Christmas Day is meant for the NBA. The NBA has used December 25th as a marquee day for the league with great matchups from noon until midnight. College basketball, to their credit, didn’t try to compete with the NBA, as only a few Big Ten games occurred on Christmas. However due to COVID-19 causing scheduling to be crazy, December 26th can be a marquee day for college hoops junkies. The main slate on Saturday for both DraftKings and FanDuel have the exact same games, which is a Christmas Miracle. The slate begins at 1pm which gives you plenty of time to recover from Xmas and set a winning lineup. It all gets underway with one of the nation’s best rivalries with Kentucky and Louisville taking the court on ESPN. We have another intriguing matchup at 1pm in the American Athletic Conference, as the sixth-ranked Houston Cougars go to Orlando to play UCF; that game is on ABC. At 2pm we have #23 Ohio State taking on a hot Northwestern squad on FS1.

The main slate ends at 4pm with two great games. We have a heavyweight contest between #16 Virginia  and #1 Gonzaga. It is an interesting contrast in style between these two, as Gonzaga has arguably the best offense in the land and Virginia is known for good defense and limiting possessions. The other 4pm game is a great Big Ten battle as the Hoosiers visit #18 Illinois. Use the playbook, set a lineup, grab some eggnog and let’s make some additional Christmas cash!

Games in Order of O/U

1.Indiana at #18 Illinois 4pm FS1- 145.5

2.#23 Ohio St at Northwestern 2pm FS1- 141.5

3.#16 Virginia at #1 Gonzaga 4pm CBS- 139.5

4.#6 Houston at UCF 1pm ABC- 134.5

5.Kentucky at Louisville 1pm ESPN- 134

Top Guards
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Ayo DosunmuILIU980043.17890039.94
Ayo Dosunmu is probably the best guard in the country so it is no surprise that we have a hefty pricetag for the junior Illini. Ayo really fills it up with a slash line of 23.4/7.8/5.2. He is also shootiing 51% from the floor and a career best 38.7% from three. In a game against Indiana he is going to be the best guard on the court and perhaps the best player. If you don't want to pay the heavy pricetag look at his freshman teammate in the backcourt Andre Curbello ($5700 DK, $5800 FD). After only seeing 16 minutes in a loss to Rutgers, Brad Underwood went to the freshman and was rewarded with a 15 point 8 assist game from Curbello vs Penn St.
Jalen SuggsGONZUV870037.67780034.88
If Jalen Suggs was reading this playbook he would probably say "hold my beer" when naming Dosunmu as the best guard in the country. The freshman has been absolutely brilliant for Gonzaga and he really paid dividends for last week's playbook. Against an Iowa team that doesn't have the most atheletic guards Suggs went to work with a 27 point, 7 rebound, 5 assist performance. He was a blistering 7-10 from three and constantly beat Iowa defenders off the dribble. It will be interesting to see what he does against a good team defensive unit in the Virginia Cavaliers but the guy is a baller.
Carlik JonesULUK790033.5710031.08
Alright so I owe all of you an apology for inlcuding Jones in my playbook last week as he was unable to go against Wisconsin. Lets call it a mulligan. The Cardinals really needed Jones though as they got walluped by the Badgers 85-48. Now the Cards prepare for their big rivalry game vs Kentucky and Jones should be playing. He returned against Pitt last Tuesday and had 11 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists in the win. The game this year is a bit of a let down with both teams unranked but expect a big game in Jones' debut vs the Cats.
Joel AyayiGONZUV700033.71670025.83
While I do love Jalen Suggs the game against Virginia just screams for a nice night for Ayayi. Last week against Iowa Ayayi only had 11 points but had 18 rebounds and 6 assists to go with it. Against a Virginia team that will try and limit possesions expect Ayayi to get a bunch a rebounds in this one. Think Ayayi provides great value especially in a GPP format.
Value Guards
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Boo BuieNWOSU690027.83660025.12
Norhwestern has been the true surprise of the Big Ten this year and Boo Buie is a big reason why. The sophomore guard has really blossomed into a great guard as he is averaging 14.5 ppg, 3 rpg and 5.3 apg. He has also been red hot from 3 this year shooting at a 50% clip. Against Ohio St Buie could rain down the threes for Northwestern. The Buckeyes are giving up a 38% clip to opponents shooting the three so get Buie in your lineup.
Armaan FranklinIUIL650025.72600023.40
Going into the season IU thought a great portion of production from the backcourt would come from 5-star freshman Khristian Lander, however it has been Armaan Franklin that has taken the reins. Franklin has been a very nice contributor for Hoosiers. The sophomore guard has averaged 12.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg and 2.5 apg this season. What I love about Franklin doesn't show up in the stat sheet. Feel like Franklin is an absolute dog. Going up against Ayo think Franklin will rise to the challenge and have a nice game. He is a great option for GPP.
Devin AskewUKUL480013.04370011.33
I'm not high on any Kentucky player at this point but think Devin Askew could be a low risk high reward player. Askew has had a rough season for Big Blue Nation but showed signs of life last week agaisnt UNC. He had 12 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. I think this is a great cheap option that could be a great find for a cash game. Also with Cam Fletcher out of the picture at Kentucky it is a great opportunity for him to step up and have a big night.

