This article is part of our FantasyAces NBA series.
Monday in the NBA is shaping up to be one of the most interesting slates of games we have seen in a few months. There are 12 games, which usually makes for a very high-scoring slate, but only four of the 12 games have a spread, according to Vegas' numbers. This means that there are a ton of players who may not play, and the lines will be figured out closer to game time.
Some may see this as a difficult slate to figure out, but with all the potential value to be had, it will be one of the better slates we have seen in a few weeks. The Mavericks are resting starters, the Grizzlies are likely to rest their starters and the Kings are without their two best players. With so much uncertainty, be sure to keep an eye on NBA news as it breaks throughout the day.
RotoWire aims to help you win on FantasyAces, as we will break down a few value plays, some players who are currently trending up and others who are trending down for the given slate.
There is value to be had on FantasyAces, and identifying that value will allow you to spend on top-tier players to round out your lineup.
Without further ado, here is Monday's NBA breakdown for games on FantasyAces.
Value Plays
Devin Harris, G, DAL, $3,950 – The Mavericks will provide some value for Monday's slate with Dirk Nowitzki, Monta Ellis and Tyson Chandler set to rest for the playoffs. This brings Harris to the forefront, as he will likely be the focal point of the offense should Chandler Parsons (knee) sit one more game.
In Harris' last contest, he played 29 minutes in a similar situation with some Mavericks' players resting. He was able to score 21 points and dish out nine assists en route to 41 fantasy points.
When the Mavericks are missing Parsons, Nowitzki, Ellis and Chandler this season, Harris has a usage rate of 22.6 percent, making him a top value whether he starts or comes off the bench for Monday's game against the Jazz.
Al-Farouq Aminu, F, DAL, $3,850 – Like Harris, Aminu is a beneficiary of the starters resting for the Mavericks. In four games without Nowitzki this season, Aminu has averaged 21 fantasy points per game, which is two below expected value is at his current price.
With Parsons likely to sit as well, Aminu's role greatly increases, as he is likely to see close to 30 minutes. Considering Aminu averages 0.8 fantasy points per minute this season, 30 minutes is more than enough for him to have a chance to reach value for Monday's game.
Be sure to keep an eye on Richard Jefferson's status as well, as he may sit alongside the rest of the Mavericks' starters. If that is the case, Aminu will play close to 35 minutes as one of the only forwards available for Dallas.
Jason Thompson, C, SAC, $3,700 – When DeMarcus Cousins misses a game for the Kings, Thompson is the man charged with picking up the rebounding slack.
Thompson has played over 30 minutes in four of the last five games, grabbing eight or more rebounds in each contest. With a rebound being worth 1.25 fantasy points on FantasyAces, Thompson can reach value (22.2 fantasy points) with just a handful of secondary stats.
One such stat is points and Thompson will have ample opportunity to score given his 28 field-goal attempts in the last three games. With his uptick in usage on offense and his ability to rebound, Thompson is a top value at center on FantasyAces.
Trending Up
Derrick Williams, F, SAC, $3,850 – The Kings have shut down Rudy Gay (concussion) and DeMarcus Cousins (foot) for the remainder of the season, leaving numerous Kings as values on FantasyAces.
Williams has played significant minutes in the last four games, taking at least 11 shots in each contest while totaling 22 rebounds and six steals. At his price, value can be returned with 23.1 fantasy points. In those last four games, Williams is averaging just above 26 fantasy points per game.
Considering his increase in minutes and his role on offense for the Kings, Williams is a top play at his price for the remainder of the season.
Jordan Clarkson, G, LAL, $5,200 – Following the announcement of Jeremy Lin (knee) being held out for the rest of the season, Clarkson's value for the Lakers' remaining games skyrockets. Wwhen Lin does not play this season, Clarkson is averaging 20 points, 4.2 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 1.8 steals per game.
Clarkson has averaged just below 38 fantasy points per game with Lin out, making him worth up to $6,350 on FantasyAces.
Trending Down
Terrence Jones, F, HOU, $4,850 – Jones burst back onto the scene when he first returned from his injury, but he has regressed in terms of production in the last three weeks. Jones has reached value (29.1 fantasy points or more) just once in the last eight games, and has scored more than 13.25 fantasy points twice in the same stretch.
The Rockets have limited his minutes, as Jones has played 30 minutes or more just once in the last three weeks, likely in preparation for the NBA playoffs. That diminishes his fantasy value for the time being, making him a player to stay away from on FantasyAces.
