This Monday the NBA has a huge 10-game slate on DraftKings to start the work week. The two late games are on their own slate later in the night, but the main contests are in the 20-team slate that tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET. Of those 20 teams, eight played on Sunday, so watch closely for injury reports from the Nuggets, Thunder, Mavericks, Grizzlies, Sixers, Suns, Spurs, and Jazz. There are still a lot of injury unknowns coming into the day, but there are also some great plays popping early in the projections.
Let’s dive into some of the top plays on the slate using the FantasyLabs tools and projections.
Also, don’t forget that for large-field tournaments, you can utilize our Lineup Optimizer to effortlessly create up to 300 lineups or use our Lineup Builder if you like to hand-build your lineups.
You can also use our SimLabs Lineup Generator, a tool that creates the most user-friendly lineup generation process.
Note: Projections and Leverage Scores/Ratings may change throughout the day after this article is posted. The NBA DFS landscape changes quickly.
Consult the NBA Player Models directly for any updates as we get closer to lock.
NBA DFS Point Guard Picks
Stud
Without LeBron James (groin), Luka Doncic ($12,000) could have full control of the Lakers offense in a beautiful matchup against the Nets. He has the highest median and ceiling projections of all point guards on Monday’s slate. He is questionable due to a back issue, but if he plays through the issues, he’ll definitely be a stud to build around with plenty of usage available.
In each of his last five games, Doncic has scored at least 29 points while averaging 31.2 points, 8.8 assists, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals. He had over 50 DraftKings points in each of his last four games, and that was with LeBron playing alongside him sharing the load.
With more usage and work available, he could be set for a monster game as long as his back lets him take on the workload. The Nets have been a good matchup for opposing point guards, and Doncic brings a sky-high ceiling if available on Monday.
Value
Raptors PG Immanuel Quickley has the highest Projected Plus/Minus at point guard on Monday’s slate, as he returns to action after missing one game for rest purposes. He and the Raps host the Wizards for a second straight game in Toronto, and Washington has allowed the second-most DraftKings points per game to opposing point guards this season.
Before getting that day off, Quickley had one of his top games this season with 56.25 DraftKings points on 34 points, five rebounds, five assists, three steals, and 56.25 DraftKings points in a win over the Jazz. That was a soft matchup, to be sure, but so is this against the Wizards.
IQ has 30+ DraftKings points in six of his last eight games and spiked for over 50 DraftKings points in two of those contests. Some of those big games came when Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, or RJ Barrett were unavailable, but even with the rest of the starting unit healthy, he should get enough work to still have great value on Monday.
Fast Break
Shae Gilgous-Alexander has the highest floor projection at point guard on this slate and is a solid alternative to Luka if you’re spending up at the position. He had a massive 64 DraftKings points on Sunday as the Thunder beat the Nuggets and will look to post another big game in Game 2 of their back-to-back set in OKC. SGA has 55+ DraftKings points in four straight contests.
Since the All-Star break, Josh Giddey has been outstanding for the Bulls. He has seven double-doubles in eight games while averaging 22.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, 9.0 assists and 55.0 DraftKings points in 35.9 minutes per game. He and the Bulls have a great matchup at home against the Pacers in the game with the second-highest over/under on the slate.
The Bulls have started Tre Jones for the last three games while Lonzo Ball (wrist, doubtful) has been sidelined. Jones had 31, 34.25, and 35.25 DraftKings points in those three starts and has meshed very nicely with the rest of the Bulls starting unit, including Giddy. Jones is low-risk since he typically piles up non-scoring numbers, so he’s a solid value under $5,000 as long as he’s in the starting five.
Don’t forget to check out our NBA SimLabs Lineup Generator to create advanced DFS lineups using the power of simulation:
NBA DFS Shooting Guard Picks
Stud
One of the exciting new features this season on FantasyLabs is our partnership with ShotQuality. In Monday’s ShotQuality projections, Suns guard Devin Booker has the highest median, ceiling, and floor projections at shooting guard.
The Suns and Grizzlies have the highest over/under on the slate since the Grizzlies lead the NBA in pace and the Suns lead the NBA in points allowed over their last 15 games. When these teams met two weeks ago, the Grizzlies won a 151-148 track meet. Booker had 28 points, 10 assists, and 46.75 DraftKings in that contest and continues to carry a huge workload for the Suns.
He has scored at least 17 points in all 10 of his games since the All-Star break while averaging 25.0 points, 7.8 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 43.9 DraftKings points per game. In an up-tempo game against a possibly fatigued Grizzlies backcourt, Booker has a very high ceiling Monday.
Value
In the ShotQuality projections, Coby White has the third-highest Projected Plus/Minus at shooting guard and the fifth-highest at small forward. Even though he isn’t a bargain with his salary up over $7,000 now, he still brings great value since he has so much potential in his expanded role after the LaVine trade.
