FanDuel NBA Picks and DraftKings NBA Picks - Wednesday, 12/1/21

It's December 1 somehow, but time flies when you're having fun! That's just what we're doing here, with DFS being a great escape from everyday life. Sometimes we get too concerned about the money we put on the line, but that sort of attitude can kill you in this racket. Enjoying DFS is just as important as anything, and I hope you guys have enjoyed the work we've done throughout the year. Our projection system has been killing it recently, and we believe it's spot on here. With that in mind, let's get into this Wednesday card.

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Point Guard

Cole Anthony FD - $7800 DK - $7900
Opponent - DEN
Proj Pts FD - 34.42 DK - 36.09

It's looking like Anthony will make his return to action here, and let's not forget about how good this guy is. Anthony has at least 34 DraftKings points in 13 of 14 games before getting injured, taking over this Orlando offense. We expect that to rise even more here, with Jalen Suggs missing due to a broken hand. That means Anthony should be back in the driver's seat, averaging 21 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.1 assists in that impressive stretch. That equates to a 40-point average, and it makes it hard to believe he remains below $8K. A matchup with Denver isn't easy, but it really doesn't matter at this salary.

Kevin Porter Jr. FD - $6800 DK - $7400
Opponent - OKC
Proj Pts FD - 36.99 DK - 38.56

KPJ has been all over the map in terms of consistency, but it looks like he's feeling it with Jalen Green sidelined. The top rookie was taking a lot of touches from guys like Porter and Wood, but both of those players have been amazing since Green got injured. In fact, KPJ has at least 49 DraftKings points in the last two games without him, regaining the role that made him an $8K player last season. One of those came against this weak Oklahoma City team, with Porter collecting his first career triple-double in that game. The simple fact is, Porter is running this offense right now and is playing at a $9K level, making him a massive value in this price range.

If you have the salary, Luka Doncic could go nuts against a putrid Pelicans defense without Porzingis.

Shooting Guard

Paul George FD - $8600 DK - $10200
Opponent - SAC
Proj Pts FD - 46.52 DK - 48.04

This DraftKings price is appropriate, but this FanDuel price is silly. PG13 has been playing at a $10K level all season long, averaging 47 DraftKings points per game. His floor is what's so fantastic, with George scoring at least 32 DK points in every game this season. That floor is really no surprise when you look at George's role, attempting at least 16 shots in every game while leading the team with a 34 percent usage rate. All of that makes him tough to avoid against Sacramento, with the Kings sitting 27th in points allowed and 26th in defensive efficiency. That was on full display when George dropped 51 DK points in their most recent meeting.

Tyler Herro FD - $7000 DK - $7200
Opponent - CLE
Proj Pts FD - 33.06 DK - 35.62

It looks like Herro will make his return to action here and continue his pursuit for a Sixth Man of the Year Award. This dude is easily the frontrunner, averaging 21.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. That equates to nearly 40 fantasy points per game, and it's very possible he could be looking at an expanded role here. We say that because Jimmy Butler is questionable and looks unlikely to suit up. That will likely force Herro into the starting lineup and make him the focal point of the offense once again. He's already got a 28 percent usage rate for the season and generates a 30 percent usage rate when Jimmy is off the floor. The matchup with Cleveland isn't too bad either, with the Cavs owning a 16th OPRK against opposing SGs this season.

Caris LeVert has been terrible, but he's still got too much upside to be sitting around $5,000.

Small Forward

Giannis Antetokounmpo FD - $11200 DK - $12100
Opponent - CHA
Proj Pts FD - 60.6 DK - 61.68

Sometimes, you have to use Giannis when the spot is right. It certainly is here, facing one of the worst defenses in the NBA. In fact, Charlotte ranks third in pace, 29th in points allowed and 27th in defensive efficiency. That has allowed numerous opponents to feast on Hornet meat all season long, and Giannis should definitely get his fair share here. The former MVP has scored at least 38 DraftKings points in every game this season en route to a 56-point average. That's obviously one of the highest rates in the NBA, and it's scary to think that he'll be facing a team that plays at such a blistering pace. He obliterated them last season, too, combining for 63 points, 30 rebounds, 17 assists, and four steals in their two meetings. If you want a guaranteed 60 DK points no matter the salary, make Giannis your first selection.