Other Guards To Consider:

  • David Johnson (UL - DK: $7,700; FD: $6,700)
  • Brandon Boston Jr. (UK - DK: $6,700; FD: $6,600)
  • Duane Washington Jr. (OSU - DK: $6,300; FD: $5,900) - Not the greatest shooter, but he takes a bunch of shots.
  • Samuell Williams (UL - DK: $5,900; FD: $6,100) - Also eligible at Forward for a little flexibility.
  • Trent Frazier (ILL - DK: $5,000; FD: $4,900)
  • Caleb Mills (HOU - DK: $3,700; FD: $4,300) - Need to really keep an eye on his status, but reports earlier in the week suggested he could suit up for this one.
Top Forwards
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Trayce Jackson-DavisIUIL920037.97800035.79
TJD has a very hefty pricetag but I've said it once and I'll continue to say you get what you pay for. Jackson-Davis' lowest fantasy output this year was a 23.5 point fantasy night against Texas in the Maui Invitational. Jackson-Davis has gone over 30 fantasy points in 6/8 games this season so if you can find a way to fit TJD in your lineup he shouldn't disappoint. I will continue to advocate for his frontcourt mate Race Thompson ($6200 DK, $6600 FD) as a great paydown option, he's gone over 20 fantasy points in 5/8 games.
Quentin GrimesHOUUCF900035.58760032.53
I decided to include Quentin Grimes in the forward spot because there aren't many great options in the forward spot and he is G/F eligible for DK. Grimes is yet another gaurd that has flourished in Kalvin Sampson's system. Grimes is averaging 20 ppg, 2 apg and 7.7 rpg (which you all know by now I love guards that can rebound). Against UCF he will be by far the best player on the court and ex[ect him to fill it up against the Knights. DeJon Jarreau ($7200 DK, $5900 FD) is a good paydown option for Grimes especially in FD as he is a bargain at $5900.
Kofi CockburnILIU820031.72730029.37
Kofi Cockburn is an absolute monster at 7 feet and 285 lbs. He is the closest thing this college hoops season that we have to Aziubuke of Kansas. Cockburn is averaging 17.4 ppg and 9.3 rpg, plus 1.4 blocks per contest. Cockburn shouild go up against TJD and should be able to feast as Jackson-Davis is facing a serious size difference.
Corey KispertGONZUV750033.42700025.30
Corey Kispert probably offers the best value amongst the highly priced forwards. Kispert had a relative quite night last week against Iowa with onl 13 points, 2 rebounds in 6 assists but was hampered by foul trouble and only played 25 minutes. He still was very productive despite the shorten burn due to fouls. So against Virginia expect him to have a nice bounce back night. The Gonzaga offense is just so potent that playing a good defensive team in UVA doesn't scare me. Get your Zags in your lineups.
E.J. LiddellOSUNW730030.38700029.30
E.J. Liddell returned to the Buckeye lineup last weekend in the CBS Sports Classic and was probably on a minutes resriction in a win vs UCLA. On Wednesday Coach Holtmann played Liddell for 31 minutes and their star forward did not disappoint. He had 21 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks in a win against a talented Rutgers team. So take advantage of a lower price point considering he is just 3 games removed from an injury. Kyle Young was such an x-factor for the Buckeyes last season and this year with injuries he hasn't had a great year. However he could be a great paydown option at $5000 for DK and $5400 for FD.
Value Forwards
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Jay HuffUVGONZ680026.35620025.14
While UVA seems to be outmaned by a truly great offensive unit in Gonzaga I still belive UVA will come to play in this one. The 7-1 big man from NC should play a big role in this one. Huff is averaging 11.6 ppg and 6.2 rpg and is averaging a very nice 2.8 bpg. What I like about Huff the most is that he is battle tested being apart of UVA's title run. I expect him to be up for the task in this big showdown.
Pete NanceNWOSU640025.25580023.48
I included Pete Nance as a value forward last week when he took on MSU and he did not disappoint. Nance had 15 points and 12 rebounds for the Wildcats who earned the upset victory against the Spartans. His price hasn't really changed since so think he provides a ton of value, especially in FD where he is $5800.
Isaiah JacksonUKUL580022.67520021.40
Isaiah Jackson doesnt wow you with his stat line of 5.8 ppg and 8.7 rpg but he consistently produces decent numbers which makes him great value on both platforms. Again with Kentucky struggling one of these freshman are bound to step up so maybe try Jackson in a cash game.
Isaiah AdamsUCFHOU530024.75600023.15
The UCF Knights were bound to take advantage on the recruiting trail from their nice run in the NCAA Tournament run two years ago. They seemed to have landed a good one in freshman Isaiah Adams. The freshman forward is averaging 14.3 ppg and 4.5 rpg. Think he is a great cash play option for both platforms.

