This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
The NBA starts the week off with six games on the schedule Monday, highlighted by the Portland Trail Blazers taking on the Golden State Warriors. Although the rest of the matchups may not be that exciting with several bad teams in action, that doesn't mean there isn't fun to be had on DraftKings. Let's examine some players to consider when crafting your entry.
Guards
Damian Lillard, POR at GS ($9,200): Lillard is playing really well right now, scoring at least 50.8 DraftKings points in three straight games. Few in the league are as hot as he is offensively as Lillard has scored at least 29 points in seven of his last eight games. The Warriors play at the fifth-fastest pace (103.6) in the league, so expect Lillard to have plenty of chances to score and be a valuable part of your entry Monday.
Rajon Rondo, NO at HOU ($5,800): Rondo appears to have found his groove in New Orleans, averaging 11.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 11.4 assists over his last five games. With great offensive weapons around him and Rondo's excellent passing abilities, there is potential here for Rondo to continue to be productive. Both the Pelicans and the Rockets are in the top-eight in the league in terms of pace of play, making Rondo someone to consider at this reasonable price.
David Nwaba, CHI vs. BOS ($3,800):Don't look now, but the Bulls have won two games in a row. A big reason for that has been there improved bench play, including the play of Nwaba. Nwaba showed potential earlier this season, scoring at least 25.3 DraftKings points in three of four games before going down with an ankle injury. Healthy again, he has played at least 31 minutes and scored at least 28.8 DraftKings points in two straight games. He won't cost you much, making him someone to consider in tournament play.
Forwards
Kevin Durant, GS vs. POR ($10,900): Durant has been dominant since Stephen Curry (ankle) went down, scoring at least 72.3 DraftKings points in both games. Not only has he scored at least 35 points in both games, but he has taken on the role of offensive playmaker with at least seven assists in both contests. With Curry out again Monday, Durant should be in for another big performance.
Jayson Tatum, BOS at CHI ($6,000): Tatum has provided value of late as he has scored at least 33.5 DraftKings points in three of his last five games. Marcus Morris (knee) will be out Monday, which is significant considering he has the second-highest usage rate (23.3%) on the team. Tatum may be required to pick up some of the slack. With the Bulls lack of size outside of Robin Lopez and their struggles in general on defense, this has the makings of a favorable matchup for Tatum.
Marvin Williams, CHA at OKC ($4,700): The Hornets continue to be hampered by injuries up front, with Cody Zeller (knee) out and Frank Kaminsky (ankle) questionable Monday. Williams has had an expanded role as a result, scoring at least 22.3 DraftKings points in both of the last two games. If Kaminsky can't go again Monday, Williams should get all the minutes he can handle, giving him upside at this price.
Centers
Draymond Green, GS vs. POR ($7,400): Green (shoulder) is listed as probable for Monday, so he should play as long as he doesn't suffer any setbacks. With Curry out, Green will also be counted on to help facilitate the offense. He came through Friday against the Detroit Pistons as he dished out 13 assists on his way to 46 DraftKings points.
Steven Adams, OKC vs. CHA ($5,900): Adams continues to be a model of consistency by scoring at least 31 DraftKings points in five straight games. He played at least 30 minutes in all five of those games, which should come as no surprise considering how horrid the Thunder's bench is. With Dwight Howard also expected to log heavy minutes for the Hornets on Monday, Adams provides a safe option at center based on his role.
Ed Davis, POR at GS ($4,200):Jusuf Nurkic (ankle) will miss his second straight game Monday, leaving the Trail Blazers with a significant hole at center. Davis helped fill some of that void Saturday against the Rockets when he scored 22.8 DraftKings points in only 15 minutes. He doesn't need a lot of playing time to be productive based on his ability to rebound, so consider him Monday if you want to save money at center.
