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As is the norm on Thursday, we have a much smaller than normal slate to breakdown for NBA action tonight. I must admit that there have been more appealing slates than today, but there is no such thing as a bad slate for NBA and DFS enthusiasts. Lineups will lock at 7 p.m. EST - just 20 minutes prior to Thursday Night Football for those submitting NFL lineups.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 12/12/19. You can also check out today's FanDuel lineup picks. Remember to monitor injury news as the slate can completely change before line-up lock.
We have two teams facing off in the CLE/SAS matchup that rarely draw fantasy interest from me outside of a few players. The BOS/PHI match-up has a low total of 210 points but is a prime candidate for a game that stays competitive throughout with Boston being a 1.5 point favorite at the time of my writing. The Detroit Pistons will look to their two front-court stars to counter Luka Doncic and the Mavericks. The total for this game is 220 and the Mavericks are 5.5 point favorites. The last match-up of the evening features two talented Western Conference rosters looking to put some poor early season performances behind them. The Blazers have struggled all year with consistency and suffered some key injuries. The Nuggets are currently in 5th place in the Western Conference but have been underwhelming compared to their spectacular run last year.
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DraftKings DFS Guards
Kemba Walker - PG, vs PHI ($7,700)
Kemba Walker appears to be enjoying his new home in Boston after years of mediocre team performance as a Charlotte Hornet. Walker went off for 44 points and 64.8DK points just last night in a close match-up with the Indiana Pacers. Normally, looking at recent game-logs can really get fantasy players in trouble attempting to chase recent break-out performances. I rarely let recent game log carry much weight in my lineup decisions, but Kemba Walker is one exception. When Walker is in the zone, he is capable of scoring in flurries and performing at a level much higher than his pricing tier. One concern with this game is the low vegas total of 210, but I do expect it to be competitive for four quarters which eases the low total concerns. Roster Kemba Walker with confidence tomorrow night and send all the positive vibes his way so we don't open up the box score and see a 4 for 18 shooting performance.
Jamal Murray- PG/SG, vs POR ($6,500)
Murray almost always makes me anxious as he feels like a boom or bust play, but I am intrigued by this fun match-up with Damian Lillard. Despite the Nuggets being a very balanced offense, Murray offers the type of upside that we should look to exploit in tournaments on a small four-game slate. Murray was sidelined during his previous game, but reports are indicating that Murray is preparing to suit up for the game tonight against Portland. In the event that this changes by the time the slate begins, consider Will Barton and Gary Harris as stronger plays with Murray out. Monte Morris and Malik Beasley would become strong value options.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Kevin Love - PF/C, @ SA ($6,200)
We have seen the price of Kevin Love steadily drop from $9,300 to $6,200 over the past month. Trade rumors are circulating about Love with the Cavs clearly in a rebuilding state with a young roster. While Love's services are better suited for a different roster, this price tag should be the bottom for a player of his caliber. Even with Love being on the back half of his career, he is still one of the best players in the league at making a double-double look easy. Last night, Love and the Cavs were in action and Love paid off his salary of $6,700 with ease scoring 37.8 DK points against the Houston Rockets. Be sure to monitor this play closely with Kevin Love being a prime candidate to rest on a back-to-back. In the event that Love rests, be sure to lock in Larry Nance at $4,100.
Blake Griffin - PF, vs DAL ($6,700)
Much like the comments on Love, Blake Griffin is priced way down for a player of his potential fantasy output. Usually, Griffin and his front-court star, Andre Drummond, are best used in DK lineups when one of the two is out of the lineup. However, both players receive plenty of touches and are capable of piling up fantasy points when playing alongside one another. Griffin is not quite the athlete he once was, but he has developed as an offensive weapon by being able to shoot from mid-range and distance. One thing we really need to see from Griffin is an increase in the assist and rebound categories. Hopefully, we see this start tomorrow night in a matchup with Dallas where they will need an "A" game from Griffin.
DraftKings DFS Centers
Al Horford - C, @ BOS ($5,900)
What kind of reception will the veteran big man receive when he returns to Boston on Thursday night? Horford has been appreciated and respected among players and fans, but he caught many by surprise with his departure from Boston this offseason. I try to not weight this sort of narrative too heavily but I do expect Horford to be in playoff form for this regular-season game. Additionally, I am hoping to see his 76er teammates provide him some additional touches and shots early. Outside of any narrative or added motivation, Horford is priced under $6,000 for just the 5th time all season. This game will feature plenty of high priced players so look to Horford for an alternative at a lower price.
