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FanDuel NBA Daily Picks: Fantasy Basketball Lineup For December 9

By Brendan Galella

Dec 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) attempts a shot against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jerami Grant (9) in the third quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Thunder won 102-99. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) attempts a shot against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jerami Grant (9) in the third quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Thunder won 102-99. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta guard Dennis Schroder has settled into the starting lineup and has become a valuable contributor in FanDuel NBA play.

Dec 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) attempts a shot against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jerami Grant (9) in the third quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Thunder won 102-99. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) attempts a shot against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jerami Grant (9) in the third quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Thunder won 102-99. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

There were few concerns about Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schorder distributing the ball, it was taking shots for himself that appeared to be the biggest challenge.

The 23-year-old was inserted into the starting lineup of a Hawks team that has become one of the most prolific passing teams in the league, as the team has ranked in the top four in assists each of the past four years.

Atlanta is dishing out 23.5 assists per game, just behind Charlotte for the fifth-most in the league, with Schroder leading the way at 6.1 assists per game.

Schroder is tied with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Isaiah Thomas for the 15th-highest assist average in the league, as he has posted six or more assists in 14 of his 23 appearances.

Also See: NBA Draft: Best Player Ever Selected in all 60 Spots

Scoring was a struggle early in the year, as Schroder averaged 14.1 points during the first 17 games of the season, Schroder has poured in 20.2 points in his last six games, along with 7.8 assists during the same span, an increase of 1.7 over his season average.

The most promising sign was Schroder has shot better than 50 percent from the field in five of the past six games, a feat he achieved just four times during the initial 17 games of the year.

Much of his scoring success has come off excellent drives to the rim.

Schroder attacks the basket 11.4 times per game, tied with John Wall for the fifth-most in the NBA, resulting in 7.1 points per game, accounting for 62 percent of his season average.

Over the past six games, Schroder has been more comfortable at calling his own number, attempting 16.8 shots per game. The total is 2.7 more than his season average.

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The entire 2016-17 seaosn has been a roller coaster for Atlanta, after winning nine of its first 11 games, the team is 2-10 in its last 12.

A seven-game skid finally ended Wednesday night against Miami as Schroder totaled 17 points, seven assists, four rebounds, a steal and a block.

The performance resulted in 34.3 points in FanDuel NBA tournament play, the fifth time in the past six games he logged more than 30 points.

For Friday night, Schroder is still valued as an average player in FanDuel NBA leagues, at $6,800, the eighth-highest point guard salary available.

Wednesday night, Schroder was available for $600 less, but FanDuel NBA teams would be wise ot pair him with an elite point guard for an extremely formidable combination.