FanDuel daily picks: Fantasy basketball lineup – December 17, 2018
High Salary PG
Players costing over $6,667
Russell Westbrook (vs CHI – $11,600): Needs 49 fantasy points. Westbrook isn’t scoring much right now, but it hasn’t hurt his fantasy numbers because he’s doing everything else well. At some point, he’s going to find his scoring touch and it’s going to lead to a huge game. The Bulls would certainly be a good time as they aren’t good and the Thunder are excellent at home. This feels like a big Westbrook night. Diagnosis: Reliable with a very high ceiling if the lid comes off the basket.
Ben Simmons (at SA – $9,700): Needs 41 fantasy points. Jimmy Butler returned to the lineup on Sunday, but Simmons still delivered with 59.2 fantasy points. Simmons is still the primary ball handler and Butler is the guy who will step up in big games. This is a big game because the Spurs are the Spurs, but their defense is so weak this season that Simmons should be able to carve them up without ISO Jimmy becoming a thing. Diagnosis: Great matchup. He’ll put up numbers in all categories and deliver.
Eric Bledsoe (at DET – $7,900): Needs 33.4 fantasy points. This is Bledsoe’s matchup. And if Brogdon and Middleton are out, he’s the second option without question. He’s averaging 41.4 fantasy points in his last four games against the Pistons, including a 47.6 fantasy point performance against them on Dec. 5. I have very little doubt about Bledsoe heading into Monday. Diagnosis: Proven match and a very high ceiling. Expect him to deliver.