NBA DFS Showdown Playbook December 29: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Clippers Top Picks

Happy Friday, basketball fans. I hope the eight-game NBA slate treated you well, but now it is time for us to shift our mindsets over to the NBA DFS Showdown Slate. We have a matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies led by Ja Morant who are on the second leg of a back-to-back, taking on the James Harden-led Los Angeles Clippers.
Finding some of the NBA DFS top picks could be easier if you look at Fantasy Alarm’s NBA DFS Projections, powered by FanJections. Let’s dive into the complete breakdown for tonight’s showdown slate.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Total: 229.5
Spread: Clippers (-12)
Memphis Grizzlies Injuries
- Ja Morant - Questionable
- Santi Aldama - Questionable
- Derrick Rose - OUT
- Luke Kennard - OUT
Los Angeles Clippers Injuries
- Kahwhi Leonard - Questionable
- Mason Plumlee - OUT
NBA DFS Showdown CPT/MVP Top Plays
Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant was out last night with an illness and is questionable heading into this matchup with the Clippers. Since Ja came back from his suspension, he has been very good. He has played at least 34 minutes in each game, as they aren't easing him in. He has scored over 50 fantasy points in three of his four games since returning as well, just picking up where he left off. If Morant is a go tonight, he should be the top option for the captain spot.
James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers
It seems as if Paul George is taking a back seat to James Harden as of late. That means we should be taking advantage of that by playing James Harden for DFS purposes. Harden has gone over a 25% usage rate in four of his past five games. He had failed to do that all season long. Some of it has to do with Kawhi Leonard being sidelined with a hip injury, but even with Kawhi, he still had a solid DFS floor, If Leonard is out again tonight, you can play Harden over Morant at the captain spot. If Leonard plays, Harden doesn't quite have the same ceiling, so then I would pivot to Morant.
NBA DFS Showdown UTIL Top Plays
Desmond Bane, Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant coming back hasn't hurt Demond Bane all that much. Sure it has taken him off the ball more, but that is where he thrives anyway. In three of the four games with Morant in the Lineup, Bane has chucked up 14,14 and 12 three-point attempts, while knocking down at least five in each. It is a tougher matchup against the Clippers as they can throw George on him, but that doesnt scare me off of him tonight.
Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers
I mentioned above that Paul George has taken a step back as of late. He hasn't scored over 40 fantasy in his last three games but still has a solid floor of over 30. But of $8,800 you would like him to be producing over 40 fantasy points each night. He does have that type of ceiling if he decides to be more aggressive, so I am okay playing him in a utility spot, even if Kawhi Leonard plays.
Ivica Zubac, Los Angeles Clippers
Every time I write about the Clippers I have to talk about Zubac. He hardly ever plays more than 32 minutes in any game but still produces at a very solid level for someone priced under 7K. He legitimately has a 50-point ceiling, as we just saw him do it in a great matchup against the Pacers. This matchup isn't quite as good, but even if he puts up 30-35 fantasy points like he has five times in his last 10 games, you will be happy.
Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Clippers
Russ has been quietly solid off the bench for the Clippers as he has settled into his role nicely. He has always been a fantasy points-per-minute monster and that is still continuing this season. Over his last five games, Westbrook has averaged fewer than 24 minutes a night but is averaging 31 fantasy points. With him priced under 7K, you will gladly take that in your DFS lineups tonight, against a thin bench unit the Grizzlies possess.
NBA DFS Showdown Value Top Plays
Vince Williams Jr., Memphis Grizzlies
Vince Williams has been in and out of the starting lineup with all of the injuries and suspensions. But if everyone is healthy tonight, he will come off the bench. In the last game he played off the bench he still got 27 minutes and posted 28 fantasy points. If he sees that type of run in this one, he will hit his value at just $5,000 on DraftKings because of the energy he brings. Williams has grabbed double-digit rebounds in two of his last five games, just because of his hustle and grit.
