There are four NBA games on Monday’s main slate. BKN, PHI, SAC and TOR are playing the second leg of a back-to-back.
This article was written on Sunday night. Any changes will be updated. Keep track of all the injury news at DK Network.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $150K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
Derrick White, Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers ($8,400)
White is always an appealing option due to his ability to stuff the stat sheet in every statistical category. But he can access a ceiling and has put up over 50 FPTS six times this season. There’s a good chance he makes it seven on Monday for a couple of reasons. First, the matchup should be a fantasy-friendly one as Indiana is 10th in pace and 20th in defensive rating. Second, Jaylen Brown is doubtful and, with Brown off the court this season, White has seen an 8.97% usage rate bump. And that sample has been a robust 350 minutes.
Other Options: Tyrese Maxey ($10,000), Donovan Mitchell ($9,400), Keyonte George ($8,300), Darius Garland ($7,400), VJ Edgecombe ($7,100), Payton Pritchard ($6,900), Immanuel Quickley ($6,800)
Value
Sam Merrill, Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Utah Jazz ($4,900)
Since returning from injury in late December, Merrill has put up at least 20 FPTS in seven of 10 games, with three of those over 30 FPTS and a high of 44.5 FPTS. Merrill is shooting a blistering 46% from downtown and is going to get plenty of good looks playing alongside Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. While the defensive stats aren’t plentiful, Merrill is grabbing some boards and dishing out some dimes to not be completely scoring dependent. The matchup is a great one as Utah is fourth in pace and last in defensive rating.
Other Options: Jaylon Tyson ($5,200), T.J. McConnell ($5,100), Ryan Nembhard ($4,700), Walter Clayton Jr. ($3,900)
Forward
Stud
Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz at Cleveland Cavaliers ($8,500)
Revenge! It’s kind of wild to think that Cleveland couldn’t figure out how to use Markkanen back in 2021-22, but Utah sure is thrilled. Markkanen has been playing at an All-Star level this season, averaging 27.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.9 treys per game. He’s put up at least 40 FPTS in seven straight and went for 72 FPTS nine games ago!
Other Options: Scottie Barnes ($8,200), Aaron Nesmith ($6,400)
Value
Jarace Walker, Indiana Pacers vs. Boston Celtics ($4,100)
Walker put up a season-high 41.2 FPTS last game. He played 30 minutes, but most of that run came in a blowout, so I’m not expecting a repeat of the playing time or fantasy performance. Prior to that game, Walker was mired in the low-teens. That said, Walker was a first-round pick and this is his third year in the league. The coaching staff effused tons of praise for Walker’s performance last game, so maybe that brought some goodwill and more playing time. Now, if the ownership is high, then it’s an easy pivot because it’s more than likely that he receives fewer than 20 minutes. But if the ownership is low, then I have no issues taking the risk since I know what the floor is and there is some upside.
Other Options: Kelly Oubre Jr. ($5,400), Jaylon Tyson ($5,200), Collin Murray-Boyles ($5,100), Sam Merrill ($4,900), Johnny Furphy ($4,000)
Center
Stud
Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Utah Jazz ($6,300)
Allen opened the season slowly as he was dealing with an injury and spotty playing time. Things look good now, though. Over the last six games, Allen is playing around 28 to 30 minutes and has put up at least 30 FPTS in all with four of those over 40 FPTS. Utah plays fast and is one of the worst defensive teams, so there should be plenty of opportunities for fantasy goodies.
Other Options: Joel Embiid ($9,000), Evan Mobley ($7,900)
Value
Neemias Queta, Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers ($5,200)
Queta has gone over 40 FPTS twice this season, but he’s always more of a floor play. Queta has put up at least 20 FPTS in 17 straight with five of those over 30 FPTS. He will more than likely finish in the 20 FPTS range.
Other Options: Nic Claxton ($5,700), Sandro Mamukelashvili ($5,300), Collin Murray-Boyles ($5,100), Andre Drummond ($4,500) if Embiid is out
