Monday’s 11-game DraftKings NBA main slate offers several opportunities to capitalize on depleted rotations, with Orlando and Oklahoma City missing key contributors. Chicago’s frontcourt is also worth monitoring, as Nic Claxton remains doubtful and Jalen Smith is probable. Here are three affordable options whose opportunities make them worth targeting at their current salaries.
You don’t want to grab too many high-end players, as that will leave the rest of your lineup bare. We’ll take a look at some bargain pickups ahead of today’s matchups.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $200K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
SF/PF Tristan da Silva, Orlando Magic vs. Washington Wizards ($4,800)
Da Silva already handled a hefty workload even before Anthony Black was ruled out, but now Orlando’s rotation is even thinner with Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs also sidelined. Da Silva supplied a robust double-double in 35 minutes against Boston on Sunday, popping off for 41.5 FPTS with 23 points and ten boards.
Through six games, the wing is averaging 14.8 PPG, 3.3 RPG, and 3.5 treys in 28.9 MPG. His role looks relatively stable, and he’s in a good spot to return value tonight against the Wizards. While it’s unlikely he maintains 50% shooting from deep, he should get a slight bump in minutes tonight in this Eastern Conference clash. Da Silva’s floor spacing will continue being valuable as one of Orlando’s few accurate floor spacers tonight.
C Jalen Smith, Chicago Bulls at Philadelphia 76ers ($5,100)
Smith doesn’t need to do a whole lot to justify this price, with averages of 12.0 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.7 APG, and 1.0 BPG in just 24.2 MPG. Those contributions have helped him average 29.3 FPTS, an appealing return for a center priced barely above $5,000.
He chipped in with 12 boards against Boston on Friday despite finishing below double figures in scoring, illustrating how his work on the glass can keep his fantasy production looking decent. Smith is probable with a finger sprain, while Claxton’s doubtful designation leaves him positioned to retain the starting job. While Claxton remains out, Smith should continue rolling with a healthy workload in Chicago’s front court.
C Aday Mara, Oklahoma City Thunder at Cleveland Cavaliers ($4,100)
When it rains, it pours. At least, that’s what OKC have been saying to themselves all season. It’s been a catastrophic start to their season. They’ve suffered catastrophe after catastrophe, losing both Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace to season-ending injuries. They’re also without Alex Caruso, and now they’ve learned that Chet Holmgren will be out for up to 8 weeks with a knee issue.
Fortunately for them, they have mini-Chet right at home. Aday Mara was the 12th overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft and has looked pretty decent so far as a rim protector. Mara logged 20, 21, and 28 minutes across his last three appearances. He returned approximately 30, 13.8, and 29.8 FPTS in those games, making his recent workload more relevant than a season average that includes his smaller early role.
Against Houston on Saturday, he needed only seven points to reach 29.75 FPTS, supplementing his scoring with nine rebounds, three assists, and four blocks. At his season rate of 1.03 FPTS, roughly 20 minutes would put him near the 20.5 needed for a 5x return at this salary. Cleveland’s pairing of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen could encourage Oklahoma City to use more size, although Isaiah Hartenstein’s presence means Mara’s recent 28-minute outing shouldn’t be treated as his nightly expectation moving forward. Regardless, it’s looking pretty rosy for Mara, who figures to have a 20+ minute role on this team moving forward.
