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FanDuel NBA: Best Picks, Lineup For Dec. 23

By Michael Yaffe

Dec 10, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) takes the floor prior to action against the Atlanta Hawks at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) takes the floor prior to action against the Atlanta Hawks at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 14, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) grabs a rebound during the first half against the Utah Jazz at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) grabs a rebound during the first half against the Utah Jazz at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

Top Four Small Forwards

  1. Paul George, Indiana Pacers ($9,100) vs. Sacramento Kings
  2. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs ($8,900) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
  3. Gordon Hayward, Utah Jazz ($7,200) vs. Golden State Warriors
  4. Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks ($6,200) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (tired team)

Rationale:

  • Leonard has exceeded 43 fantasy points in three of his past five games, and the Wolves have slipped to the lower third vs. SFs over the same interval. The Claw has reverse splits this season, averaging 22.0 PPG on the road vs. 20.3 PPG at the AT&T Center.
  • The Warriors have been terrible vs. SFs in Harrison Barnes’ absence, as they are second-worst in the league over their past 10 games. Hayward is coming off a 38.6 fantasy point performance in his last outing, but that’s pretty close to his ceiling so he is more of a high-floor/low-risk option.
  • Middleton is coming off a 41.1 fantasy point night vs. the Suns and the Sixers are fourth-worst vs. opposing 2 guards (where he often lines up) over their past five games.

Next: Top Four Power Forwards