Fansided

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

By Jeremy Lambert

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)
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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FanDuel, Lonzo Ball, Los Angeles Lakers
NEW ORLEANS, LA – MARCH 22: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on March 22, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

High Value PG

Players costing $6,250 or under

Lonzo Ball (at GS – $5,500): Needs 25.3 fantasy points. Ball had a rough night against the Grizzlies, finishing with just 19.75 fantasy points. His salary is a low lower due to the Christmas slate, which helps. He also played very well against the Warriors last season, averaging 38.6 fantasy points in four games. Steph Curry played in just one of those games. Ball will get the minutes and can do a bit of everything, but it’s reliable in a single category. Diagnosis: High ceiling, but inconsistent. Proven matchup, albeit under favorable circumstances.

Ricky Rubio (vs POR – $5,400): Needs 24.8 fantasy points. Rubio has been over 40 fantasy points in his last two games. That includes a 42 fantasy point effort against the Blazers on Dec. 21. Assists aren’t an issue for him right now but his scoring will always be all over the place. He typically plays well against the Blazers, which should give you some confidence heading into this matchup. If nothing else, he should hit value. Diagnosis: Reliable with a good ceiling.

Marcus Smart (vs PHI – $4,400): Needs 20.1 fantasy points. Smart has been down a bit in his last two games, but his salary is at a fair price and I love this matchup for him. He’s going to play big minutes against Butler and Simmons and I’m not one to doubt Smart and his defensive ability. He’s a guy who just finds ways to make an impact and I expect him to make an impact in this game. Diagnosis: Good salary and a very high ceiling. This feels like a Marcus Smart game.