DFS NBA Picks
A new NBA week is upon us, which means Monday kicks off another week of extending that bankroll. We have a loaded slate tonight with 12 games. There are so many options for your DFS lineups, but here are some of the best players for the job tonight. For the DFS projections and pricing, we will be using FanDuel and DraftKings.
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Point Guard
Tyrese Maxey (FD: $8,600, DK: $8,300): This is as easy as a selection you will see tonight. The Washington Wizards are in the bottom three in most defensive categories. They simply cannot fathom stops throughout the game. Tyrese Maxey is making that All-Star leap this year and this game is just a stepping stone in that direction. The Sixers have looked great offensively with more ball movement and cutting. Then there is them moving James Harden, which has freed up Maxey to take that next step fully. Expect a very efficient, but big game from Maxey tonight.
Malik Monk (FD: $5,500): The Sacramento Kings are still missing their star player, De’Aaron Fox with his ankle injury. That has opened up some more opportunities for guys on the squad. Monk will have the ball in his hands more, especially down crunch time. He can easily score but was able to muster up seven assists last game. Monk is a nice value play here with Fox out.
Shooting Guard
Josh Giddey (FD: $7,700, DK: $8,200): The Oklahoma City Thunder will be without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again, which leaves a big void for the Thunder. Josh Giddey has been underwhelming so far this season. His playmaking has taken a small step back while his scoring remains the same. However, tonight could be different. The Atlanta Hawks are a bottom-10 team in terms of defense. OKC is top 10 in offense. Giddey will be the point guard with no SGA. I think that alone could help Giddey find his groove.
Klay Thompson (FD: $5,400, DK: $6,900): There is no secret that Klay Thompson is not the All-Star caliber player he once was. However, he has been very consistent in the DFS world. On DK and FD, Klay continues to get over 20 fantasy points in every game. He is going to knock down his threes no matter what. Klay might not get a 30-point game, but he will be in the mix with a nice outing each and every night for your DFS lineup.
Small Forward
Mikal Bridges (FD: $7,600, DK: $7,800): One of the biggest surprises has been the downfall of the Milwaukee Bucks’ defense. The loss of Jrue Holiday has really hampered them on that end of the court. Teams have been able to score at will, so why not use that logic for a player on the Brooklyn Nets tonight? Mikal Bridges hasn’t put together that huge scoring output that we saw last season. However, he is still putting up very good fantasy scores on both DK and FD.
Kelly Oubre Jr. (FD: $6,100, DK: $6,000): For several months during the off-season, nobody wanted Kelly Oubre Jr.. After averaging 20 points per game last season, he did not receive any offers until training camp was getting closer. How did Oubre respond? By putting up numbers on surprised efficiency. The Sixers got a steal with Oubre, who has been amazing in his role. At a $6,000 option, Oubre is a must-have.
Power Forward
Paolo Banchero (FD: $7,900, DK: $7,700): The reigning Rookie of the Year, Paolo Banchero, might finally be hitting his stride this season. After struggling in his first few games this season, Paolo has exploded with back-to-back 50 fantasy point outings. Paolo is on fire at the moment, as he is putting up near triple-doubles. The man is on a roll and we have to play the hot hand until he cools off.
Aaron Gordon (FD: $6,000, DK: $6,600): Last week I picked Aaron Gordon and he disappointed. However, the Nuggets ran into a bad matchup and were due for a stinker. This game should be a different story. The Nuggets will be missing Jamal Murray, which means Gordon might be a bigger focal point against the Pelicans. The Pelicans are last in rebounding percentage this season, which means Gordon can hit the glass while scoring a little bit more than usual.
Center
Nikola Jokic (FD: $11,800, DK: $11,600): If you are going to splurge on a player for your DFS lineups, I think Nikola Jokic is the best option. As I previously stated, Jamal Murray is out. The Pelicans do not have anyone that can stop him. The game might be closer than expected, which means Jokic will get his minutes. Joel Embiid has a great case tonight as well, but that game should be over by the end of the third quarter. Jokic will be dominant per usual and you will not have to second guess if he will give you a big game.
Goga Bitadze (FD: $4,800, DK: $4,700): Goga Bitadze got the starting nod for the Orlando Magic the other night, as Wendell Carter Jr. is out with a fractured finger. Bitadze responded with a double-double with five blocks to go with it. He was a big surprise, but at this price, you have to take the value. He is stepping into a new role and the Magic have confidence in him.
