We only have four NBA games to break down tonight, which is a nice change of pace from what we have been getting lately. There are less injuries tonight than we have been used to, as guys are returning to action with the new Covid protocols. A few guys are going to be too expensive here, as they have teammates returning to the court. We still have a lot of value here, mostly coming from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic. We will cover be looking to those squads for budget plays as they are still missing a lot of their top dogs.
Here’s Two Core Plays For DFS Basketball 12/30/21 (using DraftKings Values)
| Point Guard | R. Nembhard | $3,200 | |
| Shooting Guard | |||
| Small Forward | |||
| Power Forward | |||
| Center | J. Embiid | $11,000 | |
| Guard | |||
| Forward | |||
| Utility |
The Cleveland Cavalier’s point guard situation is nothing short of tragic, as an ACL injury to Ricky Rubio last game leaves then without options. There are very few point guards even left on the roster, so we expect RJ Nembhard to see the biggest opportunity of his career. Nembhard could start here, which would make him a tremendous value at $3,200. We expect Nembhard to get a lot of run either way, but he is more of a priority if he starts.
The guy who really stands out at the top end tonight is Joel Embiid, who is $1,100 cheaper than he was last time out. Embiid has been great lately, showing back-to-back games north of 60 FPTS. Tonight, Embiid has the benefit of a matchup against Brooklyn, who do not have the big men to slow him down. There are five guys more expensive than Embiid tonight, but he should probably have the biggest price tag with this matchup.
Here’s a Fade DFS Basketball 12/30/21 (using DraftKings Values)
Jrue Holiday was a key option for a few slates there, as both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton were sidelined. As expected, Holiday crushed in that stretch as the only Bucks star. However, He is way more expensive than he was a few weeks ago as result. So, with all the stars healthy we are not interested in this $8,900 price tag on Holiday.
Now, what do you get if you sign up now for $99?
• A potential priority from Washington.
• A cheap guard who should have to do a lot for his team here.
• A midrange forward who is coming off a massive performance.
• One more superstar we want to pay up for.
Point Guard
Spencer Dinwiddie – PG ($7,100 DK) We are waiting on a key piece of news from the Washington Wizards tonight, as Bradley Beal is questionable due to health protocols. We must talk about Dinwiddie if Beal sits, as he plays a massive role in his absence. Dinwiddie takes on high usage and always has the ball in his hands, which has led to a slew of 50 FPT games without Beal this season.
Shooting Guard
RJ Hampton – ($3,900 DK) The Orlando Magic guard rotation continues to get thinner, as Hassani Gravett was added to the health protocols halfway through last game. Hampton played 28 minutes last time out, while Gravett was on the court for 18. We expect Hampton to start at point guard and play over 30 minutes here. If Hampton does start, he will be our priority for cheap value.
Franz Wagner – ($7,000 DK) Wagner had the best game of any rookie this year last time out, going for 38 real points and 56.25 FPTS. That is obviously as good as it is going to get, but the fact that he was needed to shoot so much illustrates the situation in Orlando. He is their first option right now so that alone gives us interest at this price tag. It also does not make much sense that he was made cheaper for this slate.
Kevin Love – ($6,700 DK) As most of the young legs on Cleveland are sidelined, they are forced to turn to the veteran for a lot of offensive production. Love has been consistently crushing in low minutes for the Cavs, and we saw him play 32 minutes last time out. That was with Evan Mobley returning and playing 30 minutes, so we are hopeful there is room to play all these big men together with so few guards available. Love has been so good in his time on the floor lately, and his minutes should look solid if this one stays close.
Nikola Jokic – ($11,900 DK) The Joker is up there with Embiid as our two favorite superstars to pay up for tonight. We are happy using our center and utility spot to play both, as they look a lot better than the other studs we have. That is going to be our strategy for Cash games. Jokic has been on one of his tears where it feels like he goes over 60 FPTS every night. Tonight, he will have to do a lot to keep things close with the Warriors, and we know the Golden State big men cannot stop him.
General strategy
With only four games tonight, and no team massively gutted it feels unlikely any of these games is postponed. With that said, we always expect a few more names to be called out, which could take our priorities off the table or create value elsewhere. As mentioned earlier the key news we are waiting on here is if Bradley Beal remains out. We love Dinwiddie as a stud if Beal sits, and Kyle Kuzma looks good as well. Corey Kispert has been crushing for cheap value, so we will get to him a lot as well if Beal sits. Keep an eye on the Beal news, and whatever else we are bound to find out before lock.
