upside is capped.

Alec Burks ($4,000): The Cavs have given Burks a well defined role off the bench, and he has responded by being a very capable scorer for them. Burks has at least 22 DraftKings points in every game with his new team. That makes him a strong value play for the price.

My pick: Conley(PG); Westbrook(PG)

PHOENIX, AZ – NOVEMBER 14: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs watches from the bench during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 14, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

DraftKings NBA Shooting Guards:

Best Bets:

DeMar DeRozan ($8,900): I don’t often consider DeRozan a must play, but against the Lakers I almost have to. DeRozan has 129 DraftKings points in just two games against the Lakers this year. Fading him seems like an unnecessary risk if he is going to outscore most of the five figure prices.

Bradley Beal ($8,400): Beal erupted on the Knicks for 54 DraftKings points on Monday, but like Wall, he has been very inconsistent lately. With all of the uncertainty surrounding the Wizards, I’m tempted to just avoid this whole situation with 19 other teams in action. This is a good situation for all of the Wizards guards against Atlanta, but can we really trust any of them?

Honorable Mention:

D’Angelo Russell ($7,400): Russell again took a massive number of shots on Monday in what appears to be an ongoing trend. We don’t care about wins and losses in DFS. All we care about is value, and if Russell is taking 30 shots a game, he has a much better chance at hitting value that someone who takes 12-15 shots per game. That always make him worth a look.

Klay Thompson ($7,100): Who is the only Warriors starter to hit value in every game since Curry returned? Looney has in the games that he has started, but other than him? Curry? Nope. KD? Close, but not quite. It’s Klay, who has not been under 30 DraftKings points in his last nine games. it’s not often that Thompson plays at this level consistently, but when he is, he is worth using.

Dark Horses:

Wesley Matthews ($4,700): Matthews and Doncic can coexist since Doncic seems to be taking Barea’s minutes. Matthews topped 20 DraftKings points for the third straight game and fifth time in his last six last night, and could be even better against the NBA’s version of the run-and-shoot in New Orleans. Matthews is a solid value pick once again.

Kevin Huerter ($3,700): Huerter has been starting for the Hawks and playing pretty well with the top unit. He has three straight games of more than 20 DraftKings points. Much like Crabbe, the minutes are there, and the production has been steady, so we have reliable places to turn for punt plays tonight, which could be huge with this many stars on one slate.

Malik Beasley $3,500): Beasley played 27 minutes and put up 20.5 DraftKings points after Harris left the game early on Monday. When Harris was out of the lineup last week, Beasley picked up 36 minutes and 30 DraftKings points in the game he started. Beasley is a great value play if he starts. If he is coming off the bench, there is a little more risk involved.

My pick: DeRozan(SG), Beasley(G), Matthews(F); Huerter(SG), Beasley(G)

TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 5: Kawhi Leonard #2 and Danny Green #14 of the Toronto Raptors looks on from the bench during the second half of an NBA preseason game against Melbourne United at Scotiabank Arena on October 5, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

DraftKings NBA Small Forwards:

Best Bets:

LeBron James ($10,500): The Spurs wish LeBron would go back to the East. He has played them twice as a Laker so far and has come away with 126.25 DraftKings points in those two games. I could argue that playing DeRozan and LeBron is the way to go tonight with what they have done against one another. I will definitely use that combo in at least one lineup.

Kawhi Leonard ($9,300): We have several stars in the $9,000 range that could outperform those priced in five figures. Leonard is one of those. Kawhi put up 54.75 DraftKings points on Philly in the first meeting, and that was with Covington and Saric still in the fold. The Sixers took a bit of a hit on defense to add Butler, so it stands to reason that Kawhi could do at least that much damage again tonight.

Honorable Mention:

Harrison Barnes ($6,800): Barnes cooled off last night with Doncic back on the court, and I expect that to be the status quo most games. However, a matchup with the Pelicans is not most games. Everyone will get their shots in this one, and the Mavs are going to need Barnes’s length in this one. He could get close to those 40 DraftKings points per game that he was putting up with Doncic sidelined.

