Russell Westbrook plays tonight. What does that mean? Play him! I don't want to give away too much in the intro because you'll read my analysis below, but he plays his former teammate, James Harden, tonight, which could him some more motivation, as if he needs it.

In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 12/09/16. The DFS lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays on DraftKings. If you have questions, come to the chat room and ask me yourself. I understand the importance of an outside opinion so feel free to come by and talk basketball.

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DraftKings DFS Guards

Russell Westbrook – PG, vs HOU ($12,800) 

If you can afford Westbrook, there is no reason to avoid him tonight. Over the last 10 days, he’s averaging 30.5 points, 15.3 rebounds, 12.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He has triple doubled in six consecutive games, and he has scored at least 70 fantasy points in five of those games. He gets a matchup against a fast paced Rockets team, and Westbrook can safely be used in all leagues tonight.

Deron Williams – PG, vs IND (6,000)

Williams looks fully healthy, as he has played at least 30 minutes in four consecutive games. He’s averaging 33.3 fantasy points per game over that span, and he has displayed a great combination of consistency and upside for his price tag. He gets a good matchup against the Pacers tonight, and they have been pushing the pace in games this season. He isn’t a flashy player that everyone will be looking to use, but he is consistently hitting value, and he comes with enough upside for tournaments, as well. He can be used in all leagues.

Kyle Korver – SG/SF, @MIL ($3,700)

Korver was recently moved to the bench, but that hasn’t hurt his minutes or fantasy production. He’s likely playing so many minutes because of the injury to Kent Bazemore, but Bazemore will be out tonight, which means Korver should be penciled in for 30 or more minutes once again. He has scored at least 20 fantasy points in each of those games, as well. He comes with an extremely low price tag, and Korver can be used in all leagues tonight.

DraftKings DFS Forwards

DeMarcus Cousins – PF/C, vs NY ($10,900)

Boogie Cousins has been heating up recently, as he is averaging an impressive 31.0 points, 13.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.8 blocks, and 1.0 steal per game over the last 10 days. He comes with a hefty price tag, but he has scored at least 60 fantasy points in four of his last five games. He is multi-position eligible, and he gets a matchup against the Knicks, who don’t have anyone that can guard him. Cousins can be used in all leagues tonight.

Nicolas Batum – SG/SF, vs ORL ($6,500)

Generally, I only use Batum in tournaments, but he has been playing so well recently that it’s difficult to deny him as a cash game option. Over the last five games, he’s averaging 39.5 fantasy points per game. He has displayed great versatility, as he has flashed triple double potential. He gets a matchup against a defensive-minded Orlando team, but Batum is hot enough to be used in all leagues tonight.

Marcus Smart – SG/SF, vs TOR ($5,500)

Isaiah Thomas has been ruled out for tonight already, which means Marcus Smart will likely slide into the starting lineup again. He scored 24.75 fantasy points in his last start, but that game was a blowout, and he wasn’t needed. He’ll likely play closer to 30 minutes tonight, and he gets a great matchup against the Raptors. This game should stay competitive throughout, and Smart is a player with great upside. He does come with some risk, though, and he’s best suited for tournaments.

DraftKings DFS Centers

Dwight Howard – C, @MIL ($6,900) 

Howard has recently struggled in two games, but his minutes were limited, and that doesn’t scare me away tonight. He has looked outstanding on the season, and he’s a consistent double double threat. He also gets a great matchup against the Bucks, who have struggled against the center tonight, and Howard is a player that can score fantasy points in a hurry. His price is still fairly low, and he can be used in all leagues tonight.

Nikola Vucevic – C@CHA ($5,900)

Vucevic is the top center option on the slate for his price tag. It dropped tonight, as he has been priced over $6,000 in seven consecutive games before tonight. His production hasn’t tailed off, though, as he has scored at least 30 fantasy points in nine straight contests. He gets a decent matchup against the Hornets, and even though Vucevic’s minutes have been fairly inconsistent recently, he has been playing well enough to be used in all leagues at his current price tag.

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