NBA DFS Breakdown (Sunday, Dec. 27): Roll With Curry, Booker & Zion On Loaded Card

The NBA Breakdown offers data-driven analysis for each day’s slate using the FantasyLabs Tools and metrics to highlight notable players.

Sunday’s slate features a massive 10-game slate, starting at 3:30 p.m. ET.

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Point Guard

Stud

Seeing Steph Curry back on the court has been a welcomed sight. Seeing him play against the Chicago Bulls on Sunday is even better. His usage through two games is around 30 percent, and he rates as a top bargain and leverage play despite his higher price tag. Through two games, the Bulls are allowing 3.7 more points per game to the point guard position.

Players with a +/- over 3 this season have a Consistency Rating of 67.2%, according to the FantasyLabs Trends Tool.

Value

Russell Westbrook’s arrival in D.C. has boosted Ish Smith’s value early this season. Smith does not have the slate-breaking potential of Westbrook, but he is more than capable of stuffing the stat sheet. At $3,900 on FanDuel, Smith has the highest projected +/- and Bargain Rating at the point guard position.

If you want to stack the Wizards-Magic game, look no further than Markelle Fultz. He rates as a top-five play today and carries nine Pro Trends.

Fast Break

Dejounte Murray is getting a lot of digital ink — and rightfully so — at FantasyLabs. His recent triple-double against a tough Toronto Raptors backcourt should erase any concerns of matchup problems if Derrick White remains out.

If scoring is what you want, Terry Rozier may be what you need. He leads the point guard position with 13 Pro Trends as the Charlotte Hornets are underdogs against the Brooklyn Nets tonight.

Shooting Guard

Stud

Devin Booker is scoring almost 25% of the Phoenix Suns’ points through two contests. Surprising, I know. He is still jelling with new addition like Chris Paul and Jae Crowder, but so far so good as he carries a Correlation of at least 0.50 (out of 1.00) with both players. The trio runs it back against the Sacramento Kings after scoring 60% of the team’s points against them last night.

Value

Devonte’ Graham, who is averaging a double-double and more than 35 minutes per game to start the season, is only $5,400 on FanDuel. Graham has been extremely efficient and will not see his production this high unless his usage increases. Take advantage of the hot start while you can.

Fast Break

I am willing to take a chance on Zach LaVine in a defense-optional game against the Warriors. He is off to a slow start in Billy Donovan’s offense, but is a top-five shooting guard option in Projected +/-, Points Per Salary and Bargain Rating.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are not strong defensively, making Seth Curry a value tonight. The Cavs allow a +/- of 5.39 to opposing shooting guards, the best on tonight’s slate by 1.36. If Curry can add a little more to his game beyond scoring, he could end up being the best value at the SG position.

Small Forward

Stud

That dry taste in your mouth is the chalk you will eat playing Brandon Ingram against the San Antonio Spurs. Get some water and wash it down because he has the second highest projected ceiling and is tied for 6^th in Points Per Salary on the slate tonight. Ingram had a difficult time filling the stat sheet against Miami’s frontcourt, and that is something that will be an issue for a lot of players.

Value

Otto Porter is an anti-Zach LaVine play that stems beyond this season when Porter has been healthy. As I mentioned before, this game will be void of defense and the Bulls could see another 30-point deficit against Golden State. Porter is a top-five leverage play at the position.

Fast Break

I love Caris LaVert. His usage is well into the mid-30’s but the fantasy production has been spotty. It should have been expected with his new role off the bench. In the Nets’ blowout win over the Warriors on Christmas, LaVert saw extended minutes and put up his best game this season. The Nets are 10.5-point favorites against the Charlotte Hornets, with a team-projected total of 120.25 points. There is a reason LaVert has a 98% Leverage Score tonight.

Keldon Johnson is $500 cheaper than teammate Rudy Gay, plus he’s looked better than the veteran. Johnson is also playing more minutes than him to start the season. At $5,100, there are worse options at the position.

Power Forward

Stud

I do not get FanDuel setting Zion Williamson’s price at $7,900, but I am going to take it and run. He has a respectable 63% Bargain Rating and should have his way with LaMarcus Aldridge.

Value

I mentioned Jae Crowder earlier and I am playing him today. He is the second-best option, according to FantasyLabs, and only $4,300 on FanDuel.

Fast Break

Marvin Bagley has not had the best start to his season, but a rematch against Crowder and the Suns should help him build off his double-double against them last night.

Domantas Sabonis is priced at $9,100 and I want to fit him in at least one lineup. He has been absolutely dominant in his return from injury and carries a 91% Leverage Score in the game against the Boston Celtics.

Center

Stud

Nikola Vucevic is the bee’s knees against a disappointing Wizards PF-C combo. Washington has a 3.12 +/- allowed to the center position, which is fifth best on the slate, and allowed 49.9 points to Vucevic last night.

Value

James Wiseman is going to torch the Bulls in my opinion. Wendell Carter Jr. may be the biggest disappointment to start the NBA season, while Wiseman has fit in swimmingly with the Warriors offense. At $5,000 on FanDuel, the rookie has a 75% Bargain Rating and an Upside Rating of at 40%, a Pro Trend I am leaning on early in the season.

Fast Break

Andre Drummond is as boring a fantasy play as there is, but he fills the stat sheet. Joel Embiid will be his toughest test in the young season, so much so that Drummond has a 99% Leverage Score. Zig when others zag.

Montrezl Harrell has been excellent for the Los Angeles Lakers in two games. His physicality in the paint was sorely needed, and his ability to command attention near the rim will continue to allow Anthony Davis to roam and shoot wherever he pleases. Harrell’s Upside Rating is above 50%, while his Dud Rating is below 20%.

Pictured above: Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry
Photo credit: Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images