NBA DFS Picks Breakdown on DraftKings (Monday, January 27)

After just one game on Sunday to give people space to enjoy the NFL Conference Championships, the NBA is back in a big way this Monday. The schedule includes 12 games in all, and the first 10 of them make up the DraftKings main slate, which tips off at 7:00 p.m. ET. No teams are on the second day of back-to-back games, but the Hawks, Rockets and Lakers do have another game scheduled for Tuesday. Some key players have already been ruled out, but there are still several that are questionable as well, so be sure to update the projections and modify your roster as news breaks throughout the day.

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 Leverages 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.

Become an All-Access Member Today

Lineup builder and optimizer

Real-time DFS models & projections

Data-driven analysis & tutorials
 

NBA DFS Point Guard Picks

Stud

The Knicks host the Grizzlies in the game with the second-highest point total on the slate, and since the Grizzlies play at the fastest pace in the NBA, the Knicks have the highest pace differential on the slate. In that matchup at home, Jalen Brunson should be set for success in a smash spot.

Brunson has exceeded salary-based expectations in five of his last seven games, producing 47.3 DraftKings points per game at the rate of 1.26 DraftKings points per minute. He has a 31.1% usage rate over those seven games which is a slight trend upward from his season average of 30.1% usage.

On Saturday against the Kings in another fast-paced matchup, Brunson had 25 points and 11 assists for 47.25 DraftKings points. He has over 45 DraftKings points in five of his last seven, and since his salary is just under $9,000, he brings an elite ceiling at a slight discount.


Value

One of the exciting new features this season on FantasyLabs is our partnership with ShotQuality. In both the FantasyLabs and ShotQuality projections, Keaton Wallace has the highest Projected Plus/Minus of all guards and the third-highest on the slate.

The 25-year-old rookie from UTSA has played in 17 games for the Hawks this season, but he should be very involved on Monday with Trae Young (hamstring) ruled out. Vit Krejci, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Dyson Daniels should get most of the work at point guard, but Wallace has a projection of 26 minutes with a 21.4% usage projection.

On the season, Wallace is averaging 0.82 DraftKings points per minute, and he looked outstanding in his most recent game. He hasn’t played since January 15 against the Bulls, the last game Young missed. In that game in Chicago, Wallace showcased impressive upside with 27 points, six assists, six rebounds, four steals, and 53 DraftKings points.

He may not reach quite that level on Monday, but his upside is definitely high enough that he’s a great value to include in your builds against the Timberwolves.


Fast Break

In both sets of projections, Cade Cunningham has the highest median and ceiling projections as he leads his Pistons to Cleveland to take on the Cavs. Cunningham has scored at least 20 points in eight straight games and posted three double-doubles in his last four games. When he faced the Cavaliers earlier this season, Cunningham had 33 points and 43.5 DraftKings points, but he has posted over 54 DraftKings points in three straight coming into this rematch.

While the Wizards have been a mess this season, Jordan Poole brings a great ceiling at his salary under $7,000. He is averaging 21.4 points, 4.9 assists and 36.9 DraftKings points per game on the season, but in his last two games, he has turned up his assist numbers with nine against the Clippers and 10 against the Suns. The added production has resulted in 45.5 and 56.5 DraftKings points. He can be boom or bust, but his high usage gives him a high ceiling as the Wizards roll into Dallas to continue their road trip.

The matchup between the Nuggets and the Bulls in Chicago has the highest point total of all the games on Monday’s slate. As a result, many of the players stand out as strong DFS targets. Lonzo Ball is a good point guard value to consider despite his continued minutes limit. He started the last three games for the Bulls while Coby White (ankle) has been out and has produced over 20 DraftKings points in each game. Ball spiked for 34 DraftKings points against the Pelicans a couple of weeks ago and has shown that he can still fill in multiple categories in the box score when he’s on the floor. He has the second-highest Projected Plus/Minus of all point guards under $5,000 in the FantasyLabs projections.

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

The Timberwolves have the second-highest pace differential on this slate, trailing only the Knicks. As a result, Anthony Edwards has the top median, ceiling and floor projections at shooting guard in both the FantasyLabs and ShotQuality projections.

