The NBA has three games on tap to tip off this final week of February. Even with a smaller slate, DraftKings has some huge DFS fantasy basketball contests available. Let’s dive into the matchups and take a look at the three must-start NBA fantasy basketball options who can be the core of your Monday night roster.
None of the six teams are on either half of back-to-back games, and the injury report is pretty straightforward for most of the teams, with Keyonte George the biggest uncertainty coming into the day. Still, be sure to keep an eye out for any adjustments needed as teams release injury reports throughout the day. As you construct your roster, here are three players who can’t be overlooked:
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
SF/PF G.G. Jackson, Memphis Grizzlies vs. Sacramento Kings, $5,500
The Grizzlies and Kings meet in a matchup that should have plenty of fantasy value since both teams are relying on players with lower salaries to carry the workload. Each team has also struggled defensively, allowing plenty of points in their recent struggles. The Grizzlies will look to extend the Kings’ losing streak to 17 straight games, but they will need to continue to rely on G.G. Jackson to step up. The Grizzlies traded Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Jazz, listed Zach Edey and Santi Aldama as out for this matchup, and even Kyle Anderson (back) is doubtful, leaving Jackson with all the usage and minutes he can handle.
Jackson has stepped up in the past when given expanded minutes and has done so again over the last few weeks. He has scored double-digit points in eight of his last nine games dating back to the end of January, and he has stepped up with 21, 20 and 28 points in his last three games.
On Saturday, he played 26 minutes against the Heat, pouring in 28 points to go with nine rebounds on his way to 45.75 FPTS. He has at least 31 FPTS in six of his last nine games and at least 33 FPTS in three straight. He’s been more aggressive in his last two games since the All-Star break, taking a total of 30 field-goal attempts against the Jazz and Heat.
At under $6,000, he brings a very high ceiling as he continues to step up for Memphis.
C Maxime Raynaud, Sacramento Kings at Memphis Grizzlies, $6,100
On the other side of the matchup, Raynaud should thrive against the Grizzlies’ short-handed front line. Raynaud has stepped into a bigger role for the Kings since Domantas Sabonis is out for the season, and he should get all the minutes he can handle while Dylan Cardwell (ankle) is also out.
Raynaud has played 39 and 26 minutes in his two games since Cardwell was hurt in practice over the All-Star break. He had 17 points, 14 boards and 43.5 FPTS against the Magic in the first game after the break, and he followed that with 16 points, 12 rebounds and 38.5 FPTS against the Spurs.
The second-round pick from France has been one of the few bright spots for the Kings this season, producing three double-doubles in his last four games and over 38 FPTS in each of those contests. He should dominate the smaller Grizzlies down low on Monday, and he could be in for another monster double-double, especially if he logs over 35 minutes.
PG Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons vs. San Antonio Spurs, $10,500
The big stars of the slate go head-to-head as Cunningham leads his Pistons against Victor Wembanyama ($10,700). Since there is plenty of value from the other games (especially Kings-Grizzlies), it makes sense to build your lineup around one or both of the big stars. Since Cunningham is a little cheaper and doesn’t block Raynaud or other centers you want to play, I think Cunningham is a slightly better play, although both options bring extremely high ceilings.
Cunningham had a 42-point double-double in the Pistons’ home win against the Knicks on Thursday, racking up 79 fantasy points in a dominant performance. He matched his total with 13 assists on Saturday as well, narrowly missing a triple-double in a big win over the Bulls. He finished with 59.2 FPTS in just 30 minutes in that contest. Cunningham has at least 52 FPTS in four straight games and seven of his last nine.
In his 49 games, Cunningham is averaging 51 FPTS per game, and he usually plays big minutes with heavy usage and a high ceiling in showcase games like this one. He’s my favorite star to build around this Monday and a must-start NBA fantasy basketball option to consider.
