FanDuel NBA: Best Picks, Lineup For Dec. 30

Dec 10, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) and Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) attempt to get a rebound during the second quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) and Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) attempt to get a rebound during the second quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-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, San Antonio Spurs ($8,800) vs. Phoenix Suns
  2. Omri Casspi, Sacramento Kings ($5,600) vs. Philadelphia 76ers
  3. Chandler Parsons, Dallas Mavericks ($5,300) vs. Golden State Warriors
  4. Jae Crowder, Boston Celtics ($5,800) vs. L.A. Lakers

Rationale:

  • Casspi had a coming-out party vs. the Warriors in his last game and he has exceeded the 29 fantasy point mark in four of his last five contests. The latest candidate for “most improved player” should continue his recent success against a Sixers team that is the most generous to 3s over their past 10 games.
  • Opposing small forwards continue to haunt the Dubs in Harrison Barnes’ absence, as the team is in the bottom third over their last 10 games (including Casspi’s recent outburst). Parsons is averaging 31.6 FPPG over his last three contests so he should continue to return value in this matchup.
  • Crowder has come back to Earth since his run of three consecutive double-doubles, but he still has produced more than 29 fantasy points in four of his past five games. The reports of Kobe Bryant still playing defense have been greatly exaggerated, as his Lakers are third-worst over their past 10 games against opposing small forwards. As a result, Crowder should be safe to deploy against whatever’s left of the Black Mamba.

Next: Top Four Power Forwards