FanDuel NBA Daily Picks: Fantasy Basketball Lineup For December 25
Nov 30, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) shoots over New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sorts
New York forward Kristaps Porzingis is blocking shots and converting from three-point range at unprecedented levels, making him a vital piece to any FanDuel NBA lineup.
NBA general managers scour the globe in search of players possessing the rare combination of effective three-point shooting and potent shot blocking.
The New York Knicks found a perfect blend of both categories when selecting Kristaps Porzingis with the fourth overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.
In his sophomore season, Porzingis has already rejected 50 shots and connected 50 times from beyond the arc, a feat previously reached 297 times in league history. While several players have managed the totals, Porzingis has needed just 28 games to post the figures.
With a goal of playing all 82 games, including Christmas Day after leaving Thursday’s contest against Orlando with a knee bruise, Porzingis could join an even more exclusive club.
Only nine players have ever blocked 100 shots and made 100 three-point field goals in the same season and no player has ever compiled 150 of each. The 7’3″ forward is on pace to connect 173 times from three-point range and swat away 148 shots, if he plays in all 82 games.
Porzingis could easily alter those projections with another massive block performance.
Three times in 101 career games Porzingis has blocked seven shots in a game, with his latest coming five games ago against the Lakers.
Before the start of the season, Porzingis even revealed his intention of becoming just the fifth player ever to submit a quadruple-double.
At 1.8 blocks per game, Porzingis is tied with Robin Lopez for the eighth most in the league, with 15 multiple block performances in 29 appearances.
New York anticipated Porzingis providing an immediate impact on the defensive end, but his accelerated development as a scorer has rapidly morphed him into a franchise player.
Porzingis is scoring 19.9 points per game as he has become nearly unstoppable from all over the court. When his size is combined with a rapid release, there is little opponents can do to prevent his shot.
In catch-and-shoot situations, Porzingis is scoring 7.2 points per game, the fifth most in the NBA and connecting on 41.3 percent of his three-point attempts.
Defenders respect the ability of Porzingis to finish at the rim, frequently leaving him alone on the perimeter, resulting in 83 wide open shots from beyond the arc, the ninth most in the league.
Porzingis has converted 62 times, one of the best figures ever submitted by a player standing 7’0″ or taller. Dirk Nowitzki has the most three-point field goals made in a single season by a seven-footer with 151.
The blocks and three-point shots keep piling up for Porzingis, a perfect combination for any lineup, especially FanDuel NBA rosters.
Dec 21, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) is defended by New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Top Four Point Guards
Rationale:
Next: Top Four Shooting Guards For Sunday
Nov 30, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (3) shoots the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Top Four Shooting Guards
Rationale:
Next: Top Four Small Forwards For Sunday
Dec 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts after hitting a three-point shot during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Top Four Small Forwards
Rationale:
Next: Top Four Power Forwards For Sunday
Dec 2, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) dunks during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. Chicago won 111-105. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Top Four Power Forwards
Rationale:
Next: Top Four Centers And Final Lineup For Sunday
Nov 19, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) goes to the basket as Detroit Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) defends during the third quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Top Four Centers
Rationale:
Next: 2016-17 NBA Power Rankings: Week 9
Final Lineup
PG Russell Westbrook ($12,600)
PG Rajon Rondo ($5,400)
SG J.J. Redick ($4,500)
SG Avery Bradley ($6,400)
SF Kawhi Leonard ($8,000)
SF Jae Crowder ($5,300)
PF Enes Kanter ($5,100)
PF Kristaps Porzingis ($7,500)
C Tristan Thompson ($5,000)
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