Christmas always serves as one of the most popular days of the NBA season, and this year is no different. There are five games on the schedule for December 25, with each one carrying intrigue. A finals rematch between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers obviously leads the way, but the other four are also really good: Boston vs. New York, Chicago vs. San Antonio, Minnesota vs. Oklahoma City and finally a battle for Los Angeles between the Clippers and Lakers. Each game has an over/under of at least 200 points, while Golden State vs. Cleveland (223.5) and LA vs. LA (219) have the best shootout potential. Even on a relatively small slate, the amount of star power means there a number of different routes you can go when filling out your DFS lineup. With that in mind, you can click through the gallery for my ideal DraftKings picks, or you can read here for more DFS analysis and strategy. (Getty)
PG: Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers
Opponent: vs. Golden State Warriors
Price: $7,700
You may remember how dominant Uncle Drew was during the finals last year, as he averaged 27.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.1 steals and was downright unstoppable at times during the seven-game series. Part of those numbers were due to him playing 39.0 minutes per contest, which isn't likely to happen during a game in the regular season, but he still carries high offensive upside and a potentially huge offensive role. (Getty)
SG: Dwyane Wade, Chicago Bulls
Opponent: at San Antonio Spurs
Price: $6,200
The matchup is far from ideal, but Wade presents intriguing value--and a potentially low ownership play--at just $6,200. Averaging 25.18 points in 11 Christmas day games, D-Wade always seems to bring it when the lights are brightest. More importantly, he has a 28.7 usage percentage--which is fairly rare for this price range--and could see even more offensive volume in this one with Jimmy Butler likely to see a lot of Kawhi Leonard. (Getty)
SF: Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors
Opponent: at Cleveland Cavaliers
Price: $9,500
You likely don't need a lot of convincing to use Durant, who is averaging a silly 25.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.5 blocks in just 33.9 minutes per contest this season. But going up against LeBron James and the defending NBA champs should provide some extra motivation, plus the Cavs have shown they can be effective in defending Steph Curry, which could result in more offensive opportunities for KD. (Getty)
PF: Julius Randle, Los Angeles Lakers
Opponent: vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Price: $5,700
Randle can be a little inconsistent, but he has tallied at least 29 DraftKings points in seven of his last nine games and is playing very well right now. Against a Blake Griffin-less Clippers squad in what is expected to be one of the highest scoring games of the day, Randle is a good bet to pick up a double-double with solid secondary stats. (Getty)
C: Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
Opponent: at Cleveland Cavaliers
Price: $8,000
Even if he doesn't score a ton, Green is a consistent triple-double threat who can rack up the defensive stats, giving him massive upside every time he steps on the court. Last season, he averaged 19.0 points, 11.0 rebounds and 8.5 assists in two regular-season games against the Cavs, then put up 16.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks during the finals, so the matchup is one in which he can thrive. (Getty)
G: Austin Rivers, Los Angeles Clippers
Opponent: at Los Angeles Lakers
Price: $4,400
With Blake Griffin out and Chris Paul sounding questionable at best, there is lots of value to be found on this Clippers squad against the team with the second-worst defensive rating in the NBA. Rivers provides instant offense off the bench and should be able to hit value at this price. If Paul doesn't play, Rivers a good bet for 30 minutes and a big usage rate. If Paul does play, there's a good chance Rivers still sees increased opportunities in garbage time. (Getty)
F: Enes Kanter, Oklahoma City Thunder
Opponent: vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Price: $4,300
Kanter has been playing well as of late, averaging 14.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and 27.1 DraftKings points per game over his last five. Now up against a Timberwolves team that ranks 26th in the NBA in defensive rating and 22nd in points in the paint allowed per game, he should continue that momentum. (Getty)
UTIL: Jamal Crawford, Los Angeles Clippers
Opponent: at Los Angeles Lakers
Price: $4,000
With Chris Paul sidelined on Friday, Crawford poured in 26 points and six points against the Mavericks. If the star point guard is again out, Crawford is looking at somewhere around 30 minutes and likely 15-plus shots against a Lakers team that struggles to defend opposing guards. If Paul suits up, I would pivot to someone like Kyle O'Quinn, Marcus Smart or Andre Roberson. (Getty)
DraftKings NBA Christmas Lineup: Optimal Picks for December 25