This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Monday's Christmas Day slate brings five games in the NBA. With this being a showcase day for the league, there are a ton of elite players in action. Let's take a look at some options to consider for your DraftKings entry to hopefully end your night a winner.
Guards
James Harden, HOU at OKC ($11,100): Harden has tried to put the Rockets on his back with Chris Paul (leg) injured, scoring at least 71.3 DraftKings points in both of the last two games. Paul is not expected to play Monday, which would mean increased usage for Harden yet again. Even if Paul does give it a go, Harden is still an excellent option for your entry as he leads the league with a 36.3% usage rate.
Courtney Lee, NY vs. PHI ($4,800): Lee continues to be a steady contributor for the Knicks, scoring at least 26 DraftKings point in four of his last five games. With Tim Hardaway Jr. (leg) out for an extended period of time, Lee has taken on a bigger role in the Knicks offense. His 17.3% usage rate is his highest since the 2011-12 season. The Sixers allow the sixth-most points per game (109.2) in the league, making Lee someone to consider at this price.
Jordan Clarkson, LAL vs. MIN ($4,700):Lonzo Ball (shoulder) has already been ruled out for Monday, leaving Clarkson with the opportunity for increased minutes. His recent production has been poor, but that's mainly because he has played less than 20 minutes in three of his last four games. His 27.7% usage rate is the highest on the team, so Clarkson has the potential to be one of the better value plays for the day with an expanded role likely on tap.
Forwards
LeBron James, CLE at GS ($11,000): James is scorching hot right now, scoring at least 60 DraftKings points in nine straight games. This is a great matchup for James in what should be a high scoring game with the Warriors playing at the fifth-fastest pace (102.5) in the league. He will cost a ton, but expect him to rise to the occasion for this big Christmas matchup.
Kyle Kuzma, LAL vs. MIN ($7,300): Kuzma is playing big minutes with Brook Lopez (ankle) out, logging at least 35 minutes in four straight games. He's played well with the added opportunity, scoring at least 32.8 DraftKings points in all four contests. Only three players on the Lakers have a higher usage rate than Kuzma's 21.9% and one of them is Lopez. Look for another valuable performance from him Monday.
Carmelo Anthony, OKC vs. HOU ($5,600): The Thunder are still trying to adjust to their new star trio, often leaving Anthony and Paul George to put up inconsistent numbers. Anthony has played a little better recently, scoring at least 29.5 DraftKings points in three straight games. Offense continues to be his main contribution as he averaged 19.3 points and 4.3 three-pointers over that stretch. The Rockets play at the eighth-fastest pace (101.6) in the league, so Anthony could have plenty of chances to score.
Centers
Kristaps Porzingis, NY vs. PHI ($8,600): Porzingis scored one point on 0-for-11 from the field against the Celtics on Thursday in what was one of the more shockingly bad performances this season from a star player. He rebounded nicely though, scoring 29 points Friday against the Pistons. He's scored at least 47.3 DraftKings points in three of his last five games and could be in line for another big game Monday as the Sixers play at the second-fastest pace (103.4) in the league.
Steven Adams, OKC vs. HOU ($5,500): Adams may not be one of the flashy names in the Thunder's starting five, but he's been extremely valuable, especially considering the team's lack of size. He's in the midst of his best stretch of the season, averaging 16.1 points and 10.1 rebounds in December. The Rockets allow the tenth-most DraftKings points per game (52.7) to opposing centers, making Adams someone to consider at this reasonable price.
Julius Randle, LAL vs. MIN ($5,000): Randle only played eight minutes Wednesday against the Rockets, which was especially surprising considering Lopez was out. He's rebounded to play at least 23 minutes in both games since then, so playing time shouldn't be a concern moving forward. He scored at least 28.3 DraftKings points in both games, averaging 18.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per contest. The Timberwolves have a lot of size up front, which should bode well for Randle's playing time again Monday. At this price, he can provide value.
