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DraftKings daily picks: Fantasy basketball lineup – December 22, 2018

By Jeremy Lambert

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 05: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder gestures against the Brooklyn Nets during their game at the Barclays Center on December 5, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 05: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder gestures against the Brooklyn Nets during their game at the Barclays Center on December 5, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 05: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on December 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 Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

High Salary C

Players costing over $6,250

Joel Embiid (vs TOR – $9,600): Needs 45.5 fantasy points. Embiid had 42.5 fantasy points in 26 minutes against the Knicks on Dec. 19. Minutes have been an issue and might be an issue again on Saturday. The good news is that his salary is way down and the matchup is good. The Raptors are hurting for frontcourt players right now and Embiid should feast. Diagnosis: Reliable, good matchup. Maybe doesn’t get quite enough minutes.

Clint Capela (vs SA – $7,800): Needs 36.9 fantasy points. Capela was down to 29 fantasy points against the Heat on Dec. 20. I’d be more worried if the Rockets didn’t absolutely need him right now. And if he hadn’t been playing so well against the Spurs this season. He had 55 fantasy points against them on Nov. 30. And with Paul out, Harden will look for him more on lobs. Diagnosis: High ceiling, inconsistent, but the circumstances are good.

Deandre Ayton (at WAS – $7,200): Needs 34.1 fantasy points. Ayton was up to 48 fantasy points against the Celtics on Dec. 19. Aside from a rough game against the Mavericks, he’s been over 37 fantasy points in five of his last six games. And now he gets the Wizards. Points and rebounds should not be an issue in this one. Diagnosis: Reliable with a very high ceiling.