This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
The NBA will be jam packed Monday with nine games on the schedule. Below are some players with favorable matchups who could help you craft a winning entry.
Guards
Damian Lillard, POR at DEN ($8,800): Lillard has been excellent of late, scoring at least 40.5 DraftKings points in six straight games. He played at least 35 minutes in five of those games, which gives him a high floor considering his 29.8% usage rate ranks inside the top-15 in the league. The Nuggets allow the fourth-most DraftKings points per game (48.3) to opposing point guards, making him someone to consider using again Monday.
Donovan Mitchell, UTA at ATL ($7,800): Mitchell has been the leader of Utah's offense, averaging 25.0 points and 2.4 three-pointers over his last seven games. That's especially encouraging for his prospects Monday when you consider the Hawks allow the eighth-most points per game (107.8) in the league. Mitchell has played well defensively, too, averaging 1.7 steals over those same seven contests. With a 28.7% usage rate that ranks inside the top-20 in the league, don't expect the Hawks to slow him down in this game.
Tony Snell, MIL vs. PHO ($4,200): The Bucks will be without Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) on Monday, which should open up more playing time for Snell. Giannis also missed Saturday's game against the Sixers, which resulted in Snell scoring 26.5 DraftKings points in 38 minutes. The Suns play at the fourth-fastest pace (102.3 possessions per game) and allow the most points per game (112.2) in the league, so even though Snell isn't a major offensive threat, he has the potential to still provide significant value at this cheap price.
Forwards
Khris Middleton, MIL vs. PHO ($8,700): Middleton had a monster performance with Giannis out Saturday, posting a triple-double on his way to 61 DraftKings points. He played 40 minutes in that game and has now played at least 40 minutes in three straight games. While it's unlikely he'll score that many DraftKings points again Monday, he is still someone to strongly consider at this reasonable price.
Josh Richardson, MIA at HOU ($6,300): Richardson has been one of the more reliable members of the Heat, scoring at least 31 DraftKings points in four straight games. He's acquitted himself well in the month of January overall, averaging 14.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.6 steals, 1.2 blocks and 1.8 three-pointers in 10 games. The Rockets play at the eighth-fastest pace (101.4) in the league, so Richardson could have even more opportunities to produce in this contest.
Wesley Johnson, LAC vs. MIN ($4,400): After averaging just 12 minutes per game with the Clippers last season, Johnson has been thrust into a more prominent role this year due to all of the Clippers' injuries. He's taken full advantage of the added playing time, scoring at least 28 DraftKings points in three straight games. With opposing defenses forced to key in on Lou Williams and Blake Griffin, Johnson has been able to hit at last three three-pointers in four of his last five games.
Centers
Dwight Howard, CHA vs. SAC ($8,100): Howard is showing no signs of slowing down this year, scoring at least 41.8 DraftKings points in five of his last six games. Always an excellent rebounder, his offensive numbers had been tailing off heading into this year. However, he's been one of the focal points of the Hornets offense, posting a 24.1% usage rate that is his highest since the 2013-14 season. The Kings allow the third-most DraftKings points per game (54.8) to opposing centers, giving Howard great upside Monday.
Rudy Gobert, UTA at ATL ($7,000): Gobert hasn't shown much rust since missing over a month with a knee injury, scoring at least 30.8 DraftKings points in both games since his return. He played at least 28 minutes in each contest and could see more playing time Monday. Even if he doesn't, he is still an excellent option to consider because the Hawks allow the fourth-most DraftKings points per game (54.4) to opposing centers.
Dewayne Dedmon, ATL vs. UTA ($4,800): Dedmon recently missed over a month due to his own injury issues and has come off the bench in all six games since he returned. He's still played close to the same amount of minutes as he was when he was a starter, scoring at least 22.5 DraftKings points in five straight games. He might be the Hawks center best equipped to battle with Gobert on Monday, so there is the potential for a few extra minutes. He's priced low enough to consider if you want to take a chance on a cheap center in tournament play.
