Life has a funny way of turning obstacles into opportunities, and this week has been a perfect example. Getting this article to you just under the wire wasn’t the plan, but it’s a reminder that sometimes the grind teaches us the most. As we close out the year, I’ve been reflecting on the importance of navigating challenges with purpose and turning them into stepping stones for growth. Life throws us curveballs sometimes. It’s how we handle those moments that define the journey.
Today, the article is being published with less than an hour to tournament lock — and while I apologize for the delay, I’m using this moment as a life lesson. Obstacles, while frustrating, can become opportunities for growth, focus and strength. As we close out the year, let’s hold onto that mindset as we push through this slate together. Again, I apologize, but thanks for your flexibility. A huge thank you to the FantasyPros family and team for their understanding and support this week. Your patience and encouragement mean everything. I’m grateful to be part of such a fantastic community.
With that said… let’s jump into it!
It’s December 29. The five-game slate ahead is packed with potential. Despite the time crunch, this slate offers a unique blend of hidden value and star power, giving us plenty of room to create dynamic lineups. Sometimes, the best decisions come when you trust yourself and make those quick, calculated calls. That’s the energy we’re channeling today, and we invite you to do the same. This week, the analysis is a bit looser — quick and efficient to ensure you have what you need to make sharp decisions in crunch time. I will be putting this into practice myself as I, too, construct my lineup within this hour.
With competitive matchups and several paths to lineup construction, today’s slate offers the perfect opportunity to recalibrate your strategies. Whether you’re chasing ceiling performances or looking for consistent production, the key lies in striking a balance between high-value plays and star power.
As always, 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.
Let’s dive into this slate with clarity and purpose, turning the chaos of the day into a winning strategy. The clock is ticking, but we’re ready to make this one 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
Jaren Jackson Jr. (C, PF – MEM)
- DraftKings: $7,800
- FanDuel: $8,300
Locked In and Ready to Dominate (Fantasy Impact and Category Strengths)
Jaren Jackson Jr. has entered that mode where he’s primed to deliver one of his signature dominant stretches. Coming off a strong performance against a solid Pelicans squad, he now faces the Oklahoma City Thunder — a team that’s been both hot and tough this season. While the Thunder presents a challenge in terms of execution IQ rather than pure talent potential, this matchup sets up nicely for Jackson to shine.
Jackson’s DFS price is in a sweet spot — competitive, yet arguably a touch too low — making him an excellent candidate for lineups tonight. With Memphis dealing with backcourt uncertainties due to injuries, Jackson’s role becomes even more pivotal, allowing him to showcase why he’s in elite conversations.
Recommendation and Strategy
This game against the Thunder could serve as a statement moment for Jackson and the Grizzlies. While the matchup has all the makings of a grind-it-out contest between two Western Conference contenders, Jackson’s ability to excel in high-pressure situations makes him a core play.
There are, however, risks to consider: Foul trouble, a slower-paced game due to defensive intensity or Jackson not fully capitalizing on his scoring opportunities. But even with those concerns, Jackson’s all-around skill set and defensive prowess make him a reliable DFS anchor.
Pairing Jackson with other solid plays like Scottie Barnes or Jalen Johnson could provide the balance necessary to construct competitive lineups across all formats. At worst, Jackson should deliver a high floor, allowing you to stack high-upside plays elsewhere. At best? He could be the piece that breaks the slate and sets your lineup apart.
Let’s see him rise to the challenge and deliver the kind of performance that reminds us why he’s among the best in the game.
Core Play Considerations
Scottie Barnes (PF, SF, PG – TOR)
- DraftKings: $9,500
- FanDuel: $9,000
- DraftKings: $9,300
- FanDuel: $9,200
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
- DraftKings: $7,700
- FanDuel: $7,700
A Reliable Anchor in the Paint (Fantasy Impact and Category Strengths)
Isaiah Hartenstein steps into a prime position tonight as the Thunder face a Memphis team with a compromised frontcourt. With Chet Holmgren sidelined and Alex Caruso unavailable, Hartenstein’s defensive presence and versatility become even more critical for Oklahoma City. His ability to rise to the occasion against a tough opponent like Jaren Jackson Jr. makes him a strong cash game option.
At his current price point, Hartenstein offers solid value with the potential to outperform expectations. He thrives in situations where his defense can shine, with opportunities to rack up blocks and contribute across the board in non-scoring categories — a goldmine for DFS formats.
Recommendation and Strategy
Hartenstein’s role in tonight’s matchup makes him a safe and reliable choice for cash games. His defensive upside, combined with an increased workload, should provide a high floor of production. While Jackson Jr. is the headline name on the other side, Hartenstein could quietly match or even exceed his value at a more affordable price.
