NBA DFS Primer: Monday (10/25)

We’ve been getting used to this new format just like you, and it feels like it’s more beneficial than anything we’ve done before. These different sections help you break down players by the different types of DFS styles, and they can help any fantasy manager out there. The first few slates I’ve covered have been small, but we have a full one to look forward to here! With that in mind, let’s get into it!

After doing some smaller slates last week, we have nine games making up this Monday’s card. That’s the perfect amount for DFS purposes, and it should lead to some fun lineup building. What’s also fascinating is the fact that we have numerous five-figure players to pick from. We even have some that should be north of $10K that have dipped, and some of those guys will find their way into some write-ups.

Check out today’s NBA Layup from FanDuel

Schedule and Odds

• MIL at IND (MIL -3) O/U: 229.5
• BOS at CHA (BOS -2) O/U: 220
• DET at ATL (ATL -11) O/U: 213.5
• ORL at MIA (MIA -14) O/U: 215
• WAS at BKN (BKN -8.5) O/U: 230
• CHI at TOR (CHI -2.5) O/U: 212
• NOR at MIN (MIN -5.5) O/U: 225
• CLE at DEN (DEN -10.5) O/U: 220
• POR at LAC (LAC -3) O/U: 235

Injury Report

• Kyrie Irving (OUT)
• Caris LeVert (OUT)
• Kyle Lowry (Questionable)
• Darius Garland (Questionable)
• Bradley Beal (Questionable)
• Jaylen Brown (Questionable)
• Zion Williamson (OUT)
• Pascal Siakam (OUT)
• Brook Lopez (OUT)

Core Plays

Nikola Jokic (C – DEN): $11,000 DraftKings, $11,100 FanDuel
Jokic earned himself an MVP for the first time in Nuggets history last year, and he looks well on his way to more votes this season. He dropped 70 DraftKings in his most recent outing, and he has his average north of 60 DK points yet again. That looks even better here, with Cleveland ranked 24th in defensive efficiency ratings this season.

Kevin Durant (SF/PF – BKN): $10,200 DraftKings, $11,000 FanDuel
With Kyrie Irving out of the picture, it looks like KD will take over things in Brooklyn. He’s done just that early, scoring at least 50 DK points in all three games en route to a 61-point average. That makes him tough to fade against a Wizards team that ranked 26th in total defense last season.

Paul George (SF – LAC): $10,100 DraftKings, $10,500 FanDuel
PG13 was one of the league leaders in usage rate when Kawhi Leonard was out last season, averaging 1.4 DK points per minute in that time. That’s a ridiculous total from someone this talented, especially with George averaging 62.1 fantasy points per game in the first week of the season.

Cash Game Considerations

James Harden (PG/SG – BKN): $9,500 DraftKings, $10,000 FanDuel
It’s bizarre to see Harden sitting at $10K or below. This dude is usually closer to $12,000, and it’s just a matter of time before he gets there. He’s still averaging 43 DK points per game in a “down” year, and it seems likely that he’ll recapture that MVP form against one of the worst defenses in the NBA.

Clint Capela (C – ATL): $6,700 DraftKings, $7,500 FanDuel
Capela is one of the best cash game options on every slate. He’s a near-lock for a double-double, averaging nearly 15 rebounds per game last season. He hasn’t quite gotten there this year because of a minutes restriction but 27 minutes in his most recent outing is an encouraging sign as we advance. Not to mention, the Pistons surrender the second-most fantasy points to opposing centers this season.

Will Barton (SG/SF – DEN): $5,700 DraftKings, $5,900 FanDuel
Many people might not realize this, but Barton has played a lot of point guard ever since Jamal Murray went down. He was averaging over 30 DK points per game in that role before getting injured himself last season, and he’s carried that momentum over with a 35-point average this season.

GPP Targets

Devonte’ Graham (PG – NOR): $5,400 DraftKings, $5,800 FanDuel
Graham can be an unpredictable option with his volatile shooting, but he’s in a great spot to succeed. He’s been rewarded the starting point guard job in New Orleans, averaging 30 DK points per game across 31 minutes a night. He’s done that damage despite throwing up tons of bricks, and a hot shooting night could make him the GPP play of the night below $6K.

Myles Turner (C – IND): $5,500 DraftKings, $5,700 FanDuel
In his most recent outing, Turner had an 11-point dud, but that followed up a sensational 64-point gem in the game prior. That’s the definition of a GPP option, and it’s hard to overlook upside like that from a sub-$6K player. Not to mention, Milwaukee is missing their center and struggle at that particular position.

Robert Covington (SF/PF – POR): $4,700 DraftKings, $5,300 FanDuel
RoCo has been terrible in the early going, but this is a guy who can provide 40 DK points when he’s right. He’s usually able to accomplish that with defensive statistics and a handful of threes. We believe that can happen here, collecting 35 DK points in his final meeting with the Clippers last year. It guarantees him 30 minutes, too, opposing PG13 and defending him every time down the floor.

Value Plays – under $5.5K

Monte Morris (PG – DEN): $4,400 DraftKings, $4,200 FanDuel
We already mentioned how Murray is out for Denver, which opened up the door for Morris to start. He averaged 25 DK points per game in that role last season and should get closer to $6K if this expanded role continues. We also don’t mind that Cleveland owns a 24th OPRK against opposing guards.

Terance Mann (SG – LAC): $4,400 DraftKings, $4,400 FanDuel
Mann broke out in last year’s playoffs with a 25-point average in the final round, and it looks like he will be one of the focal points of this team. He’s playing 33 minutes a night with so many Clips out of the picture, and that alone makes him a fantastic value at just $4,400 on both DFS sites.

Precious Achiuwa (PF/C – TOR): $4,500 DraftKings, $4,600 FanDuel
The Raptors are trying to figure things out in their frontcourt with Pascal Siakam injured and Chris Boucher struggling. That has put Precious into the starting lineup, averaging 31 DK points per game across 26 minutes a night. That’s a fantastic average from a sub-$5K player, and the way he rebounds and defends should give him a nice floor as we advance.

Advantageous Pricing 

• Cole Anthony (PF – MIL): $4,900 FanDuel, $6,200 DraftKings
• Michael Porter (SF- DEN): $7,000 FanDuel, $6,000 DraftKings
• Karl-Anthony Towns (C – MIN): $10,900 FanDuel, $9,700 DraftKings
• Jonas Valanciunas (C – NOR): $6,600 FanDuel, $7,900 DraftKings
• Jayson Tatum (SF – BOS): $9,700 FanDuel, $8,700 DraftKings

Get a $5 bonus when you make your first deposit at FanDuel

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RadioPublic | Breaker | Castbox | Pocket Casts

Joel Bartilotta is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Joel, check out his archive and follow him @Bartilottajoel.