We’ve got a very light Monday on tap with just four games on what’s typically been a busy night in the Association. Tonight’s slate features some affordable studs to mix in with some equally-affordable values. My favorite play is the underpriced duo of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley facing the Knicks, but there are excellent plays in Phoenix and Chicago as well.
Let’s dive into some of the top plays using the FantasyLabs Tools and metrics.
Also, don’t forget that for large-field tournaments, you can utilize our Lineup Optimizer to effortlessly create up to 150 lineups, or use our Lineup Builder if you like to hand-build your lineups.
Note: Projections and Leverages Scores/Ratings may change throughout the day after this article is posted. The NBA DFS landscape changes quickly. Consult the Player Models directly for any updates as we get closer to lock.
Point Guard
Stud
Chris Paul ($8,600 DraftKings, $10,300 FanDuel) has been on an absolute tear recently, averaging 17.7 points, 13.0 assists, 3.7 rebounds, 2.7 steals over his last three games and posting a double-double in each one.
Tonight’s matchup with the Jazz has the highest over/under on the slate at 222.5, and Utah will be missing Donovan Mitchell. Because of the small slate and Paul’s recent string of excellence, his price is up over five figures on FanDuel, but he’s got a 98% Bargain Rating on DraftKings with a modest $8,600 price tag.
Value
Coby White has started each of the Bulls’ last five games and averaged 16.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.2 triples and 1.0 steals in the process.
Zach LaVine (knee) is a GTD, Lonzo Ball (knee) is out indefinitely due to a knee injury and Alex Caruso will miss at least six weeks due to a wrist injury. White should continue to thrive in Chicago’s starting five, and he gets a favorable draw with Oklahoma City tonight.
Fast Break
Jose Alvarado has seen his playing time slowly tick up in recent weeks, culminating in a career-best performance Thursday in the Pels’ win over the Knicks. In that one, he posted 13 points, four assists and four steals. Alvarado isn’t a guy to target in cash games, but he’s an excellent pivot in tournaments given his per-minute upside.
Shooting Guard
Stud
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged a whopping 26.5 points, 6.7 assists, 6.2 rebounds, 1.7 steals, 1.0 blocks over his last six games and scored at least 52 fantasy points in three of those.
Tonight, he faces a shorthanded Bulls squad that will be without three of its key players and defenders. SGA carries a five-figure salary, but he’s deserving of some exposure given his recent hot streak and opponent.
Value
Ayo Dosunmu has averaged 39.2 minutes across his last five starts and figures to be in the starting five again tonight. He’s coming off a seven-point, five rebound dud Sunday, which may drive his ownership down, but that’s where we can find some value.
Dosunmu’s value would take a hit if LaVine returns, but the rookie is still a fine play given Chicago’s plethora of backcourt injuries.
Fast Break
There are two low-cost options tonight that are completely dependent on the site you’re using. On DraftKings, Jeremy Lamb is just $4,000 compared to his $5,700 price tag on FanDuel. He’s had two solid showings in a row with Malcolm Brogdon and Caris LeVert out.
Joe Ingles is in line for another start tonight with Mitchell out. He’s priced at $4,000 on FanDuel and $5,000 on DraftKings. Lamb is the move if you’re playing on DraftKings, but if FanDuel is your preferred DFS site, Ingles is the move.
Small Forward
Stud
DeMar DeRozan has scored at least 30 in three straight and averaged 35.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.0 steals in that span. Most impressive about DeRozan’s recent three-game streak is the fact that he’s shot better than 60% from the field while hitting no triples. He should lead the charge against OKC again tonight in a favorable matchup.
Value
Cameron Johnson figures to see a significant bump in playing time tonight after Jae Crowder injured his left wrist Saturday. Crowder is listed as out for tonight’s matchup with the Jazz, which means Johnson could be in line for a spot start.
The North Carolina product has excelled in the starting lineup this season, averaging 17.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.7 triples, 1.2 steals and 1.0 assists across 32.2 minutes in six prior starts. Add in the fact that the matchup between Utah and Phoenix has the highest over/under on the slate, and you’ve got a recipe for a tasty value.
Fast Break
Chris Duarte has averaged 19.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.3 triples and 2.0 steals over his last four games while playing 34.0 minutes a game. He’s seen his court time spike in the absence of LeVert and Brogdon, and that’s not likely to change tonight. Brogdon is out indefinitely with an Achilles injury and LeVert is a GTD due to a calf injury. Translation: Duarte will drive the offensive engine for Indiana once again. He’s provided at least 45 fantasy points in two of his last four and has a similar ceiling tonight against New Orleans.
Power Forward
Stud
Evan Mobley is in a great spot tonight and comes in at a highly favorable $7,900 on DraftKings and $6,900 on FanDuel. He’ll face a Knicks squad that will likely be without its top defender in Mitchell Robinson.
Mobley pulled down a career-high 17 boards Saturday against the Thunder for his second double-double in four games. Mobley’s best game of the season came on Nov. 7 when he went 26/9/5/1/1 against… yep, you guessed it – the Knicks!
Value
Lauri Markkanen sprained his ankle in Saturday’s victory, which should open up more minutes for Kevin Love. Love’s season has been a complete roller coaster ride thus far. He enjoyed a highly productive stretch last month and is back to having just a mildly impactful bench role. That could change tonight.
In five games with at least 29 minutes this season, he’s been quite productive with averages of 24.2 points, 8.6 boards, 2.8 dimes and 5.0 triples. Cedi Osman and Lamar Stevens should also see increased run here, but Love has the higher ceiling.
Fast Break
Osman is only $3,700 on FanDuel and $3,300 on DraftKings and should get more work due to Markkanen’s injury. Osman runs hot and cold, so it’s best to limit exposure to tournaments. Stevens may get the starting nod, but he’s been lackluster in that role and isn’t worth playing.
Rudy Gobert could be out tonight due to a calf injury suffered in the first game of Utah’s back-to-back Sunday against the Warriors. Hassan Whiteside is out due to protocols, leaving more playing time for Eric Paschall or Rudy Gay at center. Both are in play tonight, but DFS players should keep an eye on the injury report and official starting lineup.
Center
Stud
Jarrett Allen is a walking double-double, and he’s enjoying the best season of his career in terms of points and rebounds. His price is quite affordable for a stud, and he costs just $7,700 on FanDuel and $8,000 on DraftKings.
Like Mobley, Allen had one of his best games of the season when the Cavs and Knicks faced off on Nov. 7. In that one, he finished with 18 points, 17 rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Value
Nerlens Noel is a steep discount at just $4,200 on DraftKings and $4,300 on FanDuel. Robinson injured his ankle Sunday and was forced out after just 16 minutes. Noel finished the contest with eight points, seven boards, three steals and a block across 26 minutes.
The Knicks may be cautious with Robinson on the second night of a back-to-back given his injury history. Noel gets a highly favorable Opponent Plus/Minus and a great Pace Differential.
Fast Break
Goga Bitadze has averaged 14.5 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.0 blocks in his last two games (both starts), and he figures to start again with Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner still sidelined. Bitadze is still moderately priced on both sites and should be in consideration when setting lineups.
Bismack Biyombo had a career night Saturday with 21 points, 13 rebounds and five assists. Over his last three, Biz has averaged 15.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.7 blocks across 27.7 minutes. Deandre Ayton is doubtful again tonight, and Biyombo is the preferred stream over JaVale McGee. There’s an even more considerable boost to his value if Gobert is forced to miss time after straining his calf Sunday.
Photo Credit: Quinn Harris/Getty Images. Pictured: Evan Mobley
