The NBA starts off a new week with a solid seven-game slate on tap. There are a lot of tight Vegas lines on Monday with all seven games featuring single-digit favorites and four of the games coming in under five points. The tight lines should allow starters to see significant minutes and provide their maximum production. There are also some injuries to account for and monitor which should shape our DraftKings lineup construction. As of now, I’m approaching this slate with a more balanced lineup approach while building in plenty of upside.

Note that some of the stats referenced in this article are my custom defense versus position (DvP) calculations that combines data from the season and last five games along with blending similar positions production allowed together.

Check out today’s NBA Sharpshooter from DraftKings

One Stud

C.J. McCollum (PF/SG – POR): $9,300 @ ORL
While I am not against rostering any of the higher-priced options on this slate, McCollum has just as good of a chance to be the top fantasy scorer on the slate and comes at a reduced price compared to the five-figure studs. McCollum has been ballin’ since the All-Star break with Damian Lillard out by averaging 31.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game for 55.7 DraftKings points a night. He has a 7.9 percent usage bump as he has the ball in his hands a lot with Lillard out. McCollum will face the Magic who have allowed the most points and sixth-most assists to point guards over the last five games. Take the value stud to form a balanced lineup with upside.