Thursday’s NBA action comes in the form of a two-game featured slate beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET lock on DraftKings and FanDuel. Let’s look at the player pool to discuss the top NBA DFS building blocks today for DraftKings and FanDuel lineups. Be sure to check out the Stokastic NBA DFS & Fantasy Basketball home page, where you can find NBA DFS picks and analysis for each slate of games.
NBA DFS Picks Building Blocks Today: Thursday, Dec. 22
Core Play of the Day — CJ McCollum: New Orleans Pelicans-San Antonio Spurs
- Stokastic’s Preliminary Point Projections: DraftKings: 42.2 | FanDuel: 40.6
- Stokastic’s Preliminary Rostered Projections: 80.3% | FanDuel: 77.2%
- DFS Salary: DraftKings: $7,500 | FanDuel: $8,500
Zion Williamson is in the health and safety protocol, and Brandon Ingram is missing a 12th consecutive game with a toe injury. That leaves CJ McCollum to carry the load in a great matchup against a toothless San Antonio defense. Per NBAWOWY, McCollum averaged 1.2 fantasy points per minute over the last two seasons when both Ingram and Williamson were off the court. There is not much else to add regarding McCollum, other than be sure to find a few other differentiation options on Thursday’s short slate.
Even missing two key contributors, the Pelicans still are 8.5-point home favorites against the Spurs. Jonas Valanciunas, Herbert Jones, Jose Alvarado and Naji Marshall are all core options. If Larry Nance Jr. (Achilles) is out, then Guillermo Hernangomez and Jaxon Hayes can be viewed as extreme discount dandies.
On the San Antonio side, Keldon Johnson (hamstring) is doubtful and Jakob Poeltl (knee) is questionable, though it sounds like he will play. Devin Vassell and Poeltl are primary targets, along with Tre Jones. Jeremy Sochan, Keita Bates-Diop and Zach Collins can be sprinkled into lineups, though none stands out in any particular way, especially if Poeltl suits up.
Additional NBA DFS Picks Building Blocks Picks Today – Sports Wagering Opportunities
If Colin Sexton misses another game, look to Mike Conley and Jordan Clarkson for their assist props tonight. Conley has a 6.5 over/under line on his assist prop while Clarkson currently checks in with a 3.5 assist target. The Stokastic projections have this duo for 8.3 and 4.7, respectively.
Over their last 10 games, the Wizards have allowed 117.3 points per 100 possessions — which is the third-worst defensive efficiency rating in the league — along with a top-10 pace of play.
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Washington Wizards-Utah Jazz
The availability of Kristaps Porzingis (illness) is up in the air, and he was held out on Tuesday, when Washington pulled off a surprising 113-110 upset of the Suns in Phoenix. If Porzingis plays, he is a strong option against the weak Utah frontcourt; if he is out, then Bradley Beal and Kyle Kuzma will be tasked with more offensive responsibilities and Daniel Gafford will likely land in the starting lineup.
Rui Hachimura has missed over a month with a bruised ankle, but he is expected to be available tonight. It will be interesting to see how coach Wes Unseld Jr. works him back into the rotation.
Kelly Olynyk (ankle) will miss tonight’s game, so Utah is likely to keep Walker Kessler in the starting lineup. Collin Sexton (hamstring) has missed the last seven games, but there is a chance he returns to action tonight. Aside from Kessler and Lauri Markkanen, we will need to see the starting lineup tonight to make further decisions.
If Sexton remains out, that moves Jordan Clarkson and Mike Conley from neutral options to borderline core plays while also bringing Malik Beasley into the mix.
Jarred Vanderbilt is incredibly infuriating for DFS games, particularly those who do not realize he has attempted double-digit field goals only four times this season, making his fantasy production left up to the whimsy of rebounds, steals and blocks. Over his last five games, he has a pair of 45-plus-fantasy-point performances while averaging barely 15 in the other three.
Final Thoughts on NBA DFS Picks Building Blocks Today
Keep an eye on news, as this slate locks just prior to Thursday Night Football. There are enough moving parts that it should not be too difficult to find differentiated lineups, so do not follow the crowd with every decision.
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