We kick off the month with a nine-game offering for FanDuel's wide array of contests. I'll be combining the latest NBA news, RotoWire's world-class projections, and our customizable DFS optimizer to provide the best possible outcome for today's DFS action.
SLATE OVERVIEW
For the latest spreads and over-unders, visit RotoWire's NBA Odds page. There, you can also find player props, futures, picks articles and sportsbook bonus codes.
The ORL/CHI game leads the way with the highest total, and we definitely made some solid calls for the Magic in our recommendations. Back-to-back scenarios and long travel times affected some of our more natural wagers on certain players. Along with Orlando, I see excellent DFS values for Detroit, Denver and Houston.
INJURIES
For all the latest updates, visit RotoWire's NBA Injury News page and our comprehensive NBA Injury Report. Below are some of the most recent and relevant injuries for Monday. Keep in mind that this is not a complete list. Use your best judgment when evaluating ongoing injury scenarios elsewhere on the slate.
ATL Kristaps Porzingis (illness) - QUESTIONABLE
Porzingis could return to action, but Onyeka Okongwu ($7,300) will retain starting duties if he's out.
DET Duncan Robinson (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
The best pivot here should be Jaden Ivey ($4,800), although his production isn't very dependable right now. If Caris LeVert ($4,500) returns, he may be a more viable candidate.
CLE Jarrett Allen (finger) - OUT
CLE Sam Merrill (hand) - OUT
Evan Mobley ($8,900) is still a solid option with Allen out, and Jaylon Tyson ($5,200) will see more action amid Merrill's absence.
WAS Alex Sarr (adductor) - QUESTIONABLE
Tristan Vukcevic ($4,100) would see a usage bump if Sarr is out, but there are better options to find in a nine-game slate.
ORL Paolo Banchero (groin) - OUT
Tristan da Silva ($4,700) has performed well in Banchero's absence, but pivoting to the usual starters appears to be the more profitable play.
DAL P.J. Washington (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
Anthony Davis ($9,400) should be on the floor, and a Washington absence might allow him more opportunity. We'll also likely see Dwight Powell ($4,700) under center with the other centers banged up.
LAL LeBron James (foot) - OUT
LAL Deandre Ayton (knee) - QUESTIONABLE
Ayton's injury didn't appear to be serious, but give a look at the starting lineup when it is released.
ELITE PLAYERS
We have five players above the $10k threshold for Monday's slate, and two of them are on the tail end of a back-to-back. While that element is often enough to fade most players, previous quick turnarounds have had no effect on Jalen Johnson ($10,300). Luka Doncic ($12,500) actually increased his numbers in the back end of the only back-to-back where he played both games. Doncic's salary is prohibitively high, and the salary differential for Johnson is a discount, offering production projected only slightly below Doncic's. Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo are both a little banged up, but Antetokounmpo's $11,600 salary is low enough to consider against the Wizards, who could be without Alex Sarr up front.
In the $9k range, we've seen Devin Booker's ($9,000) salary decrease due to some shooting concerns, but it's dipped to an acceptable level of risk at the bottom end of this tier. Alperen Sengun's eligibility was increased to include PF earlier in the season, and I like the matchup against Jusuf Nurkic.
The $8k range is chock-full of options (14 players), and outside of Mobley, Kevin Durant ($8,100) and his dual eligibility offer considerable value against Utah. I also like Franz Wagner ($8,100) as a prime beneficiary of Banchero's absence.
Also consider: Jamal Murray, DEN ($8,700) vs. DAL
EXPECTED CHALK AND MID-RANGE OPTIONS
Miles Bridges, CHR ($8,000) @ BKN
It's not easy to recommend a Hornet with any frequency, but Bridges meets a weak Brooklyn team on the heels of a season-high 35-point performance against Toronto. Cam Thomas' absence is hurting the Nets as a whole, and the Hornets have won two of their last three games.
Ivica Zubac, LAC ($7,700) @ MIA
Although the Clippers have to endure cross-country travel over the weekend, Zubac's recent history against the Heat warrants a serious look. His shot volume was down in the last meeting, but Zubac pulled down his second-highest rebound total of the season (18) against the Miami frontcourt.
Desmond Bane, ORL ($7,2000) vs. CHI
We already identified Wagner as an absorption candidate for Banchero, but Bane has already shown a production increase during the absence. He soared with 37 points in his last game, and the Magic also has the benefit of an extra day of rest before this home game.
Kyshawn George, WAS ($6,900) vs. MIL
George didn't play well in his return from an illness, but he was able to rest for a couple of days and should be ready to go with a full minute count against the Bucks. I would downgrade George if Giannis ends up covering him, but it's more likely that Kyle Kuzma will draw that assignment.
Also consider: Andrew Nembhard, IND ($6,500) vs. CLE
VALUE PLAYS
Cameron Johnson, DEN ($5,600) vs. DAL
Johnson is showing signs of life, still below $6k, and he hit a season-high 28 points in his last matchup. His floor is still a bit unsteady, but recent results have him exceeding 5x value regularly relative to this salary.
Tobias Harris, DET ($5,600) vs. ATL
While Harris' recent surge was a product of frontcourt absences, better shot selection and increased involvement inside have helped the veteran's bottom line. He has an unsteady floor like Johnson, but he has a good chance to produce alongside Jalen Duren, who might line up against Jalen Johnson.
Ryan Nembhard, DAL ($3,900) @ DEN
Nembhard has supplanted Brandon Williams in Dallas' first unit, and while it may not be a permanent move, he'll start in Monday's game. I wouldn't expect a massive line from Nembhard, but he should be a cinch to beat value in the increased role.
Also consider: Egor Demin, BKN ($4,400) v. CHR
