FanDuel NBA: Best Picks, Lineup For Dec. 26

Dec 18, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) is defended by Detroit Pistons forward Ersan Ilyasova (23) and guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) during the second half at the United Center. The Detroit Pistons won 147-144 in quadruple overtime. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) is defended by Detroit Pistons forward Ersan Ilyasova (23) and guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) during the second half at the United Center. The Detroit Pistons won 147-144 in quadruple overtime. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 21, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball during the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball during the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Top Four Shooting Guards

  1. James Harden, Houston Rockets ($10,600) vs. New Orleans Pelicans
  2. Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls ($8,500) vs. Dallas Mavericks
  3. Rodney Hood, Utah Jazz ($4,600) vs. L.A. Clippers
  4. Eric Bledsoe, Phoenix Suns ($8,200) vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Rationale:

  • Due to recent injuries to their own backcourt, the Mavs have struggled against SGs lately as they are third worst on FanDuel NBA over their past five games. Butler is better on the road (22.6 PPG vs. 20.8 PPG at the United Center) but worse on the back end of consecutive games (16.7 PPG) so the conflicting trends drop him to second.
  • The Clippers are in the bottom third in their past 10 games vs. off-guards and Hood is averaging 26.0 FPPG over his last three contests, which is acceptable for his cost.
  • Bledsoe has disappointed lately, but he backs into the top four since Philly is fourth-worst over their past five games against his position. A reasonable amount of scoring is expected in the matchup (203 o/u) so this could be a get-well game for the Suns in front of their home fans.

Next: Top Four Small Forwards