NBA DFS: Studs, scrubs, and duds for Christmas Day

Duds

Ben Simmons (vs MIL – $8,100 on DK; $8,000 on FD): Simmons’ history against the Bucks isn’t good. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid has a great history against Milwaukee. And Al Horford has a solid history against Milwaukee as well and does his damage against them at home. All signs point to Simmons not contributing the way you need him to contribute. He’s always a triple double threat, but expect the two bigs, along with Tobias Harris, to really carry the Sixers in this game.

Brandon Ingram (at DEN – $7,700 on DK; $8,600 on FD): It’s a tough matchup for Ingram and he hasn’t done quite enough in recent outings. He hasn’t hurt you if you’ve taken him, but he also hasn’t had the big game you need from someone at this salary. There are better options below him who can provide the same kind of value and have a higher ceiling.

D’Angelo Russell (vs HOU – $7,400 on DK; $8,200 on FD): Russell can go off at any time and maybe playing on Christmas is a game where they are the big time underdogs will bring out the best in him. The Rockets aren’t good against the position, which should help. But there is more guaranteed value below Russell. He could have a strong game, but it’s just as likely that he doesn’t give you quite enough.

Kyle Lowry (vs BOS – $8,500 on DK; $8,000 on FD): Lowry has been on an absolute tear since the Raptors were hit with injury. But there’s a human element to this. He’s had to expend a lot of energy in the last two games to pull the Raptors back into the game. And now he’s playing his third game in four days. Against a tough Boston team who can suffocate defensively. I love Lowry, but I’m concerned he won’t have as much in the tank as you’d like him to have in this one.

Kemba Walker (at TOR – $8,000 on DK; $7,600 on FD): My concern for Kemba is that it’s a tough matchup and Tatum and Brown have been doing the heavy lifting for Boston as of late. And both of them are at a better price. The reason I’m not fully willing to write off Kemba is that he’s been waiting a long time for a Christmas game and I have a feeling he’s going to make the most of it. I’m going to play the numbers over my gut feeling and say he won’t help as much as you’d like him to at this salary.