FanDuel daily picks: Fantasy basketball lineup

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

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 17: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors poses for a photo to celebrate his 15,000 point career milestone after a game against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 17, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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TORONTO, ON – MAY 03: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball in the first half of Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on May 3, 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) /

High Value PG

Players costing $6,667 or under

Fred VanVleet (at PHI – $5,800): Needs 24.4 fantasy points. VanVleet was up to 41 fantasy points against the Cavaliers on Friday. As long as he’s the starting point guard, he’ll be in good spot. If the Raptors end up resting Leonard, there is some concern because they may not have enough firepower and safety valves. VanVleet will get numbers, but the game is much easier when Kawhi is in the lineup. Diagnosis: Reliable as long as Kawhi plays. High ceiling either way.

J.J. Barea (at GS – $5,000): Needs 21 fantasy points. With Smith Jr out, Barea should continue to see solid minutes coming off the bench. When the minutes are there, the production follows. He’s a reliable scorer and chips in with assists. He’s also at a good salary and with the Warriors lacking depth, he can take advantage of their bench. Diagnosis: Reliable with a good ceiling.

Tyler Johnson (vs MIL – $4,200): Needs 17.7 fantasy points. Johnson drew the start with the injury to Goran Dragic and had 27.8 fantasy points against the Rockets on Dec. 20. Assuming he remains in the starting lineup, he’s at a good salary given the minutes he’ll receive. He can do a bit of everything and the Bucks are on a back-to-back. Diagnosis: Good circumstances and matchup. Also a very good salary given the minutes he should get.