Building a winning PrizePicks entry today requires a deep dive into "opportunity cost" and projected minutes. With several stars sidelined, the value has shifted toward the secondary and primary scorers who are forced to absorb extra field goal attempts. Tonight’s featured picks highlight a high-floor starter and a high-efficiency bench player, both of whom are seeing increased responsibility. By looking at recent usage trends rather than just seasonal averages, we can identify lines that have not yet adjusted to the current injury reports. These two plays offer a strong foundation for any multi-leg entry on the December 18th slate.

PrizePicks Free NBA Picks, December 18th: NBA DFS Projections

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Now, let’s dive into today’s NBA DFS projections and the best PrizePicks NBA picks to help you build a winning lineup.

 

 

 

Paolo Banchero PrizePicks NBA Pick:  More Than 22.5 Points

Banchero is the primary engine for an Orlando team that is severely shorthanded tonight. With the absences of Wagner and Suggs, there is essentially no competition for shots in the starting unit. Paolo is coming off a 25-point performance where he played a season-high 35 minutes, signaling that the coaching staff is ready to lean on him heavily. Denver’s defense has been middle-of-the-pack this season, and without a specialized defender to slow Banchero’s physical drives, he is a lock for high-volume scoring.

 

 

 

Jaden Ivey NBA PrizePicks Fantasy Pick: More Than 8.5 Points

Jaden Ivey has been the definition of consistency lately, clearing this 8.5-point threshold in four of his last five appearances. Even in a reserve role, his 28% usage rate ensures that he is the primary option for the second unit, and his minutes have trended upward, reaching a season-best 21 in his last game. Ivey has a knack for getting to the free-throw line, which provides a safety net for this scoring prop. Against a Dallas team that is dealing with multiple defensive injuries, Ivey should maintain his streak of double-digit scoring performances.

 

 

 

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