Strategy and Stats for 12/19/24 NBA Daily Fantasy Slate

Welcome to an exhilarating evening in the NBA, featuring a packed slate of 13 games starting at 08:00 PM EST. Fantasy players and fans alike should mark their calendars for the highlight of the night as the Chicago Bulls clash with the Boston Celtics at TD Garden, with a tip-off scheduled for 08:30 PM EST. This marquee matchup, boasting an Over/Under of 241.5, promises a high-scoring affair and is a treasure trove for fantasy points. As we dive into today’s games, keep an eye on the top projected players at each position, whose standout performances are anticipated to make waves in daily fantasy lineups. Stay tuned as we break down each game, providing you with all the stats and insights needed to dominate your fantasy contests.

Top Point Guard Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Cade Cunningham ($9800), Detroit Pistons – Projected 55.0 pts

As we dive into today’s DFS landscape, Cade Cunningham emerges as a pivotal figure for the Detroit Pistons, especially in their upcoming matchup against the Jazz, who rank 27th in defensive efficiency against point guards. Over his last five games, Cunningham has been nothing short of spectacular, averaging 51.6 daily fantasy points. His scoring ability remains consistent, maintaining an average of 24.2 points per game, while his playmaking has seen a slight uptick to 10.8 assists per game. Notably, his shooting efficiency has surged, hitting 53.2% from the field and an impressive 45.5% from three-point range. The slight dip in his fantasy points from 54.4 to 51.6 in the previous five-game stretch is marginal, especially considering his improved shooting percentages. His ability to contribute across the board, including 7.6 rebounds per game, makes him a formidable option for today’s games. Given his DraftKings salary of $9800 and a projected point total of 55.0, Cunningham holds a 5.6 DFS value score, positioning him as a strong value in today’s fantasy contests. His increased shot volume and the favorable matchup against the Jazz’s weaker defense underscore his potential for a high-ceiling performance.

Shooting Guard Spotlight

Jalen Green ($6200), Houston Rockets – Projected 32 pts

Jalen Green has been on a notable upward trajectory over his last five games, making him a player to watch in daily fantasy sports. Currently ranked #36 in the NBA for generating fantasy points, Green has shown a significant improvement in his performance metrics. Over his recent stretch, he’s averaged 31.9 daily fantasy points, a sharp increase from the 23.6 points in the previous set of five games. His scoring has also surged from 12.5 to 19.4 points per game, complemented by consistent assists and an uptick in rebounds from 3.5 to 4.4 per game. Shooting efficiency has been a strong suit, with his field goal percentage rising to 50.0% and a significant jump in three-point shooting from 20.0% to 29.7%. These improvements are supported by an increase in court time, up by 6.5 minutes to an average of 34.2 minutes per game. Facing the Pelicans next, who rank #16 in defense against SGs, Green’s matchup looks favorable. His DraftKings salary of $6200 and a DFS value score of 5.2 position him as a core value pick for the upcoming slate.

Top Small Forward Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Trey Murphy III ($6500), New Orleans Pelicans – Projected 35 pts

Trey Murphy III has been a beacon of consistency for the New Orleans Pelicans, especially in his recent performances. Over the last five games, Murphy has averaged 33.2 daily fantasy points, a slight dip from his previous five-game stretch where he posted 35.2 points. Despite this minor decrease, his scoring remains robust at 19.4 points per game, supported by a stellar field goal percentage of 66.7%. His three-point shooting has also seen an uptick to 36.6% from 32.4%. While his assists and rebounds have seen a slight decline, his increased efficiency from the field more than compensates for these fluctuations. Murphy’s consistent court time, averaging 36.4 minutes per game, underscores his critical role in the Pelicans’ lineup. Looking ahead to the next game against the Rockets, who rank #18 in defense against SFs, Murphy’s matchup is favorable. This positions him as a valuable asset in DFS, with a projected point total of 35 and a DFS value score of 5.4. Given his salary of $6500, Murphy represents strong value for today’s fantasy slate.

Power Forward Analysis: Daily Fantasy Standouts

Jalen Johnson ($8400), Atlanta Hawks – Projected 45 pts

Jalen Johnson has been a beacon of consistency and productivity for the Atlanta Hawks, especially in the power forward position. Over his last five games, Johnson has averaged 43.4 daily fantasy points, showcasing his ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories. With an average of 18.0 points, 5.6 assists, and 11.2 rebounds per game during this stretch, his all-around performances have been nothing short of impressive. His field goal percentage stands at a solid 59.6%, although his three-point shooting has dipped to 15.8%. Despite this, his overall impact on the floor remains substantial, highlighted by his increased minutes per game, up to 37.4 from 35.9. Looking ahead, Johnson faces the Spurs, ranked #28 against PFs, positioning him as a potentially lucrative pick for DFS players. His DraftKings salary of $8400 reflects a strong investment, with a DFS value score of 5.4, indicating strong value in the upcoming slate.

Center Position Analysis

Karl-Anthony Towns ($10200), New York Knicks – Projected 56 pts

Karl-Anthony Towns continues to be a powerhouse in daily fantasy sports, especially evident from his recent performances. Over the last five games, Towns has been a dominant force, averaging 55.0 daily fantasy points. His scoring ability remains robust with an average of 23.0 points per game, slightly down from his previous five-game stretch but still highly impactful. What’s particularly impressive is his rebounding, soaring to an average of 17.4 rebounds per game recently, showing a significant increase from 13.2 in earlier games. His shooting efficiency stands at 55.8% from the field, despite a slight dip compared to his phenomenal 66.7% in the previous set of games. From beyond the arc, he’s improved, shooting at 37.5%. Towns’ ability to maintain high minutes on the floor, averaging 38.2 minutes, underscores his crucial role in the Knicks’ gameplay and his stamina. Facing the Timberwolves next, who rank #17 defensively against centers, Towns is poised to exploit this matchup advantage. Given his DraftKings salary of $10200 and a projected point tally of 56.0, his DFS value score is 5.5, categorizing him as a strong value pick for the upcoming slate.