This article is part of our FantasyDraft NBA series.
Monday evening brings several games with playoff berths and positioning at stake. FantasyDraft's unique roster construction offers you the flexibility to work in many of the appealing options available so without further ado, let's dive in to how you might best allocate resources:
GUARDS
Jimmy Butler, CHI vs. ORL ($18,800): The Bulls are still fighting to keep a hold of the eighth seed in the East and Butler therefore should be heavily involved through all four quarters. He'll draw a matchup against a Magic squad that's surrendered the sixth-most fantasy points (45.8) to small forwards on the season and the fourth-most (56.3) over the last five. Butler has also scored no less than 40.75 fantasy points in 12 straight games, making him an excellent play for either cash or tournaments.
Isaiah Thomas, BOS vs. BKN ($15,200): The Celtics looked like they were destined for the second seed after losing to the Cavs, but after a shocking Cleveland loss to the Hawks on Sunday, Boston retains an outside shot of still capturing the top spot. They'll have to start by taking care of business against the Nets, who've surrendered the fourth-most fantasy points (56.0) to point guards on the season. Thomas has averaged 24.0 points, 6.5 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.0 steals over two prior games against the Nets this season, and has scored between 40.50 and 53.75 fantasy points in five of the last six games.
Dwyane Wade, CHI vs. ORL ($10,900): Wade's price remains depressed due to the extended absence he just returned from, making him an excellent value play in an important game for the Bulls. The Magic have also surrendered 44.0 fantasy points to shooting guards on the season, and the tenth-most (46.6) over the last five games. Wade has been solid against Orlando this season as well, averaging 18.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 4.5 steals and 1.5 blocks over two prior games. The veteran will face a minutes restriction of 18-to-22 minutes Monday.
FORWARDS/CENTERS
Kawhi Leonard, SA at POR ($15,700): With LeBron James taking a seat for rest Monday, Leonard is my go-to pivot at the top tier. Coach Gregg Popovich has already confirmed that he will not be resting starters over the final two games, and Leonard has averaged 33.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks in two previous games against Portland this season. Leonard naturally carries plenty of upside and seems somewhat underpriced considering he's scored between 44.50 and 62.50 fantasy points in four of his last five games.
Hassan Whiteside, MIA vs. CLE ($15,000): Whiteside will be trying to help the Heat secure a playoff berth and will draw a matchup against a Cavs team that he's averaged 13.7 points, 12.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks against over three games this season. He's scored over 40 fantasy points in four games over the last 10 and over 50 in another two contests over that span, while Cleveland has surrendered the fifth-most rebounds (15.4) on the season to centers.
Greg Monroe, MIL vs. CHA ($9,400): Monroe bounced back with 32.25 fantasy points against the Sixers on Saturday after four mediocre efforts. He'll draw a matchup against a Hornets squad that's been vulnerable to big men all season, surrendering the 10th-most fantasy points (51.5) to centers, along with the seventh-most rebounds (15.2) and seventh-highest field-goal percentage (55.1) to the position as well.
UTILITY
Paul George, IND at PHI ($18,200): George has scored between 45.50 and 77.25 fantasy points in his last five games and the Pacers will be playing all out as they've yet to officially clinch a playoff spot. He's been excellent in this matchup this season as well, averaging 25.0 points (on 49.2 percent shooting), 7.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals in three previous games. Philadelphia has also been highly vulnerable to small forwards recently, giving up the second-most fantasy points (60.7) to the position over the last five games.
Myles Turner, IND at PHI ($12,700): Turner has averaged 12.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 2.3 blocks over three games against the Sixers this season, and Philadelphia checks in surrendering the most fantasy points (57.5) to centers on the season and most (61.2) over the last 10 as well. They also check in the bottom five or 10 in every other major category against fives, while Turner has scored over 30 fantasy points in five of his last 11 games, and over 40 in two others over that span.
