After the Super Bowl festivities on Sunday, the NBA is back in the sports spotlight on Monday night with nine games on DraftKings’ main slate. Of the 18 teams on the main slate, the Hornets and Bucks are the only teams playing for the second day in a row. Several big stars have uncertain status while a few others have already been ruled out. Teams are still adjusting after the NBA Trade Deadline, but we’re starting to get a good idea of how the new-look teams will adjust to new arrivals. While there are still question marks due to injuries, there are already some strong plays that stand out on Monday’s slate.
Let’s dive into some of the top plays on the slate using the FantasyLabs tools and projections.
Also, don’t forget that for large-field tournaments, you can utilize our Lineup Optimizer to effortlessly create up to 300 lineups or use our Lineup Builder if you like to hand-build your lineups.
You can also use our SimLabs Lineup Generator, a tool that creates the most user-friendly lineup generation process.
Note: Projections and Leverages Scores/Ratings may change throughout the day after this article is posted. The NBA DFS landscape changes quickly.
Consult the NBA Player Models directly for any updates as we get closer to lock.
NBA DFS Point Guard Picks
Stud
The Bucks won’t have Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) until after the All-Star break, so Damian Lillard will have to carry the offensive workload, giving him a very high ceiling in Monday’s home matchup against the Warriors. Lillard has the second-highest median and ceiling projection and the highest floor projections at point guard on Monday and also has the third-highest Projected Plus/Minus of all point guards since he’s expected to outproduce his price point by such a significant margin.
Lillard played six games this season without Giannis and averaged 59.0 DraftKings points per contest with a 33.0% usage rate and 32.8 points per contest. He had 43 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, and 69.75 DraftKings points on Sunday without Giannis while leading the Bucks past the Sixers. That was his third straight game with 50+ DraftKings points.
For as long as Giannis is out, it’ll be Dame time early and often for the Bucks, which makes him a great fantasy play, especially with his salary just over $9,000.
Value
One of the exciting new features this season on FantasyLabs is our partnership with ShotQuality. In the ShotQuality projections, Jordan Poole has the highest Projected Plus/Minus at point guard, and he has the second-highest Projected Plus/Minus in the FantasyLabs projections at the position.
Poole typically gets plenty of usage for the Wizards regardless of who is available around him. He’ll be without Khris Middleton (ankles), Alexandre Sarr (ankle), and Marcus Smart (recently traded) on Monday against the Spurs while Kyshawn George (ankle) is questionable. Poole leads the team with a 28.8% usage rate, and Kyle Kuzma, who ranked second, was traded away at the deadline, leaving even more work for Poole.
He showed his upside with a massive 45-point game last Friday against the Cavs. He finished that game with 60 DraftKings points and bounced back with 36.25 DraftKings points the following night against the Hawks. Poole has over 35 DraftKings points in three straight games and had 59 DraftKings points in his first matchup against the Spurs this season, scoring 42 points in their first meeting back in November.
Giddey should be busy again on Saturday against Golden State, and he has a great ceiling at his salary just over $7,000.
Fast Break
Trae Young led the Hawks past Poole and the Wizards on Saturday with 35 points, 14 assists, and 59.5 DraftKings points. He always brings a high ceiling and has scored 30+ points in four of his last five games with three double-doubles during that span. He and the Hawks have a tough matchup in Orlando, but he’s carrying so much offensive work after the trade deadline that he’s still worth a look despite the matchup.
Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray returned from a one-game absence and dropped 30 points on Saturday night against the Suns. He’s listed as probable for Monday’s matchup with the Trail Blazers and brings a high ceiling as long as his knee isn’t too much of an issue. He has 20+ points in five of his last six games and has exceeded salary-based expectations in seven of his last nine.
The Hornets didn’t have LaMelo Ball (ankle) for the first half of their back-to-back on Sunday. While KJ Simpson got the start and posted a solid 25 DraftKings points, it was backup Isaiah Wong who flashed intriguing upside with 17 points and 23.5 DraftKings points in 24 minutes. If Ball is out again on Monday against the Nets, Simpson and Wong will both be great value options. Simpson brings a higher floor with less scoring upside, while Wong could be a steal at the minimum salary if he stays so involved and gets scoring chances like he did on Sunday.
Don’t forget to check out our NBA SimLabs Lineup Generator to create advanced DFS lineups using the power of simulation:
NBA DFS Shooting Guard Picks
Stud
In the ShotQuality projections, Trey Murphy III has the top ceiling, median, and floor projections at shooting guard as he continues his breakout season for the Pelicans. While lots have gone wrong this season for the team, Murphy has been a true star and comes into Monday’s matchup with the Thunder with plenty of offensive workload headed his way.
Murphy has exceeded salary-based expectations in five straight games. He has 20+ points and 42+ DraftKings points in each contest during that run, highlighted by back-to-back games with 40+ points that resulted in two games with over 55 DraftKings points.
