Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City
Opponent: at Minnesota
Price: $12,800
Westbrook and the Thunder play Minnesota for the third time this season, and he produced nice stat lines in both meetings. Westbrook's averaging 29.5 points, 11.5 assists and 6.5 rebounds per game against the Timberwolves this season, most recently accounting for 31 points, 15 assists and seven rebounds on Christmas Day. Just how high Westbrook's point total gets depends upon the turnover count, but that's usually the difference between a night that ends in the 50's and one that threatens the 70-point mark. (Getty)
PG: Kemba Walker, Charlotte
Opponent: at Chicago
Price: $7,400
Walker's been highly productive for the Hornets this season, averaging 22.7 points, 5.4 assists and 4.0 rebounds per night (36.4 FanDuel ppg). But this selection is just as much about the opposition as it is Walker, with the Bulls experiencing turmoil at the point guard position. Rajon Rondo was benched this weekend, and while Michael Carter-Williams brings some size (6-foot-6) to the position an already difficult individual matchup for Chicago gets even tougher. In Charlotte's win over the Bulls on December 23, Walker finished with 20 points, five assists and four rebounds, numbers he's more than capable of improving upon. (Getty)
PG: Jordan Clarkson, Los Angeles Lakers
Opponent: vs. Phoenix
Price: $5,000
Clarkson's been in a bit of a slump FanDuel-wise, as he's scored 20 points or fewer in five of his last six games. The one exception was a 26.3 point outing in the Lakers' win in Chicago on November 30. Not having D'Angelo Russell has hurt Clarkson's production, as neither Jose Calderon nor Marcelino Huertas can demand enough from opposing point guards to make those players work before Clarkson checks into the game. Clarkson was solid in the first meeting between the Lakers and Suns this season, accounting for 18 points, six rebounds, one assist and three turnovers on November 6. If he can produce a similar night but with fewer turnovers, that wouldn't be a bad haul for the price tag. (Getty)
SG: Avery Bradley, Boston
Opponent: vs. Philadelphia
Price: $6,200
Bradley's currently having the best season of his career, as his averages in points (17.8 ppg), rebounds (6.9 rpg) and assists (2.4 apg) are all career-highs. And in the first meeting of the season between the Celtics and 76ers, Bradley tallied 20 points, nine rebounds and two assists on December 3. Boston matches up well with Philadelphia's guards, which could result in good nights for players such as Bradley and Isaiah Thomas. (Getty)
SG: Eric Gordon, Houston
Opponent: at Oklahoma City
Price: $5,400
Averaging 24.7 FanDuel points per night, Gordon's produced no fewer than 24.2 points in any of his last six games. He's been one of the biggest beneficiaries of Mike D'Antoni's open offensive system, as the spacing and James Harden's abilities as a creator result in numerous catch and shoot chances for not only Gordon but Ryan Anderson and Trevor Ariza as well. Gordon's scored in double figures in five straight games, and he's also had four assists or more in three of those contests. And in the first meeting between the Rockets and Thunder, Gordon tallied 25 FanDuel points. (Getty)
SF: LeBron James, Cleveland
Opponent: vs. Miami
Price: $9,800
Wednesday was a relatively relaxing day at the office for James, who played 32 minutes in the Cavaliers' blowout win over the Knicks in New York. Averaging 45.9 FanDuel points per game this season, James accounted for 44.7 against the Knicks and has 44.5 points or more in each of the last three games. This current run follows a two-game stretch in which James failed to tally 30 FanDuel points, with Cleveland losing to Milwaukee and the L.A. Clippers. Miami's still without the injured Justise Winslow (wrist), and with James Johnson (shoulder) out as well Erik Spoelstra's short on options at the three. While it could be another short night for James, it could also be a very productive one. (Getty)
SF: Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota
Opponent: vs. Detroit
Price: $6,000
Wiggins is averaging 29.9 FanDuel point's per game this season, and he's managed to score 29 FanDuel points or more in four of the last five games for the Timberwolves. After getting off to a scalding start to the season and then going cold for a couple games, Wiggins seems to have found consistency within the Timberwolves' offense this season. They could stand to open things up a little bit to get wings Wiggins and Zach LaVine more open-court opportunities, but that will in all likelihood come as they gain more experience under Tom Thibodeau. (Getty)
PF: Jabari Parker, Milwaukee
Opponent: vs. Atlanta
Price: $6,400
Over the last three games Parker's averaging 21.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists per contest, and his play (along with that of Giannis Antetokounmpo) is one reason why the Bucks have won five of their last six games. He's going up against a power forward in Paul Millsap who, while productive, has been playing through the pain from a hip injury that cost him three games at the start of the month. And given how Parker can take opposing forwards onto the perimeter and use his dribble to get to the basket, Millsap's lateral movement will be tested. (Getty)
PF: Tobias Harris, Detroit
Opponent: vs. Atlanta
Price: $6,000
Harris has tallied more than 26.7 FanDuel points (his season average) in seven of the last eight games for the Pistons. And he's been solid against the Hawks this year, averaging 16.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in two games while shooting 48.1 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from three. Harris has been a better offensive player off the bench, averaging 21.1 points and 6.9 rebounds per game with an offensive rating of 121, but that doesn't mean he's been a bad offensive player while in the starting lineup. Defensively he'll have his work cut out for him in defending Paul Millsap, but Harris is good enough to score a few points himself in that matchup. (Getty)
Winners of 11 straight games, the Houston Rockets have managed to avoid any major injuries as they've made their run up the Western Conference standings. That changed on Monday, as it was reported that starting center Clint Capela is expected to miss time due to a leg injury that L'Equipe reported as a broken fibula. While guard James Harden ($11,000) is the headliner for Mike D'Antoni's team, Capela was one of several Rockets who have benefitted from the combination of Harden's excellence and D'Antoni's offensive system. Where Houston turns to fill the spot left open by Capela is one question to consider when putting together your FanDuel roster for Tuesday's games.
The other options at the five who are currently in the rotation are Nene ($4,100) and Montrezl Harrell ($4,000), with the former being a center and the latter being a rugged, energetic (and athletic) power forward rather than a center. But with Ryan Anderson ($5,100) having a skill set that would not fit in at the center position for long stretches, those two stand to see an increase in minutes as Houston looks to continue this current hot streak. And Capela's injury will impact what Houston's opponent Tuesday night, San Antonio, does. Pau Gasol ($6,400) has played well of late, and the Spurs also have Dewayne Dedmon ($3,500) getting minutes at the five.
Here are our selections for Tuesday's 11-game NBA slate, working with a nine-player roster and a salary cap of $60,000. (Getty)
FanDuel NBA Lineup Picks, Advice & Analysis for December 9