This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
The NBA finishes off 2017 in style with eight games on the schedule Sunday. Three games will start in the afternoon, leaving five to choose from for the main slate on DraftKings. Let's look at some players to target for your entry to hopefully end the year with a bang.
Guards
Russell Westbrook, OKC vs. DAL ($11,600): Westbrook is as hot as it gets right now, scoring at least 60 DraftKings points in six of his last seven games. He had a monster performance Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks with Paul George (knee) out, scoring 73 DraftKings points. Westbrook has played well in two games against the Mavericks this season, averaging 27.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 2.0 steals and 3.5 three-pointers. With George out again Sunday, Westbrook is primed to dominate.
Jordan Clarkson, LAL at HOU ($6,500):Lonzo Ball (shoulder) has missed the last three games for the Lakers, resulting in Clarkson scoring at least 33.5 DraftKings points in each contest. He averaged 36 minutes over those three games, so his production shouldn't be that surprising considering his 27.3 percent usage rate is the highest on the team. Both the Lakers and the Rockets are in the top-eight in the league in pace of play, leaving Clarkson someone to strongly consider for your entry Sunday.
Josh Hart, LAL at HOU ($4,900): Not only will the Lakers be without Ball on Sunday, but Kentavious Caldwell-Pope won't play either because he can't travel outside of California due to legal issues. This will be his third missed game due to this issue, the first two of which saw Hart play at least 28 minutes. He came through with at least 27.5 DraftKings points in both games, making him a great candidate to provide value Sunday.
Forwards
Devin Booker, PHO vs. PHI ($8,600): Booker has picked up right where he left off, averaging 29.0 points and 3.0 three-pointers in two games since returning from a groin injury. He played at least 32 minutes in both games, so he looks to be playing without any minutes restrictions. This could be a high scoring game as both the Suns and the Sixers are in the top-three in the league in pace of play, making Booker a great option.
T.J. Warren, PHO vs. PHI ($6,700): Warren did not look good in the first game of Booker's return, scoring only 17 points with no rebounds or assists Tuesday against the Memphis Grizzlies. He played much better Friday against the Sacramento Kings, scoring 26 points to go along with 10 rebounds. He's the second best scoring option on the team, which is great news considering the fast pace at which this game will likely be played. At this reasonable price, he could be a valuable addition to your entry.
Marquese Chriss, PHO vs. PHI ($4,300): Chriss completes the Suns trifecta in terms of DraftKings options with upside Sunday. He's scored at least 23 DraftKings points in four of his last five games, playing at least 25 minutes in all four of those games. The Sixers allow the sixth-most points per game (108.8) in the league, so Chriss may have some added chances to score. If you want a really cheap forward in tournament play, Chriss is a viable option.
Centers
Blake Griffin, LAC vs. CHA ($7,600): Griffin wasted no time in his return from a knee injury, scoring 41 DraftKings points Friday against the Lakers. Possibly the most encouraging part of his performance is that he played 32 minutes in his first game action in over a month. He looks to be playing without a minutes restriction, which is great news moving forward. He won't be priced this cheap for long, so take advantage of this opportunity Sunday.
Dario Saric, PHI at PHO ($6,600): Saric has been a dominant force when Joel Embiid sits, but Embiid is expected to play Sunday after sitting out Saturday's game for rest. Even with Embiid back in the fold, Saric and his ability to stretch the floor is still an important part of the Sixers offense. Though listed at center on DraftKings, Saric plays power forward, which is great news considering the Suns allow the second-most DraftKings points per game (50.5) to power forwards.
Dirk Nowitzki, DAL at OKC ($5,300): Don't look now, but Nowitzki appears to have turned back the clock lately. He's only averaging 12.1 points and 1.7 three-pointers per game this season, but is averaging 15.3 points and 2.4 three-pointers over his last nine games. Not only has he improved his scoring, but he's also averaging 6.1 rebounds over that same stretch. With at least 31.5 DraftKings points in five straight games, he can provide value at this price.
