By Timothy Downs @Tidow1212 on December 21, 2014
Building the Perfect NBA FanDuel Lineup For Dec. 22
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Building the perfect NBA FanDuel lineup is a difficult chore, so I hope this helps you out. Keep in mind that the NBA can be tricky on DFS sites, considering there are many "game-time decisions" and random days off to worry about. Always double-check to ensure all these players are scheduled to play as expected.
PG - Kemba Walker - Charlotte Hornets - $8,000
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PG - Kemba Walker - Charlotte Hornets - $8,000
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The Denver Nuggets, who adore giving up fantasy production, face the Charlotte Hornets in their own building in what could turn into an absolute scorefest. Despite the Hornets' struggles, Kemba Walker has turned it up lately and has his fantasy PPG average up to nearly 33. His price increased quickly from $ 7,200-ish now to $ 8,000, but he is a safe bet to exceed value regardless.
PG - Steph Curry - Golden State Warriors - $10,500
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PG - Steph Curry - Golden State Warriors - $10,500
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Although Steph Curry carries a steep cap hit, the Golden State Warriors host the Sacramento Kings at home in Oakland, and the Kings' Darren Collison has a passion for allowing production to point guards as Sacramento ranks 25th in the NBA. Curry is now averaging 43 fantasy PPG, and has 50-plus upside in favorable matchups, which this clearly is.
SG - Monta Ellis - Dallas Mavericks - $8,100
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SG - Monta Ellis - Dallas Mavericks - $8,100
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Atlanta Hawks SG Kyle Korver lacks the intestinal fortitude and physical ability to keep up with Monta Ellis of the Dallas Mavericks in this matchup, particularly now with Rajon Rondo running the point in Dallas. In Rondo's first Mavs game, Ellis was seemingly unstoppable scoring 38 points, with one assist and one steal. I liked Ellis more at $ 7,500 considering he is highly bucket dependent, but he projects to crush the Hawks.
SG - Klay Thompson - Golden State Warriors - $7,900
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SG - Klay Thompson - Golden State Warriors - $7,900
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I rarely-to-never pay above $ 6,500 each for both my shooting guards considering the position can be very random on FanDuel, but I saved some cheddar in other spots on this roster and was able to pair the aforementioned Ellis with Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors, who will see a ton of Ben McLemore of the Sacramento Kings guarding him. And that guy is not the defender the Kings' 12th ranking against the SG indicates.
SF - DeMarre Carroll - Atlanta Hawks - $5,000
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SF - DeMarre Carroll - Atlanta Hawks - $5,000
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Trevor Ariza of the Dallas Mavericks is a middle-of-the-road defender, and if Jeff Teauge is out again for the Atlanta Hawks, the team is going to need the rest of their starting lineup to step up the scoring. While I do not see huge upside in DeMarre Carroll, I also do not see a low floor and believe 25 fantasy points (five times value) can be essentially set in stone.
SF - Terrence Ross - Toronto Raptors - $4,400
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SF - Terrence Ross - Toronto Raptors - $4,400
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The Toronto Raptors have been shuffling around their starting rotation since SG DeMar DeRozan went down with injury which at times has helped -- as well as hindered -- Terrence Ross' appeal on FanDuel. It appears Landry Fields will be back on the bench with Ross now starting again at SG. For $ 4,400, and as a punt play, 20 fantasy points would be adequate from Ross, and what I am expecting while hoping for the 30-plus upside.
PF - Jon Leuer - Memphis Grizzlies - $3,600
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PF - Jon Leuer - Memphis Grizzlies - $3,600
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Anytime Jon Leuer gets minutes, he produces for fantasy purposes and sizzles through value considering his near minimum price. On Sunday, Zach Randolph sat and in 30 minutes Leuer accumulated 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals -- essentially 30 fantasy points -- giving you almost nine times value. This is an utter delight. He could -- and should -- do something very similar against the Utah Jazz in Memphis.
PF - Derrick Favors - Utah Jazz - $7,000
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PF - Derrick Favors - Utah Jazz - $7,000
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Derrick Favors can be maddeningly inconsistent at times, but for $ 7,000 he is a safe bet to hit 35 fantasy points and has a good chance to crush value, considering he averages essentially 30 fantasy PPG. Favors has a favorable matchup, albeit on the road, against the aforementioned Memphis Grizzlies, who are playing down a big man.
C - Timofey Mozgov - Denver Nuggets - $5,000
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C - Timofey Mozgov - Denver Nuggets - $5,000
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The Charlotte Hornets might be playing without their star center, Al Jefferson, when they take on the Denver Nuggets. Jefferson is not a great defender to begin with, but he does board, and they will miss his presence on the glass. Timofey Mozgov has a chance to capitalize in this scenario, but should be a safe bet to hit 25 fantasy points (value) as a high floor, mid-ceiling upside punt play regardless of who defends him.
Timothy Downs is a fantasy sports writer for www.RantSports.com . You can ‘like him’ on Facebook add him on Google or follow him on Twitter @Tidow1212.