DraftKings daily picks: Fantasy basketball lineup

DraftKings daily picks: Fantasy basketball lineup – December 25, 2018

BROOKLYN, NY - DECEMBER 18: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on December 18, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets defeated the Lakers 115-110. 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 Jim McIsaac/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 (at BOS – $9,500): Needs 44.8 fantasy points. Embiid typically doesn’t play well against the Celtics, but Baynes is out of the lineup and he now has Jimmy Butler to take the pressure off of him. He’s also at a good salary and obviously won’t lack for minutes or opportunities. It’s not the best of matchups for Embiid, but there are some positive signs heading that haven’t been there before. Diagnosis: A slight risk based on matchup history. But a high ceiling.

Rudy Gobert (vs POR – $7,200): Needs 34 fantasy points. Gobert had 33.25 fantasy points against the Blazers on Dec. 21. He’s been inconsistent this season, but the rebounds are typically there and he always chips in with defense. He’s at a good salary and he should be able to do enough to at least hit value. I like him more than Capela at the slightly lesser salary. Diagnosis: reliable

Steven Adams (at HOU – $6,700): Needs 31.6 fantasy points. Adams was down to 16.5 fantasy points against the Timberwolves on Dec. 23. He won’t be that bad in this game. He typically plays well against the Rockets and had 42.5 fantasy points against them in Nov. 8. The Thunder typically go to him early and often in this matchup and I expect them to do the same on Christmas. Diagnosis: Reliable with a high ceiling.