5 NBA FanDuel Value Plays for 12/20/17

Trey Lyles, PF, Denver Nuggets

FanDuel Price: $4,800
Projected FanDuel Points: 10.5
Projected FanDuel Value: 2.2

It's OK to jump on the bandwagon on occasion. Trey Lyles' recent string of strong fantasy performances provides such an opportunity. Lyles has overtaken Kenneth Faried as the clear replacement for Paul Millsap at power forward for the Nuggets. Since receiving regular minutes in the 20s on November 30th, Lyles has failed to score 21 FanDuel points in only one game, topping 32 FanDuel points in three games. During that stretch he's been averaging 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 25.89 FanDuel points per game.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are a top-five fantasy defense against opposing power forwards, but we also need to balance that with the fact that tonight's game should be a track meet, with a Vegas total of 216 points. More possessions equals more shots, which equals more chances for rebounds and peripheral stats. Plus, Lyles' ability to stretch the floor and take outside shots makes him a nightmare to defend. During this most recent 10-game stretch, he's been averaging a ridiculous 56.4% three-point field goal percentage. How does one defend a 6'10" player that shoots threes at that clip? You don't. You just have to wait for him to cool off. Ride him while he's hot.