Fantasy basketball advice: NBA FanDuel sleepers/busts for Tuesday, Dec. 8

As for what we're doing in this space: the goal here will be to direct your attention toward some players who you might not otherwise consider. If you're here and reading this, then you already know that LeBron James is really good. But when filling out a roster you can't just pick out stars. You'll blow your cap and get stuck praying to the basketball gods that a guy like Kosta Koufos gets into the game. No, if you want to win, you have to take advantage of certain matchups -- and in order to do that you have to know where to look. That's what we're here for. Also, this space is going to be used to give you advice for the games on Tuesday, Dec 8. So, with that, let's get started.

James Harden, SG, Rockets ($10,800): The Bearded One is the star to ride Tuesday night. Harden has picked up the pace a bit over the last few games and on this night he gets to attack a leaky Nets' defense that is allowing opposing shooting guards to put up 38 FanDuel points per game, the second most in the NBA. The Nets have no one to defend Harden and the Rockets need every win they can come by after a slow start to the season. Look for Harden to put up some big numbers in this one.

Elfrid Payton, PG, Magic ($6,800): He still can't shoot, but that hasn't stopped the Magic's second-year point guard from putting up numbers. Payton has been especially good of late, averaging 17 points, seven assists, five rebounds and two steals over his last three games. On Tuesday, Orlando takes on a Nuggets team that has trouble defending and been torched by point guards all season.

Thaddeus Young, SF, Nets ($6,800): Young is averaging 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds over his last five games and on Tuesday gets to face a Rockets team that has the fourth-worst defensive rating in the league. Houston is also surrendering 46 FanDuel points to opposing power forwards per night, the second most in the league. The game might not be pretty for the Nets, but Young should be able to get his.

DeMarcus Cousins, C, Kings ($9,800): Cousins is going through one of the worst streaks of his career. He's shooting just 30 percent from the field and averaging just 18.5 points over his last five games. Things won't get any easier for him on Tuesday when the Kings welcome the Jazz's big and athletic front line to Sacramento.

Paul George, SF, Pacers ($10,100): This is more about the matchup than George, who's been incredible in his return to the court. The problem: on Tuesday he'll have to get by Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala and the strong Warriors' defense, which will undoubtedly key in on George. George may get his, but he's going to have to work for it. At this price you're better off going with someone who will have an easier go of things.

Danilo Gallinari, SF, Nuggets ($7,100): No team has improved its defense this season as much as the Magic have. They're holding opponents to 101 points, one of the top marks in the league. That doesn't bode well for any of the Nuggets, but especially Gallinari, who will be hard-pressed to find any openings against that stout unit.

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