On Monday, Murphy and Zion Williamson will have to try and keep up with the high-scoring Thunder. It will be a tall task for the Pelicans, who have lost eight straight, but Murphy’s recent production makes him a strong fantasy play, regardless of his team’s continued struggles.
Value
With Kyle Kuzma traded away, Bilal Coulibaly has stepped up and carried huge workloads over the last few games as the Wizards try to give their younger players room to grow. He has the second-highest Projected Plus/Minus in the ShotQuality projections and the third-highest in the FantasyLabs projections at shooting guard on Monday. The 20-year-old continues to show he’s ready to step into a starring role as a key part of the Wizards’ young core.
Coulibaly has exceeded salary-based expectations in seven of his last 10 contests, including each of his last five in a row. He averaged 30.9 DraftKings points per contest with a usage rate of 19.3% over that span and has contributed good non-scoring numbers with 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 steals in 33.1 minutes per contest.
His best game of that run was a triple-double against the Nets that earned him 47.5 DraftKings points, and he followed that with 35.5 DraftKings points on. Friday and 29.75 DraftKings points on Saturday. In what should be an up-tempo game against the Spurs, Coulibaly brings very good potential at just over $6,000.
Fast Break
In a very favorable matchup against the Wizards, new Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox has the highest ceiling of all shooting guards in the FantasyLabs projections. He had two big games after joining San Antonio, producing 57.75 DraftKings points against the Hawks and 42.5 DraftKings points against the Hornets. He struggled against the Magic on Saturday with just 25.75 DraftKings points but should bounce back against the Wizards, who allow more fantasy points per game to point guards than any other team in the NBA.
The Warriors moved multiple pieces to add Jimmy Butler, and those departures opened up playing time for Brandin Podziemski, who has exceeded salary-based expectations in nine straight games since returning from injury. In those nine contests, he averaged 30.0 DraftKings points and has at least 28 DraftKings points in each of his last three games. In Butler’s debut, Podziesmki still had 16 points, seven assists, and 35.25 DraftKings points against the Bulls.
A.J. Green has the highest Projected Plus/Minus in both sets of projections at shooting guard. The third-year guard is available for just over the minimum salary but had 11 points and 22 DraftKings points on Saturday for Milwaukee and should have enough work to remain a strong play with Giannis out. In his 11 games without Giannis this season, he averaged 17.4 DraftKings points, and in the Bucks’ new-look rotation, he seems set for more work to come his way.
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NBA DFS Small Forward Picks
Stud
Just like on Saturday, Jayson Tatum has the highest median, ceiling, and floor projections at small forward in both sets of projections, but Franz Wagner comes at a much more affordable salary and also brings excellent upside. While Tatum is a strong play as well, Wagner’s Projected Plus/Minus is much better, and he should be a better value at just over $8,000. He has a top-five Projected Plus/Minus at small forward in both the FantasyLabs and ShotQuality projections.
On Saturday, Wagner went off against the Spurs with 33 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and 58.5 DraftKings points. He has exceeded salary-based expectations in five of his last eight games, producing 1.29 DraftKings points per minute and 43.0 DraftKings points per game.
Wagner has hit for 30+ points in three of his last five games and should be in a great spot to post another big fantasy total since the Hawks allow the third-most fantasy points per game in the NBA to opposing small forwards.
Value
While Anthony Davis (groin) is out for up to a month, the other part of the Luka-AD trade is still an important option to consider Monday. Max Christie has the second-highest of all small forwards in both sets of projections and the second-highest at shooting guard as well in the FantasyLabs projections. Christie was playing well with the Lakers before the trade and has stepped right into a good workload with the Mavs as well.
Christie has exceeded salary-based expectations in five straight games and seven of his last eight dating back to before the trade. He averaged 17.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 31.4 minutes per game in his first three games with the Mavs, while producing at least 30 DraftKings points in each contest.
On Monday, Christie is questionable due to a shoulder strain, but if he plays through the issue, he could even move into the starting lineup, which would give him even more upside. It’s also Christie’s 22nd birthday on Monday, so there’s an additional narrative for the former Michigan State standout.
Fast Break
Both Tatum and Jaylen Brown are strong options to consider at small forward against the Heat. Tatum had 40 points and 56.5 DraftKings points against the Knicks on Saturday, and Brown has exceeded salary-based expectations in five of his last eight with 20+ points in six of his last seven.
Even though his salary increased $1,500, Kyle Kuzma is still a good value and has the highest Projected Plus/Minus of all small forwards in both sets of projections. He’ll be able to help carry the workload for his new team while Giannis is out and showed he can mesh with the new unit by scoring 13 points to go with eight rebounds, five assists, and a steal for 33.5 DraftKings points while playing 36 minutes on Saturday. Kuz went just 1-for-6 from long range, so there’s room for even more production if he shoots better on Monday.
If you need a cheap forward play, Tosan Evbuomwan has been solid lately for the Nets. He has exceeded salary-based expectations in four of his last six contests with at least 14 points and 23 fantasy points in each of those four games. With the Nets so short-handed, he’s a solid punt play under $4,000 against the Hornets.
