NBA Underdog Fantasy Player Predictions for Friday (12/27)

Black of the Magic

I’m here to give you a (free!) peek behind the curtain regarding some of the awesome things our NBA DFS projections team is cooking up by giving you my top picks for today’s NBA slate on Underdog Fantasy. Every single pick you will find below is going to be based on what our projections say is a meaningful edge, and I will then use my basketball and analytical background to try to pinpoint the very best of the best. Please keep in mind that the NBA news cycle can get crazy, so what is listed below may become a better/worse play depending on how that news breaks. You can always stay up to date on exactly what a team’s rotation and depth chart will look like on a given day by heading to our NBA starting lineups page.

We have 8 games on the schedule as the NBA is set to tip off on 12/27. Below, I’ll detail how I’m approaching things on Underdog this Friday evening.

First… Sign Up to Make NBA Underdog Fantasy Picks

If you want to play along but haven’t signed up yet, grab a special offer with the RotoGrinders Underdog promo code “GRINDERS” to unlock up to $1000 Bonus Cash courtesy of a generous deposit match. Underdog Fantasy – one of the most popular DFS pick’em sites – provides player projections for NBA matchups each day. The ball is then in our court to decide whether a player will ultimately exceed or fall short of those projections in the games. With a huge roster of players available from which to choose, we just need to make a minimum of two picks to build an entry.

I’ll break down the board by looking at factors like usage rates, projected pace, lines in the sports betting market, and of course, our RotoGrinders projections to forecast how NBA players might fare in categories like points, rebounds, and assists. For even more insight when making your Underdog picks today, be sure to check out our fantasy pick’em tool.

Underdog Fantasy Top NBA Picks for 12/27

Now that you’re signed up, here are some of our top NBA picks on Underdog for 12/27 at a glance:

Knicks vs. Magic NBA Underdog Fantasy Predictions

Here are the Knicks vs. Magic NBA Underdog Fantasy predictions for tonight:

Anthony Black Lower Than 11.5 Points + Rebounds

Black’s combined points and rebounds projection at 11.5 seems high given his current role in the Magic’s rotation has been consistent but not prominent. With a high win probability (66.65%) and an edge of 8.91%, this pick capitalizes on consistent underperformance relative to the set projection.

Additionally, the Knicks are a strong defensive team, allowing just 103 points per game, which ranks among the best in the league. This could limit Black’s opportunities to contribute offensively.

Grizzlies vs. Pelicans NBA Underdog Fantasy Predictions

Here are the Grizzlies vs. Pelicans NBA Underdog Fantasy predictions for tonight:

Jaylen Wells Higher Than 13.5 Points + Rebounds

Wells has been a solid contributor for the Grizzlies recently, with his most notable performance coming in their last game against the Toronto Raptors. He scored 17 points, hitting 5 three-pointers on 10 attempts (50%), and added 1 rebound and 1 assist in just under 24 minutes.

At 65.86% win probability and an edge of 8.13%, this pick aligns with how well he has been playing recently. Against the Pelicans, look for Wells to deliver offensively and on the boards.

Mavericks vs. Suns NBA Underdog Fantasy Predictions

Here are the Mavericks vs. Suns NBA Underdog Fantasy predictions for tonight:

Kevin Durant Higher Than 28.5 Points

Durant continues to dominate as the centerpiece of Phoenix’s offense, sporting a 38.2% usage percentage over the last 7 days.

Without Devin Booker, Durant is in a prime position to deliver a strong performance tonight against the Mavericks. His increased usage, recent form, and the favorable matchup make this projection a strong target.

With a 64.85% win probability and an edge of 7.12%, this is a great +EV spot.

Editor’s Note: Looking for more places to play? Check out our PrizePicks promo code and Sleeper promo code.

Image Credit: Getty Images

About the Author

Jbails26
Justin Bailey (Jbails26)

Justin Bailey (aka jbails26) is the Lead Editor for RotoGrinders and FantasyLabs. He’s been playing DFS since 2013 and specializes in small-field NFL and PGA contests (but still dabbles in MME). Justin qualified for the DraftKings Fantasy Golf World Championship in 2023. Follow Justin on Twitter – @justinbailey32