*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Monday brings a bevy of options in DFS with 11 games on the NBA schedule. With so many choices to sift through, let’s get right down to business and highlight some of the better value plays at each position. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
POINT GUARDS
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LAC at PHO
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,000
Gilgeous-Alexander has remained in the starting five, but he’s logged 24 minutes or fewer in three of the last four games. He scored eight points or fewer in each of those contests and may continue to see limited playing time with the Clippers backcourt completely healthy. However, the Suns are a mess right now and are stuck with Elie Okobo and De’Anthony Melton at point guard. Gilgeous-Alexander could receive some extra garbage time minutes in the likely event that this game becomes a blowout, making him someone to consider in tournament play.
Tomas Satoransky, WAS at IND
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,200
Satoransky has started each of the last four games for the Wizards, but his value Monday will largely be determined by the status of John Wall (heel). Wall is listed as doubtful, which could open up a significant role for Satoransky if he does ultimately sit. With Wall out Wednesday against the Hawks, Satoransky logged 38 minutes and scored 14 points to go along with four rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and one block.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Alec Burks, CLE at MIL
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,700
The Cavaliers traded away George Hill last week, Rodney Hood (foot) and David Nwaba (knee) are battling injuries, and J.R. Smith is still away from the team as they work on trading him. With so few options left to take the floor, Burks has been able to average 29 minutes a game since being acquired from the Jazz. He’s done nothing to lose any playing time moving forward, averaging 14.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and one steal per game. The Bucks play at the fifth-fastest pace (103.8 possessions per game) in the league, which could leave Burks with even more opportunities to provide value for your entry.
Josh Hart, LAL vs. MIA
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,100
Brandon Ingram (knee) is set to miss his third straight game Monday. In the previous two games that he was sidelined, Hart logged at least 36 minutes in both contests. He couldn’t get much going in Friday’s loss to the Spurs, but he scored 16 points to go along with four rebounds, two assists, three steals, and two blocks Saturday against the Grizzlies. Considering the Lakers play at the fourth-fastest pace (104), the added playing time provides Hart with a significant increase in upside.
SMALL FORWARDS
Juancho Hernangomez, DEN vs. MEM
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $4,700
There are not many healthy players left on the Nuggets. Not only has Hernangomez started each of their last 14 games as a result, but he’s logged at least 37 minutes in each of their last three contests. He came away with two double-doubles to go along with two steals and three blocks in those three games. His 13.6 percent usage rate leaves a lot to be desired, but his high minute’s floor still makes him a great option, especially at his price on DraftKings.
Bojan Bogdanovic, IND vs. WAS
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $5,700
Bogdanovic has been one of the main offensive weapons for the Pacers with Victor Oladipo (knee) out, averaging 19.1 points and 1.9 three-pointers across his last 10 games. His usage rate is up to 20 percent, which ranks him third-highest on the team among players who have played in at least 20 games. The Wizards allow the second-most points per game (116.7) in the league, leaving Bogdanovic with the potential for another strong offensive performance.
POWER FORWARDS
Trey Lyles, DEN vs. MEM
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $3,700
Among the aforementioned injuries on the Nuggets is Paul Millsap (toe), who missed his first game of the season Saturday. There is no timetable for his return, which should leave Lyles in line for significant playing time moving forward. Despite shooting 2-for-13 from the field Saturday against the Hawks, Lyles still finished with nine points to go along with 10 rebounds, one steal, and one block across 38 minutes. His price on FanDuel is climbing, but he can still be had at a significant discount on DraftKings.
Richaun Holmes, PHO vs. LAC
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,000
Holmes has established himself as a reliable backup to Deandre Ayton, averaging 10.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks across his last 11 games. Ayton missed Sunday’s practice with an illness, so his status is something to monitor leading up to tip-off. If he doesn’t play, Holmes will likely play significant minutes. Even if Ayton does play, this is still a good spot to deploy Holmes since the Clippers allow third-most DraftKings points per game and the seventh-most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers.
CENTERS
Bam Adebayo, MIA at LAL
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $5,800
Adebayo has started both of the last two games with Hassan Whiteside (out), averaging 18 points, nine rebounds, one block, and one steal. His success is not all that surprising since he has averaged 10.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, one steal, and 1.2 blocks across 10 games in which he has logged at least 20 minutes. Whiteside has already been ruled out Monday, so don’t hesitate to deploy Adebayo despite his increased price tag. Of note, he is only eligible at center on DraftKings as he is listed at power forward on FanDuel.
Mason Plumlee, DEN vs. MEM
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $3,900
Lyles is the main beneficiary of Millsap’s absence, but Plumlee could also see some added minutes for the Nuggets. Across eight games in which Plumlee has logged at least 20 minutes, he has averaged 11 points, 7.3 rebounds, two assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.5 blocks. The Grizzlies have a lot of size up front, which should also benefit Plumlee’s workload Monday. His FanDuel price isn’t terrible, but his dirt cheap price on DraftKings makes him an appealing tournament option.