Fansided

FanDuel daily picks: Fantasy basketball lineup – December 21, 2018

By Jeremy Lambert

MEMPHIS, TN - DECEMBER 8: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 8, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - DECEMBER 8: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 8, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 14: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks seen on court during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 14, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 14: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks seen on court during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 14, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) /

High Salary SF

Players costing over $6,667

Giannis Antetokounmpo (at BOS – $11,700): Needs 48.6 fantasy points. Giannis struggled against the Pelicans, coming up with 49.6 fantasy points on Dec. 19. I’m not a fan of this matchup as the Celtics defend him better than just about any team in the league. He needs a big game to justify the salary and I’m not sure the big game is there. But he’s still Giannis. And I’ll never say “don’t take Giannis.” Diagnosis: Reliable if nothing else.

LeBron James (vs NO – $11,200): Needs 46.6 fantasy points. The matchup is good for James and could be even better if Anthony Davis doesn’t end up playing. This is a tough game to read due to the status of Davis. If he plays, James and he will put on a show. If he doesn’t play, there’s a letdown factor and also a blowout factor. LeBron will get busy for as long as he plays, but I don’t know if he’ll play enough for a big game. Diagnosis: Take with confidence if Davis plays.

Kawhi Leonard (vs CLE – $10,400): Needs 43.2 fantasy points. You know what you’re getting from Kawhi. He’s still playing big minutes as the Raptors are playing close games. This game doesn’t look too close on paper, but the Cavaliers are scrappy and have been troubling teams recently. Leonard is at a good salary compared to the other two options. Diagnosis: Reliable with a high ceiling if Lowry is out and the Cavaliers put up a fight.