NBA Expert Picks Preview: Thursday, Dec. 18
Glean insight from the best minds in the industry as they list picks they’ll actually be targeting in their cash games, along with detailed analysis and reasoning.
Thursday, December 18
EDITORS NOTE
Keep an eye on breaking news (and starting lineups) throughout the day as value may open up. It appears that Amar’e Stoudemire will rest tonight with Carmelo Anthony questionable as of this moment. Additionally, Taj Gibson appears to be questionable. If he sits Nikola Mirotic becomes very much in play.
Both Derrick Rose and Tyreke Evans are now questionable as well.
POINT GUARD
Russell Westbrook, $10,800 at Golden State
This Oklahoma City vs Golden State game is going to a ridiculous amount of fun from a fan perspective. It should be equally as intriguing from a DFS perspective as it easily boasts the highest over/under on a short game slate, as well as multiple elite stars. One of those stars of course is Russell Westbrook. In two games vs the Warriors last season Westy averaged a silly 32.5 pts 5 rebs 6 assts and 4 steals. Russell is currently playing the best basketball I’ve ever seen out of him, and I don’t expect it stop tonight. The return of Kevin Durant hasn’t slowed down Westbrook’s production as he’s scored at least 40 FD points in every game KD’s ben back, and is currently on a 3 game streak of 50+ point games.
Other PGs to consider – Stephon Curry, Jose Calderon, Brandon Knight
SHOOTING GUARD
Tim Hardaway Jr., $4,900 at Chicago
J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert, Amar’e, and Carmelo Anthony are all either out or questionable for tonight’s contest. For this reason I can overlook the tough matchup that is going up against the stifling defense that Jimmy Butler presents. Timmy will be asked to play a plethora of minutes while chucking up a bundle of shots. In his last four games he’s fired up roughly 15 shots per game, and despite having inefficient success, he’s still managed to score more than 20 FD points in every contest. It won’t be pretty, but its not like the Bulls are going to completely shut the Knicks out (I don’t think at least), and Hardaway just might be their best bet for buckets.
Other SGs to consider – Jimmy Butler, Klay Thompson, James Harden
SMALL FORWARD
Draymond Green, $7,500 vs Oklahoma City
David Lee and Andrew Bogut are expected to be continue to be out tonight meaning Draymond will once again see a pile of minutes this evening. Truth be told, he’s earned himself as much playing time he can handle no matter who is available. His contributions in the peripheral categories have been DFS gold to the point that despite shooting 7-22 n his last two games, he has averaged over 38 FD points. Few players can overcome such a lack of scoring but Green can rack up a combination of boards, blocks, and steals that more than justifies his roster spot.
Other SFs to consider – Trevor Ariza, Kevin Durant, Jared Dudley, Harrison Barnes
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