The NBA Daily Plays for Friday, December 18th 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
Rajon Rondo, Sacramento Kings (FD $8,600, DK $8,700) –
In the highest over/under of the evening, Rajon Rondo takes on Ricky Rubio and the Minnesota Timberwolves. At a justified price tag, Rondo has scored an average of 43 FanDuel points over his last four games, and continues to stuff the stat sheet for the Kings. This game will be a close, high-scoring battle, and Rondo will benefit the most.
Values
Jameer Nelson, Denver Nuggets (FD $4,300, DK $4,900)-
Mudiay is still having trouble with a jammed ankle, and is questionable for Friday’s matchup vs. the Jazz. If Mudiay is to sit yet again, Jameer Nelson will take the reigns. Nelson has been overwhelming in his recent emergency starts, and that won’t likely change vs. a defensive-centric Jazz team. However, Nelson has done just enough to hit value at his price, and that trend will continue.
GPP Plays
Isaiah Thomas, Boston Celtics (FD $8,100, DK $7,700)-
The Pizza Guy has been incredible for the Celtics all season, boasting a 21.15 PPG average. His opponent tonight, the Hawks, have been extremely susceptible to opposing point guards. Jeff Teague doesn’t have the tools to stop a pure scorer like Isaiah Thomas, and will struggle to defend the Bostonian.
Shooting Guard
Studs
Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors (FD $6,900, DK 7,000) –
It’s hard to not play Klay currently, especially since his price tag has barely budged. Thompson has eclipsed 35 points in two of his past three games, as his hot streak has yet to falter. Very much a creature of habit, Thompson’s rhythm is consistent right now, and should be played until his flame is distinguished.
Values
Rodney Hood, Utah Jazz (FD $4,300, DK $4,500)-
Hood presents a rare triple threat Friday night, as his matchup, skillset, and price point could all be considered elite. However, his reliability is anything but. The Nuggets struggle to defend opposing shooting guards, and if Hood sees high shot volume, his production could be outstanding. Until some consistency is seen in his game, Hood should be considered a tournament only option.
GPP Plays
Eric Bledsoe, Phoenix Suns (FD $8,800, DK $8,400)-
Eric Bledsoe is in a phenomenal spot tonight, as he’ll go to war against a defenseless Pelicans squad. New Orleans hasn’t been able to defend guards all season, and they’ll certainly struggle against an elite Bledsoe. NO/PHX holds the highest O/U of the evening, which makes Bledsoe a great option for exposure.
Small Forward
Studs
Paul George, Indiana Pacers (FD $9,600, DK $9,400)
PG13 has put up some absolute stinkers over the last week, but tonight is the night to buy a ticket for the bandwagon. The Nets are absolutely helpless at defending the wing, and pure domination here isn’t out of the question for George. His price tag has taken quite a hit, so capitalize on the deflation.
Values
Omri Casspi, Sacramento Kings (FD $5,000, DK $5,900)-
Many will chase points with Matt Barnes in this spot, but it seems that Barnes cooled down vs. a hot defensive Chicago team on Wednesday. Instead, set your sights for Casspi, who has been much more productive and reliable. At a reasonable price tag, the Sacramento power forward will give you dependable exposure to the most fruitful game of the slate.
GPP Plays
Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks (FD $8,700, DK $8,300) –
How hot is Carmelo? The Knick is on a tear, averaging 48.5 FanDuel points over his last 3 games. The all star has an excellent opportunity to build upon that mean, vs. a Philadelphia team whose defense is even more pitiful than their offense. Anthony makes for a great pivot from Paul George at a cheaper price tag.
Power Forward
Studs
Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors (FD $9,100, DK $8,800) –
Playing Draymond Green tonight is the easiest fantasy decision I’ve made in quite some time. His production has been outrageous; vs. the Suns on Wednesday, the forward somehow put up a stat line of 16/11/10 in only 31 minutes. His matchup tonight? The Milwaukee Bucks, who have been terrible vs. opposing power forwards. Play Draymond, and don’t look back.
Values
Jon Leuer, Phoenix Suns (FD $4,600, DK $5,900)-
Value is hard to find at power forward tonight. Jon Leuer is a bit too pricey on DraftKings, but at $4,600 on FanDuel, the shoe fits. Leuer has a firm hold on his starting role, and will face the defensively-inept Pelicans. The German Giant should reach value pretty easily.
GPP Plays
Derrick Favors, Utah Jazz (FD $8,000, DK $7,700)-
If Draymond Green isn’t quite your cup of tea, Derrick Favors can be had at a similar price. Without Rudy Gobert in the lineup, Favors’ usage rate has soared. The forward dominated the Pelicans on Wednesday to the tune of 22 points, and has a nice chance of repeating his success tonight vs. a weak Denver front court.
Center
Studs
Andre Drummond, Detroit Pistons (FD $9,000, DK $9,100) –
An elite rebounder, Andre Drummond is a captivating play tonight. The Bulls allowing opponents to grab a league-worst 56.6 boards per game, and that number won’t improve vs. Drummond on Friday. The center is having a career year, and his situation tonight is abundant in opportunities.
Values
Gorgui Dieng, Minnesota Timberwolves (FD $4,800, DK $5,300)-
Playing Dieng is a risky move tonight, but I’m willing to take the chance. In place of Kevin Garnett, the big man saw a season-high 36 minutes on Wednesday, and capitalized with a phenomenal outing. From this point, Dieng is likely to see healthy minutes, particularly tonight vs. Sacramento’s front court. The Wolves will look to combat the strength of Boogie Cousin’s, so expect a healthy dose of Gorgui in one of the most fantasy-friendly games of the evening.
GPP Plays
Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies (FD $7,600, DK $7,400)
The Mavericks are strong defensively, with one Achilles heel: opposing centers. Enter Marc Gasol, who will look to take advantage of a weak Dallas front court. Gasol has been the epitome of a tournament play, introducing high volatility to his game with an 11.8 standard deviation score. Gasol may not be trustworthy in cash, but could pay off big in tournaments.
