Merry Christmas, everyone! The NBA is giving us the gift of hoops action with a five-game slate spanning from noon to 10:30 PM ET. Settle in and enjoy some exciting matchups all day long as you celebrate the holiday with family and friends.
This primer breaks down the key matchups, highlights the top plays at each position and uncovers value plays that can help you afford the stars. Let’s dive in and analyze the players that will give you an edge for this festive Wednesday slate.
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: $10,600
- FanDuel: $11,700
Victor Wembanyama is having a December to remember, putting up video game numbers and solidifying his status as a rising superstar. He’s been simply unstoppable, averaging 27.5 points, 3.6 made three-pointers, 9.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 4.8 blocks per game. Wembanyama is a unique talent with the ability to dominate in every facet of the game, and his recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular.
Tonight, he takes the court for his first-ever Christmas Day game, a special occasion for any NBA player. The spotlight will be bright as Wembanyama and the Spurs face the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. With his incredible form and a national audience watching, expect Wembanyama to be motivated to deliver another memorable performance.
- DraftKings: $11,600
- FanDuel: $12,300
Nikola Jokic is primed for another dominant performance against the Phoenix Suns, a team that simply doesn’t have the personnel to contain him. In their meeting just two days ago, Jokic effortlessly dropped 32 points in just 29 minutes of action. While that game ended up being a blowout win for the Denver Nuggets, tonight’s matchup has a much closer spread of three points, suggesting a more competitive contest where Jokic will likely see extended minutes.
And when Jokic is on the court, magic happens. He’s arguably the most skilled center in the league, capable of scoring, rebounding and passing at an elite level. His court vision and playmaking abilities are unmatched for a player his size, and he’s a nightmare matchup for any opponent.
- DraftKings: $9,000
- FanDuel: $9,600
Kevin Durant is poised to take center stage for the Phoenix Suns with Devin Booker expected to miss tonight’s game against the Denver Nuggets. Booker has missed the Suns’ last two games, and Durant has thrived with increased offensive responsibility.
Durant commanded a 36.6% usage rate and delivered impressive averages of 33 points, seven rebounds and four assists. He’s a walking bucket who can score from anywhere on the court. His ability to contribute in other areas makes him an appealing option.
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
- DraftKings: $9,300
- FanDuel: $9,400
LeBron James continues to defy Father Time, proving he still has plenty left in the tank. James remains a dominant force, capable of taking over games and filling the stat sheet. And with the spotlight shining bright on Christmas Day against the Golden State Warriors, it’s never a bad idea to roster the King. He thrives in big moments, and this nationally televised matchup should bring out the best in him.
Historically, James has excelled against the Warriors. Last season, he faced them three times and averaged a whopping 66.7 fantasy points. He recorded a double-double in two of those three games and averaged an impressive 36.3 points. With his ability to score, rebound and facilitate at an elite level, James is a high-upside DFS option with the potential to deliver another vintage performance.
- DraftKings: $6,300
- FanDuel: $7,000
If Jamal Murray sits out tonight’s game against the Phoenix Suns, Russell Westbrook becomes a fantastic option with the potential for a big performance. In the six games Westbrook has played without Murray this season, he’s averaged 13.7 points, 8.2 assists and 5.3 rebounds, showcasing his ability to contribute across the board.
His upside stems from his aggressive style of play and knack for filling the stat sheet. Westbrook loves to attack the basket, draw fouls and create opportunities for his teammates. He’s also a capable rebounder, often crashing the boards with ferocity. With potentially increased minutes and usage against the Suns, Westbrook has the chance to deliver a strong performance and exceed his value
- DraftKings: $5,800
- FanDuel: $6,600
While the New York Knicks boast a roster filled with offensive firepower, OG Anunoby often flies under the radar. However, you shouldn’t overlook his contributions. Anunoby is a versatile wing player who impacts the game on both ends of the floor. He’s a strong defender capable of guarding multiple positions, and his offensive game continues to evolve. Anunoby can score from the perimeter, attack the basket and contribute on the boards, making him a valuable asset.
In his last two games, Anunoby has been a key contributor for the Knicks, ranking second on the team in scoring with an average of 23.5 points per game. He’s also stuffed the stat sheet with six rebounds, 3.5 assists and two steals per game, showcasing his all-around ability.