Kyle Kuzma ($6,600): Kuzma has 83.5 DraftKings points over the last two games and put up 75 DraftKings points in the first two meetings with the Spurs. What has put Kuzma’s numbers up so high isn’t just the scoring, but the rebounds and assists are up for him as well. The Spurs have suffered three losses by more than 30 points in the last four games. If they don’t look out, the Lakers have the firepower to do the same.

Danilo Gallinari ($6,600): Gallinari’s shooting prowess caused some problems during the first meeting with the Grizzlies. Gallo’s role in that game was more pronounced because Memphis shut down Tobias Harris in that one. When the dust settled, Gallinari had 38.25 DraftKings points. If Memphis ends up shutting Harris down again, Gallinari will pick up the slack and be a solid bargain at this price.

Dark Horses:

Miles Bridges ($4,100): The injury to Marvin Williams should clear more minutes for Bridges. He played 29 minutes against the Pelicans on Sunday, racking up 33 DraftKings points in the process. Normally, I am steering clear of wings against Robert Covington and his great defense, but with the price on Bridges being so low. I’m willing to bet he still flirts with 6x value.

Allen Crabbe ($3,800): So long as the Nets keep playing Crabbe 35 minutes a night, it’s almost impossible for him not to hit value. Crabbe has three straight games with more than 20 DraftKings points and has played 33 minutes in each of the last two games. He is a strong value pick to pay up for a couple of stars if you go with that kind of build tonight.

Torrey Craig ($3,000): With Gary Harris and Will Barton both out, Denver is thin on the wing. Craig picked up 17 minutes on Monday, a game in which Harris left very early. Beasley is still taking the bulk of the minutes, but Craig did muster 17 DraftKings points in 17 minutes. If he sees 20 minutes, Craig could put up around 7x value for his price.

My pick: James(SF), Bridges(UTIL); Kuzma(SF), Craig(UTIL)

MILWAUKEE, WI – APRIL 20: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks over Aron Baynes #46 of the Boston Celtics during the second half of game three of round one of the Eastern Conference playoffs at the Bradley Center on April 20, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

DraftKings NBA Power Forwards:

Best Bets:

Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,600): Giannis doesn’t quite have the consistency of Davis, but if you are looking for low ownership, you may find it here. Giannis has stuffed the stat sheet over the last two games, racking up 143 DraftKings points in the process. In fact, Giannis hasn’t been under 5x value in any of the last four games and only once in the last six. That was still a better than 50 DraftKings point outing. No one can stop Giannis right now. I put him on a par with the Brow tonight.

Anthony Davis ($11,500): Davis has been at 5x value in 10 of the last 12 games and was over 50 DraftKings points both times he missed. This will be a tougher matchup for Davis since Dallas has managed to defend the paint pretty well. I can see a fade here for Giannis tonight if you are willing to give up on a sure 50 for what’s behind door number Giannis.

Honorable Mention:

Julius Randle ($7,100): I don’t usually like to put contingency plays in here because it takes the spot of someone else that may be just as deserving with no strings attached. However, I’m making an exception with Randle. With Mirotic being a later scratch on Monday, it led to lower ownership on Randle and he went nuts. If Mirotic is out in this game as well, Randle is going to be chalk if it’s announced early enough. If not, we may be able to steal some money by sneaking Randle in again.

Aaron Gordon ($6,800): Gordon took it to the Heat last night, going for 50.25 DraftKings points in that one. He may not do quite that much damage against Denver, but Gordon did have 36.75 DraftKings points in Denver earlier this year. Gordon is averaging almost five more DraftKings points per game in Orlando this year, so I expect him to hit value with a shot at more tonight.

Jaren Jackson ($6,500): Jackson earned a starting job while Green was out, and he is in no hurry to give it back. Jackson racked up 38.25 DraftKings points in the first meeting with the Clippers. The major issue for Jackson lately has been foul trouble, but the Clips wont get him in trouble the way Philly and Toronto did. Jackson is a solid mid range play tonight.

