Today is the perfect way to ease into the Christmas and holiday season: A manageable three-game NBA slate that gives us a chance to recalibrate and refocus. As we prepare for the excitement of Christmas week and the bustling NBA action ahead, this slate provides the ideal opportunity to get back to basics and refine our strategies.
With limited value plays and star-heavy matchups, tonight’s slate leans toward a cash game framework no matter the contest format. Ceiling performances are likely to come from mid-to-high-range plays, so building a balanced lineup is key. This slate isn’t just about picking stars — it’s about finding the right combination of players who can deliver consistent production and perhaps a few surprises.
Competitive matchups and the holiday spirit might even bring some unexpected performances from familiar faces. The challenge lies in analyzing each player within the context of today’s games rather than the broader season narrative. It’s a unique blend that calls for sharp focus and calculated risks.
Our FantasyPros team is here to ensure you have everything you need to navigate tonight’s challenges. Tap into the expertise of Nick Rodriguez (@NickIsInNet), Ryan Coleman (@ryancoleman_98) and Daniel E. Dobish (@danieledobish), whose insights will elevate your game and sharpen your approach.
We’re here to guide you through it all. Let’s dive in, embrace the unpredictability and craft lineups that aren’t just contenders but true game-changers. It’s time to get ready and make this slate count. Game on.
View the best player prop bets for tonight’s slate with our NBA Prop Bet Cheat Sheet
NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer
NBA DFS Core Plays
- DraftKings: $8,400
- FanDuel: $8,700
Fantasy Impact and Category Strengths
De’Aaron Fox is the heart and soul of the Kings, leading the charge quietly, yet effectively. His consistency across key categories — points, assists, rebounds and steals — makes him a DFS gold mine. Averaging 26.3 points per game (PPG) with a solid 48.7% field goal percentage, Fox has been nothing short of spectacular, especially during moments when the Kings have needed him most.
Against the Pacers, a team that struggles defensively and plays at the sixth-fastest pace in the league, Fox should thrive. His ability to capitalize on fast-paced games and find ways to exploit defensive weaknesses sets him up for a strong performance tonight.
Recommendation and Strategy
The Kings are coming off a three-game losing streak. Being back on their home court provides the perfect setup for a rebound game. Fox has been a shining light despite the struggles, consistently stepping up and delivering high-level performances.
At his current price point, Fox offers incredible value, especially against a Pacers squad ranked 26th in points allowed. This matchup presents the perfect opportunity for him to not only deliver his usual high floor but possibly remind us of his ceiling potential with a standout game. Fox is the reliable piece you can count on to anchor your lineup.
Domantas Sabonis (C, PF – SAC)
- DraftKings: $9,600
- FanDuel: $9,900
Fantasy Impact and Category Strengths
Domantas Sabonis continues to be a dominant force for the Kings. His versatility — averaging 21.3 points, 13.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game — makes him a consistent DFS contributor. With a 61.8% field goal percentage, Sabonis rarely disappoints, offering a high floor and reliable efficiency. His ability to impact multiple categories positions him as a cornerstone for your DFS lineup, especially in high-paced matchups.
Facing his former team, Sabonis finds himself in a matchup that could yield big returns. The Pacers’ weaknesses in points and rebounds allowed, combined with their fast-paced style, play directly into Sabonis’ strengths.
This is the type of game where he can shine, leveraging his skillset to ground and lead the Kings’ performance. Sabonis rarely has a down game and can produce at a high floor and high efficiency, which bodes well for anyone looking to max out their salary dollars.
Recommendation and Strategy
Sabonis comes with a hefty price tag, but he’s worth every penny in tonight’s slate. A matchup against the Pacers not only carries a narrative edge but also sets up Sabonis for a high-impact game. With the Kings coming off tough matchups against the Lakers and Nuggets, the team is primed to take advantage of a more favorable opponent at home.
If anyone on this team can take advantage of tonight’s matchup, it’s Sabonis. Though he’s not cheap, I like him as a better value option than Nikola Jokic. While Jokic is in a class of his own and always justifies his price point, Sabonis offers a balanced alternative, allowing for a more flexible lineup construction.
Sabonis’ ability to deliver a high floor while leaving room for upside in other positions makes him a key player for this slate. Sabonis could be the perfect option to avoid potential lineup setbacks while positioning yourself for success. Tonight’s matchup is his to dominate.
Core Play Considerations
- DraftKings: $8,300
- FanDuel: $8,600
- DraftKings: $7,700
- FanDuel: $7,000
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
- DraftKings: $8,400
- FanDuel: $8,700
Fantasy Impact and Category Strengths
De’Aaron Fox remains a cornerstone of the Kings’ offense, delivering consistent, high-quality performances night in and night out. Averaging 26.3 points, 6.1 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game, he’s a true multi-category contributor.
Fox’s efficiency — shooting 48.7% from the floor — makes him an ideal cash game option, where stability and high-floor production are crucial. His ability to score, distribute and defend ensures he’s well-suited for cash lineups, where reliability is paramount.
