This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
We have ten games on tap for Saint Patrick's Day (no Celtics, though). Grab a Shamrock Shake and take a look at my favorite FanDuel options for the day. The first tip-off is slightly later at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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.
Utah and Chicago have the highest projected total of the night, but the MEM/SAC and WAS/POR matchups held more interest. Vegas sent a pretty stern warning about the MIA/NYK total, but I did make one New York recommendation.
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.
IND Pascal Siakam (personal) - OUT
IND Tyrese Haliburton (back) - QUESTIONABLE
IND Myles Turner (hip) - QUESTIONABLE
IND Aaron Nesmith (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
Siakam is the most impactful injury since his absence is a certainty. Both Turner and Haliburton could shed this tag as the day goes on. I think Obi Toppin ($4,400) is our guy to target amid Siakam's absence.
NOP Zion Williamson (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
NOP Yves Missi (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
NOP Kelly Olynyk (finger ) - QUESTIONABLE
The Pelicans are completely up in the air right now. We could see all of these tags or none of them. They don't have a great matchup against the Pistons, and I'm inclined to stay away until the starting lineup is announced. Feel free to take a closer look when that happens.
GSW Stephen Curry (back) - QUESTIONABLE
GSW Quinten Post (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
Curry has dealt with several injury issues in recent weeks, but it's hard to envision him missing against Denver. Post's absence would increase usage for Jonathan Kuminga ($5,300) and Draymond Green ($6,500).
PHI Tyrese Maxey (back) QUESTIONABLE
PHI Paul George (groin) - QUESTIONABLE
PHI Andre Drummond (toe) - QUESTIONABLE
PHI Adem Bona (back) - QUESTIONABLE
Philly's situation is similar to New Orleans, although it's more likely that many of these tags will hold. Guerschon Yabusele ($5,400) would be a great play if Drummond and Bona miss, and Quentin Grimes ($7,600) would be the team's only guaranteed starter. Jared Butler ($5,200) will start if Maxey remains out.
MEM Ja Morant (hamstring) - OUT
MEM Scotty Pippen (wrist) - QUESTIONABLE
Luke Kennard ($4,700) could draw the start at point guard if Pippen is out, and you can usually count on a big night from Desmond Bane ($8,800) when Morant is out.
CHI Josh Giddey (ankle) - DOUBTFUL
Coby White ($7,700) is expected to play, although I'm reticent to pay up for him. Tre Jones ($6,300) is a little easier on the wallet.
TOR RJ Barrett (illness) - QUESTIONABLE
Immanuel Quickley ($6,800) will probably return to action after a rest day, and he would get a nice boost if Barrett misses.
UTA John Collins (ankle) - OUT
UTA Jordan Clarkson (foot) - QUESTIONABLE
UTA Keyonte George (foot) - QUESTIONABLE
I'd check later in the day for news about Utah's backcourt.
ELITE PLAYERS
We only have two players above $10k for Monday's slate, and since there are viable centers at cheaper salaries, Nikola Jokic ($12,900) is a probable fade. Cade Cunningham ($10,500) has a soft matchup against New Orleans, and while he is not a must-start, he's the better spend-up tonight.
Nine players populate the $9k range, and you have to like Alperen Sengun ($9,600) against a decimated Philly frontcourt. I'm also enthusiastic about the players found from $8,000-$8,900. Jaren Jackson ($8,300) comes in at a favorable price against the Kings. We already mentioned Bane in this range.
EXPECTED CHALK
Fred VanVleet, HOU ($7,200) vs. PHI
VanVleet is rounding back into form, and I expect he'll take a leading role against the Sixers, who are still banged up. He's also priced better than Jalen Green ($7,700) who is a little too expensive relative to his production.
Malik Monk, SAC ($7,100) vs. MEM
Momk was dreadful beyond the arc in his last game, but I suspect he put in extra time at practice to address the issue in the interim. Memphis' backcourt is short-handed, and although I like Zach LaVine ($7,400) as well, fewer will head Monk's way due to fear about his long-range shot.
Alex Sarr, WAS ($6,600) @ POR
This is a battle between two young centers, but I am going to give Sarr the upper hand over Donovan Clingan. Sarr is a more integral part of the Wizards' offense, and he's put up some impressive recent totals despite the team's overall struggles.
Mikal Bridges, NYK ($6,300) vs. MIA
Bridges' numbers have been incredibly consistent in recent weeks, and Josh Hart's recent scoreless night scares me a bit. Miles McBride has the same salary, but Bridges' floor will be more dependable.
Also consider: Jordan Poole, WAS ($7,000) @ POR, Tobias Harris, DET ($6,400) @ NOP
VALUE PLAYS
Be sure to refer back to the injury report for additional options. Below you'll find other low-cost options, with one player per position.
PG Scoot Henderson, POR ($5,600)
SG/SF Toumani Camara, POR ($5,500)
SF Justin Champagnie, WAS ($5,600)
PF/SF Royce O'Neale, PHX ($4,400)
C Kel'el Ware, MIA ($5,500)
