Fantasy basketball value on DraftKings can often open up during the day due to unexpected injuries and lineup changes, so make sure to check back in throughout the day for the latest news. Here are five early value plays to consider at each position for Monday’s 7-game fantasy basketball slate on DraftKings:
Point Guard
Chris Paul, Oklahoma City Thunder at Minnesota Timberwolves ($6,600) — Paul’s price has fallen to its lowest number since early December for an appealing matchup against the Timberwolves. Minnesota has played the fourth fastest pace in the league, which has contributed to them allowing the sixth most points to opponents. as the boosted possessions create more opportunities for fantasy scoring. Paul lit up the Timberwolves in his previous meeting against them this season, scoring 50 DraftKings fantasy points (DKFP) on a 30-point, 7-assist outing. Paul’s 20.9 player efficiency is excellent, ranking fifth best among point guards.
Shooting Guard
Derrick Rose, Detroit Pistons vs. New Orleans Pelicans ($6,700) — Rose’s 30% usage rate is best on the Pistons, and he has seen heavier usage lately with Blake Griffin (knee) sidelined, posting a 33% usage rate in January, which ranks in the top 10 among all qualified players. Rose takes his heavy usage into an elite matchup vs. the Pelicans, who have been among the worst defensive teams in the league. The Pelicans have allowed the second most points to opponents and rank in the bottom third in assists allowed to opponents. New Orleans may also be without Derrick Favors (hamstring) again, who has missed large chunks of the season and is one of their best defensive players.
Small Forward
Tobias Harris, Philadelphia 76ers at Indiana Pacers ($6,600) — Despite Joel Embiid (hand) being sidelined, Harris’ price has not risen, which makes Harris a candidate to provide value given he has seen more volume when Embiid is not on the court. Harris’ usage rate rises to a solid 25% in minutes with Embiid off the court this season, a boost from 21% in minutes with Embiid on the court. Harris’ rebounding numbers are also boosted when Embiid is not on the court, as he is able to get to more available rebounds. The Pacers have been below average on the glass, ranking 20th by the percentage of missed shots they rebound.
Power Forward
Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers at Los Angeles Lakers ($6,700) — Love’s $6,700 price tag is his lowest in about a month, and while a matchup against a stout Lakers defense is not appealing on paper, the Lakers could be without elite defender Anthony Davis (glute), which would create a softer matchup for Love. Davis has missed the Lakers’ last two games and is uncertain to play on Monday. If Davis remains out, Love will be in better position to provide value at this price tag. Love’s 18.0 player efficiency rating is better than average, and he is averaging 37 DKFP per game this season while showcasing the ability to go for 50+ DKFP when given boosts in usage.
Center
Enes Kanter, Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls ($5,400) — Celtics starting C Daniel Theis (knee) is questionable, and if Theis is out, Kanter could be in line for an expanded role in an excellent matchup. The Bulls have been poor on the glass, ranking as the league’s third worst rebounding team by the percentage of missed shots they rebound, a number that could be set to decline even further with starting center Wendell Carter Jr. (ankle) sidelined. The Bulls have also been poor around the basket, allowing the sixth most field goals per game within five feet of the basket, the zone that Kanter takes most of his shots. Kanter’s 24.8 player efficiency rating is excellent, ranking fifth best among centers.
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