This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Defense to Avoid:
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Detroit Pistons
The Clippers and Pistons have the two top-ranked defenses in terms of points allowed per game; Los Angeles is first at 90.7 and Detroit second at 93.0. Of the seven games Monday, this has the best chance of being a defensive struggle and the Clippers get the upper-hand playing at home, where they've allowed an average of 86 points per game through three games. Los Angeles possesses the greater offensive weapons in Blake Griffin and Chris Paul, so it's an easy choice to fade Detroit players from most of your lineups.
Offense to Use:
Charlotte Hornets vs. Indiana Pacers
The easy choice would be to ride the Golden State Warriors at home against the New Orleans Pelicans, but Charlotte has an intriguing matchup at home against Indiana, which is allowing the third-most points per game (111.5). Beyond Kemba Walker, the Hornets don't have many weapons on offense, but that also means there will be plenty of cheap options to pick from on their roster to provide value. This gives you some nice stack options that won't burn all of your salary cap, giving you the opportunity to pay up for a couple of high-priced studs.
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First game: Pelicans
Second game: Jazz
DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Guards
James Harden, HOU at WAS ($11,700): Harden's stat lines the past three games have been absolutely ridiculous. He's averaging 33.6 points, 14 assists, 7.3 rebounds, 4.6 three-pointers made for a whopping 70 DraftKings points per game. Harden will enjoy seeing the Wizards on the other side of the court Monday night, as well. In 13 career matchups, Harden is averaging 25.4 points per game against Washington, more than all but one other opponent. The Rockets' All-Star will be heavily owned in almost all contests, but he's a necessary anchor to your lineup and easily the best elite option on the market Monday.
Kemba Walker, CHA vs. IND ($7,400): Walkeris coming off a season-high 30 points against the Nets, and I've already outlined his matchup above. As a middle-of-the-pack point guard, Walker offers a lot of scoring upside, especially against the Pacers and won't be as heavily owned considering Steph Curry ($8,700) is so inexpensive. The only problem with playing Kemba is he is a bit reliant on scoring for his fantasy points, only averaging 4.6 APG and 3.0 RPG on the season. Nevertheless, Walker has consistently provided 37.9 DraftKings points per game and is an affordable, safe play.
Bradley Beal, WAS vs. HOU ($5,600):John Wall will be coming off three days rest and Beal has a very favorable matchup against the Rockets, who are allowing 10.5 made three-pointers per game to opponents so far this season. Beal has scored in double figures in each of his five games this season and is averaging a solid 26.2 DraftKings points per game, despite a low price tag. The Wizards will need to shoot the ball a ton to keep pace with the Rockets' offense and Houston is allowing opponents to convert at a 38 percent clip from downtown (third-worst in the NBA).
Forwards
Anthony Davis, NO at GS ($11,100): It will be hard for Davis to duplicate what he did in the first two games of the season, but the Warriors offer a great matchup in a game that should be high-scoring. Behind Davis' 30.0 PPG on the Pelicans is Tim Frazier at 13.0 PPG, which demonstrates New Orleans essentially runs its entire offense through the big man. We all saw what Davis did to Golden State earlier this season, posting 45 points with 17 rebounds for 80.25 DKPts, so based on that performance alone it's hard not to roll the dice on Davis in all formats.
Jimmy Butler, CHI vs. ORL ($7,200): The Bulls have lost three straight after starting the season 3-0, but should get back on track against the Magic, despite Orlando's improved play (three straight wins after three straight losses). Bulter has played well despite the skid and has scored 20+ points in four of six games this season. The Magic have the lowest points per shot average in the League at 1.09, so chances are there will be plenty of rebound opportunities for Chicago, and the Bulls' offense will be able to get out and run.
Justise Winslow, MIA at OKC ($5,600): His production might not be enticing, but Winslow's usage is what should appeal to you for lineup consideration. He's played at least 32 minutes in each game this season -- 39 or more in his past three games -- though it hasn't translated to as many fantasy points (28.7 DraftKings points per game). Still, Winslow is getting a lot of touches, he offers decent peripherals (5.0 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.2 SPG) and he's a nice contrarian play for tournaments.
Centers
Andre Drummond, DET at LAC ($8,100): You could also choose to use Davis at center, but Drummond is the best pure option on Monday's slate. As I mentioned above, Clippers-Pistons should be more of a struggle on offense, which should allow Drummond to secure plenty of rebounds. In seven games against the Clippers in his career, Drummond is averaging 15.9 points and 12.7 rebounds. Los Angeles has had a tough time against opposing centers this season (ranked 21st in DraftKings points allowed), and Drummond offers a high ceiling at a more manageable price.
Nikola Vucevic, ORL at CHI ($6,300): The Bulls are relatively soft down low with Robin Lopez and Taj Gibson, and Vucevic is a nice boom-or-bust candidate in the middle price tier at center. He's scored 44 or more DraftKings points in two of six games and hasn't pulled down fewer than nine rebounds in a game all season. Vucevic should get a nice boost on offense against Chicago and is a safe bet for a double-double.
Enes Kanter, OKC vs. MIA ($4,900): Kanter is coming off a season-high 20 points with 10 rebounds over 21 minutes against the T-Wolves. He's been more productive off the bench than starter Steven Adams, and it may only be a matter of time before he starts to get more playing time. The Heat don't have much interior depth behind Hassan Whiteside, so Kanter should have a great matchup against Miami's second unit. He's a bit risky, but when Kanter sees 20-plus minutes, he normally attempts more than 10 shots and gives you at least 22 fantasy points.
