With the NBA season less than a week old, there isn’t a lot of stats and numbers that carry significant meaning yet. So, early in the season, I’ll admit, I do a little bit of box score chasing, while also keeping a close eye on injury news to see if any value opens ups so we can go with more of a “Stars and Scars” approach to lineup construction. That is the exact method I’m looking to deploy on Monday’s big 11-game slate on DraftKings.
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One Stud
Russell Westbrook (PG – HOU): $9,400 vs. OKC
Westbrook and James Harden are still trying to find their way working together in the Rockets backcourt but that hasn’t stopped Westbrook from still averaging a triple-double through the first two games while putting up over 60 DraftKings points in each outing. Monday night he will play his first game against his former team, the Thunder. While I’m not sure you can really call it a revenge game, I do expect Westbrook to have a little extra juice on his way to another triple-double which will far exceed the value for his very reasonable $9,400 salary.
With the NBA season less than a week old, there isn’t a lot of stats and numbers that carry significant meaning yet. So, early in the season, I’ll admit, I do a little bit of box score chasing, while also keeping a close eye on injury news to see if any value opens ups so we can go with more of a “Stars and Scars” approach to lineup construction. That is the exact method I’m looking to deploy on Monday’s big 11-game slate on DraftKings.
Check out today’s NBA Sharpshooter from DraftKings
One Stud
Russell Westbrook (PG – HOU): $9,400 vs. OKC
Westbrook and James Harden are still trying to find their way working together in the Rockets backcourt but that hasn’t stopped Westbrook from still averaging a triple-double through the first two games while putting up over 60 DraftKings points in each outing. Monday night he will play his first game against his former team, the Thunder. While I’m not sure you can really call it a revenge game, I do expect Westbrook to have a little extra juice on his way to another triple-double which will far exceed the value for his very reasonable $9,400 salary.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (SF/PF – MIL): $10,600 vs. CLE
I know this section is called “One Stud,” but I’m going to fit in two on this slate. The options at forward and center seem to be lacking, in general, on Monday night, so getting Antetokounmpo into your lineup could provide a big edge over the field. Last season’s MVP has started off strong, despite fouling out in each of the first two games, with over 70 DK points in each outing, while averaging a triple-double with 29.5 points, 15.0 rebounds, and 10.0 assists. The Bucks are coming off a tough loss, so look for Giannis to have his “mean mug” game face on for Monday’s matchup with the Cavaliers.
Core Plays
Malcolm Brogdon (PG/SG – IND): $6,900 @ DET
From one Buck to a former Buck, Brogdon who is off to a great start for his new club, the Pacers. Now that Brogdon has the ball in his hands more often running the point for the Pacers, he has been able to display his all-around game which has included double-digit assists in each of the first two games to go along with 26.0 points a night. The salary for the efficient point guard has not caught up to his production yet, so take advantage and lock him into your DFS lineups.
Tobias Harris (SF/PF – PHI): $6,500 @ ATL
Another player who DraftKings seems to not have a read on early this season is Harris who has produced 44.0 DK points per game in his first two outings, yet only comes in with a $6,500 price tag in a favorable matchup against the Hawks. Harris could also benefit from increased usage in this game if Joel Embiid is forced to miss another game.
Al Horford (PF/C – PHI): $6,200 @ ATL
Horford is only viable on Monday if Embiid sits out. In the last game with Embiid out, Horford put up 23 points, nine rebounds, and five assists in 34 minutes against the Pistons while taking 18 shots. His shot volume and involvement on the offensive end will remain high on Monday if Embiid is out in a matchup against the Hawks.
RJ Barrett (PG/SG – NY): $6,100 vs. CHI
If Embiid plays on Monday, then consider pivoting off Horford to the rookie, Barrett. Barrett has already taken a leadership role for the Knicks on the court playing at least 36 minutes in all three games and averaging over 16 shots per game. His shot count has gone up in each of those three games topping out at 20 in his last game where he went for 26 points. Barrett should remain a focal point for the Knicks offense on Monday night at home against the Bulls in a matchup with one of the higher Vegas point totals on the slate.
Value Plays
Danuel House Jr. (SF/PF – HOU): $3,800 vs. OKC
House has played significant minutes for the Rockets in their first two games which were both closely contested matchups. He has averaged 11.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.0 three-pointers in 28 minutes which is solid production for a sub $4k player on DraftKings. With all the attention that James Harden and Russell Westbrook will get there should be plenty of open looks for House on Monday against the Thunder.
George Hill (PG/SG – MIL): $3,300 vs. CLE
Hill has played 31 and 29 minutes respectively in the first two games this season for the Bucks. The combo guard is filling the hole left by Brogdon and has built off his late-season success last year with solid production to begin this year with 6.5 points, 5.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He could get a few extra minutes on Monday with the Bucks posted as a double-digit favorite against the Cavaliers.
Marquese Chriss (PF/C – GS): $3,200 @ NO
Chriss drew the start for the Warriors on Sunday with Kevon Looney out and played 23 minutes while posting 10 points, four rebounds, three assists, and four steals for 25.5 DK points. With Looney out again on Monday, Chriss should continue to see increased minutes in a potentially high-scoring affair with the Pelicans.
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Brad Richter is a Featured Writer and Correspondent at FantasyPros and a contributor at DailyOverlay. For more from Brad, you can view his archive or follow him @RotoPilot.
