Fansided

DraftKings NBA picks December 29: Fear the Beard

By Mike Marteny

James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts in the first half against the Boston Celtics at Toyota Center on December 27, 2018 in Houston, Texas. 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 Tim Warner/Getty Images)
James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts in the first half against the Boston Celtics at Toyota Center on December 27, 2018 in Houston, Texas. 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 Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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DraftKings NBA
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James dribbles the ball during a Christmas Day National Basketball Association (NBA) match-up between the Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on December 25, 2019. (Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP) (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images) /

DraftKings NBA Small Forwards:

Best Bets:

LeBron James ($9,800): LeBron says that he’s playing, so we’ll take him at his word. At this point the Lakers would have to chain James to the bench to keep him off the floor. Knowing LeBron and his competitive fire, he would probably chew his hand off to get in there. Thankfully he wont have to resort to that. As good as Luka has been against the Lakers, LeBron has been even better against Dallas. How about 145.75 DraftKings points in 78 minutes for under five figures? This is about as close to a lock as you’ll find.

Honorable Mention:

Will Barton ($6,100): Barton lit up Memphis for 44.5 DraftKings points last night, but it wasn’t because of an offensive explosion. It was Barton’s work on defense that shone through. Barton is underrated and pigeonholed as only a shooter way too much. He has 70.25 DraftKings points in two meetings with the Kings so far this year. I’ll be happy with 35 out of him tonight.

Harrison Barnes ($5,100): Bagley is sidelined again, so Barnes’s minutes have spiked again. Barnes has 62.75 DraftKings points in two games against Denver this year. With Millsap out, Barnes should have even more room to move up front. He has 65 DraftKings points over the last two games with Bagley out. Ride him until Bagley comes back.

Dark Horses:

Dillon Brooks ($4,900): Brooks has been wildly inconsistent. Most of that has to do with the shooting woes that have plagued him for most of the season. On paper, this is a really good matchup for Brooks. That came to fruition in the first meeting when Brooks went for 31.75 DraftKings points in 28 minutes against Charlotte. There’s good upside for the price, but Brooks’ floor is the low single digits, which is where he has been the last two games.

Dorian Finney-Smith ($4,600): DFS is everything you want in a value pick. He is very consistent, putting up between 17 and 30 DraftKings points in every game since Thanksgiving. He plays at least 30 minutes per game. There isn’t a lot of upside with DFS. He’s mostly an afterthought on offense. However, he is a high-energy player that sees good minutes. You can do worse.

J.J. Redick ($4,300): The Pelicans still make good use of Redick whether he starts or comes off the bench. Houston is routinely assaulted by long balls, and the Pelicans are about as adept at shooting them as Houston is. I wish Capela weren’t out. There’s going to be a ton of rebounds to go around in this one. Not a lot should come from the accurate Redick though.