Other Forwards To Consider:

  • Drew Timme (GONZ - DK: $7,900; FD: $7,400) - Still prefer Kispert over Timme because he shoots from three-point range, but Timme's flirted with the double-double bonus in three straight games now.
  • Race Thompson (IU - DK: $6,200; FD: $6,600)
  • Kyle Young (OSU - DK: $5,000; FD: $5,400)
  • C.J. Walker (UCF - DK: $4,200; FD: $5,400) - GPP Only play; you don't get many former five-star recruits at this price tag. Also hoping Sean Mobley doesn't start over him again. Also, this is a different C.J. Walker from the one that's listed below in the Example Lineups.
  • Kadin Shedrick (UVA - DK: $3,600; FD: $3,900) - GPP Only as there's obvious risk. It begs the questions, does he gets seven minutes off the bench or 16? He's averaging 11.4 minutes per game but is third on the team in rebounds per game and in two of his last three games he has double-digit points. Can't stress the risk here enough though.

Example Lineups

Please note these lineups are not meant for plug and play but examples of lineups that can be created with playbook above.

DK CashFD Cash
Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalaryPos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary
GDevin AskewUKUL13.04$4,800GAyo DosunmuILLIU39.94$8,200
Pivot     PivotAndre CurbeloILLIU20.39$5,800
GJoel AyayiGONZUV27.38$7,000GJoel AyayiGONZUVA25.83$6,700
PivotCJ WalkerOSUNW22.56$5,600PivotJalen SuggsGONZUVA34.88$7,800
GBoo BuieNWOSU27.83$6,900GKihei ClarkUVAGONZ12.70$5,200
Pivot     Pivot     
FKofi CockburnILIU31.72$8,200GDeJon JarreauHOUUCF22.28$5,900
PivotCorey KispertGONZUV33.42$7,500PivotBrandon MahanUCFHOU32.28$6,800
FIsaiah JacksonUKUL22.7$5,800FCorey KispertGONZUVA31.42$6,900
PivotRace ThompsonIUIL25.69$6,200Pivot     
FKyle YoungOSUNW19.16$5,000FKyle YoungOSUNW18.44$5,400
PivotIsaiah AdamsUCFHOU24.75$5,300Pivot     
UtilAndre CurbeloILIU22$5,700FTrayce Jackson-DavisIUILL35.79$8,000
Pivot     Pivot     
UtilArmaan FranklinIUIL25.72$6,500UtilDevin AskewUKUL11.33$3,700
PivotCarlik JonesULUK33.5$7,900Pivot     
    Total$49,900    Total$50,000
   Pivot Total$49,900   Pivot Total$49,600
            
DK GPPFD GPP
Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalaryPos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary
GArmaan FranklinIUIL25.72$6,500GDuane Washington JrOSUNW23.05$5,900
PivotAndrew Nemhard    Pivot     
GSamuell WilliamsonULUK24.12$5,900GBoo BuieNWOSU25.12$6,600
PivotBrandon Boston Jr.UKUL26.58$6,700Pivot     
GAndre CurbeloILIU22$5,700GArmaan FranklinIUILL23.40$6,000
Pivot     PivotJoel AyayiGONZUVA25.83$6,700
FE.J. LiddellOSUNW30.38$7,300GDre Fuller Jr.UCFHOU18.73$5,000
Pivot     Pivot     
FPete NanceNWOSU25.25$6,400FRace ThompsonIUILL23.48$6,600
Pivot     PivotKofi CockburnILLIU29.37$7,300
FJay HuffUVGONZ26.35$6,800FCorey KispertGONZUVA31.42$6,900
PivotSam HauserUVGONZ24.6$6,600Pivot     
UtilRace ThompsonIUIL25.69$6,200FPete NanceNWOSU23.38$5,800
Pivot     Pivot     
Util ULUK21.38$5,100UtilCarlik JonesULUK31.08$7,100
Pivot     PivotAndre CurbeloILLIND20.395800
    Total$49,900    Total$49,900
   Pivot Total$50,000   Pivot Total$50,000