This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
The NBA starts this week off in style with 11 games on the schedule Monday. With so many options to choose from for your DraftKings entry, let's get right down to business and look at some key players you should consider.
Guards
Victor Oladipo, IND vs. NY ($8,700): Oladipo is rolling right now, as he has scored at least 43.8 DraftKings points in four of his last five games, including two with at least 65.8 DraftKings points. His usage rate of 30.2% ranks tenth in the NBA and he should continue to get plenty of opportunities on a rebuilding team. The Pacers take on a Knicks team depleted with injuries Monday, so expect another big performance from Oladipo.
Courtney Lee, NY at IND ($5,200): Lee is quietly having the best season of his career as he is averaging career-highs in points (12.9), rebounds (3.9), assists (3.0), steals (1.5) and three-pointers (1.6) per game. The Knicks will be without both Tim Hardaway Jr. (leg) and Kristaps Porzingis (ankle/illness) Monday, so Lee will have to assume more of leading role on offense. He scored 32.3 DraftKings points with Hardaway and Porzingis out Sunday, showing he can produce for your lineup.
Tomas Satoransky, WAS at UTA ($4,100): Satoransky isn't starting while John Wall (knee) has been out, but he has stepped up his game by scoring at least 24.8 DraftKings points in three straight games. He is coming off a very good performance Friday against the Detroit Pistons when he scored 17 points to go along with four rebounds, four assists and two three-pointers. The price is right to give him another shot Monday.
Forwards
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL at BOS ($10,600): If you are worried about Giannis taking on a tough Celtics defense, don't be. These same two teams faced off earlier this season and he crushed them for 37 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and three steals. He is pretty much matchup-proof, and the addition of Eric Bledsoe has not hurt his value. If anything, it's only helped him as defenses have to honor another excellent scorer. Considering he will cost you $1,200 less than fellow elite forward LeBron James, he still provides excellent value even at a high price.
Ersan Ilyasova, ATL vs. BKN ($4,800): The Hawks' frontcourt is decimated by injuries, leaving Ilyasova with an opportunity to step into a significant role. His 24.3 DraftKings points Saturday against the Brooklyn Nets wasn't anything to write home about, but he was ice cold from the field, hitting only 3-of-11 shots. If he can get a few more of those to fall at home Monday, he could out produce this price point.
Michael Beasley, NY at IND ($3,500): The absence of Hardaway and Porzingis leaves a lot of shots available for others to pick up. If you need someone to put up shots, look no further than Michael Beasley. He has made three starts this season and really excelled in those opportunities, averaging 18.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists. Considering the pace at which Indiana plays, Beasley is almost a must start at this price.
Centers
Joel Embiid, PHI vs. PHO ($9,800): Embiid has the third-highest usage rate (34.1%) in the NBA as he continues to crush opposing centers. This could get really ugly Monday for the Suns considering they already allow the most points per game (115.8) in the NBA and both teams are in the top-four in terms of pace of play. The only concern here is a possible blowout, but Embiid is no stranger to putting up big numbers even in limited minutes.
Enes Kanter, NY at IND ($6,200): Kanter has put up two big double-doubles in his last two games, scoring at least 43 DraftKings points in both contests. He, too, is needed to shoulder more of the offensive load with Hardaway and Porzingis out, which is great news considering the Pacers allow the second-most DraftKings points per game (60) to opposing centers. His price is very reasonable based on his potential.
Dwight Powell, DAL vs. DEN ($3,900): Powell has quietly been productive of late by scoring at least 22 DraftKings points in three straight games. Although he is only averaging 17 minutes per game this season, he has played more lately by logging at least 20 minutes in five of his last seven games. The Nuggets are thin up front due to injuries, so Powell is someone you might want to take a risk on in tournament play if you want a really cheap center.