Bismack Biyombo, Memphis Grizzlies
Biyombo is a boring play because he doesnt start, and he gives you nothing on the offensive end unless it's at the basket. However, The Grizzlies love his defense and are going to play him when they can. He is a great rebounder and shot blocker which brings him some fantasy relevance. He can get you 20-25 fantasy points or he can get you 10, but that is why you only have to pay $4,600 for him.
John Konchar, Memphis Grizzlies
Konchar being priced at just $2,600 is just weird to me. That means he just has to score around 15 fantasy points to hit 5x his value. Well, he has hit that in three of his past five games. He has also seen at least 17 minutes in four of his past five games. There is some risk here, but if you play him to fit someone else high-priced in your lineup, it could pay off if he gets you close to 20 fantasy points. That's a chance I am willing to take.
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Player News
Isaac Jones had 36 points (13-of-17 FGs), six rebounds, two assists and one three-pointer in the Kings’ 98-88 victory over the Raptors on Saturday.
The Kings picked up Jones’ option for this season last month and perhaps his summer league performance will earn him some more minutes this year. The undrafted 25-year-old power forward from Washington State likely won’t impact fantasy basketball, but the Kings should give him the opportunity to sink or swim in regular season action. The Kings advanced to the Summer League finals behind Jones’ 36 points on Saturday.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reports Yuki Kawamura has agreed to a two-way deal with the Bulls.
No surprise here as Kawamura is rewarded with a two-way deal after a strong summer league performance with the Bulls as a free agent. Kawamura spent his rookie season with the Grizzlies on a two-way deal. The 5-foot-8 guard has limited upside due to his size, but his playmaking ability was on full display in Vegas.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reports Marcus Smart has agreed to a contract buyout with the Wizards and intends to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Lakers.
Smart’s Lakers deal will include a player option for 2026, according to Charania, which would allow him to test free agency. The 31-year-old point guard was pursued by the Lakers, Bucks and Suns once the Wizards granted him permission to explore other options. An 11-year NBA veteran, Smart spent nine years with the Celtics before spending time with the Grizzlies and Wizards over the last two seasons. Smart won the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year award and has been named to the All-Defensive first-team three times. In joining the Lakers, Smart not only is back on a contending team, but also has a clear path to significant playing time.
Antonio Reeves finished Friday’s loss to the Pacers with 18 points (7-of-12 FGs), four rebounds, two assists and four three-pointers.
Waived by the Pelicans on July 3, Reeves averaged 13.5 points per game in New Orleans’ first four summer league outings. He finished his time in Las Vegas with a solid performance against the Pacers, which may keep him in the conversation for a two-way contract or an invitation to training camp. Regarding a two-way deal, New Orleans has already filled all three of its available slots. As a result, Reeves may have to look elsewhere for that kind of contract, unless the Pelicans were to waive someone.
Jeremiah Fears accounted for a game-hight 22 points (7-of-16 FGs, 7-of-10 FTs), seven rebounds, four assists, three steals, one block and one three-pointer in Friday’s loss to the Pacers.
While Fears did match his summer league turnover average in Friday’s defeat, committing five, he was more productive in the assist category. The lottery pick dished out four assists in New Orleans’ summer finale, and he was also productive in the points, rebounds and steals categories. Once the regular season begins, Fears won’t be under similar pressure to balance getting his shots and setting up his teammates. Also, he’ll be playing with and against better players. Given Fears’ age, as he won’t turn 19 until October, it’s unsurprising that he was inconsistent in Las Vegas.
Enrique Freeman tallied 14 points (7-of-8 FGs, 0-of-3 FTs), 10 rebounds, one assist, one steal and two blocked shots in Friday’s win over the Pelicans.
After appearing in 22 games for the Pacers as a two-way player last season, Freeman was in Las Vegas this week as an unrestricted free agent. The 6-foot-7 forward finished his summer league with a solid effort against the Pelicans, recording a double-double while missing just one shot from the field. The foul shooting wasn’t the best, but Freeman’s activity in the frontcourt makes up for that deficiency. The Pacers have one open two-way spot, and Freeman may have helped his chances of filling the void next season.