NBA daily fantasy picks December 23; D-Rose, Gasol to dominate position, Golden State fantasy dump

By Ryan Dawn Umadhay / Dec 22, 2016 12:27 PM EST
(Photo : Getty Images/Scott Halleran) Derrick Rose #25 of the New York Knicks takes the basketball up the court during their game against the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center on October 4, 2016 in Houston, Texas.

The strongest teams in the Western Conference will play tonight that offer fantasy players a chance to gain serious points. On the other hand, New York Knicks may find themselves challenged but a key player could exploit his position for the game.

Spurs Face Clippers Sans Griffin, Golden State at Brooklyn

According to Yahoo Sports, the San Antonio Spurs will face the Los Angeles Clippers without their star forward Blake Griffin. The power forward could be out for six weeks which should put a blow to his fantasy teams. With Griffin out, Spurs' Paul Gasol and Lamarcus Aldridge will have a field day and Marreese Speights is the only one who might stop them.

Fantasy players should replace Griffin immediately due to injury. Some good options for the position are: Porzingis (Knicks), Ibaka (Orlando), Turner (Indiana) and Horford (Boston).

The Golden State Warriors is always expected to put up impressive fantasy numbers. Those who bet on Draymond Green to finally put up monster points could look forward tomorrow as they face the Brooklyn Nets. He might face some tough challenges in front court but he'll most likely be the go to guy down under after Durant, Curry and Thompson create the needed space.

Derrick Rose to Push Higher

In the Eastern Conference, the Knicks will face the surging Orlando Magic in their home court to continue their winning streak according to Fox Sports. Porzingis and Lee will face some challenge from Fournier, Ibaka and Vucevic but this could lead to a big game for Derrick Rose. The former Bulls point guard will come in at 16.7 PPG but he could gain more points as he'll pass through Orlando's Elfrid Payton and DJ Augustin easily.

There are only five games on Dec. 23 but the match-ups promises impressive numbers. Mismatch and injuries in key positions should help individual players rack up points for fantasy players.