Edwards has exceeded salary-based expectations in three of his last seven games, and two of those games were monster performances over 65 DraftKings points. He led his Wolves to a win over the Nuggets in his most recent outing, finishing with 34 points, nine assists and 48.75 DraftKings points.

On the season, Ant is producing 1.2 DraftKings points per minute, but he has picked that up over his last 12 games, posting 1.31 DraftKings points per minute and 49.9 DraftKings points per game. He should continue to produce at a high level in a favorable spot against the short-handed Hawks.


Value

In the ShotQuality projections, Nick Smith Jr. has the highest Projected Plus/Minus at shooting guard and the second-highest at small forward. Smith should continue to carry plenty of work for Charlotte while filling in for Brandon Miller.

The 20-year-old out of Arkansas has started each of the last five games. He had 15 points or more in three of his first four starts before cooling off with just five points in his most recent outing. That game was the second game of a back-to-back, which may partially explain his down production.

Over his five starts, he averaged a solid 22.6 DraftKings points per game and had a season-high 34.25 DraftKings points on Friday against the Trail Blazers. Smith offers great roster flexibility with guard and forward eligibility and should be a strong value in a bounce-back spot on Monday.


Fast Break

The Kings have played at the fastest pace in the NBA in the last eight games, and Malik Monk has been a very strong fantasy option since Doug Christie took over as interim coach. He has the highest Projected Plus/Minus of all shooting guards in the FantasyLabs projections as the Kings stop in Brooklyn. Over his last 10 games, he averaged 44.4 DraftKings points per game and increased his production rate to 1.25 DraftKings points per minute.

With Luka Doncic (calf) sidelined, Spencer Dinwiddie has stepped into a much more active role for the Mavericks. He has started 13 of the team’s last 15 games, with a few great games and a few ugly contests sprinkled in. Overall, he has averaged 0.88 DraftKings points per minute while playing 31.3 minutes per game over that span, but he showed off a high ceiling with 28 points and 33.75 DraftKings points against the Thunder last Thursday and has over 30 DraftKings points in three of his last five. No team in the NBA has given up more fantasy points to opposing point guards than the Wizards, so this matchup against his former team puts him in a great spot to deliver value. He has a top-five Projected Plus/Minus at both point guard and shooting guard in the FantasyLabs projections on Monday.

Raptors second-year guard Gradey Dick has stepped into a much larger role this season, starting in all 39 of his games and averaging over 30 minutes per contest. He had four straight games above salary-based expectations before a down game on Saturday, but he should be set up to bounce back in a good home matchup against the Pelicans. Dick has the third-highest Projected Plus/Minus of shooting guards in both sets of projections for Monday.

Be sure to check out all the pick’ems Sleeper has to offer with Sleeper promo code LABS1.

 

NBA DFS Small Forward Picks

Stud

In his matchup against the Nuggets, Zach LaVine has the third-highest ceiling projection of all small forwards and the highest Projected Plus/Minus of any small forward over $7,000. The ShotQuality projections give him the sixth-highest Projected Plus/Minus overall at the position.

LaVine should continue to carry more of the workload with White out. In his 41 games this season, LaVine has a team-high 27.3% usage rate and has posted a solid 1.15 DraftKings points per minute. With White off the floor, LaVine’s usage increases to 29.3%. In his six games without White, LaVine has averaged 40.0 DraftKings points per game.

On Saturday, LaVine had 42 DraftKings points against the Sixers and has reached 40+ DraftKings points in four of his last five and 11 of his last 13.


Value

Mikal Bridges is starting to find his scoring groove for the Knicks, and he has good upside in this up-tempo spot on Monday against Memphis. Bridges has the third-highest Projected Plus/Minus of all small forwards in both sets of projections.

Over his first 40 games of the season, he averaged just 17.6 points per game, but he has scored at least 23 points in four of his last six games while averaging 21.3 points per game.

On Saturday, he had 27 points, seven assists and 44.25 DraftKings points against the Kings, and he brings a similar upside at his midrange salary on Monday night.


