NBA – Value Index – Christmas Day
Showdown in LA Highlights Christmas Day NBA DFS Slate
Merry Christmas everyone! The best day in the NBA season is here!
We have 5 games on Santa’s big day! I wish they could flex some of these out when scheduling doesn’t favor the slate. What I mean is New Orleans and Golden State are on this schedule, but clearly that was made when Zion was healthy and Golden State wasn’t without…well, everyone.
But there are still some solid action and it’s fun to be able to watch 5 NBA games back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back.
So enjoy the Yuletide, egg nog, and hopefully your Christmas is awesome. Good luck!
Also, the Christmas Value Index is free just for today!
Russell Westbrook – PG – Houston Rockets – $8,900
Analysis: The Golden State Warriors are a fantasy sieve at every position, so my stance here is that I will take the huge talent that has upside at a discounted price. Yes, Harden is the guy still, but Westbrook is a lock for at least 40 fantasy points and sometimes you just gotta go with the guaranteed points at a discounted rate. Trying to fit Harden, Giannis, LeBron, Brow, Embiid and Jokic on this slate require us to make some tough decisions.
D’Angelo Russell – SG – Golden State Warriors – $7,400
Analysis: The Rockets are another team that gives up fantasy points in droves. Russell provides huge upside and floor at a solid price, IF Golden State can keep this game close. I like to think teams get up for Christmas games and there’s already lots of chatter out there wishing the NBA would flex this game out because of the Warriors lack of talent. I would like to think Golden State hears that chatter and wants to prove people wrong. They are underdogs, but get a home match with the visiting Rockets in what should be the highest-scoring game overall on the slate. Russell is the key cog in this offense when he’s on the floor and getting run.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson – SF – Toronto Raptors – $5,300
Analysis: I was on RHJ the past two main slates, but didn’t pull the trigger on him Monday despite writing him up on the Value Index (thanks Kevin Knox). But his price isn’t terrible still and he should see 30+ minutes in a competitive game. He can stuff the stat sheets and any points scored are really the bonuses for rostering Jefferson.
Jayson Tatum – PF – Boston Celtics – $7,800
Analysis: Without Kawhi and Pascal Siakam, the Raptors are beginning to look weak defensively, especially in the front court. Tatum smashed this team in their only meeting and he went for 60+ fantasy points last time out. Tatum has loads of talent, but doesn’t get unleashed every single game like a Harden, Westbrook, LeBron, Brow, etc. He’s part of a huge team-first Celtics squad, but flashes the upside we need to win tournaments. At this price and the potential upside, Tatum is one of the best value plays on the slate.
Paul Millsap – C – Denver Nuggets – $4,600
Analysis: It’s unlikely we get a big name to be scratched on the Christmas Day slate so we have to find some value somewhere. RHJ is one of those guys and we can manipulate the multiple-position opportunities on DraftKings to find value in Paul Millsap against the Pelicans. I won’t be sticking Millsap in the Center spot, but it’s an option and his price and matchup are the reason why I am putting him as an official Value Index selection. But most certainly Brow, Jokic and Embiid will occupy the center spot in most of my lineups. Millsap can easily get us 25 fantasy points as a power forward in the Center spot. The Pelicans third overall on this slate in fantasy points allowed to PF position.
