This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves are three of the 16 teams in action Monday in the NBA, so there are a lot of elite players to choose from for your FanDuel entry. Let's take a look at some players across the price scale who could help you finish with a winning lineup.
Guards
Lou Williams, LAC vs. ATL ($8,300): The Clippers continue to be riddled with injuries this season. Their most recent key players to go down are Milos Teodosic (foot) and Blake Griffin (concussion), who are both questionable to play Monday. Williams is one of the few viable scoring options they have left, which has led to his 29.3% usage rate that ranks 17th-highest in the league. The Hawks allow the sixth-most points per game (108.5) in the league and just gave up 132 points to the Lakers on Sunday, leaving Williams with a juicy matchup.
Justin Holiday, CHI vs. HOU ($5,800): Holiday's value should be taking a hit with Zach LaVine (knee) set to return soon, but you don't have to worry about that just yet. He's been one of the Bulls' better offensive weapons, resulting in at least 25.6 FanDuel points in five of his last seven games. Monday brings a great matchup against the Rockets who use a lot of small lineups and play at the eighth-fastest pace (101.4 possessions per game) in the league. The Bulls are going to need his offense to stay close in this game, so look for him to provide value at this price.
Dwight Buycks, DET at NO ($3,700): Buycks is now the backup point guard with Ish Smith starting for Reggie Jackson (ankle), playing at least 17 minutes in four straight games. Buycks has not let the opportunity go to waste, scoring at least 20.4 FanDuel points in three straight games. The Pelicans play at the seventh-fastest pace (101.9) and allow the third-most points per game (111) in the league, so it might be worth taking a chance on Buycks again in tournament play.
Forwards
Jimmy Butler, MIN vs. CLE ($9,700): Butler has been a great addition for the Timberwolves, providing veteran leadership and clutch scoring down the stretch. He's been extremely productive in DFS, scoring at least 42.4 FanDuel points in seven of his last nine games. There are some great options available at small forward Monday, but with Butler priced so much lower than LeBron James ($11,400) and Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,100), he could provide excellent value.
LaMarcus Aldridge, SA at SAC ($8,700):Kawhi Leonard (shoulder) is dealing with another injury, leaving Aldridge to continue to be the main scoring option for the Spurs. He was excellent without Leonard on Sunday against the Trail Blazers, scoring 54.3 FanDuel points. The Kings allow the tenth-most FanDuel points per game (47.3) to opposing power forwards, so with Leonard likely out again Monday, the only thing you have to watch out for with Aldridge is that he isn't rested on the second night of a back-to-back.
Serge Ibaka, TOR at BKN ($5,900): Ibaka stepped up his game in December, averaging 16.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 2.0 three-pointers per contest. He's shown no signs of slowing down in January, scoring at least 33.9 FanDuel points in two of three games. Ibaka scored 31.6 FanDuel points in his first matchup against the Nets this season, a team that allows the third-most FanDuel points per game (49.3) to opposing power forwards. The price is right to roll with him again Monday.
Centers
DeAndre Jordan, LAC vs. ATL ($8,300): With Griffin questionable Monday, Jordan might end up being a one-man-gang on the glass if he doesn't play. Jordan's scoring might be down this season, but he has still recorded a double-double in four of his last six games and is averaging 15.1 rebounds per contest on the season overall. The Hawks have very little size up front and allow the fourth-most FanDuel points per game (55.1) to opposing centers, so Jordan could have a field day in this matchup.
Willie Cauley-Stein, SAC vs. SA ($6,900): Cauley-Stein continues to overcome the Kings inconsistent rotations, scoring at least 32.3 FanDuel points in six of his last seven games. The Spurs have a lot of size up front in Aldridge and Pau Gasol, so the Kings are going to need Cauley-Stein to play well if they want to keep this game close. Cauley-Stein scored 38.7 FanDuel points in his first game against the Spurs this season, making him a viable option for your entry.
Tristan Thompson, CLE at MIN ($3,900): Thompson is not playing a lot of minutes, but he's still managed to score at least 27.2 FanDuel points in two of his last four games. The Cavaliers like to play small with Kevin Love at center, but Thompson might see a few extra minutes against the Timberwolves big frontcourt in this game. His upside is limited at best, but if you want to save a lot of money at center in tournament play, he might be worth a shot.
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