DraftKings NBA picks December 14: Now what will Harden do?

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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 21: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards dunks the ball against the Denver Nuggets on March 21, 2019 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

DraftKings NBA Shooting Guards:

Best Bets:

James Harden ($12,900): The matchup almost doesn’t matter anymore. It definitely doesn’t here since Harden will be running the point, where Detroit isn’t as good anyway, with Russ out of the lineup. If Harden is going to drop 50 actual points with a dozen assists, It’s going to be another huge night. Once again, Harden is likely worth the money.

Brad Beal ($9,300): Just because the volume is there for Beal doesn’t mean the output always will be. Beal has been cold from the floor lately, and his fantasy output has reflected that. He couldn’t even get it going against Charlotte. Memphis is a very good matchup, but it’s hard to trust Beal right now. Beal hasn’t hit 45 DraftKings points in almost a fortnight.

Honorable Mention:

Zach LaVine ($7,600): LaVine was a turd in the ocean of diarrhea that was the Hornets-Bulls game last night. However, the Clippers have a backcourt of McGruder, Mann, Walton, and Robinson. I don’t make it a point to go after players against the Clippers, but with the way LaVine was playing before last night and the skeleton crew with which the Clippers are operating in the backcourt has me waiving that rule tonight. LaVine may not hit 45 again, but I would bet he clears 5x value easily at this price.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($6,300): It has been quite a December for SGA. He has at least 25 DraftKings points in every game this month, and has been over 30 in all but two games. I wouldn’t expect a ceiling game against Denver, but there’s enough upside to consider him in this price range. Sometimes building a lineup can be as much about not rostering someone who will ruin you as finding a great value.

Dark Horses:

Derrick Rose ($5,600): It took a big second half for Rose to hit value in Mexico City. He will have no such issues in Houston. Lots of shots are going to be available. Rose is on fire right now, going over 25 DraftKings points in eight straight games. That’s a high floor. His upside isn’t what it used to be, but on a night like this Rose should clear 6x value.

Norman Powell ($5,300): Powell stepped in place of VanVleet on Tuesday and you could barely tell the difference. Powell lit up the scoreboard just like VanVleet has this year. With VanVleet listed generously as doubtful, Powell should see really good run once again. There’s a lot of upside here at a low price.

Jordan Clarkson ($5,000): Clarkson has 70 DraftKings points over the last two games. There isn’t much to rejoice about in Cleveland lately, but Clarkson has been the exception. He’s one of the main reasons they hung with Houston and hung on to beat the Spurs. Few are as hot as Clarkson right now, and none of them are as cheap as he is.