NBA DFS Power Forward Picks
Stud
The Thunder keep rolling, and one of the biggest reasons lately has been the continued production of Jalen Williams, who doesn’t get much hype but keeps putting up strong showings. Williams has the third-highest ceiling projection at power forward in the FantasyLabs projections and the fourth-highest in the ShotQuality projections.
Williams is in a great matchup against the Pelicans, who allow the most fantasy points per game to his position. He missed a couple of games at the beginning of the month with a wrist issue but has produced when available, scoring at least 24 points in five of his last six contests.
On Saturday, he had 44.0 DraftKings points against the Grizzlies with 25 points, six rebounds, and six assists. He has at least that many DraftKings points in four of his last six games, and since his salary is under $8,000, he brings affordable but elite upside on Monday’s slate.
Value
Without Giannis, Bobby Portis becomes almost a must play on most slates, and Monday’s is no exception. He and Kuzma have the top two Projected Plus/Minus at power forward in both sets of projections, with Portis having a slight advantage in the ShotQuality projections.
Portis missed six straight games for personal reasons but returned and jumped right into a huge role with Giannis out. He started his first two games back, producing 61.75 DraftKings points against the Hornets and 60.25 DraftKings points against the Hawks. He had huge double-doubles in both those games while also chipping in defensive stats as well.
On Sunday, he came off the bench behind Kuzma but still had 18 points, 13 rebounds, and 44.25 DraftKings points. If he gets back in the lineup, he has an even higher ceiling, but even off the bench, Portis is a beast for the Bucks whenever Giannis is out.
Fast Break
With Julius Randle (groin) out and Anthony Edwards (hip) questionable, Naz Reid has a high ceiling again for the Timberwolves. He has exceeded salary-based expectations with 40+ DraftKings points in four straight games even though his salary has been rising. He had back-to-back double-doubles against the Bulls and Rockets and then scored 23 points to go with eight rebounds on Saturday against the Trail Blazers.
The Spurs Jeremy Sochan has been a solid mid-range target lately with three straight strong performances before a bit of a letdown on Saturday. He had a nice double-double and 30 DraftKings points Friday in Charlotte, and part of his down game Saturday can be attributed to a rough matchup with the Magic. He’s in a much more favorable spot on Monday against the Wizards.
In both sets of projections, Trendon Watford has the third-highest Projected Plus/Minus at power forward behind just the two Bucks. He comes very affordably under $4,000 and is coming off 12 points and 25 DraftKings points on Friday. He missed most of the season with a hamstring injury but is ramping up to more work and represents a nice bargain play Monday.
NBA DFS Center Picks
Stud
With how well he has been playing, there’s really no way around Nikola Jokic at the top of just about all the projections. The Joker once again has the highest median, ceiling, and floor projections on the entire slate in both sets of projections.
He did have a little bit of a down game for him on Saturday with “just” 54.25 DraftKings points, falling one assist short of another triple-double. He had three triple-doubles in his previous four games, exceeding lofty salary-based expectations in five straight before coming up short on Saturday. Since his Nuggets cruised past the Suns, he only had to play 29 minutes, though
Jokic should be ready to roll for this matchup against Portland, who he posted 56 DraftKings points against earlier this season. He can break the slate with a monster game in any matchup, and his dominant performances make him the best option to pay up for if you can come up with enough available salary.
Value
While Bobby Portis has the top Projected Plus/Minus at center in both sets of projections, you can slide him to power forward or the forward flex spot. If you’re looking to go with a cheaper play in the center slot, one strong option to consider is the Wizards Richaun Holmes, who has suddenly stepped into a big role with Sarr out and Jonas Valanciunas traded at the deadline.
Holmes has only played 15 games all season, averaging 14.6 minutes per contest, but he has logged at least 27 minutes in each of his last three games. He posted 21.75, 35.0, and 24.5 DraftKings points in those three games, with his best showing coming on a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double against the Cavs last Friday.
With his salary still under $5,000, he’s a great play against the Spurs since he’ll need to hold down the paint against Victor Wembanyama.
Fast Break
With Anthony Davis injured, Daniel Gafford will again have to carry more work for the Mavericks. He only had five points and 30.75 DraftKings points on Saturday, but before that, he had been a beast on the boards with over 37 fantasy points in five of his previous six contests.
Sochan and Watford (discussed above) are solid midrange plays with center eligibility, and Moussa Diabate will be a good option if he plays after leaving Sunday’s game with an injury. There’s also uncertainty about Mark Williams’ availability after the rescinded trade, but if the Moose is loose, he’ll be a good play under $5,000.
Another cheap play to consider is the Warriors Quinten Post. Post agreed to a standard contract last Friday, and the 24-year-old rookie from the Netherlands has started each of the last six games for Golden State. He exceeded salary-based expectations in nine of his last 11 games and can round out your roster for just $4,000.