Recommendation and Strategy
The Kings are on a three-game skid and desperately need a win. Playing at home against the Pacers provides the perfect setting for Fox to deliver a standout performance. His high usage and consistent production make him a must-have in cash lineups, particularly at his current price point, which offers significant value for his floor and ceiling.
Fox’s balanced stat line and competitive edge against a defensively vulnerable Pacers squad make him a reliable anchor for your cash construction. His ability to produce across multiple categories ensures you’ll remain competitive, even in tight contests. Fox’s consistency, high floor and matchup advantage — a perfect cash game staple for tonight’s slate.
Cash Game Target Considerations
- DraftKings: $8,300
- FanDuel: $8,600
- DraftKings: $7,700
- FanDuel: $7,000
NBA DFS GPP Targets
- DraftKings: $9,500
- FanDuel: $9,100
Fantasy Impact and Category Strengths
Scottie Barnes is in career-best form, averaging 20.3 points, 7.3 assists and 8.1 rebounds per game, along with contributions in steals (1.2) and blocks (0.8). He’s doing it all for the Raptors, and while the team is missing complementary pieces to fully unlock his potential, his versatility makes him a reliable multi-categorical contributor.
Facing a surging Rockets team ranked third in points allowed and first in assists allowed, Barnes has a challenging but intriguing matchup. His ability to impact multiple categories ensures he remains a strong GPP option, especially in a slate with limited value plays.
Recommendation and Strategy
The Rockets are hot. Seeing them on the schedule isn’t as inviting as it once was. However, this creates an environment ripe for GPP success. Barnes is well-positioned to take advantage of his unique skill set, especially if ownership is deterred by the perceived difficulty of the matchup.
At $9,500 on DraftKings and $9,100 on FanDuel, Barnes straddles the line between expensive and slightly underpriced, making him a potential pivot in lineups. Many managers may choose safer stars or cheaper value plays, but Barnes’ ceiling, particularly in this fast-paced environment, offers the kind of production that can set GPP lineups apart.
If you’re looking to differentiate yourself, Barnes is a calculated risk worth taking. His price point makes him a natural fit for mid-to-high range builds, where he can deliver high-floor, high-ceiling results in a slate that may lean toward more conservative cash-game-style constructions. Target Barnes as your GPP differentiator. He could be the key to unlocking a slate-breaking lineup.
GPP Target Considerations
- DraftKings: $12,100
- FanDuel: $12,300
- DraftKings: $8,300
- FanDuel: $8,600
- DraftKings: $7,300
- FanDuel: $7,500
Brandon Boston Jr. (PF, SF – NOP)
- DraftKings: $4,500
- FanDuel: $4,700
NBA DFS Value Plays
- DraftKings: $7,700
- FanDuel: $7,600
Fantasy Impact and Category Strengths
Pascal Siakam is having a solid season with the Pacers, bringing consistency and well-rounded contributions. Averaging 20.1 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, he’s a steady performer who thrives when his scoring clicks. A matchup against the Kings, despite their three-game losing streak, could prove to be an interesting test for a Pacers squad riding a three-game winning streak.
With his ability to produce in multiple categories, Siakam fits well into DFS formats, especially when he gets his offense flowing. His combination of a reasonable price and reliable output makes him an attractive mid-tier option on this slate.
Recommendation and Strategy
Facing the Kings presents a chance for Siakam to shine, especially as part of a Pacers team trying to stay competitive in a challenging landscape. At $7,700 on DraftKings and $7,600 on FanDuel, he offers a balanced price point that provides room to fit other stars or value plays into your lineup.
Siakam’s success hinges on his scoring, but his all-around production ensures a solid floor. For GPPs, he has the potential to deliver a ceiling game that can set your lineup apart. His consistency makes him a dependable core piece in cash games.
The Pacers’ recent form adds an intriguing layer to this matchup. With Siakam’s price being slightly under the radar, this could be the time to capitalize on a high-floor, high-ceiling opportunity. While cheaper plays are available, Siakam’s proven production at this price point might be too good to pass up. Leverage Siakam as a mid-tier anchor with potential upside in both GPP and Cash games.
Value Play Considerations
Primary Format(s): GPPs, Cash
Primary Appeal(s): Production Potential, Price, Ownership
- DraftKings: $6,200
- FanDuel: $6,800
Primary Format(s): GPPs, Cash
Primary Appeal(s): Price, Production Potential, Ownership
- DraftKings: $6,500
- FanDuel: $6,300
Primary Format(s): GPPs
Primary Appeal(s): Price, Contrarian, Production Potential
- DraftKings: $5,000
- FanDuel: $5,600
Jabari Smith Jr. (PF, C – HOU)
Primary Format(s): GPPs
Primary Appeal(s): Price, Production Potential, Contrarian
- DraftKings: $5,300
- FanDuel: $5,700
Primary Format(s): GPPs
Primary Appeal(s): Price, Contrarian
- DraftKings: $3,200
- FanDuel: $3,800
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