This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
This Monday slate has a modest seven-game schedule with some interesting matchups, including three with double-digit point spreads. Keying in on those games will be pivotal, as it's imperative to identify potential blowouts and avoid them if possible. Getting maximum minutes out of your players is crucial in order for a big cash, and with this many lopsided games, analyzing which matchups will be close can help you exponentially.
DeMar DeRozan, TOR at NYK ($8,500): DeRozan has already turned into one of the best scorers in the NBA this season, but there's reasons to believe he can further go off in this game. One of the biggest factors is the fact that Kyle Lowry is expected to be out with an injury, which means DeRozan will likely be looking at 20-plus shots, while leading the team in usage. That doesn't even consider this fantastic matchup, as the Knicks have allowed the seventh most fantasy points to shooting guards this season.
Tyreke Evans, SAC vs. MIN ($6,000): Evans was one of the primary catches in the DeMarcus Cousins trade and it's clear they want to run much of their offense through their former Rookie of the Year. In his first two games, Evans has averaged 25 fantasy points while stuffing the stat sheet at will. It's his usage that is most enticing though, as he leads the team with a 26.0 usage rate since joining them. This matchup is great too, with Minnesota ranking 24th in defensive efficiency.
Cory Joseph, TOR at NYK ($4,400): Joseph is the primary beneficiary of the Lowry injury, as he'll step into the starting point guard role. When he's been given that opportunity, Joseph has been one of the best value options out there. In fact, Joseph is averaging nearly 30 fantasy points for every 36 minutes he plays and appears likely to approach that 36-minute mark here after averaging 35 minutes across his last two games. A $4,400 player looking at a 30-point floor is an amazing value and it comes in a brilliant matchup, as well.
Paul George, IND at HOU ($7,900): George got ejected in his most recent game and has been struggling recently, and it's lowered his price to an affordable number. George is still very capable of a 50 fantasy-point game, though, and this is the type of matchup where he can do some damage. Not only have the Rockets allowed the seventh most fantasy points to small forwards, but George dropped 50 fantasy points in his one game against them earlier this year.
Serge Ibaka, TOR at NYK ($5,900): Ibaka is the final beneficiary of the Lowry injury, as he should be looking at a big role in this game. In his first two outings with Toronto, Ibaka has averaged 31 fantasy points, and it's clear he's become the go-to post player. What is especially tasty here is the matchup, with the Knicks allowing the third most fantasy points to power forwards across their last 10 games. Paying under $6,000 for someone like Ibaka is always a bargain and with the matchup in his favor, he's simply too valuable to pass up on.
Skal Labissiere, SAC vs MIN ($3,600): Labissiere was a no-name just last week, but he's developed into a dynamic big coming off the Kings bench. In his first two games since the Cousins trade, Labissiere has scored 46 combined fantasy points, which is amazing value for a near minimum-priced player. That's what makes him so intriguing, as it's nearly impossible to find a $3,600 player with this sort of potential. Labissiere is an extremely risky option, but he's one of the only players on this slate with 10X upside.
Karl-Anthony Towns, MIN at SAC ($10,600): Towns has been a freak since Zach LaVine went down to injury and he's hard to fade right now. Not only has he scored at least 41 fantasy points in 13 of his last 14 games, he's averaged over 50 fantasy points in that span. This matchup is beautiful too, as Towns won't have to deal with DeMarcus Cousins and will likely be matched up with Kosta Koufos.
Myles Turner, IND at HOU ($6,500): Turner has at least 31 fantasy points in five of his last six games and he should be able to add to that run in this matchup. What makes Houston such a good matchup for centers is its frenetic pace and the amount of rebounds it allows. In fact, the Rockets have allowed the third most fantasy points to centers for the season, not to mention the most across their last 10 games. Someone as athletic as Turner should thrive in this sort of game too, stuffing the stat sheet with points, rebounds and blocks.
Clint Capela, HOU vs. IND ($5,200): Capela continues to be undervalued on FanDuel, as he has at least 25 fantasy points in eight of his last 10 games. What makes that even more encouraging is the fact that he's yet to play big minutes in that span and is still putting up solid numbers. Capela should be able to rebound at will against this small Indiana team too, as it has allowed the third most rebounds to centers this season.
