There are four NBA games on Monday’s main slate. No teams 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 $200K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks at Utah Jazz ($7,200)
It’s tough not going with Cade Cunningham, but I’m intrigued with the potential upside with Flagg while factoring in the price. Plus, if paying up, I’d rather go with Nikola Jokic. On the season, Flagg is garnering a usage rate at 22.4%, but he does have three games with at least 30%. As for fantasy production, he’s put up at least 40 FPTS nine times, but I think a 50-burger is possible on Monday. We know Flagg can score, grab rebounds, dish out dimes and get busy on defense, but he’s yet to put it all together. Well, Utah is fourth in pace and 29th in defensive rating, so the opportunity for fantasy goodies should be elevated.
Other Options: Cade Cunningham ($10,700), Jamal Murray ($8,700), Keyonte George ($7,800), Derrick White ($7,500), Tyler Herro ($7,400), Immanuel Quickley ($7,000), Norman Powell ($6,900)
Value
Brandon Williams, Dallas Mavericks at Utah Jazz ($4,200)
The role for Williams has been all over the map this season. He started the season buried on the depth chart, but then was thrust into the rotation due to the inconsistency and ineptitude of D’Angelo Russell. Williams then started nine games due to his offensive juice, but the inability to space the floor sent him back to a reserve role. Russell is now buried on the depth chart while Ryan Nembhard has been given the chance to orchestrate the offense. Williams is now free to do what he does best, which is attack the basket and get buckets. As mentioned in the Flagg section, this should be a fantasy-friendly environment in which Williams should thrive in.
Other Options: Davion Mitchell ($5,800), Naji Marshall ($5,200), Jamal Shead ($4,900), Duncan Robinson ($4,700), Jaden Ivey ($3,600)
Forward
Stud
Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics vs. Detroit Pistons ($9,700)
Brown and Jayson Tatum were 1A and 1B when Tatum was healthy. With Tatum out due to injury, there were questions whether Brown could fulfill the alpha role. Well, through 24 games, I’d say the answer is yes. Brown is garnering a massive usage rate of 36.2% and averaging 29.1 points, 2.1 treys, 6.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 49% from the field and 79% from the line. He’s put up at least 50 FPTS 10 times this season with a high of 71.5 FPTS. Detroit is third in defensive rating, but Brown went for 55 FPTS when these teams met earlier in the season.
Other Options: Anthony Davis ($9,500) if he plays, Alperen Sengun ($9,300), Norman Powell ($6,900), P.J. Washington ($6,700), Jabari Smith Jr. ($6,300)
Value
Naji Marshall, Dallas Mavericks at Utah Jazz ($5,200)
With Anthony Davis back and playing center, Marshall has started the last six games and averaged 15.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.2 treys. That’s translated to at least 22 FPTS in all those games with two over 30 FPTS. Utah plays fast and eschews defense, so there should be plenty of opportunities for fantasy goodies.
Other Options: Peyton Watson ($5,700), Kyle Filipowski ($5,400), Jordan Walsh ($5,000), Tobias Harris ($4,800)
Center
Stud
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets vs. Houston Rockets ($12,700)
Jokic is on the slate? He’s how much? IDC, IDC. Fine, I do care a bit because context is crucial, especially on a small slate. That said, if you can fit Jokic in, then it’s probably a good idea to take that path because he is one of, if not, the greatest fantasy player of our generation. He has the highest floor/ceiling combo on the slate. Now, can others match his production at a lower cost? It happens all the time, but when Jokic hits, he goes for a number that cannot be matched. That’s what you are paying for.
Other Options: Alperen Sengun ($9,300), Bam Adebayo ($7,900), Jalen Duren ($7,700)
Value
Neemias Queta, Boston Celtics vs. Detroit Pistons ($5,500)
Queta has played at least 30 minutes only three times this season, as Boston likes to play small at times to spread defenses out. I think there’s a good chance Queta sees close to 30 minutes in this one, though, because Jalen Duren is too much of a beast, so the size of Queta will likely be needed. And when Queta is on the court, he produces. On the season, he averages a healthy 0.97 FPTS per minute.
Other Options: Jakob Poeltl ($5,600), Kyle Filipowski ($5,400)
