This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Defense to Avoid
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Brooklyn Nets
Doc Rivers' teams are usually strong defensively and this year's Clippers squad is no different. Los Angeles ranks seventh in defensive efficiency and the Nets are one of the worst offensive teams in the league. Couple that and you've got a pretty strong recipe for avoiding anyone matching up against the Clippers. The Nets only real threat is Brook Lopez now that Joe Johnson is officially a member of the Heat. The Celtics and Cavaliers also have favorable matchups.
Offense to Use
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Houston Rockets
The Rockets are allowing the fourth-most fantasy points per game ion DraftKings this season, which should provide a poor Bucks offense with a nice little boost. The thing that makes Milwaukee stand out as an offense to use comes down to one thing: affordability. Not one player on the Bucks' roster costs more than $7,800 (Giannis Antetokounmpo). This gives you the opportunity to stack a few players without overspending. Try pairing "The Greek Freak" with Jabari Parker ($6,400) and Greg Monroe ($7,100).
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First game: Nets
Second game: Cavaliers, Pacers, Wizards, 76ers
Daily Player Recommendations
Point Guard
Darren Collison, SAC vs. OKC ($5,400): Studs like Russell Westbrook ($11,100) and John Wall ($9,600) are definitely in play Monday, but Collison is too valuable to pass up. There's a chance Rajon Rondo won't play against the Thunder, and even if he returns, Collison should see plenty of playing time. Over the past two games, Collison is 13-of-17 from the floor, including 3-for-3 from beyond the arc with a total of 62.50 fantasy points. He's definitely more of a cash-game play, but he offers a high ceiling for tournament use.
Other suggestions: Kyrie Irving, CLE vs. IND ($7,700); John Wall, WAS vs. PHI ($9,600)
Shooting Guard
Khris Middleton, MIL vs. HOU ($7,300): If you weren't digging the Bucks stack above, why not try out a nice, shiny, new Khris Middleton? He's on a tear of late, scoring at least 30 fantasy points in nine straight games. James Harden is the only elite option at shooting guard Monday, so expect his ownership percentage to be pretty high. That will make Middleton, who is the next best option, a bit more appealing considering he costs $3,000 less.
Other suggestions: Dion Waiters, OKC at SAC ($4,000); J.J. Redick, LAC vs. BKN ($5,300)
Small Forward
LeBron James, CLE vs. IND ($9,500): James was rested for Sunday's loss to the Wizards and should enter this contest against the Pacers with fresh legs. The more rest LeBron gets, the more fantasy points he puts up, so don't let the high price scare you. The Cavaliers may be eight-point favorites, but this should be a close game between rivals, which means Cleveland will need James out there as much as possible.
Other suggestions: Gordon Hayward, UTA at BOS ($7,100); Kevin Durant< OKC at SAC ($10,400)
Power Forward
Serge Ibaka, OKC at SAC ($6,000): Ibaka was a beast on the glass Saturday against the Warriors, ripping down 20 boards with 15 points for 48.5 fantasy points. His rebounding numbers have been wildly inconsistent this season, but perhaps he can build off this performance. The Kings should keep the pace of the game up, which means more shot attempts, which means more shots missed, which means more rebounds for Ibaka.
Other suggestions: Jabari Parker, MIL vs. HOU ($6,400); Derrick Favors, UTA at BOS ($7,500)
Center
Marcin Gortat, WAS vs. PHI ($6,900): The 76ers pretty much get torched by every position in terms of fantasy points on a nightly basis, but they are by far the worst at containing centers. Gortat should have no trouble recording his 32nd double-double of the season despite having to play on back-to-back nights. Consider Gortat a nice cash-game option with a low enough ownership percentage to warrant use in tournaments.
Other suggestions: Rudy Gobert, UTA at BOS ($6,700); Steven Adams, OKC at SAC ($4,300)
Injury Report
Out
Kelly Olynyk, BOS (shoulder)
Mo Williams, CLE (knee)
Danilo Gallinari, DEN (ankle)
Tony Allen, MEM (knee)
Brandan Wright, MEM (knee)
Game-Time Decision
Rajon Rondo, SAC (hand)
Avery Bradley, BOS (ankle)
Jameer Nelson, DEN (wrist)
Clint Capela, HOU (ankle)
C.J. Miles, IND (calf)
