NBA Winners From Downtown: 12-12-15

Winners From Downtown is bringing the top daily picks for your cash games, alongside some value plays, and Vegas notes. Be sure to check out our minutes tool, and Colossus lineup optimizer.

Projections show DraftKings prices and fantasy points.

Vegas Notes

- Warriors-Celtics went double OT last night, and are now on the second night of a back-to-back. There are fresher teams to target. In face the majority of teams are tonight. Keep an eye out for late injury/rest news.

- Rockets-Lakers has the highest total on the slate, and Houston is favored by 11.5 points. This game should stay close for the points we need, then maybe get out of hand at the end, but let's not forget Houston's defense is abysmal as well.

- Spurs-Hawks is the lowest total on the slate, and really the least attractive for fantasy production.

Top Picks

Salary: FD: $9,300 DK: $8,800

It was a tough decision between Damian Lillard, and John Wall, but I could not get away from Lillard in cash games. He has a slightly higher usage rate than John Wall, and takes on an average Knicks' defense. Lillard is averaging 24-7-5 in the last six games, logging 37 minutes per game. New York has allowed the 10th most fantasy points per game to opposing point guards in the last five games. Each of the top three point guards are on the second night of a back-to-back, but Lillard would be the freshest. Wall has played 7 games in the last ten days, Curry is coming off of a double OT game, and traveled to Milwaukee late last night. These are some things to consider when locking in your PG tonight.

Salary: FD: $10,800 DK: $10,800

James Harden against this Lakers defense? Sign me up. Shooting guard often comes in as the weakest position on the board, and nobody gives you a floor/ceiling like Harden. He is averaging 26-8-4 in the last five games. Harden's 42-7-9 is his THIRD best game of the season, already crossing the 70+ fantasy point bar three times this year. Lakers rank 29th in defensive efficiency, and 28th in rebound differential. With a 110 total, and the offense centered around Harden, it is only right he logs another 50+ fantasy point game tonight.

Salary: FD: $10,400 DK: $10,200

SF is pretty shallow, and very top heavy. Paul George has been one of the most consistent small forwards this season, and has the second highest usage rate among SF, of course behind Lebron James. Even in a tougher matchup, it is hard to get away from George. He is averaging 29-4-8 in the last five games, with two steals per game. It ultimately comes down to if Trevor Ariza plays tonight, if I am paying up at SF, which I will touch on below. There are tons of value options at other positions, making SF a spot to possibly pay up for.

Salary: FD: $8,600 DK: $7,700

Pau Gasol has played 33 minutes in the last two games, and maybe Chicago realizes he is the best offensive player on the team. Gasol ranks 2nd behind Stephen Curry for fantasy points per minute. Death, taxes, and opposing centers against New Orleans is the way to go right now. They are allowing the 2nd most fantasy points per game to opposing centers. Gasol is shooting 51% in the last five games, averaging 20 and 12, with three blocks per game. If you are looking for a PF on DraftKings, LaMarcus Aldridge sitting at $6,900 is in a good spot. Atlanta is allowing the 7th most fantasy points per game to opposing PF, and rank 27th in rebound differential.

Salary: FD: $7,700 DK: $7,000

While Andre Drummond is the top option, I just can't list the highest priced player across the board. Greg Monroe continues to be a safe cash game. He is averaging 15 and 10 in the last six games, shooting 54%. His only sub 30 fantasy point game came against the Spurs in the last ten games. I am not sure how much Golden State has in the tank for this game, but Monroe should land a few extra rebounds, and easy buckets due to the late night festivities for Golden State yesterday. Monroe continues to be a double-double lock.

Value Plays

Lou Williams (PG/SG - LAL) FD: $4,900 DK: $4,900

The Lakers have shifted things around, and Lou Williams has stepped into a bigger role. He is averaging 16-2-2 in the last seven games, averaging 30 minutes. Houston has allowed the 8th most fantasy points to opposing guards. You can also add in DeAngelo Russell on FanDuel, where Williams is SG eligible.

Wesley Matthews (SG - DAL) FD: $5,500 DK: $5,300

Wesley Matthews has been looking like his old self, averaging 17-2-5 in the last five games. Matthews is still averaging big minutes playing both the 2 and the 3 positions this year. His price is on the rise, so get the most out of him while you can. Washington has allowed the 5th most fantasy points per game to opposing SG, and the most to opposing SF.

If you need a cheap center tonight, Joakim Noah is really the only option. He has averaged 25 fantasy points over the last six games, averaging 4-4-9. You can tread back to Gasol to see how awful New Orleans has been against centers.

Corey Brewer (SF - HOU) FD: $4,100 DK: $4,000

RotoWorld has Trevor Ariza as questionable, and reports are he still has had trouble pushing off with his left leg, being limited in practice. Corey Brewer would be the top value play if he does sit, which seems likely against this Lakers team. He had a 15-3-7 line last game, when he drew the start in the absence of Ariza.