This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
Monday brings a fun slate of basketball and there's one stack on which I'd like to focus. That team is the Houston Rockets, as they draw a brilliant matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. It's not just the second-ranked Houston offense that makes this attractive, as Brooklyn is setting records for defensive ineptitude. In fact, the Vegas total is set at a lofty 228, with the Rockets favored by 14, so that implies Houston will score more than 120 points. That's one of the highest projected totals of the season and it seems likely that the correct stack of these players can lead to a monster cash.
James Harden, HOU vs. BRK ($11,400): There's really not a whole lot of explanation needed for this pick, as it's one of the most obvious of the year. Harden has been ridiculous this season and is the second-ranked fantasy player in the NBA, just behind the superhero known as Russell Westbrook. This is the matchup of all matchups too, with Brooklyn ranking dead-last in nearly every defensive category. The only concern here is blowout potential, but Harden could still drop a triple-double in three quarters against this putrid defense.
Goran Dragic, MIA vs. WSH ($7,200): Many people are overlooking what Dragic is doing in Miami because of their poor record, but he's turning into one of the premier playmakers in the league. Since returning from injury at the end of November, Dragic is averaging 21.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 0.9 steals per game. That's over 40 fantasy points a game and it's clear that the Heat are finally comfortable letting him control the offense with Dwyane Wade in Chicago. The matchup is great, too, with Washington ranking among the bottom-10 in defensive efficiency.
Patrick Beverley, HOU vs. BRK ($5,100): Beverley has always been a better real-life player than fantasy player, but he's been on a roll lately. Over his last five games, he's averaging nearly 30 fantasy points a game and hasn't scored fewer than 22 fantasy points in that span. But again, the best part about this play is the matchup, with Brooklyn allowing the most fantasy points to point guards this season. Don't expect Beverley to score 20 real points, but he should be able to provide elite peripheral statistics in this matchup.
Paul George, IND vs. CHA ($8,500): There really aren't any great small forwards on this slate, so using an underpriced George can be beneficial. In his five games since returning from injury, George has scored at least 31 fantasy points and is averaging over 40 fantasy points per game over that span. The matchup appears tough on the surface against a stingy Charlotte defense, but the Hornets actually allow the second-most fantasy points to small forwards on the season. There's simply too few options at small forward, so it's best to go with the reliable George here and fill out your lineup from there.
Julius Randle, LAL at SAC ($6,400): Randle has scored at least 28 fantasy points in four-straight games, and it's clear the Lakers are comfortable running their offense through the big man, at times. He has nine assists across his last two games and is averaging over 10 boards per game across his last eight contests. On Monday, he faces a Kings defense that ranks 24th in fantasy points allowed to power forwards, as they may have the weakest frontcourt depth in the NBA.
Ryan Anderson, HOU vs. BRK ($4,500): Anderson has really been struggling recently, but he's a great punt play given the matchup. He's the only player priced under $5,000 who can drop 40 points, as he's one of the best sharpshooters in the league. Anderson goes up against a Brooklyn defense that's allowed the second-most fantasy points to power forwards, and at just $4,500 Anderson is one of the only players on the board with 10X potential.
DeMarcus Cousins, SAC vs. LAL ($11,000): This price is a bit higher than I initially hoped, but he's one of the safest bets for 50-plus fantasy points. What I really like about him here today is his safety, as he's the only elite center on the slate and he's got a fantastic matchup. The Lakers currently allow the third-most fantasy points to centers and they've yet to face a player with Cousins' all-around abilities. While the price may cripple your salary, it's worth it for the stability, as Cousins is a great building block for your lineup.
DeAndre Jordan, LAC vs. POR ($6,900): Jordan has been a bit of a disappointment this season, but there's a lot to like in this spot. He'll be facing a Portland defense that ranks dead-last in defensive efficiency and last in points allowed to centers, and Jordan has scored at least 28 fantasy points in 10 straight games. In his last game against Portland, Jordan dropped 33 fantasy points in just 24 minutes, as that game was well out of hand headed into the fourth quarter. Look for him to play at least 30 minutes here, which should translate to significant upside with his rebounding and defensive capabilities.
Mason Plumlee, POS at LAC ($5,900): On the surface, this looks like a terrible choice against an elite Clippers defense, but Plumlee's has always had success against Los Angeles. In fact, Plumlee has scored at least 36 fantasy points in six of his last seven games against the Clippers. In those six games, he is averaging 10.2 points, 13.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks. That's absurd production, and Plumlee will likely see a low ownership percentage, which makes him all the more enticing.