Fast Break

Amen Thompson continues to blossom for the Rockets and is coming off a massive triple-double on Saturday against the Cavs. He earned 64.5 DraftKings points in that contest on 23 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists. He has at least a double-double in six of his last nine games and has exceeded salary-based expectations in each of those six contests. Over his past nine games, Thompson has averaged 46.6 DraftKings points per game and 1.19 DraftKings points per minute.

De’Andre Hunter (illness) missed Saturday’s game with an illness and is questionable for Monday’s game in Minnesota. If he’s able to play, he’ll have a high ceiling without Young and Jalen Johnson (shoulder). If Hunter joins them on the sidelines, there will be even more value available for the rest of the roster.

Both sets of projections give Wizards forward Kyshawn George the highest Projected Plus/Minus at small forward. He’s available at a bargain under $4,000 and has played 30 minutes or more in four of his last six games, even moving into the starting lineup last Saturday. The rookie has value potential and a high ceiling, although he does carry some risk.

NBA DFS Power Forward Picks

Stud

The ageless wonder LeBron James brings the highest ceiling projection at power forward in both the FantasyLabs and ShotQuality projections. Since the Lakers start the week with back-to-back games, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him sit out a contest, but he’s listed as probable for Monday in Charlotte, so it looks like he’ll play in this matchup.

The King continues to reign over the NBA with big numbers in almost every game. While guiding the Lakers to victories in five of his last six games, he has posted four straight double-doubles, including a triple-double against the Wizards that earned him 62 DraftKings points. He had 25 points and 12 assists on Saturday against Steph and the Warriors, posting over 50 DraftKings points for the fourth time in his last five games.

The Hornets haven’t been a great matchup for forwards this year, but because he’s getting such a heavy workload, LeBron is still one of the safest plays at the position, and he brings a great ceiling on Monday as well.


Value

P.J. Washington has the highest Projected Plus/Minus of any player on the entire slate in the FantasyLabs projections, and he should be in a smash spot against the Wizards, who give up plenty of points — and specifically fantasy points — to power forwards.

Washington has been steady for the Mavs over his last several games, exceeding salary-based expectations in five straight games and eight of his last 10. Over those 10 games, Washington has produced 1.07 DraftKings points per minute while playing a team-high 36.0 minutes per game.

His usage rate over that span is 22.4%, which is third on the team behind only Kyrie Irving and Jaden Hardy. With the Mavs missing so many key parts of their rotation, he should continue to get plenty of minutes and opportunities, so he’s a great value option at power forward on Monday.


Fast Break

On the other side of that matchup, Alex Sarr has the third-highest Projected Plus/Minus at power forward in the ShotQuality Projections. Sarr has exceeded salary-based expectations in five of his last six games and is turning in strong defensive numbers while continuing to produce double-digit points and decent rebounding numbers in most contests.

Kings forward Keegan Murray is another strong mid-range option since he has also taken on a big workload since Doug Christie took over. Murray has exceeded salary-based expectations in eight of his last 10 games while scoring double-digit points in nine of those contests and averaging 29.4 DraftKings points per game at the rate of 0.83 DraftKings points per minute.

The Hornets have slid forward Josh Okogie into a big role in their rotation after acquiring him from the Suns. Okogie has exceeded salary-based expectations in each of his last three games, dropping 40 DraftKings points against the Blazers in a more involved role before posting 25 DraftKings points in 20 minutes on Saturday against the Pelicans. Since he’s still under $4,000, he doesn’t have to do much to return value and should be a strong bargain option against the Lakers on Monday.

NBA DFS Center Picks

Stud

It’s very hard to argue against playing Nikola Jokic, even though his salary is elevated all the way to $12,000. Jokic has the highest median, ceiling and floor projections of all players on the slate by a wide margin and has a positive Projected Plus/Minus in both the FantasyLabs and ShotQuality projections despite his high price.

Jokic is in a great, high-scoring spot against the Bulls, and he will be looking to bounce back after posting “only” 39.25 DraftKings points against the Timberwolves on Saturday. Prior to that, he had at least 60 DraftKings points in four straight games, highlighted by a ridiculously impressive game that earned him 99 DraftKings points on 35 points, 22 rebounds, and 17 assists against the Kings.

The Joker had five straight triple-doubles before Saturday’s letdown, and he’ll look to get the Nuggets back on track after that slip-up at home as they go on the road to Chicago. The Bulls have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to centers this season, so Jokic should be set to go off again on Monday.


