All but four teams take the court Thanksgiving Eve; 13 games consisting of players looking to give thanks a tad bit early.
Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Anthony Davis will all take the court, inviting the possibility of multiple 70-80 fantasy point performances.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 11/23/16. The DFS lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays on DraftKings. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out to me on Twitter @DemetriRafto
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DraftKings DFS Guards
James Harden – PG/SG, vs TOR ($11,700)
As the same goes for Russell Westbrook, the price tag should never scare you away from selecting James Harden. Harden is averaging 60.6 fantasy points a contest, and is one of the few players capable of breaking out for even more consistently. It's clear, that regardless of matchup, Harden is a threat to flirt with a triple-double (three so far this season) and has already posted 15 double-doubles in 19 starts. This helps us all forget that he's averaging 5.1 turnovers game as well; hardly a dent in fantasy scoring.
But, on Wednesday, I'm a fan of Harden's matchup as well. Houston and Toronto have had a near identical season thus far, and play with the same fast-paced, we'll score more than you do, mindset. Expect this game to be high scoring.
Seth Curry – SG, vs LAC ($5,400)
The Dallas Mavericks have been depleted in the early going, playing without Dirk Nowitzki for a majority of the young campaign. Their backcourt has also suffered crucial injuries to Deron Williams and J.J. Barea, opening up plenty of room for others to step in and produce.
It's unlikely that Nowitzki, Williams, and Barea will suit up against the Clippers on the night before Thanksgiving. Likely starting at point guard will be Seth Curry, who has contributed to daily fantasy lineups in his increased role of late. Although inconsistent, Curry has displayed the ability to mimc his brother and make it rain from behind the arc. The Clippers have been a tough matchup all season long, but own the sixth highest opponent three point field goal percentage in the league.
Elfrid Payton – PG, vs PHO ($5,900)
Payton has also been inconsistent in Orlando's backcourt, but enters a matchup that is very tough to ignore. The Suns are allowing 114.3 points per game, the most in the NBA. They also relinquish 23.7 assists a night, fourth most in the league.
Not much of a three-point shooter, Payton has contributed to lineups with his assist and surprising rebound totals. He's an affordable option that doesn't need to do much to exceed projection. He has also picked up at least one steal in eight straight games.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
LeBron James – SF/PF, vs POR ($9,500)
The Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James currently own the best record in the Eastern Conference, and have been a fun team to watch during the young season. They have also been a team generously awarding points to daily fantasy lineups. Among those most philanthropic, The King.
LeBron is coming off one of his worst showings for daily fantasy in his most recent contest against the Detroit Pistons. He did score 21 points, but posted only three rebounds and three assists; unfamiliar and uncharacteristic for the reigning NBA Finals MVP. This means only one thing: LeBron is going to come out swinging Wednesday night. He should be drafted in all formats.
Kawhi Leonard – SF, @CHA ($8,200)
Often known more for his outstanding defensive abilities, Leonard has been a beast on the other side of the ball of late as well. He has posted 40 or more fantasy points in four straight contests, while he's dropped 20 or more points in each, including two double-doubles, over that span. Leonard will also surprise you with his range from downtown, along with his frequent acts of thievery.
The Charlotte Hornets have allowed the fourth most fantasy points to the four-spot this season, inviting more appeal into drafting Leonard on Wednesday night. His price tag is a bit worrisome, but he has proved more than capable of breaking out for more than 50.
Brandon Ingram – SF, @GS ($3,400)
Ingram, on most nights, has been considered a punt for daily fantasy in his first campaign wearing a professional uniform. Although, the Warriors have struggled against small forwards all season. In the last game between both west coast squads earlier in November, Ingram saw the floor for 27 minutes, and posted 27 fantasy points (12 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals). That's all we need from him against the reigning Western Conference champs.
DraftKings DFS Centers
Kevin Love – C/PF vs POR ($7,700)
For someone who has posted a double-double in seven straight contests, it seems like his price is too good to be true. But it is where it's at, luckily for us. Love has been a dominant force following his first championship berth in his ninth season in the league. Love is averaging a double-double per contest, and has posted one in all but three of 12 starts this season.
Clint Capela – C, vs TOR ($6,000)
The days of Dwight Howard in Houston are over. Clint Capela is trying to make sure the veteran big man is long forgotten at the home of the Rockets. While his numbers and statistics aren't mind-blowing, his capability, and abilities, are admirable and ever so efficient for daily fantasy. Another consistent double-double threat, Capela adds multiple blocks to his productive equation. Against the 76ers last week, Capela posted five, while posting multiple in four of his last five contests. Toronto, despite having a solid center of their own, have struggled defending the position this season. Capela is affordable and should be drafted in tournaments and head-to-head formats.
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