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It was an exciting Friday throughout the National Basketball Association. While some of the elite superstars from previous years were in action, it was the kids who owned the night as Brandon Ingram, Darius Garland, Jayson Tatum, and Jarrett Allen were four of the top-six leading fantasy producers. Nevertheless, the weekend's festivities continue, with six games making up FanDuel's "Main Slate," excluding the only early game of the day, the Knicks hosting the Nuggets in Madison Square Garden. However, that matchup isn't the only one going on in New York City on Saturday, as the Nets, fresh off a narrow win over the Karl-Anthony Towns-less Timberwolves, will host Chicago, a team currently 1.5 games behind Brooklyn in the Eastern Conference. Yet, that will change in one way or another after everything is said and done.
Of course, things wouldn't be as compelling if we didn't cover some injuries, starting with Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is doubtful after not playing on Thursday due to a calf issue. Kristaps Porzingis is also in danger of missing his second straight outing, while Harrison Barnes will attempt to make it back after a four-game absence, though it's not looking good. To finish things off, Alex Caruso is questionable because of a strained hamstring, and Jaylen Brown should be good to go after getting the night off versus Utah.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel's "Main Slate" on 12/4/21. 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 NBA DFS lineup picks. Keep an eye on RotoBaller’s injury news to stay up to date before lineups are locked. Also, please give me a follow on Twitter @DennisMClausen, and feel free to say hello. Good luck!
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FanDuel Guards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
CJ McCollum, SG - vs. BOS ($8,200)
Unfortunately for the Trail Blazers, Damian Lillard will miss at least 10 days because of lower abdominal tendinopathy. As a result, McCollum should get the keys to the offense moving ahead. Without Dame, he projects to receive a 10% increase in usage, so you know he will have the ball a lot more than usual during the matchup with Boston. Over the last two games, McCollum averaged 41.3 fantasy points, and with a rostering cost of only $8,200 on Saturday, there's a great chance he will smash his value.
Tyler Herro, SG/SF - @ MIL ($7,300)
Bam Adebayo will miss at least four weeks after tearing the UCL in his right thumb. To make matters worse, Jimmy Butler has missed his last three games because of a bruised tailbone and appears to be heading toward a fourth. With those guys out, Kyle Lowry is unquestionably the go-to. However, there will be plenty of room for Herro, who's already had a fantastic season, to get even more involved. The third-year man out of Kentucky received a few days off to rest. Yet, he returned to the lineup on Wednesday and finished with 21 points, although he struggled on the shooting end. He had 18 on Friday, and he should not only log more minutes than usual but also continue to be a primary scoring option, at least until Butler returns.
Also Consider: Luka Doncic ($10,500), De'Aaron Fox ($7,800), Kyle Lowry ($6,600), De'Anthony Melton ($5,800), Reggie Jackson ($5,700), Terence Davis ($5,500), Jalen Brunson ($5,000), Patty Mills ($4,900), Dennis Smith Jr. ($4,400)
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FanDuel Forwards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Khris Middleton, SF/SG - vs. MIA ($7,400)
As mentioned, Giannis Antetokounmpo isn't expected to be on the floor on Saturday, so obviously, some will benefit more than others. Middleton always comes to mind as a DFS option, as he should. However, the veteran gains even more appeal without The Freak, as he has averaged 21.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists throughout 42 career outings without the multi-time MVP. He also averaged a steal during that span while shooting an impressive 41.3% from deep. Granted, Jrue Holiday wasn't around for some of those 42 games. Still, Middleton's rostering cost is too attractive when you consider his ceiling against the Celtics.
Norman Powell, SF/SG - vs. BOS ($5,400)
CJ McCollum is the clear favorite to benefit without Damian Lillard. Yet, Powell should also join in on the fun. The veteran missed a few games because of a quadriceps contusion, but he returned on Thursday against the Spurs to finish with 16 points off 13 attempts, five less than McCollum, who had a team-high 18. Barring another blowout, Powell will probably see more than the 28 minutes he received versus San Antonio, and with that, a potential increase in opportunities on the offensive end.
Also Consider: Robert Williams III ($5,900), Otto Porter Jr. ($4,900), Marcus Morris Sr. ($4,300)
FanDuel Centers - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Richaun Holmes, C/PF - vs. LAC ($6,800)
Holmes wasn't available for three-straight games because of an eye issue along with an illness. He made it back against the Lakers on Tuesday, and although the Kings weren't able to gain the win, the big man did all he could by scoring 27 points on a perfect 12-for-12 from the field. He also added eight boards and two blocks. The 28-year-old would then follow up that stellar performance with another, recording a double-double on Wednesday against that other Los Angeles team, the Clippers. While Sacramento tries to navigate its way under interim head coach Alvin Gentry, it's apparent that Holmes will play a pivotal role moving ahead.
Also Consider: LaMarcus Aldridge ($5,600)
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