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Here are five stud players to consider at each position for Monday’s seven-game fantasy basketball slate on DraftKings:
Point Guard
Russell Westbrook, Houston Rockets at New York Knicks ($10,000) — The Rockets made a critical lineup change at the end of January that has helped Westbrook utilize his strengths and increase his production. Houston began playing without a traditional center, starting 6’5” wing P.J. Tucker at center. By starting Tucker at center and shipping C Clint Capela to the Hawks, Westbrook has had an easier time getting clearance to the basket due to more floor spacing. Westbrook is shooting 67% on shots within five feet of the basket since the lineup change, a boost from 59% previously. Westbrook is driving to the basket more often and scoring more points off drives to the basket as a result. 66% of Westbrook’s points have come off drives to the basket since the Rockets made their lineup change on Jan. 31, a boost from 55% previously.
Shooting Guard
Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz at Cleveland Cavaliers ($7,900) — Mitchell has a soft matchup against a poor Cavaliers defense that has allowed the second most assists to opponents and seventh most points to opponents. The Jazz are 8.5-point favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook, so there is blowout risk, but Mitchell should be in good position for points and assists provided a normal minute load.
Small Forward
Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat vs. Milwaukee Bucks ($7,500) — Butler’s price tag is the fourth lowest it’s been all season. A matchup against a stingy and lengthy Bucks defense isn’t ideal, but Milwaukee’s league-leading pace can help boost possessions for fantasy scoring despite the Bucks having an elite defense on a possession adjusted basis. The Bucks are also flying into Miami on the second night of a back-to-back, where the dreaded “South Beach Flu” could be a factor. The Heat will have the rest advantage and home court advantage, which could allow Butler’s fantasy production to play up despite a tough matchup on paper. Butler is averaging 43 DKFP in home games this season.
Power Forward
John Collins, Atlanta Hawks vs. Memphis Grizzlies ($8,900) — Both the Grizzlies and Hawks play a fast pace, each ranking in the top seven, which should help this game feature elevated possessions for fantasy scoring. The Grizzlies have combined their fast pace with below average defense, which has them allowing the eighth most points to opponents. Collins is a solid play in a game that is expected to be high-scoring.
Center
Kristaps Porzingis, Dallas Mavericks at Chicago Bulls ($8,600) — If Luka Doncic (thumb) remains out Monday, Porzingis would be a highly appealing play against the Bulls—provided Porzingis plays. Porzingis has been frequently rested on the second night of a back-to-back this season, so fantasy owners will need to check back in to make sure he is in the lineup. If he does play and Doncic remains out, Porzingis would have clearance for strong volume. Porzingis’ usage rate ticks up to 29% in minutes with Doncic off the court this season, up from 23% with Doncic on the court. Porzingis is coming off a massive 75.75 DKFP outing yesterday with Doncic sidelined after taking a ridiculous 14 3-point attempts and 25 total shots. A matchup against the Bulls is particularly appealing on the glass, as Chicago has been one of the league’s worst rebounding teams. If Porzingis ends up sitting out to rest, Cavaliers C Andre Drummond ($8,000) could be pivot option given Tristan Thompson (knee) is out again. Drummond scored 60 DKFP in 36 minutes with Thompson sidelined on Saturday.
Note: Porzingis has been ruled out vs. the Bulls to rest.
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is timfinn521) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.