DraftKings NBA: Monday Cheat Sheet

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Published on April 22, 2019

He we go with a two -game playoff slate on Monday, April 22.

There aren't many injury situations to report today, although we'll need to keep an eye on Blake Griffin. He saw his first action of the playoffs in Game 3, posting 27 points in 31 minutes of action. It would be surprising if he doesn't play again Monday, considering the Pistons are on the brink of elimination.

With that, I'll be breaking down the best fantasy choices on DraftKings for Monday. The following write-ups contain a blend of cash game staples, bargain fillers, and tournament pivots.

GUARDS

James Harden – HOU at UTA ($10,500): Game 3 was a disaster for Harden, as he only shot 3-20 from the field and 2-13 from distance. Ouch! However, Houston still won the game, and Harden managed to post 57 fantasy points. That represents just how strong of a fantasy asset the MVP candidate truly is, even against a tough defense like Utah. His shooting percentage can only rise from Saturday, and 60-plus fantasy points seems like a safe bet. Go ahead and lock him in, folks!

Wayne Ellington – DET vs. MIL ($4,300): Ellington isn't an exciting pick, but he'll help you reach for the guys you actually want on this slate, which happens to include the two MVP candidates. The Pistons' wing has seen 35 or more fantasy points in two of three games in this series, and he should run into viable fantasy production with that king of playing time. He notched 25 FP in Game 3, and that's a reasonable expectation that marks a satisfying return on Ellington's bargain salary.

Other guards to consider: Ricky Rubio – UTA vs. HOU ($5,900), George Hill – MIL at DET ($3,900), Eric Gordon – HOU ($4,700)

FORWARDS

Giannis Antetokounmpo – MIL at DET ($10,200): Similar to Harden, Antetokounmpo had a poor shooting performance in Game 3. The Bucks' superstar shot 5-13 from the field while finishing with only 33 fantasy points. Don't hold that against him. Antetokoumpo remains firmly alongside Harden as the best fantasy play of this slate. I'm trying my best to combine both of them on DraftKings, and the recommended value plays of this article make that a reality.

Khris Middleton – MIL at DET ($6,500): As mentioned in the previous write-up, my preferred strategy is to roll with Harden and Antetokounmpo tonight. You can squeeze both of them in the same lineup while still having enough room for Middleton. Sure, that means taking a chance on bargains like Hill, Gordon, Ellington, and Tucker, but the upside is substantial and those are the risks you inherently have to take on a two-game slate. Middleton has been a beast with a 41 FPPG average over the past two, so you better believe he's a priority at this mid-range salary.

Other forwards to consider: P.J. Tucker – HOU at UTA ($4,500), Ersan Ilyasova – MIL at DET ($3,500)

CENTERS

Brook Lopez – MIL at DET ($5,500): I'm playing the salary game at center, as players like Harden, Antetokounmpo, and Middleton are higher priorities in my opinion. The value of Lopez helps make those guys a reality, and the Milwaukee big man holds a satisfying 30 FPPG average in this series. That includes upside (coming from blocks and threes) of 42 fantasy points in Game 3. Lopez is significantly cheaper than the other legitimate centers on this slate while holding realistic profit potential.

Other centers to consider: Clint Capela – HOU at UTA ($7,100), Blake Griffin – DET vs. MIL ($7,700)

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire.