This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
The NBA starts off the week with seven games on the schedule Monday. There is only one player priced above $10,000 on DraftKings, which might leave you with more of your budget to work with than usual. Here are some players with favorable matchups to consider for your entry.
Guards
Bradley Beal, WAS at IND ($8,900): Beal has stepped up with John Wall (knee) injured, scoring at least 44.5 DraftKings points in three straight games. He's provided excellent all-around numbers, averaging 22.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 7.7 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.7 three-pointers in those three contests. His usage rate should continue to be high until Wall returns, making Beal an excellent option to consider Monday.
Ricky Rubio, UTA at NO ($6,500): Rubio is rolling right now, scoring at least 30 DraftKings points in seven of his last eight games. Not only did he dish out nine assists in his last game Saturday, but he also scored 34 points against a tough Spurs defense. The Pelicans allow the ninth-most DraftKings points per game (47.3) to opposing points guards and play at the fifth-fastest pace (101.7 possessions per game) in the league, leaving Rubio with the potential to keep his hot streak alive for at least one more game.
De'Aaron Fox, SAC vs. CHI ($6,000): Fox is finally seeing consistent playing time, logging at least 30 minutes in seven of his last nine games. His numbers aren't off the charts, but he averaged a respectable 15.6 points, 4.9 assists and 1.0 steal in those seven contests. Monday brings a favorable matchup against the Bulls, a team that struggles to defend point guards, allowing the second-most DraftKings points per game (48.9) to the position.
Forwards
Anthony Davis, NO vs. UTA ($11,200): Davis is the big-ticket item on the schedule Monday as he is by far the most expensive player. His production has been stellar though, scoring at least 56.3 DraftKings points in five straight games. He certainly didn't see his scoring opportunities decrease in his first game playing with Nikola Mirotic, scoring 38 points on 30 shots Saturday against the Timberwolves. Don't be afraid to pay up for Davis again against the Jazz.
Nicolas Batum, CHA at DEN ($6,700): Batum started off horribly this season, but has looked much better of late. He's only shooting 42.2% from the field this season, but he's shooting 47.6% over his last six games. Add the improved shooting together with his ability to contribute across the board and Batum has scored at least 32.5 DraftKings points in five of those six contests. He presents a viable mid-tier priced option for your entry Monday.
Trey Lyles, DEN vs. CHA ($5,300): Lyles is one of the key weapons off the bench for the Nuggets, scoring at least 32.8 DraftKings points in four of his last six games. The Nuggets will be without Mason Plumlee (calf) again Monday and the Hornets like to use a lot of small lineups, which is good news for Lyles' playing time in this game. If you are looking for a cheaper option at forward, Lyles has upside.
Centers
Blake Griffin, DET vs. POR ($8,500): Griffin had a rough shooting game Saturday against the Heat, finishing only 6-of-19 from the field. He still managed to grab nine rebounds and dish out seven assists, resulting in 38.8 DraftKings points. He's not going to shoot that poorly often and can contribute across the board on a nightly basis, giving him a high floor in DFS. Look for him to have a rebound performance in this game against the Trail Blazers.
Bobby Portis, CHI at SAC ($6,200): Portis has seen an increased role offensively of late, attempting at least 13 shots in three of the last four games. With Mirotic no longer with the Bulls, that should be a trend that continues moving forward. The Kings struggled to defend opposing big men, so Portis could be primed for a big performance Monday.
Kelly Olynyk, MIA vs. ORL ($5,200): Olynyk moved into the starting lineup Saturday against the Pistons, playing 40 minutes and scoring 38 DraftKings points. James Johnson moved to the bench and Hassan Whiteside (illness) did not play, but it was still an encouraging performance for Olynyk. Even with Whiteside set to return Monday, Olynyk may have bought himself another start or, at the very least, extra playing time. Considering the Magic play at the seventh-fastest pace (101) in the league, that could lead to added value for Olynyk in this game.