Value

In the ShotQuality projections, Daniel Gafford has the highest Projected Plus/Minus of all players on Monday’s slate. He’ll be in a revenge game narrative against the Wizards, who traded him to Dallas last February.

Gafford has been carrying the load in the middle for the Mavs with Dereck Lively (ankle) sidelined. In his last six games, he has four double-doubles, including his 19 points, 15 rebounds and 48.25 DraftKings points on Saturday in a loss to the Celtics.

In his 13 games this season without Lively, Gafford is averaging 31.6 DraftKings points in 26.7 minutes per game. Since the Wizards give up more fantasy points per game to opposing centers than any other team in the NBA, Gafford is in a good spot to even outproduce those numbers on Monday night.


Fast Break

The Kings have a favorable matchup in Brooklyn, so Domantas Sabonis brings a high ceiling against the Nets. He had a triple-double and 62.25 DraftKings points on Saturday against the Knicks and has posted 50+ DraftKings points in nine of his last 10 games.

As a mid-range option, Jalen Duren has been very good lately for the Pistons. He has exceeded salary-based expectations in six of his last nine games including four straight double-doubles before a slight downturn Saturday against the tough defense of the Magic. In his four previous games, he averaged 15.5 points and 13.3 rebounds.

Center is such a stacked position that punting it doesn’t seem like a great strategy, but if that’s the way your roster comes together, Jalen Smith continues to be a strong play under $4,000. He has the third-highest Projected Plus/Minus of all centers in the FantasyLabs projections at just $3,300 and has exceeded salary-based expectations in 10 of his last 12 games. In those 12 games, he’s only averaging 19.4 DraftKings points in 14.7 minutes per contest, but since he’s so cheap, that’s enough to keep him a consistently viable punt play.

After just one game on Sunday to give people space to enjoy the NFL Conference Championships, the NBA is back in a big way this Monday. The schedule includes 12 games in all, and the first 10 of them make up the DraftKings main slate, which tips off at 7:00 p.m. ET. No teams are on the second day of back-to-back games, but the Hawks, Rockets and Lakers do have another game scheduled for Tuesday. Some key players have already been ruled out, but there are still several that are questionable as well, so be sure to update the projections and modify your roster as news breaks throughout the day.

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 Leverages 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.

Become an All-Access Member Today

Lineup builder and optimizer

Real-time DFS models & projections

Data-driven analysis & tutorials
 

NBA DFS Point Guard Picks

Stud

The Knicks host the Grizzlies in the game with the second-highest point total on the slate, and since the Grizzlies play at the fastest pace in the NBA, the Knicks have the highest pace differential on the slate. In that matchup at home, Jalen Brunson should be set for success in a smash spot.

Brunson has exceeded salary-based expectations in five of his last seven games, producing 47.3 DraftKings points per game at the rate of 1.26 DraftKings points per minute. He has a 31.1% usage rate over those seven games which is a slight trend upward from his season average of 30.1% usage.

On Saturday against the Kings in another fast-paced matchup, Brunson had 25 points and 11 assists for 47.25 DraftKings points. He has over 45 DraftKings points in five of his last seven, and since his salary is just under $9,000, he brings an elite ceiling at a slight discount.


Value

One of the exciting new features this season on FantasyLabs is our partnership with ShotQuality. In both the FantasyLabs and ShotQuality projections, Keaton Wallace has the highest Projected Plus/Minus of all guards and the third-highest on the slate.

The 25-year-old rookie from UTSA has played in 17 games for the Hawks this season, but he should be very involved on Monday with Trae Young (hamstring) ruled out. Vit Krejci, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Dyson Daniels should get most of the work at point guard, but Wallace has a projection of 26 minutes with a 21.4% usage projection.

On the season, Wallace is averaging 0.82 DraftKings points per minute, and he looked outstanding in his most recent game. He hasn’t played since January 15 against the Bulls, the last game Young missed. In that game in Chicago, Wallace showcased impressive upside with 27 points, six assists, six rebounds, four steals, and 53 DraftKings points.

