The DFS world is buzzing, and this 7-game NBA slate provides ample opportunities to craft winning lineups. Our focus today is on deconstructing matchups, identifying underpriced talent, and spotlighting players poised to explode. Let's dive into the top plays for a Monday night full of hoops.
Key Daily Fantasy Basketball Insights:
- Nikola Jokic is a must-play cornerstone, back to elite form with massive fantasy outputs.
- Jalen Johnson offers incredible upside, consistently delivering 60+ fantasy points in recent outings.
- Unlock high-priced studs by leveraging budget-friendly options like Devin Carter and Danny Wolf.
- Don't overlook Cade Cunningham or Bam Adebayo as savvy GPP differentiators in overlooked matchups.
Monday Night Madness: Elite Core Plays
Nikola Jokic: The Joker's Reign Continues
Welcome back to Nikola Jokic island! After shaking off injury concerns, the Denver Nuggets superstar is a foundational piece for any NBA DFS roster. He's consistently posted 55+ fantasy points in four of his last five games, including monstrous 67- and 79-point efforts. Tonight, Denver hosts Cleveland in a tightly contested game with a high total, setting the stage for a classic Jokic dominant performance. With plenty of value available, paying up for the MVP candidate is a smart move, even with expected high ownership.
Jalen Johnson: Atlanta's Breakout Star
Jalen Johnson has been absolutely electric for the Atlanta Hawks! He's erupted for two 70+ fantasy point outings in his last three games, with a 64-point performance sandwiched in between. His price tag, especially on DraftKings ($10,700), still feels too low given his recent production. Johnson boasts a 30% usage rate and is logging around 38 minutes per night. Facing Minnesota, he brings both a high ceiling and a remarkably solid floor, having cleared 58 fantasy points in seven of his last nine contests.
Kevin Porter Jr.: High-Upside Milwaukee Maverick
Looking for a slightly contrarian, budget-friendly option? Lock in Kevin Porter Jr., especially on DraftKings ($7,700). His price differential across platforms is a clear signal of value. With Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined, Porter Jr. has stepped up massively. He's dropped 47+ fantasy points in consecutive games since returning from injury. Despite a challenging matchup, his increased role and proven ability to produce make him a strong buy before his price inevitably climbs toward the $9,000 mark.
Reliable Returns: Savvy Cash Game Targets
Anfernee Simons: Chicago's New Backcourt Spark
Since joining the Chicago Bulls, Anfernee Simons has quickly asserted himself in the backcourt. In his first two games, he's exceeded 30 fantasy points and is projected for similar numbers tonight. While it's a slight pace-down spot against Brooklyn, the Nets' bottom-five defense presents a golden opportunity. Simons has the efficiency to push towards 40 fantasy points, making him an incredibly safe and reliable play at his $5,600 (DraftKings) price point.
Jalen Suggs: Orlando's Steady Hand
As double-digit favorites against a Milwaukee Bucks defense that ranks among the league's worst over their last 15 games, Jalen Suggs is a rock-solid option. The Orlando Magic guard has been consistently over 30 fantasy points in five of his last six games, showcasing a surprising ceiling. Expect Suggs to play around 30 minutes with a stable 22% usage rate. Milwaukee has been particularly generous to opposing point guards, making Suggs an appealing pick under $7,000.
Trey Murphy III: Pelican Powerhouse
It's rare to see a New Orleans Pelicans player labeled a cash game target, but Trey Murphy III fits the bill tonight. Facing a heavily depleted Sacramento Kings team, potentially missing even Domantas Sabonis, Murphy III offers a secure floor. He's hit 30+ fantasy points in all but one of his last 21 outings and has even flashed 70-point upside against elite teams. With 38 minutes per night and a 30% usage rate, Murphy III provides consistent production, despite his team's typically volatile fantasy environment.
Unlocking Upside: GPP Differentiators
Cade Cunningham: Detroit's Diamond in the Rough
With everyone eyeing Nikola Jokic, other elite spend-up options like Cade Cunningham will fly under the radar. This creates a fantastic opportunity for GPP lineups. Pairing Jokic with a high-upside play like Cunningham can create a unique, dominant score. Cunningham boasts a 32% usage rate and plays 35 minutes a night. Against a Charlotte Hornets team whose strength lies in offense, not defense, Cunningham is poised for a big night, especially in what projects to be a close game.
Bam Adebayo: Heat's Dominant Big Man
Surprisingly, the Miami Heat vs. Utah Jazz game isn't generating much buzz, making Bam Adebayo a prime GPP target. Utah has conceded the most overall fantasy points to opponents this season, and specifically the most to opposing centers over their last 15 games. This matchup features a high game total over 240 and a fast pace, perfect for Adebayo's all-around game. With 32 minutes and a 24% usage rate, he could be the slate's top leverage play, particularly on DraftKings ($8,800).
James Harden: The Beard's Bounce-Back Potential
My third GPP pick is James Harden. The Cleveland Cavaliers' game against Denver is expected to be a back-and-forth affair, giving Harden ample opportunity to rack up stats. While still integrating with his new team, his ownership is surprisingly low. Harden has consistently posted over 40 fantasy points in 13 of his last 14 games, with two massive 60+ point outbursts in his last six. If his minutes and usage stabilize at the higher end, he could provide an explosive return.
Budget Boosters: High-Value Bargains
Devin Carter: Sacramento's Rising Guard
The post-trade deadline landscape often gifts us incredible value, and Devin Carter is a prime example. With Sacramento missing key players like Malik Monk, Zach LaVine, and De’Andre Hunter, Carter has seen a significant boost in opportunity. Over his last three games, he's played over 22 minutes each night, averaging 29 fantasy points. At just $3,800 (DraftKings), he offers a potential 6x return on investment against a subpar New Orleans Pelicans defense.
Danny Wolf: Brooklyn's Best Bet
Navigating the Brooklyn Nets' rotation can feel like a dartboard, but Danny Wolf is the clear bullseye for value tonight against the Chicago Bulls. Chicago has allowed the third-most fantasy points to opponents over their last 15 games and represents a significant pace-up spot for the Nets. Wolf is projected to start and play 25+ minutes, softly projecting for around 25 fantasy points but with upside for 30+ points. He's set to be a highly rostered option for good reason.
Jeremiah Fears: Pelicans' Secret Weapon
Rounding out our value plays is Jeremiah Fears. While we highlighted Sacramento's value, the New Orleans Pelicans also enjoy a favorable matchup at home against the decimated Kings. Sacramento has given up the seventh-most fantasy points over their last 15 games and are seven-point underdogs. Fears, along with Herbert Jones, offers a low-priced path to production. Coming off a 28-minute outing, if he sees similar run, he's a strong bet for 6x value.
