FanNation fantasy basketball picks for Tuesday, Dec. 30
Ready to show your friends you know more about the NBA than they do? FanNation's Basketball Throwdown fantasy basketball game is your best option. You pick a guard, forward and center who you think will exceed their fantasy projections. The scoring system takes into account points, rebounds, assists, blocks, steals and turnovers. The team that surpasses their projections by the most wins, so picking a lineup of Stephen Curry, LeBron James and Joakim Noah is no sure-fire path to victory. You can also bet anywhere from $1 to $500 on each night's matchup or play for free.
I'll give you my picks each day and a recap of yesterday's top performers so you can get bragging rights over your friends.
Sign up for tonight's Basketball Throwdown here.
Sunday's overachievers
Guard: Gerald Henderson, Hornets, +19.3
The Hornets' dismal season continued on Monday as they fell to 10-22 with a loss to the Bucks. Henderson has seen his playing time dwindle this season with the addition of Lance Stephenson. After averaging at least 14 points per game each of the last three seasons, he is scoring just 8.5 points this season, the lowest average since his rookie season. With Stephenson out of the lineup on Monday, Henderson had a strong game with 19 points, five assists, four rebounds, two steals and a block.
Forward: Marvin Williams, Hornets, +17.3
Williams has failed to replace Josh McRoberts as a stretch power forward and has lost his starting spot to Cody Zeller. Against a Bucks team missing several key big men, Williams had his best rebounding game of the season. He finished with 14 rebounds to go along with eight points, three assists, and three steals. It has been a difficult season for Williams as he is averaging a career-low 6.9 points per game. The Hornets will need Henderson and Williams to have more games like they did against the Bucks if they are going to make a playoff push this season.
Center: Rudy Gobert, Jazz, +11.6
Gobert has developed into a solid fantasy option in his second year with the Jazz. The 22-year-old has been the top Basketball Throwdown center several times this season and fills this spot again after a strong showing off the bench against the Clippers. In just 25 minutes, Gobert finished with 11 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and a steal. Gobert's defensive prowess and developing offensive game will certainly factor into what kind of contract the Jazz offer starting center Enes Kanter in restricted free agency in the offseason.
Today's picks
Guard: Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers vs. Raptors, 10:00 p.m. ET
Lillard and the Trail Blazers host the Eastern Conference-leading Raptors on Tuesday in Portland. Lillard is one of the league's most clutch players and a matchup with another elite team is sure to bring out the best of him. While he has only beaten his projection twice in his last five games, his best performance came against the Thunder, when he poured in 40 points to go along with 11 assists, six rebounds and two steals. Lillard should thrive in a matchup against another likely All-Star in Kyle Lowry on Tuesday.
Forward: Anthony Davis, Pelicans vs. Suns, 8:00 p.m. ET
Davis and the Pelicans are 15-15, including an impressive 11-10 mark against the Western Conference. They are two games behind the Suns for the final playoff spot and one game ahead of the Thunder. It is unlikely the Pelicans will be able to sneak into the playoffs, but Davis should at least make it interesting. He has beaten his projection in each of his last two games, surpassing the 50-point mark against the Bulls and Spurs. The Suns don't have the size to guard him so he will face little resistance on Tuesday.
Center: Andre Drummond, Pistons at Magic, 7:00 p.m. ET
Since exiling Josh Smith, the Pistons have won their last two games, including a blowout win over LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Drummond led the way against the Cavs with 16 points, 17 rebounds, five blocks and a steal. He is the foundation of Stan Van Gundy's team moving forward and should only see his role increase as the season move along. Drummond has beaten his projection in four of his last five games and is a good bet to play well tonight against the Magic.
- Paul Palladino
