NBA DFS: Studs, scrubs, and duds for December 20

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 15: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans stands on the court during a NBA game against the Orlando Magic at Smoothie King Center on December 15, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

Top star players, best value picks, and guys you should stay a way from on December 20 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: Memphis at Cleveland, Sacramento at Indiana
7:30 p.m. ET: Detroit at Boston, Washington at Toronto
8 p.m. ET: New York at Miami, Phoenix at Oklahoma City, Dallas at Philadelphia
9 p.m. ET: Minnesota at Denver
10 p.m. ET: Orlando at Portland
10:30 p.m. ET: New Orleans at Golden State

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.

Studs

Ja Morant (at CLE – $7,800 on DK; $7,600 on FD): This is an easy matchup for Morant and he’s the best player on the floor for either team. Sorry, Kevin Love. The Grizzlies do have some offensive potential and Morant is the leader on that end of the floor. He should have no problem carving up the Cavaliers defense.

Brandon Ingram (at GS – $8,700 on DK; $8,700 on FD): The Warriors are better against the position than you may expect but overall their defense is weak and Ingram is the top scorer on the Pelicans. Holiday isn’t a bad option at this spot either but I prefer Ingram’s scoring and ceiling in this matchup. He should be well over value given the matchup and his play this season.

Serge Ibaka (vs WAS – $7,400 on DK; $7,400 on FD): With Gasol and Siakam out, Ibaka is going to step up in a big way. You can also look towards Lowry right here. They’ll both see more opportunities with all the injuries. Sometimes, that can be a bad thing as it means extra attention. But against the Wizards, it shouldn’t matter. Ibaka and Lowry will both be in for big nights. Ibaka is just the cheaper option.

D’Angelo Russell (vs NO – $8,300 on DK; $ on FD): Russell can be inconsistent but this is a matchup where there should be plenty of offense given the state of these two defenses. He and Ingram should do battle when it comes to putting up buckets. Russell should also chip in with a handful of assists as well.

Chris Paul (vs PHO – $7,600 on DK; $8,100 on FD): There’s once again a lot to like with the 3 OKC guards. It’s a great matchup and they’ve all proven that they can have a big game on any night. And they’re all at a great salary. I prefer Paul in this one but Schroder has proven to be consistent this season and SGA can always go off.