He may not reach quite that level on Monday, but his upside is definitely high enough that he’s a great value to include in your builds against the Timberwolves.


Fast Break

In both sets of projections, Cade Cunningham has the highest median and ceiling projections as he leads his Pistons to Cleveland to take on the Cavs. Cunningham has scored at least 20 points in eight straight games and posted three double-doubles in his last four games. When he faced the Cavaliers earlier this season, Cunningham had 33 points and 43.5 DraftKings points, but he has posted over 54 DraftKings points in three straight coming into this rematch.

While the Wizards have been a mess this season, Jordan Poole brings a great ceiling at his salary under $7,000. He is averaging 21.4 points, 4.9 assists and 36.9 DraftKings points per game on the season, but in his last two games, he has turned up his assist numbers with nine against the Clippers and 10 against the Suns. The added production has resulted in 45.5 and 56.5 DraftKings points. He can be boom or bust, but his high usage gives him a high ceiling as the Wizards roll into Dallas to continue their road trip.

The matchup between the Nuggets and the Bulls in Chicago has the highest point total of all the games on Monday’s slate. As a result, many of the players stand out as strong DFS targets. Lonzo Ball is a good point guard value to consider despite his continued minutes limit. He started the last three games for the Bulls while Coby White (ankle) has been out and has produced over 20 DraftKings points in each game. Ball spiked for 34 DraftKings points against the Pelicans a couple of weeks ago and has shown that he can still fill in multiple categories in the box score when he’s on the floor. He has the second-highest Projected Plus/Minus of all point guards under $5,000 in the FantasyLabs projections.

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

The Timberwolves have the second-highest pace differential on this slate, trailing only the Knicks. As a result, Anthony Edwards has the top median, ceiling and floor projections at shooting guard in both the FantasyLabs and ShotQuality projections.

Edwards has exceeded salary-based expectations in three of his last seven games, and two of those games were monster performances over 65 DraftKings points. He led his Wolves to a win over the Nuggets in his most recent outing, finishing with 34 points, nine assists and 48.75 DraftKings points.

On the season, Ant is producing 1.2 DraftKings points per minute, but he has picked that up over his last 12 games, posting 1.31 DraftKings points per minute and 49.9 DraftKings points per game. He should continue to produce at a high level in a favorable spot against the short-handed Hawks.


Value

In the ShotQuality projections, Nick Smith Jr. has the highest Projected Plus/Minus at shooting guard and the second-highest at small forward. Smith should continue to carry plenty of work for Charlotte while filling in for Brandon Miller.

The 20-year-old out of Arkansas has started each of the last five games. He had 15 points or more in three of his first four starts before cooling off with just five points in his most recent outing. That game was the second game of a back-to-back, which may partially explain his down production.

Over his five starts, he averaged a solid 22.6 DraftKings points per game and had a season-high 34.25 DraftKings points on Friday against the Trail Blazers. Smith offers great roster flexibility with guard and forward eligibility and should be a strong value in a bounce-back spot on Monday.


Fast Break

The Kings have played at the fastest pace in the NBA in the last eight games, and Malik Monk has been a very strong fantasy option since Doug Christie took over as interim coach. He has the highest Projected Plus/Minus of all shooting guards in the FantasyLabs projections as the Kings stop in Brooklyn. Over his last 10 games, he averaged 44.4 DraftKings points per game and increased his production rate to 1.25 DraftKings points per minute.

With Luka Doncic (calf) sidelined, Spencer Dinwiddie has stepped into a much more active role for the Mavericks. He has started 13 of the team’s last 15 games, with a few great games and a few ugly contests sprinkled in. Overall, he has averaged 0.88 DraftKings points per minute while playing 31.3 minutes per game over that span, but he showed off a high ceiling with 28 points and 33.75 DraftKings points against the Thunder last Thursday and has over 30 DraftKings points in three of his last five. No team in the NBA has given up more fantasy points to opposing point guards than the Wizards, so this matchup against his former team puts him in a great spot to deliver value. He has a top-five Projected Plus/Minus at both point guard and shooting guard in the FantasyLabs projections on Monday.

