NBA DFS: Studs, scrubs, and duds for December 26

Duds

Damian Lillard (at UTA – $8,500 on DK; $9,100 on FD): Lillard has been all over the place this season and the issue with him is that he hasn’t been great against great teams. Lillard has high scoring potential but the Jazz is a tough matchup and I simply don’t trust Lillard to deliver given his inconsistencies against top teams this year.

Donovan Mitchell (vs POR – $8,100 on DK; $7,600 on FD): I’m torn on Mitchell. On one hand, he lacks the consistency you need from a top player and the Blazers have been better as of late. On the other hand, a large chunk of Mitchell’s reputation was built off him roasting Carmelo Anthony in a playoff series. It’s very possibly Mitchell just abuses Melo in this matchup en route to an outstanding performance. It’s also possible he goes 5/23. There might not be an in-between.

Chris Paul (vs MEM – $7,200 on DK; $7,000 on FD): Paul likely won’t be a bust because he plays consistent basketball, has a good enough matchup, and does a bit of everything. The issue is that SGA and Schroder have been dominating the offense for the Thunder, which has left Paul to just pick his spots rather than have a big game. I fear the same thing is going to happen in this one.

Julius Randle (at BKN – $6,800 on DK; $7,000 on FD): Randle can have a big game and the matchup isn’t the worst in the world, but he hasn’t performed great in either matchup against the Nets this season and it’s tough to trust him with that history. Maybe this is the game where he lights it up, but there’s too much of a risk. He’s unlikely to hurt you but you need more with the salary.

Jaren Jackson Jr. (at OKC – $6,500 on DK; $6,600 on FD): In the middle of Jackson’s hot run, he did not play well the last time these two teams met. He’s still a little too inconsistent for my liking and energy guys like Brandon Clarke and Dillon Brooks seem to hurt OKC more than Jaren Jackson. The Thunder are also great against the position, which lessens my trust in Triple J.