NBA DFS GPP Targets
- DraftKings: $10,100
- FanDuel: $9,700
Karl-Anthony Towns has thrived in the bright lights of New York City, showcasing his elite skills and dominating the competition. He’s been a model of consistency in DFS, exceeding 55 DraftKings points in six of his last seven games. This impressive streak highlights his ability to contribute across the board with points, rebounds, assists and even the occasional block. Furthermore, Towns has recorded at least 10 rebounds in 18 consecutive games, demonstrating his incredible floor and ability to dominate the glass.
While he faces a tough matchup against the San Antonio Spurs tonight, Towns remains a great option. The Spurs have been a solid defensive team this season, but Towns is simply too talented to ignore. The Knicks’ offense runs through him, and he’s capable of putting up big numbers against any opponent.
Kristaps Porzingis (PF, C – BOS)
- DraftKings: $7,300
- FanDuel: $7,900
While Kristaps Porzingis’ recent performance against the Orlando Magic might have some DFS players hesitant (26.8 DraftKings points), a closer look reveals a potential buying opportunity. Despite shooting just 2-10 from the field, he still managed to score 17 points thanks to an impressive 13-14 performance from the free-throw line. This demonstrates his ability to contribute even when his shot isn’t falling.
Porzingis is a versatile big man who can score both inside and out, rebound effectively and protect the rim. He’s been a consistent fantasy producer this season, putting up at least 38 fantasy points in six out of his last eight games. Tonight, he faces the Philadelphia 76ers, a team that has shown some vulnerabilities against skilled big men.
- DraftKings: $4,900
- FanDuel: $5,800
Devin Vassell has been a steady presence for the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 30.9 minutes per game over his last three contests. He’s a versatile wing player who contributes in multiple categories, averaging 16.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game during this stretch. Vassell is a capable scorer with a smooth shooting stroke. His ability to contribute defensively adds to his value.
Tonight, Vassell faces the New York Knicks, a team that has struggled against opposing wing players this season. The Knicks have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to the position, suggesting a favorable matchup for Vassell.
NBA DFS Value Plays
- DraftKings: $4,400
- FanDuel: $5,100
Naz Reid has been a force off the bench for the Minnesota Timberwolves, providing a significant scoring punch to their second unit. Over their last two games, he’s led the team in scoring, averaging an impressive 19.5 points per game. This offensive outburst is no fluke, as his 25.6% usage rate during this stretch highlights how the offense runs through him when he’s on the floor.
Reid is a skilled big man with a soft touch around the rim and the ability to stretch the floor with his shooting. He’s also a capable rebounder and defender, making him a valuable asset on both ends of the court. Tonight, Reid faces the Dallas Mavericks, a team that has struggled defensively as of late. The Mavericks rank 21st in defensive rating over their last five games, suggesting a favorable matchup for Reid to exploit.
- DraftKings: $3,800
- FanDuel: $4,100
Max Christie has been a solid contributor for the Los Angeles Lakers recently, earning consistent minutes and showcasing his potential. Over his last five games, he’s averaged 28.9 minutes per game, demonstrating his growing role in the rotation. During this stretch, Christie has averaged 10.4 points, 3,1 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game, highlighting his ability to contribute in multiple areas. He’s a promising young player with good size and athleticism, capable of scoring from the perimeter and defending multiple positions.
Tonight, Christie faces the Golden State Warriors, and his role could expand even further if D’Angelo Russell is sidelined due to injury. This potential increase in minutes would make Christie an even more appealing option.
- DraftKings: $3,200
- FanDuel: $3,700
Monte Morris could be a sneaky-good value play tonight with both Devin Booker and Grayson Allen expected to be out for the Suns. This opens up minutes in the backcourt, and Morris should see an increased role in the rotation. In his last game, he played 20 minutes and contributed seven points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, good for 19.3 DraftKings points. This performance showcases his ability to contribute across multiple categories, even with limited playing time.
With so many high-priced stars on this Christmas Day slate, finding affordable value plays is crucial. Morris fits the bill perfectly, offering a cheap salary and the potential for solid production. He’s a capable scorer, passer and rebounder who can provide a spark off the bench. If you’re looking for a punt play in GPPs to help you fit top-tier stars into your lineup, Morris is worth considering. He has the opportunity to outperform his value.
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