This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
The NBA has five games for their annual Christmas Day showcase with many of the best players in the league taking the floor. You can't just pack your FanDuel entry with the NBA's elite, so let's take a look at some options across the price scale that can provide value.
Guards
James Harden, HOU at OKC ($12,000): Harden has put up insane numbers with Chris Paul (leg) injured, scoring at least 68.1 FanDuel points in both of the last two games. Paul is questionable to play Monday, which could lead to more crazy production from Harden if he's still not healthy. Even if Paul does return, Harden is still an elite option for your entry as he leads the league with a 36.3% usage rate.
Jarrett Jack, NY vs. PHI ($4,500): Jack doesn't have a very high ceiling due to his offensive limitations, as he's scored in double-digits in only eight games this season. He can contribute in multiple categories, though, resulting in at least 21.2 FanDuel points in six of his last seven games. That's not crazy production, but he can still provide value at this cheap price.
Jordan Clarkson, LAL vs. MIN ($4,000): Lonzo Ball (shoulder) is out Monday, meaning Clarkson will likely see increased playing time. His recent production hasn't been great, but that's largely because he has played less than 20 minutes in three of his last four games. Considering his 27.7% usage rate is the highest on the team, Clarkson could far exceed his price point with added playing time Monday.
Forwards
LeBron James, CLE at GS ($12,000): James is rolling right now, scoring at least 52.7 FanDuel points in nine straight games. The Warriors play at the fifth-fastest pace (102.5) in the league, so James is going to have plenty of chances to contribute across the board like he usually does. He has the eighth-highest usage rate (31.1%) in the league, so don't be afraid to pay up for him in this juicy matchup Monday.
Kyle Kuzma, LAL vs. MIN ($7,500): Kuzma has seen increased playing time with Brook Lopez (ankle) out, logging at least 35 minutes in four straight games. He's taken full advantage of the opportunity, scoring at least 30.9 FanDuel 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. The Timberwolves have had their struggles defensively this season, leaving Kuzma as someone to consider for your entry again Monday.
Taj Gibson, MIN at LAL ($5,700): Tom Thibodeau is the gift that keeps on giving from a fantasy perspective, playing his starters heavy minutes night in and night out. Gibson is no exception, averaging a career-high 33 minutes per game. The Lakers allow the third-most FanDuel points per game (49.2) to opposing power forwards, so Gibson might be worth the risk at this price.
Centers
Kevin Love, CLE at GS ($8,000): Love has actually seen his playing time decease this season by averaging 29 minutes per game, the first time he has averaged less than 30 minutes per game since the 2009-10 season. His production hasn't wavered though, averaging 19.8 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.2 three-pointers per game. The main reason he hasn't seen his production decrease along with his minutes is because his 26.9% usage rate is the highest it's been as a member of the Cavaliers. Love should provide steady production it what could be a high-scoring game against the Warriors.
Steven Adams, OKC vs. HOU ($6,600): The Thunder are extremely thin outside of their starting five, leaving Adams to be one of the more productive players on the team. He's had a terrific month so far, averaging 16.1 points and 10.1 rebounds per game in December. The Rockets allow the ninth-most FanDuel points per game (53) to opposing centers, leaving Adams with the potential for significant value Monday.
Julius Randle, LAL vs. MIN ($5,900): Randle only played eight minutes Wednesday against the Rockets, which was a bit surprising considering Lopez was out. Playing time shouldn't be a concern moving forward though as he rebounded to play at least 23 minutes in both games since. He scored at least 27.3 FanDuel 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.
