DraftKings daily picks: How you can build around James Harden

DraftKings daily picks: Fantasy basketball lineup – January 3, 2019

HOUSTON, TX - NOVEMBER 17: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets smiles prior to a game against the Sacramento Kings on November 17, 2018 at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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 Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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MEMPHIS, TN – DECEMBER 15: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets looks on during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies of the Houston Rockets against the Memphis Grizzlies during a game on December 14, 2018 at FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

High Salary SG

Players costing over $6,250

Jamal Murray (at SAC – $7,300): Needs 33.6 fantasy points. Murray was down to 22.75 fantasy points against the Knicks on Jan. 1. The story of Murray’s season has been one of extreme highs and low lows. The matchup is good because Sacramento’s pace lends itself to a lot of opportunities. Same goes for Denver’s pace. But if he’s not scoring, he’s typically not doing enough in other areas to justify the salary. Diagnosis: Inconsistent, but a great matchup and a very high ceiling.

Buddy Hield (vs DEN – $6,300): Needs 28.7 fantasy points. Hield looked more like himself after a cold stretch and had 42.75 fantasy points against the Blazers on Jan. 1. He’s been shooting hot for the majority of the season. Trust that he’s back in form. The matchup is a good one as this should be a high scoring afraid. Diagnosis: Fairly reliable and a good ceiling.

Klay Thompson (vs HOU – $6,100): Needs 27.7 fantasy points. I just don’t know what you’re going to get from Thompson on a night-to-night basis. On paper, the matchup is good because Houston’s defensive issues have been masked by James Harden being amazing. But Thompson isn’t shooting well and his value is largely tied to his shooting. The salary is good, which helps. Diagnosis: I’ll call him reliable in this matchup. And the ceiling is high because he can catch fire at any moment.