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NBA DFS: Studs, scrubs, and duds for December 18

By Jeremy Lambert

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- NOVEMBER 15: Chris Paul #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers on November 15, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- NOVEMBER 15: Chris Paul #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers on November 15, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Top star players, best value picks, and guys you should stay away from on December 18 in NBA DFS on DraftKings and FanDuel.

Welcome to Studs, Scrubs, and Duds; FanSided’s NBA DFS lineup helper.

Here’s what’s on the slate for tonight:

7 p.m. ET: Charlotte at Cleveland, Toronto at Detroit, Miami at Philadelphia, Chicago at Washington
8 p.m. ET: New Orleans at Minnesota, Memphis at Oklahoma City
9 p.m. ET: Orlando at Denver
9:30 p.m. ET: Boston at Dallas
10 p.m. ET: Golden State at Portland

How this works:

Studs: Top high salary picks that you can build your lineup around.
Scrubs: Value players looking for a big night or consistent options to help fill out your lineup.
Duds: Players to avoid given their high salary and/or poor matchup.

Five players are picked on each slide, positions are not applicable, and both DraftKings and FanDuel salaries are listed.

NBA DFS Studs

Chris Paul (vs MEM – $7,500 on DK; $7,900 on FD): The Point God was in the building on Monday. And while the Grizzlies can sometimes turn things into a slog, the Thunder offense should be able to get things going. Paul will be the one orchestrating things. He’s been fairly consistent this season and the matchup helps.

Damian Lillard (vs GS – $9,000 on DK; $8,700 on FD): My only concern with Lillard is that the Blazers play a well-rounded game and he doesn’t have the big scoring game he should have. But the assists should make up for his potential lack of points. McCollum and Carmelo are also possibilities. Grabbing one of the Blazers top scorers is recommended given the matchup. I still trust Lillard to overdeliver.

Bradley Beal (vs CHI – $9,500 on DK; $9,800 on FD): The Bulls vs. Wizards game has offense written all over it and Beal is certainly the best player on the court on either side. He has triple double potential in this one and even if he doesn’t hit that, he should be in for a huge scoring night. There’s good value throughout this game, especially for the Bulls if LaVine doesn’t play. Look towards Markkanen to step up.

Devonte’ Graham (at CLE – $7,900 on DK; $8,300 on FD): Graham has leveled out just a bit in the last couple of games but this is the perfect bounce back opportunity. The Cavaliers are dreadful and we know Graham has a high ceiling. He’s definitely going to get you value and I would expect plenty more given the matchup.

Kristaps Porzingis (vs BOS – $8,300 on DK; $8,900 on FD): Porzingis delivered in a big way in the first game Doncic missed. And he did it against Milwaukee, which gives me more confidence against another good team in Boston. Trust him once again as the opportunities will be there for him with the injury to Luka.