There are seven NBA games on Monday’s main slate. Cleveland is playing the second leg of a back-to-back.
Keep track of all the injury news at DK Network.
This article was written on Sunday night. Any changes will be updated.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $200K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons at Indiana Pacers ($10,500)
Many were expecting another leveling up for Cunningham entering the season. After the first four games, though, it looked as if he was plateauing. Well, since then, Cunningham has put up at least 50 FPTS in all but one contest with three over 60 FPTS and a high of 96 FPTS! Indiana is ninth in pace and only 23rd in defensive rating so the environment should be a fantasy-friendly one.
Other Options: Josh Giddey ($9,800), Donovan Mitchell ($9,600), Jalen Brunson ($9,000), Ryan Rollins ($8,000), Mikal Bridges ($7,500), Norman Powell ($7,300), Trey Murphy III ($7,200), Bennedict Mathurin ($6,700), Andrew Nembhard ($6,500), Vince Williams Jr. ($6,200)
Value
D’Angelo Russell, Dallas Mavericks at Miami Heat ($5,300)
Russell started the season in a reserve role as Jason Kidd went with the jumbo lineup with Cooper Flagg at point guard. But the rookie had some struggles so Kidd brought back Russell into the point guard mix. The shooting inconsistency, lack of foot speed and defensive deficiencies reminded Kidd why he benched Russell in the first place, so he went with Brandon Williams. Then Williams’ lack of shooting got Russell more minutes at times, and Russell responded with 40+ FPTS in two of the last four games. Whew. The drama. Anyways, Williams is questionable with a back issue so Russell could get around 30 minutes in this one. And minutes are half the battle. Miami is playing at the fastest pace in the league, so the opportunities for fantasy goodies should be elevated.
Other Options: Ayo Dosunmu ($5,300), Jeremiah Fears ($5,300), Duncan Robinson ($5,000), Max Christie ($4,800), Caleb Love ($4,500)
Forward
Stud
Michael Porter Jr., Brooklyn Nets vs. New York Knicks ($8,200)
Porter is one of the best bucket getters in the league. He doesn’t have explosive athleticism or the sickest handle package, but at 6-foot-10, he can get his shot up against and over most. And with Cam Thomas out due to injury, Porter Jr. has garnered the usage and embraced the alpha role for the Nets. Porter Jr. has always been a good rebounder, but the playmaking has been a welcome surprise this season. Over the last five games, Porter Jr. has put up at least 43 FPTS in all with two over 50 FPTS.
Other Options: Karl-Anthony Towns ($9,500), Deni Avdija ($9,300), Evan Mobley ($8,400), Cooper Flagg ($7,400), P.J. Washington ($7,200), Bobby Portis ($6,700), Jerami Grant ($6,500), Vince Williams Jr. ($6,200), De’Andre Hunter ($6,100)
Value
Jay Huff, Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons ($3,900)
The center position has been a conundrum for Indiana all season. Both Huff and Isaiah Jackson have been utilized, but over the last two games, Huff has been a bigger part of the rotation, playing 27 and 26 minutes and putting up 39.8 and 20.8 FPTS. He’s protected the rim well and has the ability to space the floor with heaves from downtown. The playing time could dissipate at any moment, but I think he’s earned the right to more playing time for now.
Other Options: Naji Marshall ($5,700), Tobias Harris ($5,500), Ayo Dosunmu ($5,300), Peyton Watson ($5,300), Saddiq Bey ($5,000), Duncan Robinson ($5,000), Max Christie ($4,800), Collin Murray-Boyles ($3,800)
Center
Stud
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets at Memphis Grizzlies ($13,500)
Jokic is expensive but some would argue that he’s not expensive enough. Jokic is the greatest fantasy player of our generation, as he literally stuffs the stat sheet and is a threat to triple-double on any given night and put up close to 100 FPTS. On the season, he’s put up over 50 FPTS in every game with seven over 70 FPTS and with three of those over 80 FPTS. He has the highest floor/ceiling combo in the game.
Other Options: Nikola Vucevic ($8,100), Jalen Duren ($7,900), Bam Adebayo ($7,800), Nic Claxton ($6,800), Bobby Portis ($6,700), Zach Edey ($6,500), Kel’el Ware ($6,300)
Value
Derik Queen, New Orleans Pelicans vs. Chicago Bulls ($5,800)
The Pelicans gave up a lot to move up in the draft for Queen. Probably too much since the pick they shipped out could be a premium one in a draft that has multiple potential franchise-altering players. That said, Queen has been very, very good. While he has physical limitations, his moxie, IQ and skill are already NBA-ready. Since becoming a significant part of the rotation, Queen has contributed at least 20 FPTS in 11 straight with seven of those over 30 FPTS and a high of 53.8 FPTS. He’s put up over 40 FPTS in each of the last three games. Due to his all-around game, he has the highest ceiling of any player below $6,000.
Other Options: Donovan Clingan ($6,000), Daniel Gafford ($5,500), Jay Huff ($3,900), Collin Murray-Boyles ($3,800)
