This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
There are eight games in the NBA on Monday, but only three of them contain two teams with winning records facing each other. While it might not be the most exciting slate of games, there is still plenty of fun to be had on DraftKings. Here are some players to consider for your entry that could be in line for valuable performances.
Guards
Lou Williams, LAC vs. ATL ($7,900): The Clippers have had terrible luck with injuries this season. Their most recent issues are with Milos Teodosic (foot) and Blake Griffin (concussion), who are questionable for this game. 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 a whopping 132 points to the Lakers on Sunday, so look for Williams to have another offensive explosion.
Will Barton, DEN at GS ($5,700): Barton has put up nice all-around numbers in two previous games against the Warriors this season, averaging 15.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.0 block and 1.0 three-pointers per contest. Considering the Warriors play at the fourth-fastest pace (102.7 possessions per game) in the league and use a lot of small lineups, his success is not surprising. Expect him to get plenty of chances to produce as the Nuggets try to keep up with the Warriors explosive offense.
Dwight Buycks, DET at NO ($3,000): Buycks has locked down the backup point guard job with Ish Smith now starting for Reggie Jackson (ankle), logging at least 17 minutes in four straight games. He's showing he can be productive, scoring at least 22 DraftKings points in three straight games. The Pelicans play at the seventh-fastest pace (101.9) in the league, which should give Buycks the opportunity to provide value again Monday at the minimum price.
Forwards
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL at IND ($10,900): Giannis crushed the Pacers on Wednesday when he scored 57.5 DraftKings points, marking the third time he has scored at least 50 DraftKings points in the last five games. He always has a high floor because not only is his 31.7% usage rate the sixth-highest in the league, but he is also averaging 38 minutes per game. Don't expect the Pacers to be able to slow him down Monday.
Serge Ibaka, TOR at BKN ($5,700): Ibaka had an excellent month in December, averaging 16.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 2.0 three-pointers per game. He's off to a great start in January as well, scoring at least 32.3 DraftKings points in two of three games. Ibaka scored 33 DraftKings points in his first meeting with the Nets this season, a team that allows the sixth-most DraftKings points per game (48.6) to opposing power forwards. At this reasonable price, he could provide value in their rematch.
Allen Crabbe, BKN vs. TOR ($4,700): The Nets have been dealing with injury issues to prominent players this season as well, the most recent of which are DeMarre Carroll (knee) and Caris LeVert (groin). LeVert is listed as probable for Monday, but Carroll has already been ruled out. Crabbe has shown he can be productive when given extended playing time, averaging 12.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.5 three-pointers in the 18 games that he has played at least 30 minutes this season. He's cheap enough to take a chance on Monday, especially in tournament play.
Centers
LaMarcus Aldridge, SA at SAC ($7,700): With Kawhi Leonard (shoulder) dealing with another injury, Aldridge should continue to get heavy usage for the Spurs. He was excellent without Leonard on Sunday against the Trail Blazers, scoring 55 DraftKings points. The Kings allow the eighth-most DraftKings points per game (48.1) 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 leg of a back-to-back.
Clint Capela, HOU at CHI ($6,600): Capela continues to thrive with Chris Paul running the point, scoring at least 30 DraftKings points in three straight games. The Rockets play at the eighth-fastest pace (101.4) in the league and don't have much size on their roster, so Capela should continue to get plenty of opportunities to produce. Although the Bulls have suffered some lopsided loss, they are a much better team at home than on the road. If the Bulls can keep this game close, Capela could have a big performance at a reasonable price.
Bobby Portis, CHI vs. HOU ($4,400): Portis isn't as hot as he was when he came back from his suspension at the start of the season, but he's still provided value by scoring at least 23.8 DraftKings points in three of his last four games. Monday's matchup against the Rockets would seem to fit his style well as this game should be fast paced with lots of small lineups. Considering how little he will cost you, he's a viable option to consider if you want to go really cheap at center.
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