This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Monday gives us a healthy, 12-game slate and I'll begin the conversation with an interesting strategy that has been prevalent this season, and since the subjects are on this slate, I wanted to address it here.
I've seen a lot of lineups (and admittedly, some winning ones) utilizing a double stack of DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis. This is probably going to be a 100-120 DKFP day, but you make this choice by risking $23,000 of the $50,000 allotted to you. This leaves you about $4,500/player for the remaining six players to complete your roster. On some slates, that's do-able. Is this one of them? Just for you double-stackers, I'll be making a pick at each position at around that price, and a recommendation for one more. Also, matching one of them with Harden, Giannis or LeBron isn't bad either. These $4,500 picks will help there.
GUARDS
Ben Simmons, PHI vs. ATL ($8,800): Simmons' numbers are simply too good to ignore, and due to his dual eligibility, I'll be trying to squeeze him in at either slot. The Hawks are a horrible rebounding team and are around the middle of the pack in points allowed. His long-range shot needs work, and he's got the driving to the basket thing down. If he plays a bit more like a guard mixed in with his other innate skills, look out.
Eric Gordon HOU at NY ($6,700): This guy is chalk for me until Paul is back, so just cut and paste this until then. Harden can't carry the team and he needs help in the backcourt. Gordon has been the guy, and I especially like him against the carousel of guards the Knicks have at their disposal.
Mike James, PHO at WAS ($4,700): Here's one target for the aforementioned double stack. He's the floor general for an interesting NBA squad that can blow up one night and tank the next, but James has been consistent enough to use, especially in GPPs. The matchup against the Wizards isn't the best, but he's the safest of the bunch at this level.
Other guards to consider:Kemba Walker, CHA vs. MIL ($7,600), Jrue Holiday, NO vs. MIL ($7,100), Kris Dunn, CHI at MIA ($4,800)
FORWARDS
Otto Porter, WAS vs. PHO ($7,100): There's a possibility that this game could get out of hand, but Otto Porter should be a chalk addition in cash games anyway. If prices for players like Blake Griffin and Kristaps Porzingis are too high, a quick scroll will lead you to Porter, who packs a nice combo of rebounds and scoring every time he hits the floor.
Lauri Markkanen, CHI at MIA ($6,100): This pick is partly contingent on whether or not Hassan Whiteside decides to suit up for the Heat tonight. Markkanen's value depends on a good night on the boards, and if Whiteside is a go it could be difficult for the rookie to meet value. If Whiteside starts, I'd find picks like Domantas Sabonis ($5,700) and Dion Waiters ($5,800) as better options, although both are respectable on their own as well.
Evan Turner, POR at UTA ($4, 400): Turner stands out in that previously mentioned $4,500 area as someone who could get a jump in points, boards or assists on any given night. Defensively the Jazz are first in the NBA, holding opponents to an average of only 93.1 points per game, but this could work in Turner's favor as the team may need a spark from their second unit.
Other forwards to consider:Andrew Wiggins, MIN at NO ($6,900), Paul Millsap, DEN vs. TOR ($6,700), Taurean Prince, ATL at PHI ($5,500)
CENTERS
If you're considering that Davis/Cousins stack, this spot is already filled. Either way, this is a spot to spend on, as I like eight of the top 10 options here (excluding Whiteside and Marc Gasol due to injury).
Al Horford, BOS vs. SAC ($7,400): The Celtics will look for easy points inside, and Boston isn't a very hospitable atmosphere for visiting opponents. Horford is averaging 15 points and almost 10 rebounds per game so a double-double is a likely outcome for Horford tonight.
Blake Griffin LAC vs. DAL ($9,200) and DeAndre Jordan, LAC vs. DAL ($7,300): Griffin is definitely high-priced, but I like either player in a matchup where Dallas is struggling to find an identity in the paint, ranking 29th in the league in total rebound percentage. The Staples Center is no easy venue, either. Dallas' backcourt will keep this somewhat close, so I expect both will see a lot of minutes.
Cody Zeller, CHA vs. MIL ($4,100): Reaching WAY down here as a tournament option only, Zeller is back in the lineup for the Hornets and since his value hasn't yet been realized, he's way down in this area. He could prove to be quite useful if you're spending up with LeBron/Harden, Wall/Griffin or something similar.
Be sure to check for late scratches before tip-off. Have a great day, everyone!
