This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Defense to Avoid:
Atlanta Hawks vs. Sacramento Kings
Most of Monday's four-game slate should be high scoring, but if any team is going to shut down its opponent, the Hawks have the best shot against the Kings. Atlanta is heavily favored at home and just held the Sixers to 72 points. Sacramento's offense is far superior to Philadelphia's, but the Hawks have the personnel to shut down DeMarcus Cousins, and the rest of the Sacramento offense is relatively uninspiring. Expect the Hawks to run away with a win in this one.
Offense to Use:
Chicago Bulls at Brooklyn Nets
The Bulls are second in the NBA entering Sunday averaging 111.5 points per game and draw a great matchup against the Nets, who have allowed 108.7 points per game thus far. Chicago's offense has been incredibly efficient through two games, shooting 45 percent from the field and 43.5 percent from downtown. It's easy to stack the Bulls' backcourt, which is centered around the trio of Jimmy Butler, Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade.
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First game: Kings
Second Game: Clippers, Suns
DRAFTKINGS.COM DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Guards
Rajon Rondo, CHI at BKN ($6,400): As mentioned above, the Bulls' offense has been incredibly efficient in the early stages of the season thanks to the slick passing of Rondo, who has 22 assists in two games. He's never going to be a huge threat to score, but his assist numbers alone make him worth the middling price. It also helps that Rondo is an excellent rebounder at the point guard position, and if his offense does turn around he'll provide even more value.
Emmanuel Mudiay, DEN at TOR ($5,800): Mudiay is another point guard who can rebound the rock and has much more offensive upside than Rondo in what's an appealing matchup. He's coming off of 40.25 fantasy points against the Trail Blazers on Saturday, and the Raptors are allowing the fifth-most points to opposing point guards. Mudiay is one of the more better cash-game options and even provides enough value for tournament use.
J.J. Redick, LAC vs. PHO ($4,400): If you're looking for an irrational confidence guy in which to invest Monday, Redick struggled in his first game against Portland but is always a threat to go off from downtown, especially against the Suns. Redick should make multiple three-pointers in this contest and offers some salary cap flexibility if you want to pay up for more expensive guards.
Forwards
DeMarcus Cousins, SAC at ATL ($10,800): I advocated for avoiding the Hawks defense on Monday, but Cousins is far and away the top elite option at PF/C with a salary $2,000 more than the next-best power forward (Blake Griffin, $8,800). Cousins played his best game of the season against the Spurs, posting 37 points and 16 rebounds for 63.5 DraftKings points. He followed that performance up with 29 points and 7 rebounds against the Timberwolves and if Sacramento falls behind early, the Kings could rely on Cousins to try and dig them out of the hole, giving him plenty of touches.
Nikola Jokic, DEN at TOR ($7,000): Jokic is coming off a huge game against the Trail Blazers, posting 23 points and 17 rebounds for 58.75 DraftKings points. He likely won't replicate the four steals he had against Portland, but he's a decent bet to get a double-double again in a matchup against the Raptors, who shoot the ball early and often. If the Nuggets have to play catchup against Toronto, Jokic will still be involved on offense, as he's one of the league's better young stretch forwards, having hit at least one 3-pointer in each of his first two games.
Taj Gibson, CHI at BKN ($5,100): Gibson is starting at the four for Chicago and has played well through two games, averaging 15 points and nine rebounds. He's provided roughly 30 fantasy points per game (29.0) and is priced very affordably, considering he's a starting power forward in what's been an elite offense, albeit over a very small sample size. It also helps that Gibson is dual-eligible at both center and power forward.
Centers
Brook Lopez, BKN vs. CHI ($6,900): Lopez will go head-to-head against his brother, Robin, so you know he'll be motivated to have a big game. Again, the Bulls' offense has been great so far this season, but they aren't the same defensive minded team, which should give Lopez, the Nets' best option on offense, a chance to shine. He's priced cheaply for his level of production, so you are partially banking on him going for more than 20 points.
Mike Muscala, ATL vs. SAC ($3,200): Muscala has a great matchup against the Kings, who are allowing the fourth-most points to opposing centers this season. He's available at close to basement pricing and is averaging 27.6 DraftKings points per game over two games. But it's Muscala's blocks (5) and steals (3) production that have made him an appealing option early this season. Consider utilizing Muscala in both cash games and tournaments.
