This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
We've been handed a loaded 11-game slate Monday, filled with stars, injuries, blowout potential and more. Seven players will run you at least $10,000, the most expensive being Anthony Davis ($12,400) in his matchup against the Celtics. Some big names still remain sidelined, including Victor Oladipo (knee), Hassan Whiteside (personal) and Devin Booker (hamstring). Plenty of other lower-priced options are out, plus a variety of players are questionable. Make sure to keep an eye out for injury news, as it can dramatically change lineup construction.
The highest over/under on the day is 229.0, with the Timberwolves traveling to Golden State to face the Warriors. The lowest over/under is courtesy the Grizzlies facing the Nuggets, who are at home, giving us a 198.5 total. The largest spread is -13.5 in favor of the Bucks over the Cavaliers. The aforementioned Grizzlies/Nuggets game is expected to be the closest on the night, with the Nuggets favored by -2.0.
Let's dive into some options:
Point Guard
Goran Dragic ($5,800), MIA at LAL
Dragic has been limited to just 13 games this season while dealing with knee soreness, but has played well when available, making Monday's $5,800 price tag intriguing. At that price, we're hoping for about 30 fantasy points from Dragic, who has reached that mark in eight games. Plus, during his most recent appearance, he posted 11 points, 10 assists, three steals and a rebound (33.2 FP) in just 21 minutes. Assuming his minutes will be less limited this time around and taking into consideration the Lakers' fast pace, Dragic appears to be in a good position to exceed value.
Shooting Guard
Alec Burks ($5,300), CLE at MIL
With George Hill traded to the Bucks and Rodney Hood's (foot) status up in the air, the Cavaliers need to lean more on Burks. Since joining Cleveland, Burks has averaged 27.8 fantasy points per game. But with Rodney Hood playing just 15 minutes Thursday against the Kings and sidelined Friday against Washington, Burks totaled 75.3 FP on the back of 36 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists and two steals. Even if Hood is available Monday, Burks has upside to be fulfilled at $5,300. Considering the Cavs' situation as a rebuilding team, Burks' workload should also be blowout-proof against the Bucks, who are favored by 13.5 points.
Small Forward
Otto Porter ($7,000), WAS at IND
John Wall (heel) is questionable for Monday's game against the Pacers, but Porter makes for a strong option at small forward regardless of Wall's status. In one game with Wall sidelined, Porter posted 43.0 fantasy points, which is encouraging if Wall is out. But Porter still averages a solid 30.0 fantasy points when the point guard plays, and has surpassed 35 FP in four of his past nine appearances overall. He seems to have shaken off his early-season woes and has plenty of upside, dropping 40-plus fantasy points on three occasions this year.
Power Forward
Bam Adebayo ($6,500), MIA at LAL
Even at this inflated $6,500 price tag, it's had to ignore what Adebayo is capable of when Hassan Whiteside (personal), who is out Monday, doesn't play. Adebayo is averaging 37.6 fantasy points per game when Whiteside is out, compared to 20.4 FP when Whiteside is available. While a lower price would be ideal, his ceiling and floor both appear to be high in this situation. In addition to his impressive average production when Whiteside is sidelined, Adebayo has posted over 40 fantasy points twice this year, plus a season-high 50.7 FP Nov. 25 in a game where Whiteside played.
Center
Julius Randle ($8,400), NO at BOS
Randle first entered the starting lineup four games ago due to Nikola Mirotic being sidelined as a result of an illness. But even with Mirotic returning after a two-game absence, Randle has stayed in the starting lineup and been a force. He's averaged 49.9 fantasy points on the back of 29.5 points, 11.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists. It's not immediately clear how long Randle's stint in the starting five will last, but it's hard to ignore his production for the time being. Even though his price has been moved up significantly, Randle's ability for monster games makes him worth the gamble, as he's reached 50-plus fantasy points on four occasions.
