DraftKings NBA picks December 12: The need for Embiid

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 28: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after hitting a three-point basket against the Atlanta Hawks in the second half at State Farm Arena on October 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks makes a call during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /

DraftKings NBA Point Guards:

Best Bets:

Luka Doncic ($11,400): This is a solid matchup for Luka, but he hasn’t hit value in over a week. Two of those games were against the poor defenses of the Timberwolves and Pelicans. Even on this small of a slate, I don’t think I’ll use him. That said, Luka is the only guy that has a legit shot at 70. Drummond is the only one that even comes close.

Damian Lillard ($8,500): Some are going to look at the stats and immediately stay away, but that’s not the best idea. This is especially true if Murray ends up out for some reason. At any rate, Lillard put up 51 DraftKings points in the first meeting against Denver. The Nuggets locked down C.J. and Dame took advantage. That’s the most likely scenario once again.

Honorable Mention:

Jamal Murray ($6,500): If Murray isn’t limited, he’s still a solid play here. Murray only put up 31.75 DraftKings points in the first meeting, but he missed ten of the 14 shots he took. If a couple more of those go down, he hits value easily. Murray is shooting better lately. The last time he had a percentage that low was nearly a month ago.

Dejounte Murray ($5,600): Murray’s minutes restriction may finally be a thing of the past. He played a season-high 32 against the Kings on Friday and responded with 31.25 DraftKings points. DraftKings responded with a $1,000 price hike. That limits the upside, but if Murray plays that kind of minutes against the Cavs, he could flirt with 40.

Dark Horses:

Collin Sexton ($5,400): Don’t get upset about Sexton’s games against Boston and Philly. We weren’t going to play him in those situations anyway. Sexton was back on track against the Rockets last night. The Spurs aren’t as tough on guards as they have been in recent years. We should see Sexton right around 30 DraftKings points again tonight at a fair price.

Monte Morris ($3,900): We were seeing an uptick in minutes for Morris anyway even before Murray went down. Morris becomes a lock if Murray is held out. He might be worth a look anyway, but it becomes a harder sell since Brown is starting at the same price.