Monday features a seven-game main slate starting at 7 p.m. ET.
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
Winners of four of their last five games, the Pistons are 4.5-point road favorites against the Grizzlies. This game features the highest total on the slate at 236.5 points, making this a game environment to attack.
Pistons’ leader Cade Cunningham has been a huge reason for their success. His shooting numbers have been poor to start the season, but Cunningham has back-to-back double-double ceiling performances. In his last two contests, he has averaged 25.5 points, 14 assists, six rebounds, three steals, and 65 DraftKings points per game. Cunningham leads the point guard position in ceiling projection tonight.
The Grizzlies’ defense has been one of the best to target this season. They rank 22nd in defensive rating and fourth in pace while allowing 121.3 points per game. This is a fantastic spot for Cunningham to continue his points and assists double-double streak, and he is drawing under 10% projected ownership.
Value
It took until November, but the Pacers finally got a victory Saturday night against the Warriors. The Pacers continue to be decimated with injuries, especially in their backcourt. Not only is Tyrese Haliburton likely out for the entire season, but Andrew Nembhard, T.J. McConnell, and Bennedict Mathurin remain out.
With all the guard injuries, Quenton Jackson has started back-to-back games and has not disappointed. Jackson scored 15 points in his first start and then erupted in his last game for 25 points, 10 assists, six rebounds, and three steals for 56.5 DraftKings points. He shot 10-for-16 from the field, including 3-for-4 from behind the arc and posted a 21.5% usage rate in 31 minutes.
Jackson has point guard and shooting guard eligibility, making him easy to fit into all lineup builds. His salary came up $1,000 from last game, but if he plays over 30 minutes again, it will be difficult to avoid a $4,700 Jackson on this seven-game slate. He leads the entire slate in projected Plus/Minus tonight.
Fast Break
Derrick White is another point guard with a high projected Plus/Minus at his relatively cheap $7,200 price tag. His salary dropped after only playing 15 minutes last game in a blowout loss to the Rockets. Our NBA Models projects White to play 34 minutes, which makes him a strong play in all formats against a Jazz defense that ranks 26th in defensive rating this season. The Celtics are double-digit favorites implied for 121.75 points. White is a great way to get exposure to the Celtics team total.
Jalen Brunson has displayed a model of consistency for the Knicks to start the season. Not far behind Cunningham in projected ceiling at the point guard position, Brunson is averaging a career-high 31.2 points per game, which is the fifth-highest in the league. Brunson has made double-digit field goals in each of his last five games, while averaging 48.5 DraftKings points per game during that time. He will also draw an elite matchup against a Wizards defense that ranks 28th in defensive rating and second in pace.
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
With Anthony Edwards out, the shooting guard position lacks upside with no real “stud” to target. The most expensive and likely best option is Jazz combo guard Keyonte George, who only costs $7,100. The third-year pro is averaging a career-high 21.8 points and 8.8 assists per game with a 26.9% usage rate.
George is another guard that has been consistent, scoring 40-50 DraftKings points in each of his last four games. He has recorded at least 15 points and seven assists in each game this season. Playing 34 minutes a night with a 25%+ usage rate, George is fairly priced and a strong mid-tier option.
The Celtics do not have the same defense compared to years past, but the downside to this matchup is they play at the second-slowest pace in the league. The Jazz are only implied for 111.25 points, but George is still worth getting exposure to at his under 10% projected ownership.
Value
Projected for the third-highest Plus/Minus on this slate is Nets’ shooting guard Tyrese Martin. With small forward eligibility, Martin will be a great source of value at his cheap $3,600 salary. Martin drew his first start of the season last game but was disappointing. He shot 0-for-6 from the field and only recorded four assists, two rebounds, and one block in 27 minutes. Hoping for another start, but a bounceback game.
Our NBA Model has Martin projected to play 26 minutes tonight, which is hopefully more than enough to pay off his price tag. In his two previous games prior to his dud, Martin averaged 12 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, while shooting 52.9% from the field and recording over 20 DraftKings points in each contest. He made five 3-pointers in those two games, proving that he can provide value.
