NBA DFS picks December 28: Harden and the seven dwarfs

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 10: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 10, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 06: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets sets up a shot during the first half of an NBA game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on January 6, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

NBA DFS Centers:

Nikola Jokic would be the guy in the must-play spot tonight anyway regardless of the status of A.D. If you play Jokic, you’re hoping for Harden to take over the game an keep it close. For that reason, I’m running a lot of Harden and Jokic together.

Jonas Valanciunas is always going to turn in solid lines, but with his price this high, the upside is much lower than I like. Rudy Gobert has more upside. Christian Wood definitely does despite the touch matchup.

The Lakers aren’t quite as strong in the middle this year, especially with Davis out. If A.D. sits again, Jusuf Nurkic could be a nice sneaky target.

I suppose the Hawks could limit Clint Capela‘s minutes, but his price is low enough that even if they do, I’ll have shares of Capela anyway. He’s way too cheap against a questionable Detroit front.

Mason Plumlee has fared much better than I thought he would as Detroit’s starting center, but I wouldn’t trust him against Capela.

Marc Gasol is an absolute must if Davis is out. He turned back the clock with Davis and Towns off the court last night. Gasol isn’t going for 40 on Portland, but he could get close to 30, which is a superb value at his price range.

It’s hard to look past Gasol for value, but Derrick Favors is too cheap as well and has less variation. Take that for what it’s worth.