Raptors second-year guard Gradey Dick has stepped into a much larger role this season, starting in all 39 of his games and averaging over 30 minutes per contest. He had four straight games above salary-based expectations before a down game on Saturday, but he should be set up to bounce back in a good home matchup against the Pelicans. Dick has the third-highest Projected Plus/Minus of shooting guards in both sets of projections for Monday.

Be sure to check out all the pick’ems Sleeper has to offer with Sleeper promo code LABS1.

 

NBA DFS Small Forward Picks

Stud

In his matchup against the Nuggets, Zach LaVine has the third-highest ceiling projection of all small forwards and the highest Projected Plus/Minus of any small forward over $7,000. The ShotQuality projections give him the sixth-highest Projected Plus/Minus overall at the position.

LaVine should continue to carry more of the workload with White out. In his 41 games this season, LaVine has a team-high 27.3% usage rate and has posted a solid 1.15 DraftKings points per minute. With White off the floor, LaVine’s usage increases to 29.3%. In his six games without White, LaVine has averaged 40.0 DraftKings points per game.

On Saturday, LaVine had 42 DraftKings points against the Sixers and has reached 40+ DraftKings points in four of his last five and 11 of his last 13.


Value

Mikal Bridges is starting to find his scoring groove for the Knicks, and he has good upside in this up-tempo spot on Monday against Memphis. Bridges has the third-highest Projected Plus/Minus of all small forwards in both sets of projections.

Over his first 40 games of the season, he averaged just 17.6 points per game, but he has scored at least 23 points in four of his last six games while averaging 21.3 points per game.

On Saturday, he had 27 points, seven assists and 44.25 DraftKings points against the Kings, and he brings a similar upside at his midrange salary on Monday night.


Fast Break

Amen Thompson continues to blossom for the Rockets and is coming off a massive triple-double on Saturday against the Cavs. He earned 64.5 DraftKings points in that contest on 23 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists. He has at least a double-double in six of his last nine games and has exceeded salary-based expectations in each of those six contests. Over his past nine games, Thompson has averaged 46.6 DraftKings points per game and 1.19 DraftKings points per minute.

De’Andre Hunter (illness) missed Saturday’s game with an illness and is questionable for Monday’s game in Minnesota. If he’s able to play, he’ll have a high ceiling without Young and Jalen Johnson (shoulder). If Hunter joins them on the sidelines, there will be even more value available for the rest of the roster.

Both sets of projections give Wizards forward Kyshawn George the highest Projected Plus/Minus at small forward. He’s available at a bargain under $4,000 and has played 30 minutes or more in four of his last six games, even moving into the starting lineup last Saturday. The rookie has value potential and a high ceiling, although he does carry some risk.

NBA DFS Power Forward Picks

Stud

The ageless wonder LeBron James brings the highest ceiling projection at power forward in both the FantasyLabs and ShotQuality projections. Since the Lakers start the week with back-to-back games, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him sit out a contest, but he’s listed as probable for Monday in Charlotte, so it looks like he’ll play in this matchup.

The King continues to reign over the NBA with big numbers in almost every game. While guiding the Lakers to victories in five of his last six games, he has posted four straight double-doubles, including a triple-double against the Wizards that earned him 62 DraftKings points. He had 25 points and 12 assists on Saturday against Steph and the Warriors, posting over 50 DraftKings points for the fourth time in his last five games.

The Hornets haven’t been a great matchup for forwards this year, but because he’s getting such a heavy workload, LeBron is still one of the safest plays at the position, and he brings a great ceiling on Monday as well.


Value

P.J. Washington has the highest Projected Plus/Minus of any player on the entire slate in the FantasyLabs projections, and he should be in a smash spot against the Wizards, who give up plenty of points — and specifically fantasy points — to power forwards.

Washington has been steady for the Mavs over his last several games, exceeding salary-based expectations in five straight games and eight of his last 10. Over those 10 games, Washington has produced 1.07 DraftKings points per minute while playing a team-high 36.0 minutes per game.

His usage rate over that span is 22.4%, which is third on the team behind only Kyrie Irving and Jaden Hardy. With the Mavs missing so many key parts of their rotation, he should continue to get plenty of minutes and opportunities, so he’s a great value option at power forward on Monday.