The Timberwolves rank in the middle of the pack in perimeter defense, allowing opponents to shoot 35.7% from downtown this season. The Nets are one of two winless teams, and that is the biggest downside to rostering any of their players. However, Martin is simply too cheap for his projected output.
Fast Break
Payton Pritchard is finally getting his chance to start for the Celtics on a regular basis and has been a steady guard for them. He is averaging career highs across the board in points, rebounds, and assists per game. For a career 39.3% 3-point shooter, Pritchard has only connected on 18% to start this season and is shooting 41.1% from the field. Expect his shooting numbers to return to normal sooner rather than later, which will boost his production even more. He is a fantastic mid-range value option.
Mikal Bridges is quietly leading the Knicks in assists while averaging 17.5 points and six rebounds per game. He is also shooting a career-high 55.1% from the field and 46.9% from downtown with double-digit field goal attempts per game. Jalen Brunson gets most of the shine, but Bridges has been amazing to start the season. The Knicks will have no trouble filling it up against the Wizards. Bridges is another way to get exposure to this offense and will be much less owned than Brunson.
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NBA DFS Small Forward Picks
Stud
Despite being $300 cheaper than Kevin Durant, Jaylen Brown has the highest projected ceiling by a comfortable margin at the small forward position tonight. Brown has been incredible in the main role for the Celtics offense, averaging 25.4 points per game while shooting a career-high 53.7% from the field and 46.3% from distance. He is averaging over 10 points per game more than any of his teammates.
Through the first seven games, Brown has posted a 32.2% usage rate, which is the eighth-highest in the league. Given that usage rate, his ceiling is incredible, especially in this matchup against the Jazz. The way to attack the Jazz defense is on the perimeter. They are allowing a league-high 46.3 3-point attempts per game. This is an amazing spot for the entire Celtics team, which is led by Brown.
Value
Coming off the bench, Tari Eason has averaged 16 points, 5.3 rebounds, and over 30 DraftKings points per game in his last three games. During that stretch, Eason is shooting an absurd 60% from the field and 68.9% from behind the arc. Priced at $4,600, Eason is a strong value with his dual forward eligibility.
Starting forward Jabari Smith Jr. is questionable to play tonight with a sprained ankle. Keep an eye on his status throughout the day. If Smith Jr. is unable to play, Eason will likely draw the start and be in line to play more than his 25 projected minutes, which would make him look even better tonight.
The Mavericks have been one of the best defensive teams in the league this season, especially at denying the 3-point shot. This game also has the lowest total on the slate at 224.5 points. Do not get carried away with this game environment, but Eason is worth targeting due to his recent play, his cheap salary, and the potential to draw the start at the small forward position for Smith Jr.
Fast Break
Lauri Markkanen is averaging a career-high 33 points per game, which is the fourth-highest in the league. He has attempted 22.5 field goals per game, which is over five more attempts than any of his seasons. Most of the Jazz offense runs through Markkanen, who can score at all three levels. He has made a career-best 3.8 3-pointers per game. If the Jazz are going to compete as double-digit underdogs tonight, it will be on the back of Markkanen, who is a matchup nightmare for the Celtics’ frontcourt.
Kevin Durant is another Rockets player who would benefit if Smith Jr. is unable to play tonight. With Smith Jr. off the floor this season, Durant has a team-high +3.38% usage rate boost. Even if Smith Jr. plays, Durant still has the second-highest projected ceiling at the small forward position. He is projected for around 5% ownership, making him a strong pay-up contrarian play. Even at 37 years old, Durant leads the Rockets in scoring and continues to shoot 55.1% from the field and 40.9% from deep.
NBA DFS Power Forward Picks
Stud
Giannis Antetokounmpo is second in the league in scoring, averaging a career-high 34.2 points per game. He also has posted 34.3% usage rate and leads the Bucks in all major statistics. Along with his 34.2 points, Giannis is averaging 13.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game. He is putting up incredible numbers and has the second-highest projected ceiling on this seven-game slate behind Nikola Jokic.
