After having just six games to pick their rosters from, there are ten games for FanDuel players to choose from Wednesday night. Among those games is Cleveland's first trip of the season to Madison Square Garden to take on the New York Knicks. The Knicks have won four straight games, with their most recent coming in Miami Tuesday night. With this being the second game of a back-to-back for Jeff Hornacek's team, this could be a big night for FanDuel players who decide to load up on Cavaliers. Point guard Kyrie Irving ($7,300) is one player to consider, as he's coming off of a 24-point, seven-assist night in Monday's win over Toronto, and Knicks starting point guard Derrick Rose left Tuesday's game with back spasms. Kevin Love ($7,900) is coming off of a 28-point, 14-rebound effort on Monday, so he'll merit consideration as well. But the big name is LeBron James ($9,600).
James finished Monday's game with 34 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals, and given his feelings about playing at Madison Square Garden Wednesday could be a big night. And then there's the situation between James and Knicks president Phil Jackson, which even if the two principals have nothing to say Wednesday night will be used as a subplot. Not like LeBron will need any extra motivation, but no one would be surprised if he put on a show as a result.
Here are our picks for Wednesday's games, working within the FanDuel rules of a nine-player roster with a $60,000 salary cap. (Getty)
PG: Kyrie Irving, Cleveland
Opponent: at New York
Price: $7,600
While the Knicks were taking care of business in Miami the Cavaliers were already in New York, and with Derrick Rose leaving the Knicks game with back spasms it's unknown if he'll play Wednesday night. That opens things up for Irving, who spent his Tuesday watching Duke play at the Jimmy V Classic. Brandon Jennings has brought the excitement at times for the Knicks, but he isn't the best defender which in all likelihood would result in Courtney Lee getting the call to defend Irving. Either way, Irving (34.3 FanDuel points per game) is well positioned to put forth a quality performance Wednesday night. (Getty)
PG: Jeff Teague, Indiana
Opponent: at Phoenix
Price: $7,000
Given what happened to the Pacers Monday night, with Klay Thompson scoring 60 points in 29 minutes and the Warriors winning 142-106, Indiana should be motivated when they return to action Wednesday night. And it helps to be up against a Phoenix team that has struggled defensively all season long. Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight can be tough matchups at the point, but neither is an elite defender. Teague's surpassed his season average of 32.2 FanDuel points just three times in the last six games, but against Phoenix the odds are in his favor to make it four out of seven. (Getty)
SG: Avery Bradley, Boston
Opponent: at Orlando
Price: $6,600
Orlando's still having issues offensively, but the changes made to their rotation have at least made the Magic look a bit more cohesive in recent games. That being said, the guard play is still an area where opponents can take advantage, and that's where Bradley comes into play. Averaging 32 FanDuel points per game, Bradley's tallied 31 FanDuel points or more in five of the last seven games. It would be reasonable to expect Bradley to make it six of eight Wednesday night. (Getty)
SG: Lou Williams, Los Angeles Lakers
Opponent: at Orlando
Price: $5,800
Both teams were in action last night but the Lakers did less traveling, as they visited the Heat while the Magic were in New York to take on the Knicks. Williams is a key member of the Lakers' bench, averaging 19.1 points in just over 25 minutes of action per night. Having scored 29 FanDuel points or more in three of the last four and seven of the last 11 games, Williams has been very productive of late. And with Orlando currently ranking 18th in defensive efficiency, this could be a good night to grab Williams for your roster. (Getty)
SF: LeBron James, Cleveland
Opponent: at New York
Price: $9,600
As noted in the opening slide, this sets up to be a big game for James. LeBron scored 31, 24 and 27 points in three meetings with the Knicks last season, the last of which being a 27, 11 rebound and 11 assist triple double. These Knicks are definitely better than last season's edition, but having an answer for James is something that's going to be very difficult for New York (as is the case for any team in the NBA). Building one's FanDuel roster around LeBron Wednesday night would be a good idea. (Getty)
SF: Wilson Chandler, Denver
Opponent: vs. L.A. Clippers
Price: $5,700
After missing Thursday's game for personal reasons, Chandler is expected to be back in the lineup against the Clippers. With Danilo Gallinari being listed as questionable with an ankle injury, Chandler stands to receive even more opportunities to make an impact offensively for the Nuggets. In the December 26 meeting between the Nuggets and Clippers, Chandler finished with just two points, four rebounds and three assists. It goes without saying that Chandler is capable of better, especially with the Clippers being down two starters due to injury. (Getty)
PF: Trevor Booker, Brooklyn
Opponent: vs. Denver
Price: $5,900
Averaging 28.1 FanDuel points per game on the season, Booker's surpassed that mark in five of his last ten games. With Kenneth Faried being moved into a starting role this will be a tough matchup for Booker, but he's in a position where Brooklyn is still going to find him solid scoring opportunities. Add in the rebounding, and Booker should be able to put together a respectable stat line. Booker's coming off of a 14-point, 14-rebound night against the Wizards on Monday. (Getty)
PF: Tobias Harris, Detroit
Opponent: at Charlotte
Price: $5,600
With Charlotte still without starting power forward Marvin Williams (knee), this is a good matchup for Harris. In Detroit's win over the Hornets on November 29, Harris finished with 24 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks in the Pistons' 112-89 victory. Harris has scored 31 FanDuel points or more in five of the last six games, and with the matchups that run could very well become six out of seven. (Getty)
C: Clint Capela, Houston
Opponent: vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Price: $5,700
Averaging 26.6 FanDuel points per night, Capela's performed well as the Rockets' starting center. He works well with James Harden in the pick and roll game, and Capela has also done a good job as a rebounder and defender. Capela accounted for 16 points and nine rebounds in the season opener against the Lakers, tallying 27.8 FanDuel points. The Lakers don't lack for depth or size in the post, but that should not be a major issue for Capela. (Getty)
FanDuel NBA Lineup Picks, Advice & Analysis for December 7