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

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 13: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 13, 2019 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

DraftKings NBA Small Forwards:

Best Bets:

Jimmy Butler ($9,400): Butler was fine against the Lakers last night, but therein lies the problem. The price is so high on Butler that he pretty much needs a ceiling game for him for us to get what we need. It might happen against Dallas, but I certainly wouldn’t build my lineup around it.

Kawhi Leonard ($8,700): The Clippers may not be able to give Kawhi the night off. We certainly hope they can’t. He and George went berserk on Minnesota last night. Kawhi put up 57.75 DraftKings points, which was the second time he broke 55 this week. If Kawhi plays, I think we have to use him for the 30 minutes he’s needed against the Bulls.

Honorable Mention:

Will Barton ($6,300): Barton is playing a ton of minutes and making over half of his shots lately. The volume may go down a little with Murray back, but not enough to push me away. Barton’s price is very reasonable for the numbers that he is capable of turning in.

Danilo Gallinari ($6,000): Gallinari will have solid upside so long as he is a key piece of the offense. SGA’s expanded role limits Gallo’s upside a bit, but Gallinari is a proven commodity at a reasonable price. There are so many stars out tonight that the while middle tier may go ignored. I’m going to run at least one balance lineup tonight since I’m not sold on any stars.

Dark Horses:

OG Anunoby ($5,200): The absence of VanVleet helps OG’s role in the offense some. He has proven that he can handle a larger role when needed. Anunoby is about as unreliable as they come, but he has upside well over 40 DraftKings points. We’ve seen him do it a few times this year.

Dillon Brooks ($5,100): Every time I consider using Brooks, he’s a dud. However, he has at least 28 DraftKings points in three straight games. Not only that, but the last two have been against Milwaukee and Phoenix, two really solid defenses. Damn it, Brooks looks safe. I’m trying to talk myself into this as much as all of you.

Mo Harkless ($4,300): Even with the Clippers extremely short-handed last night, Harkless didn’t run much more than he has been. The game was totally dominated by George and Kawhi last night to the point that most of their teammates were innocent bystanders. Harkless is tempting because of the high minutes and the low price, but he may come in under 20 again if the two stars take the game over.