National Basketball Association

FanDuel NBA Daily Picks: Fantasy Basketball Lineup For December 11

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Nov 21, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) after dunking the ball in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) at Target Center. The Boston Celtics beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 99-93. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

The absence of Isaiah Thomas has opened up assist opportunities for Al Horford and his prolific passing has transformed him into an elite FanDuel NBA prospect.

Typically centers in the midst of a stretch shooting 38.6 percent from the field won’t increase their value in FanDuel NBA tournament play.

Boston Celtics center Al Horford has propped up his status as a premier FanDuel NBA player in the past week, even while struggling with his shot, by replacing injured All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas as the facilitator of the offense.

A groin injury will prevent Thomas from playing Sunday night in Oklahoma City, and has forced him to miss the past two games, enabling Horford to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.

The tactic has worked, resulting in 7.7 assists per game in the last three outings, a dramatic increase over his time in Atlanta.

During his 10 seasons with the Hawks, Horford dished out eight or more assists just seven times in 578 career games.

In just 13 appearances with Boston, Horford has reached the eight-assist mark on three occasions, as he has developed an instant connection with shooting guard Avery Bradley, resulting in 1.5 assists a night.

When he hasn’t been setting up teammates for easy looks at the basket, Horford can dash to the rim and throw it down.

The absence of Thomas has resulted in averages of 16.7 points, 7.7 assists, 6.3 rebounds and 2.7 blocks, generating three straight games with at least 33 points in FanDuel NBA tournament play.

Few players in league history have ever combined the ability to score, rebound, pass and block as frequently as Horford.

Giannis Antetokounmpo joins Horford as the only player in the NBA averaging at least 15 points, five assists, five rebounds and two blocks per game. Horford is posting 15.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.3 assists (most among all centers) and 2.5 blocks per game.

In league history, only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Walton have ever submitted the same figures.

Boston is relying on Horford to direct the offense, and with the increased workload, he is capable of tallying significant numbers in multiple categories — a perfect storm for FanDuel NBA success.

Dec 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) attempts a shot against Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha (25) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Top Four Point Guards

Rationale:

Next: Top Four Shooting Guards For Sunday

October 31, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Brandon Knight (11) moves the ball against Los Angeles Clippers guard J.J. Redick (4) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Top Four Shooting Guards

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Next: Top Four Small Forwards For Sunday

Dec 6, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) dunks the ball against the Miami Heat during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The New York Knicks defeat the Miami Heat 114-103. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Top Four Small Forwards

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Next: Top Four Power Forwards For Sunday

Dec 3, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) flexes his muscles ahead of Phoenix Suns forward Marquese Chriss (0) after a basket and one foul during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Top Four Power Forwards

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Next: Top Four Centers And Final Lineup For Sunday

Nov 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) shoots as Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) defends during the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Top Four Centers

Rationale:

Next: 2016-17 NBA Power Rankings: Week 7

Final Lineup

PG Russell Westbrook ($12,600)

PG Reggie Jackson ($5,700)

SG Brandon Knight ($4,500)

SG Zach LaVine ($6,100)

SF Jae Crowder ($5,400)

SF Brandon Ingram ($4,400)

PF Nerlens Noel ($6,000)

PF Kristaps Porzingis ($7,400)

C Al Horford ($7,700)

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