On Thursday, White had a career-high 44 points against the Magic and finished with an impressive 58.75 DraftKings points. On Saturday, he followed that up with 21 points but only 28.25 DraftKings points against Miami, but the Bulls still got the win.
Over his last eight games, White has exceeded salary-based expectations six times by posting over 35 DraftKings points. Over that span, he averaged 39.7 DraftKings points per game, which is a great return at this salary.
Fast Break
Raptors wing RJ Barrett has the second-highest ceiling projection in the ShotQuality projections and the highest Projected Plus/Minus at shooting guard in both projections. He fell just one rebound short of a double-double on Saturday against the Wizards, finishing with 42.25 DraftKings points. He has over 35 DraftKings points in four straight and eight of his last nine.
If you want to swing for the fences, a high-risk, high-reward option worth considering is Lakers guard Austin Reaves. Reaves averaged 54.1 DraftKings points in his three games without LeBron this year. Those were without Luka as well, but whether Luka plays or not, Reaves could be in for a huge workload in a smash spot against the Nets. He has the third-highest Projected Plus/Minus at the position in the FantasyLabs projections.
Lonnie Walker IV went off for a huge night on Sunday, finishing with 50.25 DraftKings points on 25 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists to lead the Sixers to a win over the Jazz. The Sixers’ rotation remains very uncertain as they finish their back-to-back in Atlanta, but if Walker is set for minutes, he brings a sky-high ceiling coming off his big game against Utah.
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NBA DFS Small Forward Picks
Stud
In the ShotQuality projections, Scottie Barnes has the second-highest median, ceiling, and floor projections of all small forwards, behind only Jayson Tatum, who is hard to trust with a questionable tag and plenty of blowout potential against the Jazz. Barnes is taking on the Wizards in a favorable matchup and brings nice upside with multi-category potential.
Barnes had 34 DraftKings points in 27 minutes in Saturday’s loss while playing through a right hand contusion. He isn’t on the injury report for Monday, though, so he seems to be past that issue. He has at least 34 DraftKings points in six of his last seven games, including three games with at least 47 DraftKings points in his last five.
If his hand issue is behind him, he should bounce back to a full workload and has an extremely high ceiling in the rematch Monday night.
Value
Versatile Mavericks contributor Dante Exum has the second-highest Projected Plus/Minus at small forward in both sets of projections, and the Mavericks will need all they can get from him as they continue to battle a litany of injury issues.
Exum had 12 points and 20.5 DraftKings points in 22 minutes in Sunday’s game and has been ramping up to more work while recovering from a foot issue. It’s also worth noting that Brandon Williams started ahead of Exum but left with a hamstring injury. If Williams joins the long list of injured Mavs, Exum could move into the starting lineup or at least get more work off the bench.
If Exum doesn’t play on the second night of the Mavs’ back-to-back, Caleb Martin would have to step up and play even more minutes, or the team would have to go very small with Max Christie in the frontcourt. Dallas doesn’t have a lot of options, so Exum or someone on the team should bring great value against the Spurs, depending on who exactly is available.
Fast Break
If Tatum ends up sitting out on Monday, Jaylen Brown would be in a smash spot carrying the workload against the struggling Jazz. Brown has produced over 45 DraftKings points in three of his last four and averaged 46.25 DraftKings points in the four games he has played without Tatum this season.
Kelly Oubre Jr. could be a great play if he’s busy on Monday in Atlanta. He only played 20 minutes against the Jazz on Sunday but had played big minutes in his last four games before that, scoring at least 20 points in each of those four games and posting over 40 DraftKings points in two of them.
On Sunday, Vince Williams Jr. got the start for the Grizzlies and played 24 minutes. He took 12 field goal attempts and totaled 17 DraftKings points as he continues to work his way back from injury. It isn’t certain if he’ll be able to play on the second night of the back-to-back, but if he does, he could be a great affordable option on the wing.
NBA DFS Power Forward Picks
Stud
Since the Heat traded Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro have been carrying the workload for the Miami offense. Bam has a top-four median, ceiling, and floor projection in both sets of projections at both power forward and at center in the ShotQuality projections. He did have a slightly down game on Saturday with “just” 22 points and 36 DraftKings points against the Bulls on the second night of a back-to-back, but he should bounce back in Monday’s matchup with the Hornets.
It’s understandable why he may have been gassed on Saturday. On Friday, he played a massive 43 minutes against Minnesota and finished with 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 54.25 DraftKings points. He was even better on Wednesday against the Cavs, totaling 62.5 DraftKings points on 34 points and 12 rebounds.
If he’s ready to return to his full workload after a lighter load Saturday and an off-day Sunday, Bam will be a great play with his very high ceiling at either spot in your frontcourt.
