This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
In the final Monday slate before the All-Star break, we get treated with an 11-game schedule. The abundance of superstars on this slate is fantastic too, as there are seven five-figure players in total. In order to build an optimal lineup, it will be key to include two of these studs in order to create an optimal stars-and-scrubs configuration. With that in mind, all of my picks here will be players south of $8,500. Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook are the best bets to be the highest-scoring players, as they both have fantastic matchups and have been playing the best ball of the marquee five-figure players.
Jrue Holiday, NOP at PHX ($8,300): It took Holiday some time to find his rhythm after missing the opening month to the season, but he's been one of the best point guards in the NBA over recent weeks. In fact, Holiday has at least 42 fantasy points in seven of his last nine games, as he's regularly flirting with 50-point outings. The matchup is arguably the best part about using Holiday though, with Phoenix allowing the sixth most fantasy points to guards this season, while ranking 28th in total defense.
Nicolas Batum, CHA vs. PHI ($8,000): Batum is sick of losing and it's clear with his recent form. Over his last three games, Batum is averaging 42 fantasy points and hasn't scored below 38 fantasy points in that span. It's his ability to stuff the stat sheet that makes him so valuable, as he regularly flirts with triple-doubles.
Tim Hardaway Jr., ATL at POR ($5,700): Hardway has turned into a legitimate scorer and is in the best stretch of his season right now. In fact, he's averaging 19.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 0.7 steals across his last five games. What's more encouraging about that stretch is his role, as he's averaged 35 minutes and 15 field-goal attempts, and the matchup is also great, as Portland ranks 27th in defensive efficiency.
Paul Millsap, ATL at POR ($8,000): Millsap is one of the most reliable power forwards in the NBA and he's hard to pass up in a matchup like this. Not only is he averaging 36 fantasy points a game for the season, he's surpassed that number in each of his last two outings. It's the matchup that's most tasty, with Portland allowing the third most fantasy points to power forwards this year.
Nerlens Noel, PHI at CHA ($5,900): With Joel Embiid and Jahlil Okafor expected to sit this game out, Noel becomes one of the best value bets at any position. It's the role that improves most with those two out of the lineup, as Noel should be looking at 30 minutes of action and potentially his highest usage rate of the season. He's shown the ability to go off in the past too, as he has the ability to be an $8,000 talent. Furthermore, Charlotte has allowed the sixth most fantasy points to centers this season, which is where Noel will be slotted Monday.
T.J. Warren, PHX vs. NOP ($4,900): Warren has regularly been outperfoming his price tag this season and it's a wonder why he's still south of $5,000. With at least 25 fantasy points in five of his last six games, Warren presents a rare 5X value floor. That's hard to pass up and it comes as no surprise when looking at his role, with Warren playing well over 30 minutes a game in that span and taking double-digit shots in nearly every outing. The final piece to the puzzle is the matchup, with the Pelicans allowing the sixth most fantasy points to small forwards across their last 10.
Marc Gasol, MEM at BRK ($8,500): Gasol has been a freak this season and looks like a can't-miss in this matchup. Over his last 13 games, Gasol is averaging 25.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 0.6 steals and 1.6 blocks per game. That's over 42 fantasy points a game and it shows just how reliable his versatility makes him. The matchup is undeniable too, with Brooklyn ranking dead-last in total defense while allowing the sixth most fantasy points to centers this season.
Dwight Howard, ATL at POR ($6,800): Portland just traded their only legitimate center on Sunday and that's going to leave Howard to feast in this matchup. That's what makes him so intriguing here, as his size is going to make him look like a man amongst boys against this small Portland frontcourt. They haven't been able to stop big men either, allowing the seventh most fantasy points to centers across their last 10 games. There's no center below $7,000 who has 20-20 potential like Howard, and Atlanta will know how to exploit this matchup by using their big man to no end.
Dewayne Dedmon, SAN at IND ($4,400): Dedmon has taken over starting center duties in the absence of Pau Gaosl and is playing the best ball of his career. Over his last seven games, Dedmon is approaching a double-double average, while playing a season high in minutes. It's his price that makes him most attractive Monday, as a $4,400 player with this sort of upside is hard to find on any slate. The Pacers also have allowed the third most rebounds to centers in 2016-17, further adding to the appeal of Dedmon.
