DraftKings NBA: Monday Cheat Sheet

Written by

Updated on January 29, 2018 12:10PM EST

The NBA kicks off the week with six games Monday, highlighted by the Philadelphia 76ers taking on the Milwaukee Bucks. Let's start the week off right with a winning DraftKings entry. Consider using the players below who all have favorable matchups.

Guards

Kyrie Irving, BOS at DEN ($8,800): The Celtics are not a good offensive team, leaving Irving with all the shots he can handle. His 31.3% usage rate is not only a career-high, but it also ranks seventh-highest in the league. He's scored at least 42.3 DraftKings points in five straight games and has a great matchup Monday against the Nuggets, who allow the fourth-most DraftKings points per game (48) to opposing point guards.

Dennis Smith Jr., DAL vs. MIA ($6,000): Smith has been excellent in January, averaging 16.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.4 steals in 12 games. The key is he has averaged 31 minutes per game in January, more than any previous month. He continues to be one of the focal points of their offense, posting a team-high 28.5% usage rate. With a significant role likely in the cards again Monday, Smith is a viable option at a reasonable price.

Terry Rozier, BOS at DEN ($4,700): Rozier sprained his ankle Saturday against the Warriors, but managed to finish the game. The Celtics badly need him to play Monday since they are already thin at guard with Marcus Smart (hand) out. Rozier scored 22.3 DraftKings points with Smart out Saturday and is worth considering again Monday at this cheap price. Make sure to keep an eye on his status throughout the day.

Forwards

Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL vs. PHI ($11,000): Giannis has looked excellent since sitting out a couple of games to rest his knee, scoring at least 52.8 DraftKings points in each of the last two games. He played at least 33 minutes in both contests, which is a good sign moving forward. His ceiling is very high with a 31.6% usage rate that ranks sixth-highest in the league, and he gets to face a Sixers squad Monday that plays at the third-fastest pace (102.3 possessions per game) in the league, making him a strong option again for your entry.

Josh Richardson, MIA at DAL ($6,400): Richardson is averaging a career-high 34 minutes per game this season and has been an anchor on a Heat team that has dealt with various injuries throughout the year. He's not a great scorer, but his added playing time has allowed him score at least 32.3 DraftKings points in five of his last seven games. His ceiling isn't very high, but he's priced low enough to warrant consideration Monday.

Jarell Martin, MEM vs. PHO ($4,800): The Grizzlies continue to be decimated by injuries and will be without JaMychal Green (ankle), Chandler Parsons (knee), and James Ennis III (calf) again Monday. Martin, who has played at least 32 minutes in two of the last three games, should be in line for added minutes once again. The Suns not only play at the fourth-fastest pace (102.2), but also allow the most points per game (112.1) in the league. If you are looking to save some money at forward, Martin has upside.

Centers

Dwight Howard, CHA at IND ($9,100): There has been no slowing down Howard lately, as he's scored at least 43.8 DraftKings points in seven straight games. He's been dominant on the glass, grabbing at least 15 rebounds in all seven of those contests. Monday brings an excellent matchup against the Pacers, who allow the second-most DraftKings points per game (55.1) to opposing centers. His price is climbing, but he can still provide plenty of value.

Kelly Olynyk, MIA at DAL ($5,200): Olynyk has been a key member of the Heat's bench, resulting in at least 25.3 DraftKings points in four of his last five games. He has even been left on the floor late in some games over Hassan Whiteside. The Mavericks are not a big team up front, so Olynyk could be in line for an expanded role Monday. At this price, he might be worth the risk.

John Henson, MIL vs. PHI ($5,200): Henson doesn't have a high ceiling, but he's still managed to score at least 20 DraftKings points in five of his last six games. The Bucks don't have a lot of size up front, so Henson could see extended playing time Monday against Joel Embiid. If Henson can stay out of foul trouble, he could be in line for a productive game.

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire. Mike Barner plays in daily fantasy contests using the following accounts: FanDuel: mbarner, DraftKings: mbarner51.