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NBA DFS: Studs, scrubs, and duds for December 28

By Jeremy Lambert

LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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NBA DFS
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 25: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets looks on against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on December 25, 2019 in San Francisco, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Top star players, best value picks, and guys you should stay away from on December 28 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: Toronto at Boston, Indiana at New Orleans
8 p.m. ET: Atlanta at Chicago, Brooklyn at Houston, Philadelphia at Miami, Cleveland at Minnesota, New York at Washington, Dallas at Golden State, Orlando at Milwaulee
8:30 p.m. ET: Detroit at San Antonio
9 p.m. ET: Phoenix at Sacramento
10 p.m. ET: LA Lakers at Portland
10:30 p.m. ET: Utah at LA Clippers

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

James Harden (vs BKN – $11,200 on DK; $11,700 on FD): Harden was held in check against the Warriors with these scheme against him. Expect him to be more aggressive against the Nets in moving without the ball and getting the ball back. If you’re not a believer in him making that adjustment, Westbrook will be the option for you as he’ll get his numbers, even if they are inefficient. Given the Nets defense, one of them will definitely be in for a big game.

LeBron James (at POR – $10,000 on DK; $9,800 on FD): I’m assuming LeBron will play, but if he doesn’t then grab Davis if he ends up playing. If both are in, LeBron remains the better option. The Lakers are sliding but they’re walking into a great matchup against a Blazers team that cannot beat good teams. And the Lakers remain a great team. LeBron will bounce back from the Clippers game with a monster night.

Khris Middleton (vs ORL – $8,200 on DK; $7,700 on FD): If Giannis doesn’t play, it means more opportunities for Middleton. It also means more attention, which can be a detriment to some players. But the matchup is very good as the Magic is weak against the position and Middleton has proven that he can carry this offense. The salary helps as he certainly won’t hurt you and his ceiling is high with the circumstances.

Spencer Dinwiddie (at HOU – $8,000 on DK; $8,100 on FD): The Nets lost the Knicks and that it concerning. But Dinwiddie played well and he’s been playing well all season. And the Rockets lost to the Warriors, so it could be worse for the Nets. The Rockets defense is still inconsistent and Dinwiddie the top option on a solid offensive team and at a good salary. He’ll deliver.

Andrew Wiggins (vs CLE – $7,900 on DK; $7,400 on FD): As long as Towns remains out, Wiggins is going to get his opportunities to shine. And he should have no problem shining against Cleveland. This is a matchup he usually played well against even when he was inconsistent as there’s a personal vendetta with the Kevin Love trade. He should provide excellent value in this game.