Consider Hartenstein as a steady foundation for your lineup, allowing you to allocate salary to high-ceiling plays elsewhere. His ability to contribute in categories like blocks and rebounds makes him an ideal cash game target, especially in a matchup that favors his skill set.
If you’re looking for a reliable option to keep you competitive in cash contests, Hartenstein is your guy tonight.
Cash Game Target Considerations
Jaren Jackson Jr. (C, PF – MEM)
- DraftKings: $7,800
- FanDuel: $8,300
De’Andre Hunter (SF, PF – ATL)
- DraftKings: $6,400
- FanDuel: $5,700
NBA DFS GPP Targets
Victor Wembanyama (PF, C – SAS)
- DraftKings: $11,400
- FanDuel: $11,900
A Star with Slate-Breaking Potential (Fantasy Impact and Category Strengths)
Victor Wembanyama stands out as a prime GPP option tonight in a matchup against a competitive Minnesota Timberwolves team that could bring out his best. At his price point, Wembanyama is certainly an investment, but one that could pay off in a big way if he delivers on his immense potential.
This is the type of slate where Wembanyama can shine, showcasing his “outerworldly” skill set. Minnesota will likely try to slow him down, but that may only fuel him to rise to the occasion. His ability to dominate across multiple categories makes him a high-risk, high-reward pick perfect for GPP formats.
Recommendation and Strategy
While Wembanyama’s price tag might be prohibitive for some, his ceiling is unmatched on this slate. For GPP contests, he offers a unique opportunity to construct a lineup with a “Stars vs. Superstars” approach. He doesn’t just produce — he can take over a game, making him a potential slate-breaker.
Rostership on Wembanyama might remain moderate due to his cost and the availability of other high-value plays, but this is where strategic roster construction comes into play. Surround him with reliable mid-tier options and value plays to balance your lineup while giving yourself a shot at the top of the leaderboard.
Tonight’s matchup could serve as another reminder of Wembanyama’s extraordinary talent. If you’re aiming for upside and want a piece of the action that only he can deliver, Wembanyama is the cornerstone for your GPP lineups.
GPP Target Considerations
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG – OKC)
- DraftKings: $11,000
- FanDuel: $11,300
De’Andre Hunter (SF, PF – ATL)
- DraftKings: $6,400
- FanDuel: $5,700
- DraftKings: $5,400
- FanDuel: $6,000
NBA DFS Value Plays
Jaren Jackson Jr. (C, PF – MEM)
- DraftKings: $7,800
- FanDuel: $8,300
A Slate Full of Value, But Jaren Jackson Stands Out (Fantasy Impact and Category Strengths)
This slate is packed with value options, making it both exciting and challenging to decide where to allocate your salary. If you’re aiming for a star-studded lineup featuring Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, you’ll likely need to take a hard look at value plays like Kel’el Ware or Jay Huff.
However, if you’re seeking a more straightforward approach, Jackson Jr. continues to be a standout value option. With his combination of a high floor and ceiling, Jackson offers incredible bang for your buck in this matchup. His price point remains competitive, and the game environment against the Thunder is poised to let him shine.
Recommendation and Strategy
Jackson Jr. is a high-floor option with the upside to perform well beyond his value. His defensive contributions, coupled with the opportunity to score and rebound against a vulnerable Thunder frontcourt make him a prime candidate for both balanced and stars-and-scrubs roster constructions.
While Jackson tops the list, don’t overlook other value plays like De’Andre Hunter, Jeremy Sochan or even Pascal Siakam. These players offer intriguing alternatives depending on how you want to construct your lineup. That said, Jackson’s blend of safety and potential ceiling makes him a standout pick for tonight’s slate.
The key is how you want to play it: prioritize star power with deeper value plays, or lean on Jackson as a reliable cornerstone for your DFS lineup. Either way, this slate is ripe for creativity and strategic roster-building. Let’s lock in and dominate.
Value Play Considerations
De’Andre Hunter (SF, PF – ATL)
Primary Format(s): GPPs, Cash
Primary Appeal(s): Price, Production Potential, Ownership
- DraftKings: $6,400
- FanDuel: $5,700
Primary Format(s): GPPs, Cash
Primary Appeal(s): Price, Ownership, Production Potential
- DraftKings: 6,600
- FanDuel: $6,600
Primary Format(s): Cash, GPP
Primary Appeal(s): Production Potential, Ownership
- DraftKings: $6,400
- FanDuel: $7,500
Primary Format(s): GPPs, Cash
Primary Appeal(s): Production Potential, Price, Ownership
- DraftKings: $5,400
- FanDuel: $6,000
Primary Format(s): GPPs
Primary Appeal(s): Price, Contrarian, Production Potential, Big Saver
- DraftKings: $3,000
- FanDuel: $3,700
Subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeart | Castbox | Amazon Music | Podcast Addict | TuneIn