NBA DFS: Studs, scrubs, and duds for December 21

1 of 3

Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Top star players, best value picks, and guys you should stay away from on December 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: Chicago at Detroit, Washington at Philadelphia
7:30 p.m. ET: Milwaukee at New York
8 p.m. ET: Sacramento at Memphis
8:30 p.m. ET: LA Clippers at San Antonio
9 p.m. ET: Houston at Phoenix
10 p.m. ET: Minnesota 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.

Studs

Joel Embiid (vs WAS – $10,200 on DK; $ on FD): It’s a back to back for both teams and the Sixers don’t have to travel, so they are in the better position. It’s possible that the Sixers end up resting some guys because they have a longterm goal, but assuming they don’t, grab someone on this squad. They are going to feast against the Wizards because everyone feasts against the Wizards. I prefer Embiid just due to his overall potential and consistency.

Russell Westbrook (at PHO – $9,400 on DK; $ on FD): Westbrook looks as healthy as he’s looked all season and that’s allowing Harden to take a bit of a breather. The triple double is always there and as long as he’s shooting at a decent clip, you should continue to trust him. Harden is obviously a strong option as well. The two Houston stars will be in for a big night given the matchup.

Andrew Wiggins (at POR – $7,800 on DK; $ on FD): Wiggins is as inconsistent as they come the Blazers defense remains all over the place and Wiggins isn’t going to lack for opportunities. This feels like a big game for Wiggins. His value is largely tied to his scoring, which is one issue, but as mentioned, I expect a big scoring output from him in this game. He’s not going to hurt you and his ceiling is high.

Ricky Rubio (vs HOU – $7,200 on DK; $ on FD): It’s a back to back for the Suns but I’m not concerned due to the matchup. If there’s one thing Ricky Rubio is good at, it’s passing basketball. If there’s a second thing he’s good at, it’s having a strong game when matchup against Russell Westbrook. He’s already had one good game against the Rockets this season. Expect another one on Saturday.

Khris Middleton (at NY – $6,500 on DK; $ on FD): The concern in this game is a blowout, which is why I’m not a fan of Giannis at his price. But a blowout means other members of the Bucks get involved. And Middleton is certainly a guy who can carry his weight for Milwaukee. The Bucks should have no issue with the Knicks and Middleton will do a little bit of everything. Expect a nice scoring output from him in this one.