Strategy and Stats for 12/26/24 NBA Daily Fantasy Slate

Welcome to an exhilarating evening in the NBA with a packed slate of 9 games, all kicking off at 08:00 PM EST. Among the highlights, the Chicago Bulls are set to clash with the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena at 08:30 PM EST in what promises to be a fantasy goldmine, boasting an Over/Under of 242.5. This high-scoring expectation sets the stage for top fantasy performances, particularly eyeing key players like the Bulls’ dynamic scorer and the Hawks’ playmaking wizard. As we delve deeper into today’s matchups, keep an eye on these standout athletes and how their potential performances could sway your fantasy lineup decisions. Stay tuned as we break down each game, providing you with the insights needed to dominate your daily fantasy sports contests.

Top Point Guard Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($10300), Oklahoma City Thunder – Projected 53 pts

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to be a linchpin for both the Oklahoma City Thunder and daily fantasy sports enthusiasts. Over his last five games, he has averaged 54.1 daily fantasy points, a slight dip from his previous set of games but still formidable. His scoring ability remains robust with an average of 32.4 points per game, though his assists have seen a decrease to 5.0 per game from 8.0. Despite a minor drop in field goal percentage from 62.5% to 56.8%, Shai’s ability to maintain high efficiency from the field and decent numbers from beyond the arc (37.5%) makes him a threat in any matchup. His next game against the Pacers, who rank 13th in defense against PGs, positions him as a valuable asset. With a DraftKings salary of $10300 and a DFS value score of 5.1, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander holds strong value in today’s fantasy lineup.

Shooting Guard Spotlight

Jalen Green ($6300), Houston Rockets – Projected 33.0 pts

As the NBA fantasy season progresses, Jalen Green of the Houston Rockets is showing signs of becoming a pivotal player in daily fantasy sports lineups. Over his last five games, Green has impressively averaged 33.5 daily fantasy points, a significant increase from the 24.5 points in the previous set of five games. This surge in performance is highlighted by his scoring jump to 22.2 points per game and a robust 60.4% shooting from the field. Despite a slight dip in three-point efficiency to 27.9%, his overall contributions across the board, including 4.8 rebounds per game, make him a strong contender in DFS circles. Facing the Pelicans next, who rank #24 against SGs, Green’s matchup looks favorable. With a DFS value score of 5.2 based on his current DraftKings salary of $6300, he holds strong value for the upcoming slate. Fantasy managers should consider capitalizing on Green’s recent uptick in form and favorable matchup.

Top Small Forward Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Trey Murphy III ($0), New Orleans Pelicans – Projected 38 pts

Amidst a standout five-game stretch, Trey Murphy III has emerged as a pivotal fantasy asset. Averaging 35.6 daily fantasy points recently, Murphy’s performance has notably surged compared to his previous outings. His scoring has jumped to 22.4 points per game, up from 15.0, complemented by a robust 65.0% shooting from the field. Although his assists slightly dipped to 2.0 per game, his rebounding has impressively doubled to 5.0 per game. Facing the Rockets, who rank #6 in defense against SFs, Murphy’s matchup is tough, but his recent form suggests he can overcome these challenges. Notably, his DraftKings salary stands at $0, which, due to a system error or misreport, skews his DFS value score to infinity. Assuming a correction in his salary, Murphy’s recent performances would still position him as a high-value pick in today’s DFS contests.

Power Forward Analysis

Jalen Johnson ($9000), Atlanta Hawks – Projected 44 pts

As we dive into the daily fantasy sports potential of Jalen Johnson, his recent performances for the Atlanta Hawks paint a picture of a player who is both a cornerstone and a dynamo on the court. Over the last five games, Johnson has averaged 43.0 daily fantasy points, a slight dip from his previous five-game stretch where he posted 44.8. Despite a decrease in scoring from 21.8 points to 16.6 points per game, Johnson has ramped up his rebounding, pulling down 11.0 boards compared to 7.8 in earlier games. His assist numbers remain robust at 5.8 per game, underscoring his versatility. However, a significant area of concern is his shooting efficiency. Johnson’s field goal percentage has seen a sharp decline from an impressive 72.5% to 50.0%, and his three-point shooting has plummeted from 45.0% to 23.5%. Despite these fluctuations, Johnson’s increased court time, up to 37.3 minutes per game, and his ability to take more shots (13.8 per game) suggest a player still very much in the rhythm of the game. Looking ahead to his next matchup against the Bulls, who rank #26 in defense against PFs, Johnson’s prospects appear bright. The softer defensive opposition could provide him an excellent opportunity to capitalize and improve his shooting percentages. With a DraftKings salary of $9000 and a projected point tally of 44.0, Johnson holds a DFS value score of 4.9, positioning him as a core value pick in your fantasy lineup. His current form and matchup potential make him a compelling choice, albeit with some caution advised due to his recent shooting struggles.

Center Position Daily Fantasy Analysis

Bam Adebayo ($8100), Miami Heat – Projected 46.0 pts

Bam Adebayo’s recent surge in performance makes him a compelling pick for today’s DFS slate. Over his last five games, Adebayo has averaged 42.2 daily fantasy points, showing a notable improvement from his previous five-game stretch where he averaged 40.4 points. His scoring has significantly increased to 20.4 points per game, up from 14.5, complemented by a robust 11.4 rebounds per game. His field goal shooting has been exceptionally efficient at 61.4%, a substantial rise from 42.9%. Despite a slight decrease in assists and a dip in three-point shooting accuracy, Adebayo’s overall contributions on the court remain substantial. Facing the Magic, who rank third in defense against centers, poses a challenge, yet Adebayo’s recent form suggests he can overcome tough matchups. With a DraftKings salary of $8100 and a projected point total pushing him into the upper echelon, his DFS value score stands at 5.7, marking him as a strong value pick for today’s games.