This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Defense to Avoid:
San Antonio Spurs at Brooklyn Nets
Normally there are more games Monday, but with only three on tap this week, it's pretty obvious which defense to avoid. The Spurs have allowed just one opponent to score over 100 points in their past 10 games. It also helps that the Nets are a mess right now, not just on the court but off it too, as head coach Alvin Gentry and GM Billy King were relieved of their duties Sunday. This pretty much means stay away from most Nets' players until we get an idea of how the new rotation will be handled.
Offense to Use:
Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards
Prior to Saturday's loss to the Hawks, the Bulls had won six straight games as their offense finally started to click. The Wizards can't seem to shake the injury bug and their defense wasn't really a threat to begin with, so Jimmy Butler and Co. should have no problem eclipsing 100 points. Butler is the chalk pick at shooting guard, but Chicago also has a lot of appealing options in the frontcourt. There's also a chance Joakim Noah (shoulder) returns to the lineup after missing the past nine games, which will provide the Bulls with a nice boon in the locker room.
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First game: Bulls, Spurs
Second game: None
Daily Player Recommendations
Point Guard
John Wall, WAS at CHI ($9,400): Unless you want to roll the dice on Derrick Rose ($6,000), Wall is the top choice at point guard Monday. He has the softest matchup (albeit not entirely soft) and comes in cheaper than Stephen Curry ($10,500), who has to face a Heat team that is ranked first against opposing point guards. Wall hasn't shot well lately and has turned the ball over seven times in the each of the past three games, but he's still managed to post big fantasy numbers.
Other suggestions: Tony Parker, SAS at BKN ($5,200); Derrick Rose, CHI vs. WAS ($6,000)
Shooting Guard
Danny Green, SA at BKN ($4,000): Green's playing time has been all over the place this season, ranging anywhere from 35 minutes down to 11. When he's received ample playing time in the past four games (twice), Green has been able to post very nice numbers (27.5 and 38.0 fantasy points). There's a chance this game gets out of hand and head coach Gregg Popovich yanks his key players (Tim Duncan, LaMarcus Aldridge, Kawhi Leonard), which would free up minutes for Green. He hasn't experienced much success this season, but Green is still one of the better three-point shooters in the NBA, plus he's incredibly cheap with a high ceiling.
Other suggestions: Jimmy Butler, CHI vs. WAS ($8,300); Garrett Temple, WAS at CHI ($4,500)
Small Forward
Harrison Barnes, GSW vs. MIA ($5,400): Barnes missed 16 games due to an ankle injury, but he's been back for a few games and should begin to find his rhythm. Luol Deng isn't the defender he once was and Justise Winslow still isn't healthy, so Barnes has a nice matchup as well. If the Warriors get out to a big lead, Barnes will also get a lot of garbage-time minutes, considering he could use the extra work to find his shot. Outside of Leonard, there aren't any elite options at SF, so going to the bargain bin and taking a chance is your best play.
Other suggestions: Jared Dudley, WAS at CHI ($4,400); Jonathon Simmons, SA at BKN ($3,100)
Power Forward
Chris Bosh, MIA at GSW ($7,800): It's baffling that Bosh's price remains this low considering how consistent he's been over the past month and a half. Bosh is averaging 38.1 fantasy points per game over his last six and has scored at least 20 actual points in eight of 10. The three-pointers continue to give Bosh a nice boost and have helped during those games where he can't reach double-digit rebounds.
Other suggestions: Nikola Mirotic, CHI vs. WAS ($5,700); LaMarcus Aldridge, SAS at BKN ($6,800)
Center
Marcin Gortat, WAS at CHI ($6,700): If you thought Bosh was a chalk play, it doesn't get much easier to find points at the center position than using Gortat. He's failed to score 30 fantasy points just once in the past 10 games while recording a double-double in eight of those contests. The Bulls are a wonderful matchup (regardless if Noah returns) and chances are this will be the tightest game of the night, so Gortat should see his usual 30-36 minutes.
Other suggestions: Boban Marjanovic, SAS at BKN ($3,300); Pau Gasol, CHI vs. WAS ($8,200)
Injury Report
Out
Jarrett Jack, BKN (knee)
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, BKN (ankle)
Mike Dunleavy, CHI (back)
Leandro Barbosa, GSW (shoulder)
Kevon Looney, GSW (hip)
Josh McRoberts, MIA (knee)
Bradley Beal, WAS (leg)
Alan Anderson, WAS (ankle)
Nene Hilario, WAS (triceps)
Kris Humphries, WAS (knee)
Game-Time Decision
Joakim Noah, CHI (shoulder)
James McAdoo, GSW (toe)
Dwyane Wade, MIA (shoulder)
Tyler Johnson, MIA (shoulder)
DeJuan Blair, WAS (knee)