Fast Break

On the other side of that matchup, Alex Sarr has the third-highest Projected Plus/Minus at power forward in the ShotQuality Projections. Sarr has exceeded salary-based expectations in five of his last six games and is turning in strong defensive numbers while continuing to produce double-digit points and decent rebounding numbers in most contests.

Kings forward Keegan Murray is another strong mid-range option since he has also taken on a big workload since Doug Christie took over. Murray has exceeded salary-based expectations in eight of his last 10 games while scoring double-digit points in nine of those contests and averaging 29.4 DraftKings points per game at the rate of 0.83 DraftKings points per minute.

The Hornets have slid forward Josh Okogie into a big role in their rotation after acquiring him from the Suns. Okogie has exceeded salary-based expectations in each of his last three games, dropping 40 DraftKings points against the Blazers in a more involved role before posting 25 DraftKings points in 20 minutes on Saturday against the Pelicans. Since he’s still under $4,000, he doesn’t have to do much to return value and should be a strong bargain option against the Lakers on Monday.

NBA DFS Center Picks

Stud

It’s very hard to argue against playing Nikola Jokic, even though his salary is elevated all the way to $12,000. Jokic has the highest median, ceiling and floor projections of all players on the slate by a wide margin and has a positive Projected Plus/Minus in both the FantasyLabs and ShotQuality projections despite his high price.

Jokic is in a great, high-scoring spot against the Bulls, and he will be looking to bounce back after posting “only” 39.25 DraftKings points against the Timberwolves on Saturday. Prior to that, he had at least 60 DraftKings points in four straight games, highlighted by a ridiculously impressive game that earned him 99 DraftKings points on 35 points, 22 rebounds, and 17 assists against the Kings.

The Joker had five straight triple-doubles before Saturday’s letdown, and he’ll look to get the Nuggets back on track after that slip-up at home as they go on the road to Chicago. The Bulls have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to centers this season, so Jokic should be set to go off again on Monday.


Value

In the ShotQuality projections, Daniel Gafford has the highest Projected Plus/Minus of all players on Monday’s slate. He’ll be in a revenge game narrative against the Wizards, who traded him to Dallas last February.

Gafford has been carrying the load in the middle for the Mavs with Dereck Lively (ankle) sidelined. In his last six games, he has four double-doubles, including his 19 points, 15 rebounds and 48.25 DraftKings points on Saturday in a loss to the Celtics.

In his 13 games this season without Lively, Gafford is averaging 31.6 DraftKings points in 26.7 minutes per game. Since the Wizards give up more fantasy points per game to opposing centers than any other team in the NBA, Gafford is in a good spot to even outproduce those numbers on Monday night.


Fast Break

The Kings have a favorable matchup in Brooklyn, so Domantas Sabonis brings a high ceiling against the Nets. He had a triple-double and 62.25 DraftKings points on Saturday against the Knicks and has posted 50+ DraftKings points in nine of his last 10 games.

As a mid-range option, Jalen Duren has been very good lately for the Pistons. He has exceeded salary-based expectations in six of his last nine games including four straight double-doubles before a slight downturn Saturday against the tough defense of the Magic. In his four previous games, he averaged 15.5 points and 13.3 rebounds.

Center is such a stacked position that punting it doesn’t seem like a great strategy, but if that’s the way your roster comes together, Jalen Smith continues to be a strong play under $4,000. He has the third-highest Projected Plus/Minus of all centers in the FantasyLabs projections at just $3,300 and has exceeded salary-based expectations in 10 of his last 12 games. In those 12 games, he’s only averaging 19.4 DraftKings points in 14.7 minutes per contest, but since he’s so cheap, that’s enough to keep him a consistently viable punt play.

About the Author

Zach Thompson writes NBA, MLB, NFL, golf and soccer content for Fantasy Labs. Zach's fantasy experience dates all the way back to high school when he would manually tabulate fantasy football scores using Tuesday morning's newspaper. Even though he was raised on the island of Guam on the opposite side of the world, Zach is a hardcore Boston sports fan who loves playing fantasy sports in almost any format. He's always in search of a great bargain play and keeps a close eye out for rising talent that can provide leverage. Zach joined the FantasyLabs team in 2022 and is also a contributor for DraftKings Network.