This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Defense to Avoid:
Toronto Raptors vs. Los Angeles Lakers
The obvious choice here would be the Spurs against the 76ers, but the Raptors are also a strong defensive team and should crush a lot of value plays that the Lakers normally offer. Toronto is coming off back-to-back losses, so limiting Los Angeles at home in a game they really need seems like a defense you won't want to matchup against. As long as Kobe Bryant continues to chuck up close to 20 field goal attempts per game, the Lakers' offense won't be efficient enough to pose a threat to the Raptors.
Offense to Use:
Boston Celtics at New Orleans Pelicans
When finding an offense to target, considering what the opposing team has done on defense the past couple of games is a good place to start. The Pelicans have allowed more than 100 points in every game since Nov. 20 against the Spurs. In fact, New Orleans is allowing 110 points per game in its past seven. The Celtics are always a great team to target since they offer plenty of cheap options with high floors and high ceilings. If you're not buying the Celtics, the Bulls and Suns face off in what should be a high-scoring affair.
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First game: None
Second game: Mavericks, Pistons, Lakers, Suns, Wizards
Daily Player Recommendations
Point Guard
Cory Joseph, TOR vs. LAL ($4,200): Raptors starter Kyle Lowry is the highest priced point guard at $8,900, but if Toronto runs away with this one Joseph should see plenty of playing time off the bench. He's averaging nearly 30 minutes per game over his last six and has scored at least 20 fantasy points in four of his last five. The Lakers will be playing the second game of a back-to-back, and Joseph's low salary allows you to invest in fantasy studs like Anthony Davis and Andre Drummond.
Other suggestions:Isaiah Thomas, BOS at NO ($7,700); Derrick Rose, CHI vs. PHO ($6,400)
Shooting Guard
Avery Bradley, BOS at NO ($6,400): Of the Celtics' two starting guards, I like Bradley over Thomas, though I suggested the later above. This doesn't mean Thomas won't have a solid night, but considering the price and effectiveness, Bradley should have an easier time reaching value. The Pelicans rank dead last in opponent's 3-point shooting percentage at 39 percent and Bradley is shooting 44 percent from downtown over his past six games. Also a plus: Bradley has eight steals in his past three games.
Other suggestions:Jimmy Butler, CHI vs. PHO ($7,700); O.J. Mayo, MIL vs. POR ($4,900)
Small Forward
Jae Crowder, BOS at NO ($5,500): There aren't many elite options at small forward Monday, with Kawhi Leonard the most likely top owned at the position if Carmelo Anthony is unable to go for the Knicks. So with that and your budget in mind, Crowder makes a lot of sense, especially if you're playing cash games. Crowder is a virtual lock for at least 2-3 steals and should contribute nicely in at least five stat categories, so he isn't dependent on scoring, though he shouldn't have much trouble reaching double-digit points against the Pelicans.
Other suggestions:Marcus Morris, DET at CHA ($6,300); DeMarre Carroll, TOR vs. LAL ($5,500)
Power Forward
LaMarcus Aldridge, SAS at PHI ($6,700): In continuing with our trend of value plays Monday, Aldridge is another evenly priced All-Star with a great matchup. The 76ers may be without rookie Jahlil Okafor, which will only make things easier on Aldridge down low. His numbers have been a bit down this season, but Aldridge has still managed to remain fantasy relevant, averaging 28.6 fantasy points per game in his last seven. Many lineups will be on Aldridge, so if you're looking for a contrarian play for tournaments, you should probably look elsewhere.
Other suggestions:Jabari Parker, MIL vs. POR ($4,700); Anthony Davis, NO vs. BOS ($10,700)
Center
Joakim Noah, CHI vs. PHO ($4,600): Noah continues to come off the bench for the Bulls, but over the past couple weeks he's looked a lot like the All-Star center he used to be. Over the past four he's averaging 24.2 fantasy points pe rgame and has posted double-digit rebounds in three straight. Coach Fred Hoiberg will look to Noah for some energy against the up-tempo Suns, so expect his assist numbers to be a bit above his season average. If there's one knock on Noah it's that his minutes aren't always guaranteed, but that's a risk you're going to have to take with a guy who's priced conveniently like Noah.
Other suggestions:Greg Monroe, MIL vs. POR ($6,900); Tim Duncan, SA at PHI ($5,800)
Injury Report
Out
Marcus Smart, BOS (leg)
Tyson Chandler, PHO (hamstring)
Mike Dunleavy, CHI (back)
Chris Kaman, POR (ankle)
Al Jefferson, CHA (calf)
J.J. Barea, DAL (ankle)
Chris Paul, LAC (ribs)
J.J. Redick, LAC (ankle)
Nick Young, LAL (coaches decision)
Luol Deng, MIA (hamstring)
Jerryd Bayless, MIL (ankle)
Greivis Vasquez, MIL (ankle)
Nene Hilario, WAS (calf)
Kris Humphries, WAS (ankle)
Alan Anderson, WAS (ankle)
Drew Gooden, WAS (calf)
Game-Time Decision
Carmelo Anthony, NYK (knee)
Marcin Gortat, WAS (personal)
Jahlil Okafor, PHI (illness)
Isaiah Canaan, PHI (ankle)
David Lee, BOS (heel)
Devin Harris, DAL (rib)
