The NBA Daily Plays for Friday, December 11th breaks down the best Stud, Value and GPP plays at each position for FanDuel and DraftKings daily fantasy sports contests. The Stud & Value plays should be considered relatively chalky and are ideal for cash games. The GPP plays dig a little deeper to hopefully find some low owned talent who could pay off big in a tournament. Make sure you check out our NBA projections page to help in your DFS research.
Game Lines
Point Guard
Studs
John Wall, Washington Wizards (FD $9,500, DK $9,100) –
Wall is a phenomenal play vs. the Pelicans tonight. New Orleans allows opposing point guards to get absolute buckets, which is what Wall does best. The point guard is due to hit a whopping 5.4 times his value on DraftKings tonight, according to our projections.
Values
Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs (FD $5,400, DK $5,300)-
This is the second night in a row that I’m recommending Tony Parker. His price is in a sweet spot, as he could easily hit 5 or 6 times his value. The Lakers are unable to stop opposing PGs, and although this one should be a blow out, Parker could justify his price tag over two quarters. The 33 year-old scored 25 fantasy points in 17 minutes vs. the Sixers, and could repeat that feat tonight.
GPP Plays
Damian Lillard, Portland Trailblazers (FD $9,300, DK $8,800)-
I’m a big fan of paying up at point guard tonight, as it’s loaded with talent. A majority of players will sway towards John Wall at a similar price point, but Lillard’s matchup is enticing as well. The Suns allow the second-most real points to point guards, which plays perfectly into Dame’s hands. He’s on a scoring tear as of late, averaging 25 PPG over his last five.
Shooting Guard
Studs
Eric Bledsoe, Phoenix Suns (FD $8,600, DK $8,300) –
I’ll have plenty of exposure to Portland @ Phoenix, as the O/U is nearly set at 210 points. Bledsoe should have a field day vs. CJ McCollum and the Blazers, whom are allowing opposing shooting guards to score at will. The Suns play at a league-high pace of 102.13, and this game should flow very well into their front court’s hands.
Values
Kevin Martin, Minnesota Timberwolves (FD $4,200, DK $4,000)-
On Wednesday, Kevin Martin showed us how dangerous his shot can be, as he annihilated the Lakers for 37 points. Martin may be catching fire, and now is the time to strike. The Nuggets are the most lenient team vs. opposing shooting guards, particularly in the 3-point department. I believe Martin will build upon his previous dominant performance, where he sunk 6 of 9 shots from outside.
Small Forward
Studs
Paul George, Indiana Pacers (FD $10,400, DK $10,200)
Paul George is a fantastic play each night, and tonight is no exception. After allowing Nic Batum to put up a triple-double on Wednesday, the rusty Luol Deng is set to play and defend George. PG13 is enjoying a 32.0 usage rate on the season, and that trend should continue tonight, as the Pacers look to attack the Heat with their MVP candidate.
Values
Marcus Morris, Detroit Pistons (FD $5,800, DK $5,900)-
The Sixers are pretty atrocious at defending each position, but none more so than small forward. Tonight, they’ll have their hands full with Marcus Morris, who has seen his career rejuvenated in Detroit. Morris has the tendency to explode for 20+ points, and Philadelphia will be more than happy to assist with his eruption.
GPP Plays
LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers (FD $10,400, DK $10,000) –
Tonight may be the last game that LeBron enjoys a sky-high usage rate, as point guard Kyrie Irving is set to return any day now. Orlando is stingy vs. opposing forwards, but LeBron is an exception to any matchup. J.R. Smith will miss tonight’s game, which will put the ball in James’ hands even more frequently. In a weak field of small forwards, LeBron is a great play in any format.
Power Forward
Studs
Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors (FD $8,100, DK $8,200) –
It’s important to have exposure to Golden State @ Boston tonight, and Draymond Green is a solid target that won’t break the bank. Green’s matchup vs. Boston’s front court is a toughie, but his minutes and opportunities should negate a fantasy letdown. Rebounds are a integral part of Green’s game, and the Celtics allow a ton to opposing front courts.
Values
Luis Scola, Toronto Raptors (FD $4,200, DK $4,500)-
Luis Scola is a great low-cost target tonight, as the power forward faces a weak Milwaukee front court. The Raptors relied on Scola in an important game vs. the Spurs on Wednesday, feeding the 35 year-old 33 minutes. That was mostly due to DeMarre Carroll’s absence, and if he sits tonight, Scola would be in for another big opportunity.
GPP Plays
Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers (FD $7,700, DK $8,100)-
In the absence of J.R. Smith, many Cavaliers will be asked to take on a larger scoring role, and that includes Kevin Love. The forward has cooled down considerably, but is hitting value when his minutes are consistent. Love destroyed this Magic team for 34 points last month, and will look to pour salt in the wound tonight.
Center
Studs
Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies (FD $7,900, DK $7,400) –
There are many great plays tonight, but for his price, Marc Gasol takes the cake. He’ll take on a desolate Charlotte front court tonight, and will have the pleasure of matching up against Cody Zeller. Gasol is capable of huge numbers, and tonight’s opportunity vs. the Hornets couldn’t be any bigger.
Values
Alex Len, Phoenix Suns (FD $4,700, DK $5,000)-
If Tyson Chandler sits tonight for the Suns, Alex Len may be the chalkiest play of the evening. He’ll face the Blazers, a team that is absolutely terrible vs. opposing centers. Len’s price tag is still quite deflated, so take advantage for the moment. Be sure that Tyson Chandler does not play tonight, as the opposite would cast Len into irrelevancy.
GPP Plays
Karl-Anthony Towns (FD $7,200, DK $7,000)
KAT has the tendency to take advantage of defensively-inept teams, as he showcased his dominance vs. the Lakers a few days ago. Perhaps just as terrible, the Nuggets will have to worry about the impressive rookie tonight. Denver allows opposing centers to do what they do best: score and grab boards. While most of the playing field trends towards the low-priced Len, Towns could be in for yet another explosive evening.
