This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
Monday gives us a small six-game slate, and there's some tough situations to figure out. What makes this time of year so difficult is the fact that there are strange rotations and random restings, as well as the fact that most of these teams are either battling for playoff positioning, or vying for lottery balls. Here are some picks to consider…
DeMar DeRozan, TOR vs. ORL ($9,200): With Kyle Lowry missing time due to a wrist issue, DeRozan has been in full takeover mode. Not only is he averaging over 50 fantasy points across his last three games, DeRozan ranks top-10 in usage rate since Lowry went down. The matchup is encouraging as well, with Orlando ranking 24th in defensive efficiency across its last 10 games. In addition, the Magic have allowed the fifth most fantasy points to opposing shooting guards over their last 10 games.
Derrick Rose, NYK vs. DET ($5,900): Rose has been much better than this price would indicate, as he's averaging 29 fantasy points a game for the season. It's his floor that makes him such a reliable option though, as he has at least 24 fantasy points in 13 of his last 14 games. Detroit has not done well against point guards this season either, allowing the ninth most fantasy points to them this season.
Ish Smith, DET at NYK ($4,500): With Reggie Jackson struggling, Smith has been implemented as the starting point guard. He's been playing well recently too, averaging 23 fantasy points across his last four games. Smith is the type of guy who can get hot too, as he was averaging 30 fantasy points a game when Jackson was out of the lineup. The matchup may be the best part about using Smith though, with New York ranking 26th in defensive efficiency. At just $4,500, Smith has the highest upside of any player south of $5,000.
LaMarcus Aldridge, SAN vs. CLE ($7,300): Aldridge has been great since returning from his heart condition, as he has at least 32 fantasy points in all six games. That's incredible consistency and they should lean on him heavily here in such a showcase matchup. The Cavaliers rank 29th in defensive efficiency across their last 10 games, as well.
Kristaps Porzingis, NYK vs. DET ($6,700): With Carmelo potentially sitting this game out, Porzingis should continue to be used as the go-to offensive weapon. In the two games Melo has missed, Porzingis and Rose are tied for the team lead in usage at 28. That just means more opportunity for fantasy points and it comes at quite the value. Porzingis has proven to be an $8,000 player when he's right and he should be able to provide that sort of value with this high usage. Detroit is struggling right now too, allowing the eighth most fantasy points to opposing power forwards across its last 10 games.
Terrence Ross, ORL at TOR ($4,200): Ross hasn't been great since the trade from Toronto, but he's been too good to be this cheap. His recent form is what's most encouraging, as he has at least 24 fantasy points in three straight games. That's a 6X value floor at a $4,200 price and Ross is the type of player who can go off on any given night.
Rudy Gobert, UTA vs. NOP ($8,700): Gobert has been a freak recently and is by far the best center option on this slate. Not only has he surpassed 39 fantasy points in five straight games, Gobert is averaging 50 fantasy points in that span. What is most intriguing here is the matchup, however, as Gobert should be used heavily against this potent New Orleans frontcourt. In addition, the 16.5 rebounds that the Pelicans allow to opposing centers is the highest mark in the NBA.
Andre Drummond, DET at NYK ($7,600): Drummond has been underwhelming recently, but the price drop has made him a nice value. At just $7,600, Drummond is one of the only centers on this slate whose average is 5X value. That's all you can ask for and he should be able to knock around a Knicks defense that allows the third most fantasy points to centers this season.