Value
With so few options certain for the Mavericks, anyone who has upside and comes at a low salary makes a good fantasy option to monitor. Kessler Edwards is playing on a two-way contract and is running out of eligibility, but he has played big minutes and contributed solid games for the Mavs over the last few weeks.
He has started 11 of the last 15 games for the Mavs and played more than 25 minutes in each of his last three games. He had 20, 28.25, and 19.75 DraftKings points, so he isn’t raking in the production, but his workload gives him a good upside coming into a good matchup against the Spurs.
At just $4,000, he has the second-highest Projected Plus/Minus at power forward in Monday’s projections and could be poised for plenty of work Monday.
Fast Break
In the potential track meet against the Grizzlies, Kevin Durant has the second-highest ceiling projection at the position in both sets of projections. He had 48 DraftKings points in their last meeting and has over 42 DraftKings points in five of his last six dating back to that matchup. The Suns have been inconsistent overall, but KD and Booker continue to be solid fantasy options.
Wizards forwards Kyshawn George and Justin Champagnie rank No. 3 and No. 1 in Projected Plus/Minus at power forward in the ShotQuality projections for Monday night. George is a solid mid-range target who has at least 29 DraftKings points in four of his last six games, and Champagnie has made the most of his hit-or-miss chances this season. He played 20+ minutes in three straight games before logging just four minutes on Saturday. In those three games, he posted 33.5, 18.5, and 25.25 DraftKings points. If he’s going to get minutes Monday, he’ll be a solid bargain option. Khris Middleton (rest) sitting out the contest should open up playing time for both Wizards options.
On the other side of the matchup, Jonathan Mogbo (face) and Ochai Ogbaji (ankle) remain out leaving plenty of work for Chris Boucher if he can return from his wisdom tooth extraction. He was officially available but did not play on Saturday. With Jakob Poeltl (rest) also out, Boucher could get meaningful minutes off the bench, and if that’s the case, he brings a high bargain ceiling.
NBA DFS Center Picks
Stud
There aren’t many superlatives remaining to describe how good Nikola Jokic has been for the Nuggets. He has the highest median, ceiling, and floor projections on the entire slate and is definitely worth a look if you can find the salary to pay up for him at almost $13,000.
On Sunday afternoon, Jokic had a “down” game against the Thunder and finished with 24 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists, and “only” 63.25 DraftKings points. He has at least 60 DraftKings points in eight of his last 10 games and showed he has the potential to shatter any ceiling by dropping 31 points, 22 assists, and 21 rebounds that resulted in an astounding 100.25 DraftKings points last Friday against Phoenix.
He has at least 63 DraftKings points in five of his last seven games and regularly puts up slate-smashing production. He’s a popular and expensive option, but it’s hard to argue that it’s not worth at least considering if you can find enough bargains to make Jokic your superstar to build around.
Value
With Jakob Poeltl resting and all the rest of the Raptors’ frontcourt hurt, Orlando Robinson has the second-highest Projected Plus/Minus in the FantasyLabs projections at center and the third-highest in the ShotQuality projections. Robinson has been more involved lately, but both offer huge bargain upside against the Wizards’ frontcourt, which has been a great matchup for opposing centers all season.
Robinson had 24.75 DraftKings points against them on Saturday in 24 minutes and has played at least 24 minutes in four of his last five games with over 24 DraftKings points in three of those contests. He’d be a good bargain option even in that role, but with Poeltl out too, he has even more upside since he’ll likely start as he did against the Jazz last Friday.
Aside from Boucher, the only other big available for Toronto is Colin Castleton, who was recalled from the G League and had six points and 17.5 DraftKings points in 26 minutes on Saturday. Robinson is a slightly better play with a more established role, but both have enough upside to be worth a cheap play.
Fast Break
If you don’t pay all the way up for Jokic or Bam, Onyeka Okongwu is a solid mid-range alternative. He had 16 points, 16 rebounds and 51.5 DraftKings points on Saturday against the Pacers and has 39+ DraftKings points with a double-double in four of his last five games. He has been in the startine lineup for the last 23 games for Atlanta, averaging a very solid 14.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.0 blocks, and 35.3 DraftKings points per game.
The ShotQuality projections give Nic Claxton the highest Projected Plus/Minus of all centers on the slate as he goes up against the banged-up Lakers frontcourt that will be without LeBron James (groin), Rui Hachimura (knee), and Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle). Jaxson Hayes (knee) is also questionable. The Nets won’t have Cam Thomas, leaving more work potentially for Claxton, who posted 22.5 DraftKings points in his last game on Friday and showed an even higher ceiling with 41.25 DraftKings points in 30 minutes against the Warriors in his most recent home game.
The Lakers may have to turn to Trey Jemison in the middle due to all those injuries, and since he’s available at the minimum salary, he’s also worth a look on Monday, although he hasn’t had an opportunity to make much of an impact lately.
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