National Basketball Association

FanDuel NBA Daily Picks: Fantasy Basketball Lineup For December 9

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

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Atlanta guard Dennis Schroder has settled into the starting lineup and has become a valuable contributor in FanDuel NBA play.

Dec 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) attempts a shot against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jerami Grant (9) in the third quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Thunder won 102-99. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

There were few concerns about Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schorder distributing the ball, it was taking shots for himself that appeared to be the biggest challenge.

The 23-year-old was inserted into the starting lineup of a Hawks team that has become one of the most prolific passing teams in the league, as the team has ranked in the top four in assists each of the past four years.

Atlanta is dishing out 23.5 assists per game, just behind Charlotte for the fifth-most in the league, with Schroder leading the way at 6.1 assists per game.

Schroder is tied with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Isaiah Thomas for the 15th-highest assist average in the league, as he has posted six or more assists in 14 of his 23 appearances.

Scoring was a struggle early in the year, as Schroder averaged 14.1 points during the first 17 games of the season, Schroder has poured in 20.2 points in his last six games, along with 7.8 assists during the same span, an increase of 1.7 over his season average.

The most promising sign was Schroder has shot better than 50 percent from the field in five of the past six games, a feat he achieved just four times during the initial 17 games of the year.

Much of his scoring success has come off excellent drives to the rim.

Schroder attacks the basket 11.4 times per game, tied with John Wall for the fifth-most in the NBA, resulting in 7.1 points per game, accounting for 62 percent of his season average.

Over the past six games, Schroder has been more comfortable at calling his own number, attempting 16.8 shots per game. The total is 2.7 more than his season average.

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The entire 2016-17 seaosn has been a roller coaster for Atlanta, after winning nine of its first 11 games, the team is 2-10 in its last 12.

A seven-game skid finally ended Wednesday night against Miami as Schroder totaled 17 points, seven assists, four rebounds, a steal and a block.

The performance resulted in 34.3 points in FanDuel NBA tournament play, the fifth time in the past six games he logged more than 30 points.

For Friday night, Schroder is still valued as an average player in FanDuel NBA leagues, at $6,800, the eighth-highest point guard salary available.

Wednesday night, Schroder was available for $600 less, but FanDuel NBA teams would be wise ot pair him with an elite point guard for an extremely formidable combination.

Dec 4, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dunks the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Top Four Point Guards

Rationale:

Next: Top Four Shooting Guards For Friday

Nov 12, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives for the basket against Memphis Grizzlies guard Andrew Harrison (5) in the third quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Top Four Shooting Guards

Rationale:

Next: Top Four Small Forwards For Friday

Nov 23, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) dribbles the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Golden 1 Center. The Kings beat the Thunder 116-101. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Top Four Small Forwards

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Next: Top Four Power Forwards For Friday

Dec 2, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) controls the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Kris Dunn (3) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Top Four Power Forwards

Rationale:

Next: Top Four Centers And Final Lineup For Friday

Dec 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) goes up for a shot against Charlotte Hornets forward Spencer Hawes (00) in the first half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Top Four Centers

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Next: 25 Greatest Scorers of All-Time

Final Lineup

PG Russell Westbrook ($12,700)
PG Dennis Schroder ($6,800)
SG Wesley Matthews ($5,100)
SG Avery Bradley ($6,900)
SF Trevor Ariza ($5,500)
SF Jae Crowder ($5,600)
PF Enes Kanter ($5,100)
PF Jabari Parker ($6,400)
C Clint Capela ($5,900)