Brandon Ingram FD - $7400 DK - $7500
Opponent - DAL
Proj Pts FD - 33.7 DK - 35.96

It's strange to see Ingram sit in the mid-$7,000s. This guy has been a stud ever since he joined the Pelicans, and he's being asked to do even more with Zion Williamson sidelined. The Slender Man has scored at least 38 DraftKings points in three of his last four games, which is actually right on par with his season average. That's rare to see from a sub-$8K player, especially with Ingram providing a 30 percent usage rate for the season. The matchup with Dallas is dandy, too, with the Mavericks owning a 20th OPRK against opposing small forwards this season. We anticipate Ingram creeping above $8,000 as we approach the All-Star break, and it'd be privy to capitalize on this price when it's sitting this low.

Josh Hart has been stuffing the stat sheet and remains a good value around $6K.

 

Power Forward

Christian Wood FD - $8600 DK - $8900
Opponent - OKC
Proj Pts FD - 42.11 DK - 44.54

Wood has always been one of the most dangerous big men in the NBA, and he's showing why recently. We mentioned earlier how Houston is thriving without Jalen Green, and it's been beneficial for Wood as well. The big man has scored at least 41 DraftKings points in four of his last five games, combining for 124 DK points in the previous two outings. That 62-point average in the two games without Green is telling, with Wood snatching 37 rebounds while taking 36 shots. As long as that role continues, Wood will continue to be a monster. Facing this weak Oklahoma City roster only adds to his intrigue, with Wood dropping a 60-spot on them Monday evening.

P.J. Washington FD - $4900 DK - $5100
Opponent - MIL
Proj Pts FD - 25.22 DK - 25.17

We all know that Washington can be a DFS stud, but it's always been a matter of opportunity. The good news is that Mason Plumlee is sidelined right now, leading to PJ's best stretch of the season. In fact, Washington is averaging 29.7 DK points per game across 30 minutes a night over the last three fixtures. That's a heck of a total from a $5K player, and he's shown the ability to be a 40-point player in the past. Milwaukee isn't as bad of a matchup as it sounds, with the Bucks playing at the eighth-fastest pace in the NBA. They also have a ton of length, and that should force Washington into even more minutes. That was clear last season when PJ averaged 29 DK points per game across 30 minutes a night in their three meetings. Oh, the irony of stats! How funny would it be if he dropped 29 fantasy points across 30 minutes?

If Kristaps Porzingis is out, don't forget about Maxi Kleber below $5,000.

Center

Nikola Jokic FD - $11000 DK - $11800
Opponent - ORL
Proj Pts FD - 55.19 DK - 57.3

Much like Giannis, this dude is in too good of a spot to fade. Jokic has established himself as the best player in fantasy, leading the NBA with 58 DraftKings points per game. That's right on par with what he did last year, and Joker has been even better as of late. In fact, Jokic has at least 53 DK points in eight straight games, posting a 60-point average in that span. That's terrible news for any opponent, but Orlando has been obliterated by big men all season long. They are currently 24th in points allowed, 28th in defensive efficiency, and 27th in OPRK against opposing centers. It will be nearly impossible to fit Jokic and Giannis into your lineup, but it will be imperative to ride at least one of them.

Evan Mobley FD - $7400 DK - $6500
Opponent - MIA
Proj Pts FD - 34.77 DK - 33.88

This guy is not only the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, but he's also looking like a future All-Star. The big man has scored at least 27 DraftKings points in 13 of 16 games this season, averaging 37 fantasy points per game in those outings. That's a lofty number from someone in this price range, and it's clear these sites are slow to adjust to Mobley returning to the lineup. Facing Miami is no picnic, but the good news is that Jarrett Allen will be absorbed by Bam Adebayo. That means Mobley gets the much easier matchup of the two and should feast on both ends of the floor.

Mo Bamba flirted with 50 fantasy points in his most recent game and remains too cheap below $7K.

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