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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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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – NOVEMBER 8: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Oklahoma City Thunder passes the ball during the game against the Houston Rockets on November 8, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – NOVEMBER 8: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Oklahoma City Thunder passes the ball during the game against the Houston Rockets on November 8, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /

High Value PG

Players costing $6,250 or under

Dennis Schroder (at UTA – $5,400): Needs 24.8 fantasy points. Schroder has been struggling in his last three and was suspended for the Kings game, but I’m not concerned. His salary has dropped to a nice spot and this is his matchup. He had 40 fantasy points against the Jazz on Dec. 10. OKC brought him to town largely due to his offensive game against centers like Gobert. Give him this matchup. Diagnosis: Proven matchup. Cold right now, but this is his game to shine.

Tyler Johnson (vs MIL – $5,100): Needs 23.4 fantasy points. Johnson is drawing the start with Dragic out. He had 28 fantasy points against the Rockets on Dec. 20. He played very well against the Bucks last season, averaging 32 fantasy points in two games. It’s a different Bucks team, but they are on a back-to-back. And Johnson can do a bit of everything. Diagnosis: Due to injuries, Johnson has a good set of circumstances. Minutes and chances will be there. Reliable if nothing else.

Fred VanVleet (at PHI – $5,900): Needs 27.1 fantasy points. VanVleet continues to deliver as a starter. He was up to 38.75 fantasy points against the Cavaliers on Friday. It was the Cavaliers, but still a good sign for VanVleet’s value. As long as he’s starting, he’s going to get numbers. A healthy Kawhi Leonard would go a long way in helping his value. If Leonard rests, the pressure might be too much for VanVleet. Diagnosis: Reliable with a high ceiling if the Raptors don’t have to sit too many people.