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

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) /

3 of 3

MEMPHIS, TN – FEBRUARY 12: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on February 12, 2019 at FedExForum 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Duds

Jaren Jackson Jr. (at OKC – $6,400 on DK; $7,000 on FD): Jackson has big game potential, but he seems to need the three-ball to fall to really hit his ceiling. I’m not saying it’s not possible against the Thunder, but they are great against the position. I like Triple J’s overall game but he’s cooled off following his big game from three and the matchup is too tough for my liking.

D’Angelo Russell (at POR – $7,800 on DK; $7,700 on FD): Russell has a high ceiling but he’s wildly inconsistent. The Blazers defense can be all over the place but the Warriors offense likely isn’t going to put a scare into them. Russell will have a tough time getting things going against Portland as they’ll zone in on him. There’s better and more reliable value below him.

Nikola Vucevic (at DEN – $7,000 on DK; $7,900 on FD): Vucevic might be limited by minutes once again and that’s the concerning thing. His salary isn’t terrible but it’s tough to justify the price when he might not play the minutes needed. And it’s not good matchup as the Nuggets is good against the position. There are better and more reliable options elsewhere.

Jimmy Butler (at PHI – $8,900 on DK; $9,100 on FD): Butler didn’t play well in the last matchup against the Sixers and Philly is ranked well against the position. Butler is good and the ceiling is there. And I always love a revenge game. But there are too many red flags against Butler in this matchup.

Next. DraftKings EuroLeague picks December 18. dark

Nikola Jokic (vs ORL – $9,100 on DK; $9,900 on FD): Jokic looks to be back in form but be wary just because he beat up on OKC (a matchup he always dominates) and the Knicks (the Knicks). The Magic are a tough matchup and he struggled against them previously. Too much of a risk on a high salary for my liking.