The Pacers are lacking interior size after Myles Turner signed with the Bucks. Giannis should have a field day on the glass and in the paint against the Pacers tonight. They are allowing 55.7 points per game in the paint, which is the fifth-highest in the league. The Bucks are lacking a second option without Damian Lillard, putting more pressure on Giannis to do everything, which is ideal for fantasy production.
Value
Jazz forward Taylor Hendricks drew his first start of the season last game and contributed 14 points and seven rebounds in 25 minutes. He shot 5-for-8 from the field, 2-for-3 from behind the arc, and connected on both of his free throw attempts. Expecting to draw his second start tonight, our NBA Model has Hendricks projected to play 24 minutes and to be a fantastic value play at $3,400.
Hendricks will not have a high usage rate, but at $3,400, he does not have to do much to return value. He is projected for a little less than 15% ownership tonight, but when trying to pay up for Giannis and Jokic, Hendricks becomes more in play. He is a strong salary-saver in a stars and scrubs lineup build.
Fast Break
Karl-Anthony Towns is drawing the highest projected ownership on this seven-game slate at 40%. Towns is averaging a double-double this season with 18.3 points and 13.2 rebounds per game. The Wizards’ lack of interior size will benefit Towns, who is a near lock to record another double-double. He is coming off a season-high 52.2 DraftKings points last game, recording 20 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks. The Wizards are also allowing 55.3 points per game in the paint this season.
Pascal Siakam has seen his salary continue to rise, but rightfully so given his production. With Pacers’ leading scorer Bennedict Mathurin out, Siakam is the clear top option. Despite having Giannis, the Bucks rank 26th in rebounding rate this season at 47.4%. Siakam will have another opportunity to record a high-scoring double-double in this contest and is worth considering in tournaments.
NBA DFS Center Picks
Stud
Nikola Jokic ended his four-game triple-double streak last game when he “only” recorded 21 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists in a two-point loss to the Trail Blazers. Jokic is averaging over 20 points while leading the league in both rebounds and assists per game. He is a walking triple-double and will have the opportunity to get that streak back with a superb matchup against the Kings’ frontcourt.
The Kings this season rank dead last in rebounding rate, 27th in points allowed in the paint, and 23rd in assists allowed per game. It is hard to find a better matchup right now for Jokic, who has the highest projected ceiling on the slate. Jokic is drawing less projected ownership than Giannis on this slate, but I prefer Jokic. The only downside to Jokic is he actually has a strong number two option with Jamal Murray.
Value
Jazz center Walker Kessler is out for the second straight game with a shoulder injury, which will force Jusuf Nurkic into his second start. Priced at only $4,800, Nurkic is drawing the second-highest projected ownership on the slate. In his last start, Nurkic struggled scoring the ball with only three points on 1-for-6 shooting from the field but did haul in nine rebounds and contributed two assists and two steals.
Nurkic is averaging over 22 DraftKings points per game and will now have a ceiling for more given his extra playing time. The Celtics rank 22nd in rebounding rate, giving Nurkic a chance at double-digit rebounds. The Jazz have several favorably priced players, but Nurkic is likely the best. The veteran center is projected to play 23 minutes, which is plenty of time to return value tonight.
Fast Break
Jalen Duren is a perfect boom-or-bust tournament option. In his three ceiling performances this season, Duren is averaging 26 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 48.9 DraftKings points per game. In his three dud performances, Duren is only averaging 9.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 23.4 DraftKings points per game. Which Duren shows up is anyone’s guess, but he is worth targeting in tournaments at his $7,000 salary.
Miles Turner‘s first season with the Bucks has started slow. It is the first time in his career that Turner is averaging less than double-digit points per game and is shooting less than 40% from the field. He is, however, averaging a career-best 2.5 assists per game, but his start has been less than ideal. However, this is a revenge matchup for Turner against the Pacers, where he spent his first 10 seasons. Likely getting a tribute video, it wouldn’t be shocking if Turner had his best game of the season in this strong matchup.
Pictured: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Photo Credit: Imagn
