Let's just stay with the players that keep rising, those that'll soon be too hot to touch. This is more of a recent-performance-based lineup, rather than my normal matchup-based approach. It's difficult to ignore inexpensive production.
Tonight's lineup features an array of affordable players, lately responsible for giving bang to the buck, and one bad, bad dude out in Sacramento.
Check out my Daily NBA picks for DraftKings, 12/20/15
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DraftKings DFS Point Guards
Jarrett Jack (vs MIN, $6,200)
The Brooklyn Nets have no efficient ball-handlers and playmakers. Except for Jack, that is. Jack has caught fire recently, posting 20+ in his past two games, including 51 assists over his last six (8.5/night). Jack has been a rise-to-the-occasion type of guy this season, and now heading into a likely battle with opposing playmaker Ricky Rubio, expect him to do his best Santa impersonation and drop gifts under each stat category.
Jrue Holiday (at DEN, $5,100)
With Christmas only five days away, it's only fitting that Holiday is on this list. (That's the last seasonal reference, I promise) Holiday has excelled in his new role coming off the bench, and has been exceptionally valuable of late for his cheap price. Holiday has posted 30+ fantasy points in four of his last six games, playing under 30 minutes in each of them. Fantasy owners don't have to worry about a minute restriction anymore, so expect his playing time to continue climbing towards the 30 minute mark.
DraftKings DFS Shooting Guards
DeMar DeRozan (vs SAC, $7,200)
I think we're all very lucky that DeRozan's price is as low as it is. He has dropped 30+ points in his past two games, playing over 40 minutes in each, averaging over 50% from the field, posting 40+ fantasy points in both. Also, DeRozan has scored 20 and over in six straight, and has scored in double digits in all 28 games played this season. He plays for a Toronto team that has collectively scored over 90 points in 11 straight, facing the Kings who surrender 107.4 points a night, second most in the league. We can expect DeRozan's price to boost in value, soon, so keep grabbing him before it does.
Will Barton (vs NO, $6,300)
Even I get giddy when I see New Orleans next up on the schedule. I'm only 5'6 and averaged a little over two points a game as a seventh grade point guard, but now, I'm all about cheering from in front of a screen. Barton's price, against the Pelicans, is a no-brainer. Off the bench, he as been outperforming Gary Harris, posting similar numbers to Danilo Gallinari, and has scored in double-digits in 11 straight. New Orleans gives up the most points in the league, 107.6 a night.
DraftKings DFS Small Forwards
Omri Casspi (at TOR, $5,900)
Casspi's price continues to rise, as it should. He has scored in double-digits in 13 of his last 15 games played. Casspi starts on a team that scores a lot of points (104.6, fourth highest in the league) and that gives up a lot of points. This means a couple of things. One, Casspi is contributing to that high total. Two, the Kings are playing catchup periodically. Three, they are in competitive high-scoring bouts. All of which result in production from Casspi, explaining the 35-40 minutes played over his last four. And with Willie Cauley-Stein expected to miss 4-6 weeks, look for Casspi to consistently see that much playing time.
Kent Bazemore (at ORL, $5,700)
Bazemore has been in the starting lineup the past three nights, and has been producing in his spot-starts. Thabo Sefolosha is battling a lingering ankle injury and until he's back to 100%, Bazemore will be slotted into the starting five. With Jeff Teague and Kyle Korver struggling from the field, Bazemore can swoop in and make some more noise. In 40 minutes against Miami on Monday, Bazemore dropped 28 points, five rebounds, and two assists.
DraftKings DFS Power Forwards
DeMarcus Cousins (at TOR, $10,200)
I get it. He's really expensive, which is troublesome considering he hasn't exactly been posting 50-60+ fantasy points a night; production you want and hope for from a guy in the five digit range. But Cousins is too good to not at least consider each night. He's coming off five straight double-doubles and now heads to Canada to face a good Toronto Raptors club. When the Kings are playing a good team, I like Cousins even more. He's a warrior, and you can expect him to lead the charge.
Ryan Anderson (at DEN, $6,100)
Despite his season-worst performance Friday night of only three points and two rebounds in 21 minutes, Anderson is still one of my favorite tournament plays, always. He obviously isn't Anthony Davis but there is a reason why he's heavily been in trade talks of late. Anderson is the Pelicans number one off the bench and if it wasn't for The Brow, he could be starting, and could start on other teams. He's a double-digit scoring and double-double threat, and is affordable. Wednesday night against the Jazz, Anderson went 13-13 from the free throw line.
DraftKings DFS Centers
Karl-Anthony Towns (at BK, $7,000)
When someone posts at least one block in 16 of their last 17 games played, they get two thumbs up in my book. Towns heads to the Barclays Center in a favorable matchup with the Nets. Brooklyn has relinquished 104 or more points in seven of their last eight. The already Rookie of the Year candidate should take advantage of Brooklyn's shoddy defense, even if he will be battling veteran Brook Lopez.
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