DraftKings’ main slate for Monday includes the first six games of the night. Below, I dive into three of my favorite DFS options to consider for tonight’s NBA action.
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C, Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers vs. San Antonio Spurs, $6,800
Allen is way underpriced for life without Evan Mobley (out, rest) and is a tough fade Thursday. When Mobley is out, the Cavaliers opt to start a wing at power forward in his place and not having to share the front-court with another big man naturally boosts Allen’s numbers. In the eight starts the center has made without Mobley this season, Allen is scoring 39.4 FPTS per game. With Mobley off the floor this season, Allen’s usage and rebound rates increase 2.4 and 2.2 percentage points, respectively. That works out to an average of 1.3 FPTS per minute for the big man.
With Victor Wembanyama (shoulder) done for the season, the Spurs have been one of the best matchups in the league since the All-Star break, ranking second-to-last in defensive rating and seventh in pace. Cleveland carries a slate-high 126.5-point implied team total on DraftKings Sportsbook and Allen has the potential for over 40 FPTS in this near perfect situation.
PG, Davion Mitchell, Miami Heat vs. Atlanta Hawks, $4,000
While Mitchell comes off the bench for the Heat, he has been one of their main players and thriving with the large role. While ranking fourth on the team with 31.6 minutes per game, Mitchell is producing 23.3 FPTS per game since the All-Star break (18 games). Most recently, the veteran has flashed strong upside, topping 30 FPTS in three of his last six games.
Mitchell’s prowess on the defensive end has made him a favorite of Miami HC Erik Spoelstra and Mitchell should continue to handle a heavy workload for the rest of the season. Every game is crucial for the Heat right now as they are only one game back of the Bulls for the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference and this is an appealing matchup vs. the Hawks, who rank 21st in defensive rating since the All-Star break. Mitchell posted 34.5 FPTS when he faced Atlanta in late February and has similar upside tonight.
PG, Anthony Black, Orlando Magic vs. Dallas Mavericks, $4,000
Black is fresh off a 33.25 FPTS outing vs. the Hornets, which marked his third straight performance of at least 29 FPTS. Black’s impressive play has been a product of the Magic being shorthanded in their backcourt with Jalen Suggs (knee) and Cole Anthony (toe) sidelined. Suggs is out for the season and Anthony is doubtful tonight, so Black should continue to see a large role off the bench.
With Suggs and Anthony missing the last four, Black is handling a 21% usage rate and logging 26.9 minutes per game. The guard generates 0.9 FPTS per minute sans Suggs and Anthony this season and going against this Mavericks team that ranks 26th in defensive rating the All-Star break, Black should easily out produce his low price tag, possibly with over 30 FPTS.
