This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
FanDuel's main slate for New Year's Day eliminates the early game, leaving a seven-game offering with a 7:30 p.m. ET tipoff.
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.
Highest Totals: IND/MIL (259.5), DAL/UTA (245.5)
Back-to-back Games: PHX
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. Also, be sure to double-check your lineups before the game locks. Late-breaking news is common and could torpedo your lineup if you fail to remain vigilant.
POR Anfernee Simons (illness) - OUT
POR Deandre Ayton (knee) - OUT
POR Shaedon Sharpe (groin) - QUESTIONABLE
Malcolm Brogdon ($8,000) is expected to carry a massive load in the injury scenario, and Scoot Henderson ($6,300) will also provide some value.
ELITE PLAYERS
We have six players with five-figure salaries in the player pool, and I'm inclined to take the bottom two in that price range. Both Donovan Mitchell ($10,300) and Kevin Durant ($10,100) are priced reasonably enough to consider. Although I don't doubt the success of players like Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo, their salaries will hamper the ability to construct a balanced lineup. A better way to garner some of Milwaukee's production is to opt for Damian Lillard ($9,100) at a slightly lower cost. We already mentioned Brogdon at $8,000, and he could represent a solid guard pivot if Lillard and Mitchell become too expensive. If you are dead-set on making an expensive buy, go with Jokic against the Hornets. The center position is thin enough to justify spending up for him.
EXPECTED CHALK AND VALUE PLAYS
Jusuf Nurkic, PHX
($7,700) vs. POR
Nurkic has already had two excellent outings versus his former team, but he'll tackle them without Deandre Ayton defending the interior. A double-double total is a definite possibility for Nurkic here, as he played well in the revenge scenario when Ayton was healthy.
Bojan Bogdanovic, DET
($6,500) @ HOU
Despite Detroit's historic struggles, Bogdanovic is still putting together strong performances and can pop for huge numbers when his long-range shot is dialed in. DFS players have tended to stay away from Detroit players during their epic slump, so Bogdanovic could see lower rostership often.
Tari Eason, HOU
($6,400) vs. DET
Jabari Smith ($7,100) could make a return on Monday, but Eason has played well enough to hang on to a significant role. I would take a look at the starting lineup later in the day to get a better idea of this spot. Go with the starter if Smith is confirmed, and use Eason as a flier if he's with the second unit in a soft matchup.
Aaron Gordon, DEN
($5,900) vs. CHA
We'll have to wait for definite word, but it appears that Gordon will make a return to the starting lineup after missing two games. The Nuggets managed a 1-1 record without Gordon's production, and he's expected to make an immediate impact as his injuries from a dog attack are on the mend.
Jabari Walker, POR
($5,700) @ PHX
While Jerami Grant is assured of a solid impact, Walker has put together some excellent showings during Ayton's absence. His salary is still a bit high, but he holds improved value due to his dual eligibility. The minutes are there for regular production, but there's always some risk involved with Portland value.
It's a thin slate with a lack of viable avenues st some positions, but below are some lower-priced options that can aid your ability to slurge at the top.
SG/SF Isaac Okoro, CLE 
($4,700)
SG/SF Grayson Allen, PHX ($5,800)
SF/PF Toumani Camara, POR ($4,800)
