3 NBA DraftKings Studs to Target on 12/7/17

Joel Embiid, C, Philadelphia 76ers

DraftKings Salary: $10,100

Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers have a slate-leading implied team total today against the Los Angeles Lakers in what should easily be the fastest-paced game on the slate. The Lakers play at the league's fastest pace, and Philly isn't far behind, coming in fourth.

There was plenty of fantasy goodness to go around the last time these two faced off, especially on the Philly side, as Embiid and Ben Simmons ($9,900) combined for 148 DraftKings points. Embiid produced 90.75 of those, as Los Angeles simply did not have an answer for him. On the year, the Lakers have allowed the second-most DraftKings points per game to opposing centers.

While their defense has improved as a whole this season, they don't have the personnel to match up with Embiid. Brook Lopez is a turnstile on defense and is nowhere near quick enough, while more athletic and physical options like Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr. are at a severe size disadvantage.

With all that said, Embiid has struggled from beyond the arc and hasn't been picking up the peripheral stats like we grew accustomed to early on this season, which has led to a slight decline in his DraftKings production as of late. With a plethora of appealing studs to pay up for, he is a fringe cash-game play at best. However, his GPP upside is through the roof. If playing many tournaments tonight, you definitely need to get some exposure to Embiid.