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DraftKings NBA: Best Picks And Lineup For Dec. 21

By Aaron Ferguson

Dec 9, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) gestures after scoring against the Washington Wizards in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Rockets won 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) gestures after scoring against the Washington Wizards in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Rockets won 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 3, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives in the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives in the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

Top Four Small Forwards

  1. Kawhi Leonard (Spurs) – $8,500 vs. Pacers
  2. Carmelo Anthony (Knicks) – $8,400 vs. Magic
  3. Gordon Hayward (Jazz) – $7,200 vs. Suns
  4. Joe Johnson (Nets) – $4,700 @ Bulls

Rationale:

  • Leonard is a great two-way player that adds value. He’s averaging slightly better than his season average 40.8 FPPG in his past five games with 41.7 FPPG. Leonard’s two-way play provides great rebounding and defensive opportunities to go along with his scoring threat. He plays against the No. 5 team at defending small forwards in the Pacers.
  • Anthony has been one of the best small forwards as of late and torched the Magic in their first meeting. He had 51.0 FPPG against the Magic earlier this season and has scored 50 or more FPPG in three of his last five contests. Orlando is ninth at defending against small forwards this season.
  • Hayward has one blunder against the Spurs, but has been consistent in his last 10 games otherwise. He’s averaging 31.3 FPPG in his last 10 games and has been providing the same value nearly every night. The Suns are ranked 11th against small forwards this season.
  • Johnson is no longer a top threat in the league, but he scored 30.5 FPPG against the Bulls in their only meeting this season. The Bulls may be limited at small forward after Doug McDermott left their previous game early with a sore knee. The Bulls rank 27th in defense at the small forward position with him, and could be worse without him.

Next: Top Four Power Forwards