There is a small four-game NBA fantasy slate tonight. Despite that, NBA DFS injury news will still be a big part of tonight’s process. Be sure to check the Awesemo NBA Starting Lineups page to see who is in, who is out and who is starting as news breaks, and look at the NBA DFS rankings and projections for both DraftKings and FanDuel lineups.
NBA Daily Fantasy Picks: Awesemo Grades | Dec. 30
*Grades are ordered DraftKings, FanDuel. Initial grade indicates a player’s strength of output, with the value grade indicating their strength as a play in relation to their salary.
SG R.J. Hampton — Grades: C, C | Values: A, A
The shorthanded Magic turn around and play the Bucks once again. Last game Franz Wagner got hot, but R.J. Hampton still turned in a solid performance relative to his price. He finished with 9 points, three rebounds, four assists and three defensive stats in 28 minutes. Assuming Wagner is not as effective tonight, Hampton will be asked to score a bit more for Orlando, and he is still priced incredibly cheap, helping to pay up for the more proven studs. Awesemo’s projections list Hampton as the top overall value play on DraftKings tonight.
SF Denzel Valentine — Grades: D, D | Values: A, A
The Cavaliers continue to be shorthanded tonight. On top of players out due to COVID, Ricky Rubio suffered a season-ending injury last game. With Colin Sexton out for the season and Darius Garland in the league’s health and safety protocols, there is a severe lack of ball handlers. Denzel Valentine should see increased usage tonight as a result. He is at least capable of bringing the ball up the floor. Awesemo currently projects Valentine for 23.3 minutes. However, it is clear he could be playing more than that and possibly even starting.
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C Kevin Love — Grades: B, B | Values: B, B
With the return of Evan Mobley to the lineup, Kevin Love shifted back to the bench last game. This was not a damaging move for Love, as he was able to lead the Cleveland second unit and get more usage. He still played 32 minutes and scored 24 points. The Washington frontcourt can clearly be attacked, and Love looks like he will be leading the second unit’s charge in doing just that. Awesemo projects Love to be the third-leading scorer, but the leader in rebounds and assists for the team tonight.
PF Lauri Markkanen — Grades: B, B | Values: B, B
With Love shifting back to the bench, it increases the usage of Lauri Markkanen as a starter. Again, Washington’s frontcourt can be attacked, and Markkanen should see plenty of open jumpers in this game. While his 3-point shooting has been off the mark lately, once it is dropping he is going to return a great NBA fantasy performance. At a cheap price with safe minutes, it is worth having exposure to him tonight. Awesemo’s projections list Markkanen as the top overall value play on FanDuel tonight.
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