This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Defense to Avoid:
Chicago Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers
The Bulls' defense will never be as effective as it was under former coach Tom Thibodeau, but that doesn't mean his ex-players didn't retain some of that tenacity. Chicago is on a three-game winning streak and hosts a Pacers squad that is 26th in scoring at 96.5 points per game. All-Star Paul George makes up 25 percent of the scoring for Indiana, so all the Bulls need to do is contain him in order to limit the Pacers' overall point total, something Chicago should be able to do with Jimmy Butler, Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson. It also helps that George Hill (illness) might not play for the Pacers. Any defense going up against the 76ers is also an easy route to go, with the Mavericks next in line to face the only winless team in the league. The same goes for the Spurs at home against the Trail Blazers.
Offense to Use:
Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers
If you're looking for cheaper options -- particularly at the guard position -- the Celtics finally have a healthy lineup and have scored at least 100 points in their past two games. But the Suns make too much sense hosting the Lakers, who will be playing the second game of a back-to-back. Kobe Bryant returned from a back injury two games ago and should help keep this game high scoring since he'll be taking a lot of shots -- most of which will be misses. Plus, Los Angeles is a very poor defensive team, considering most of the squad is still relatively young and unimposing. The Thunder and Rockets are always safe bets to eclipse the century mark on any given night, and Monday should be no different against the Grizzlies and Celtics, respectively.
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First game: none
Second game: Lakers, Grizzlies, Celtics, Thunder, Trail Blazers
Point Guard
Deron Williams at PHI ($5,600): Williams will likely never be the same scorer he once was, but he can still distribute. He's racked up at least five assists in each of his past three games and is averaging 5.2 dimes per game this season. Couple that with a healthy number of steals, plus a soft matchup against the 76ers contingent of guards, and Williams offers enough upside without breaking the bank. Dirk Nowitzki was rested for Saturday's game against the Rockets, so he'll be fresh Monday and should provide Williams with plenty of assist opportunities.
Other suggestions:Isaiah Thomas vs. HOU ($7,100); Jordan Clarkson at PHO ($5,200)
Shooting Guard
Monta Ellis at CHI ($5,800): This is obviously a bit contradictory, but the fact is the Pacers may be without George Hill (illness) and Rodney Stuckey (ankle) against the Bulls, so Ellis would be in line for more field goal attempts and possibly over 40 minutes. Ellis hasn't looked like the sharpshooter we're used to seeing, but he's coming off a 24-point performance Friday against the T-Wolves and is averaging 30.2 fantasy points per game over his last six. With Chicago honed in on stopping Paul George, Ellis will have any easy time scoring with Derrick Rose chasing him up and down the court.
Other suggestions:James Harden vs. BOS ($10,300); Eric Bledsoe vs. LAL ($8,400)
Small Forward
Jeff Green vs. OKC ($3,500): After coming off the bench for the first nine games of the season, Green finally replaced Courtney Lee in the starting lineup Friday against the Trail Blazers. He posted season-highs in both minutes (35) and points (21) in Sunday's win over the T-Wolves and is beginning to trend up -- so now would be a good time to jump on Green. He gives you both lineup flexibility and a high ceiling, but he will likely have a high ownership percentage in tournaments, so cash games may be the route to take when using him.
Other suggestions:Jae Crowder at HOU ($5,800); T.J. Warren vs. LAL ($3,800)
Power Forward
LaMarcus Aldridge vs. POR ($7,100): Against a poor rebounding team in the 76ers, Aldridge posted a season-high 19 boards. The Trail Blazers haven't been terrible on the glass, but they aren't anything to write home about either, so Aldridge has a decent shot at double-digit rebounds again. The Blazers are on a five-game losing streak and are playing possibly the worst basketball in the NBA right now after Philly. Aldridge scored 23 points in his first game back in Portland since signing with the Spurs, so he'll want to follow that performance up with another solid outing -- this time in San Antonio.
Other suggestions:Pau Gasol vs. IND ($7,400); Dwight Powell at PHI ($4,800)
Center
Tyson Chandler vs. LAL ($5,300): It's been three straight games since Chandler posted double-digit rebounds, so he's due for a breakout. The Lakers sport one of the worst rebound differentials and are allowing opponents to grab 48.6 boards per game -- second-most in the NBA. With this game expected to be high scoring, it's also likely that Chandler gets to at least 10 points for the bonus double-double points, so his fantasy point total Monday should look more like what we were seeing out of him early in the season.
Other suggestions:Joakim Noah vs. IND ($4,700); Tim Duncan vs. POR ($6,200)
Injury Report
Out
Kevin Durant, OKC (hamstring)
Brandan Wright, MEM (knee)
Jordan Adams, MEM (knee)
Jarell Martin, MEM (foot)
Meyers Leonard, POR (shoulder)
Mike Dunleavy, CHI (back)
Patrick Beverley, HOU (ankle)
Donatas Motiejunas, HOU (back)
Myles Turner, IND (hand)
Kendall Marshall, PHI (knee)
Tony Wroten, PHI (knee)
Game-Time Decision
Robert Covington, PHI (knee)
Manu Ginobili, SAS (thigh)
Kawhi Leonard, SAS (illness)
George Hill, IND (illness)
Rodney Stuckey, IND (ankle)
Montrezl Harrell, HOU (ankle)
Markieff Morris, PHO (knee)
Ronnie Price, PHI (concussion)
