RADIO
There shouldn't be much question about strategy tonight. With only two games, you already know the players you will be rostering. There is no REAL reason to pursue any risky picks with so few players available, so just go after players like Danilo Gallinari, Tobias Harris, and P.J. Tucker. You don't need to go cheap tonight, but it might allow you to roster that one extra player who will bump you over the cash-out threshold. I wouldn't fade James Harden even after a big night, so look for him, Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes to be among the top when it comes to the box score.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 12/20/18. These DFS lineup picks can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on FanDuel. You can also check out today's DraftKings lineup picks.
Make sure you don't set your lineups too early and also be sure to check player statuses and availability prior to opening tip. Find me in the NBA Chat Room or @HalfCourtJester on Twitter if you have questions.
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FanDuel DFS Guards
Tyler Johnson - PG, MIA vs. HOU (FD - $4,200)
Despite what most DFS players will be thinking, the Goran Dragic injury does absolutely nothing to the rotation except solidify some roles. Dragic has been barely playing and when he did, it was clear it was a testing period. The Heat aren't set in specific roles and their players tend to bounce around from wing-shooter to playmaker, then back to shooter. It works for players when they are playing well because it maximizes upside, but it also takes away from other players. Tonight, the Rockets are coming off a record-setting shooting performance and they should keep that momentum against the Heat, allowing the dew outside shooters Miami has to see increased attempts. The point guard role isn't open for the taking or anything, but Tyler Johnson. The last two games he's had a usage rate over 22% and taken at least 12 shot attempts. The opportunities will be there.
Dwyane Wade - SG, MIA vs. HOU (FD - $4,900)
Just like Tyler Johnson, Dwyane Wade is one of the options that will have an increased role tonight. Wade is a better isolation scorer than Johnson and the Rockets will have to deal with Wade being a a thorn in their side all game. Since he's a veteran on his last season, he will want to show-out in one of his last games against Chris Paul. His floor is actually reasonably high and tonight you will need players with the highest floor. While their is risk because Wade is getting older, I don't expect anything less than 10-15 points with at least four assists. The Dragic injury didn't impact this since the news was broken yesterday, but Wade has a +34% Usage Rate over the past week.
FanDuel DFS Forwards
Danuel House - SF, HOU @ MIA (FD - $3,500)
This is going to be the riskiest pick I'll advise for tonight. Danuel House has a minimal role in the rotation but he is still pretty much guaranteed near 20 minutes. As a hybrid forward, he has the ability to do a bit of everything. He can hit threes and will have chances tonight, but he isn't the strongest playmaker so his production relies on hitting shots and out-rebounding opponents. Since this will the second game in two days for Houston, players will need some extra rest, meaning House will see a few more minutes at the four or five.
Montrezl Harrell - PF, LAC vs. DAL (FD - $6,800)
Montrezl Harrell saw a dip in production due to Boban Marjanovic seeing increased minutes. While Marjanovic SHOULD see minutes every game, he will take from Harrell's overall contributions. The Mavericks don't really run that big, but it will still leave opportunities for both Harrell and Marjanovic. Outside of DeAndre Jordan, there will be no one to really combat Harell and Marjanovic rebounding upside. With Harrell's price this low, you have to ride the upside and wait for him to demolish whoever he lines up against. Right now, I literally don't know how Dallas plans to account for the Clippers frontcourt.
FanDuel DFS Centers
Hassan Whiteside- C, MIA vs. HOU (FD - $8,000)
I don't like taking Hassan Whiteside simply out of principle. That being said, I am not a moron. Whiteside doesn't pass the eye-test ever. He shows little to no effort on a nightly basis and it seems his offensive output is wonky at best. He throws up shots at random, but his rebounding and ability to block shots make it hard to really fade him against Houston. Clint Capela is a top center when it comes to production but his defensive execution lately has been bad. Even if Capela manages to have a good game, I highly doubt he will keep Whiteside from doing the same.
