NBA DFS: Studs, scrubs, and duds for December 19

Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz in action during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 9, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

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DeMar DeRozan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs signals to his bench (Photo by Harry Aaron/Getty Images) /

Duds

DeMar DeRozan (vs BKN – $7,000 on DK; $7,000 on FD): The Nets are better against the position than you might expect but trusting DeRozan seems like a recipe for disaster. His own coach isn’t exactly trusting him right now, at least not down the stretch. He most likely won’t hurt you too much but I’m also not sure how much he’s going to help you win.

Trae Young (vs UTA – $9,800 on DK; $9,900 on FD): Trae will get numbers and Utah is worse against the position than expected but will he offer more value than Kawhi or George? Probably not. And I definitely don’t expect him to offer more value than Dinwiddie and Mitchell. This has less to do with Trae being a bust and more about his salary compared to the field.

Khris Middleton (vs LAL – $6,300 on DK; $6,400 on FD): Middleton is a good second option but this is a tough matchup and it could be a case of the Lakers allowing Giannis to do what he wants (that’s going to happen anyway) while taking other options away and proving they can step up. There’s better value below him.

Next. DraftKings NBA picks December 19. dark

Russell Westbrook (at LAC – $9,300 on DK; $9,300 on FD): Westbrook has been playing much better as of late and that’s hopefully a good sign. But he’s also done it against not so great team. The Clippers are going to make life very difficult on him and I have a tough time trusting him against a strong defense. As always, every time Westbrook ends up as a dud, he seems to play great.