Dark Horses:

Pascal Siakam ($6,100): Siakam had one of his best games of the year against Philly the first time around. He racked up 42.75 DraftKings points with a massive 15-15 double double. Not much has changed since then except the presence of Muscala could shave a couple of rebounds off. This should still be a strong spot for Siakam.

Kevon Looney ($4,200): This is not a great spot for Looney, but what if I told you that you could get a player that plays 30 minutes for this price? Of course, Warriors’ timeshares up front are far from sure things, but they need the size of Looney up there to deal with Thompson and Nance. I like Looney quite a bit as a value play.

Frank Kaminsky ($3,700): With Cody Zeller out again tonight, Frank the Tank could wind up being chalk because of his strong performance against the Pelicans on Sunday. Kamisky’s minutes are slowly increasing, and he has topped 20 DraftKings points in two of the last three games. That makes him a pretty solid value play tonight.

My pick: Looney(PF); Antetokounmpo(PF), Kaminsky(F)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 21: Joel Embiid #21 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers react against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Wells Fargo Center on November 21, 2018 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) /

DraftKings NBA Center

Best Bets:

Joel Embiid ($10,300): Embiid put up 54.75 DraftKings points against Toronto in the first meeting, which is right about where his season average is. Embiid doesn’t have the upside of Davis or Giannis, so that could keep ownership pretty low on a guy that is guaranteed 5x value. That alone could create it’s own kind of value for Embiid tonight.

Karl-Anthony Towns ($9,500): We all know that Towns is strictly a matchup play. On paper, Charlotte doesn’t look like a great matchup, but without Cody Zeller and Marvin Williams, the Hornets lose a lot of bulk up front. Do you think Frank can stop KAT? Doubtful. This could be a big night for Towns.

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Honorable Mention:

Marc Gasol ($8,600): This should be a big spot for Jokic, but I don’t really trust him. It makes sense to move on to Gasol, who ravaged the Clippers in the first meeting. Gasol went for 57.25 DraftKings points in that one. I can see fading the entire top tier for Gasol tonight and not wondering what if.

Tristan Thompson ($7,300): Who would have thought that Thompson was so much more than someone who took up space in the middle? He has proven that he can shoulder the scoring load for the young Cavs, and he is still a very good rebounder. This is another really good spot against the Warriors, who are missing their two starting bigs. Have yourself a game, Mr. Thompson.

Montrezl Harrell ($6,900): Harrell dominated the Memphis front in the first matchup with 43.25 DraftKings points in 34 minutes. That is one of Harrell’s highest minute totals of the year though, so be aware that he may come in a little under that. Still, Harrell could end up coming close to 6x value, and you can play him at F if you need to.

Steven Adams ($6,700): HE’S PLAYING THE NETS!

Dark Horses:

John Collins ($6,300): Collins has 80.5 DraftKings points over the last two games, and now he gets a beat up Washington front after going big against a beat up Warriors front. The 43.25 DraftKings points that he put up on the Warriors in 30 minutes could be matched here by Collins. It’s hard to fade Adams here, but I think we can get Collins at a lot lower ownership.

Brook Lopez ($5,200): Our own Thunder Dan shows how the past stats for BroLo look against Drummond. His role is a little different for the Bucks, but Milwaukee is a team that routinely goes after weaknesses. This looks like a very big one to exploit tonight. Lopez could be in for a big game here.

Jakob Poeltl ($3,300): Poeltl put up big numbers last night in a blowout loss, but that’s the thing. The Spurs are only giving him minutes in blowouts. Why? Pau is out. Poeltl has to be better than Bertans, right? I don’t understand the Spurs right now. Pop is too set in his ways, but when you lose three out of four by more than 30 points, it may be time to switch things up a little. Let’s hope a part of that is giving Poeltl more playing time. He has played well when he has seen the court.

My pick: Lopez(C); Adams(C)

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