The NBA has a trifecta of games on the slate this Monday, as the work week starts with a slower slate. It’s the first work day of a new month, though, and DraftKings has some big DFS fantasy basketball contests on the board. Looking at the options, three must-start NBA fantasy basketball plays stand out that can serve as the core for your lineups this Monday.
The Clippers are the only team playing for the second day in a row as they host the Sixers in a nice nightcap, but good fantasy options are spread all throughout the three games on the scoreboard. As you construct your roster, here are three players who deserve to be considered:
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PG/SG Ty Jerome, Memphis Grizzlies vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, $4,000
If you didn’t realize Jerome was back, that’s not a surprise. The Virginia product had a breakout season last year for the Cavaliers, but he missed the first 46 games of the season for the Grizz. He made his Memphis debut on Saturday in the first game of this series against the Timberwolves.
Jerome jumped right into the starting lineup in his first game, and even though he only played 20 minutes, he stepped up and delivered 32.2 fantasy points on 20 points, six assists and a steal. He should remain in the starting lineup for the rematch on Monday and could be ready for even more minutes.
Last year, Jerome proved he can produce in multiple categories when given the opportunity, and he should have a wide-open path to playing time while Ja Morant is out. Morant could be moved at the trade deadline as well, so Jerome is a key pickup for season-long fantasy basketball leagues and is a must-start NBA fantasy basketball option at this very affordable salary on Monday night.
SF Jordan Miller, Los Angeles Clippers vs. Philadelphia 76ers, $5,000
The Clippers didn’t have James Harden on Sunday night since the superstar guard was away from the team to deal with a personal matter. Miller got a little more usage as a result, dropping 20 points and finishing with 29.2 fantasy points in 24 minutes as the team cruised past the Suns.
Miller has scored double-digit points in nine of his last 10 games and has produced over 24 fantasy points in six of his last nine. The young wing is finding a nice rhythm in the second unit for the Clippers, and he could end up with an even bigger role against Philly, depending on if the Clippers rest any other players.
He brings a very high ceiling after his strong showing Sunday and is a borderline must-start NBA fantasy basketball value even if everyone plays for the Clippers. If the team opts to get John Collins or Kawhi Leonard a break or remains without Harden, Miller is a strong enough option to be in almost any roster build. He brings excellent versatility as well, since he is eligible at both guard and forward.m per game and nail them at higher than a 70% clip, and George is one of them.
C Joel Embiid, Philaelphia 76ers at Los Angeles Clippers, $9,700
Since we’ve gone with value plays at guard and forward, we can pay up for Embiid in the middle, as he leads his Sixers to Inglewood to try to sink the Clip Ship. Embiid has looke like his former fantasy self lately, delivering monster stat lines in just about every matchup. His salary is still under $10,000, so he’s a solid value if you can find affordable plays to build around him like Miller, Jerome and some of the Rockets filling inf or Kevin Durant (ankle).
Embiid had 40 points, 11 rebounds and 66.2 fantasy points on Satuday agianst the Pelicans after losing teammate Paul George to suspension. Embiid should carry more of the offensive workload without PG and be able to continue producing at a high level. He has at least 58 fantasy points in four of his last five games and has scored at lest 30 points in six of his last seven, coming up just short with 29 points against the Bucks.
While injury risk is always real with the big man, Embiid is a good option for DFS lineups, where his long-term health is a non-factor. He doesn’t usually leave games in the middle, so he’s a solid play even though he’s probable due to right ankle injury management. As long as he’s good-to-go, he’s a great superstar to anchor your DFS lineups as one of Monday’s must-start NBA fantasy basketball options.
