Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo drives against Charlotte Hornets' Jeremy Lamb during an NBA basketball game Saturday, March 26, 2016, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)
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Opponent - SAC
Proj Pts FD - 33.33 DK - 32.06
With LaMello Ball out and both Terry Rozier and Cody Martin doubtful again on Monday, we are very high on Dennis Smith Jr. once again. He will be making his fifth straight start and after a dud against the Magic, he bounced back with his third 35+ fantasy point performance in four games. He and the Hornets also get a plus matchup on Monday against the Kings who rank 24th in defensive efficiency and seventh in pace. The price is adjusting a lot faster on FanDuel making it a lot closer but on DraftKings, he is a near lock in all formats.
Opponent - BKN
Proj Pts FD - 40.46 DK - 41.45
Speaking of plus matchups, we have been targeting the Nets all season as they have allowed 125 or more points in four of six games and come into Monday ranked dead last in defensive efficiency. They now face a Pacers team that has been much better than advertised before the season ranking 6th in offensive efficiency and pace. They have been led by Tyrese Haliburton who is off to a red-hot start averaging a double-double on 23.4 points and 10 assists per game while commanding an elite 33.4% usage rate. The price is going up slowly but considering he has provided a 41 point floor and nearly 60-point ceiling, I will have exposure in all formats.
Opponent - UTA
Proj Pts FD - 31.09 DK - 33.8
Opponent - UTA
Proj Pts FD - 42.21 DK - 43.99
We are eagerly awaiting news from the Grizzlies on Monday as Ja Morant missing a second straight game would lead to some excellent PTS/$ value throughout the lineup once again. Tyus Jones got the start at point guard on Saturday and looked good dropping a double-double on 23 points and 10 assists putting up 45 fantasy points. The price took a huge jump up after that performance so the news with Morant is most critical here. Bane is the most expensive of the bunch after Morant and someone I am considering whether Morant plays or not with the only decision being cash or GPP. He has been getting the same volume with or without Morant with 18 or more shots in three straight with a floor of 45 fantasy points. The matchup is a little tougher tonight as the Jazz rank 9th in defensive efficiency but this game has the second-highest total on the slate with a close spread so fire up the Grizz in all formats.
Opponent - MEM
Proj Pts FD - 34.21 DK - 37.29
Opponent - UTA
Proj Pts FD - 29.01 DK - 30.9
Let's stay in this high total game for more fantasy goodness. Let's start with Markkanen who has been very consistent from a PTS/$ standpoint this season providing 33 or more fantasy points in six of seven games while averaging just over 40 on the season. He isn't getting elite usage(25.3%) but has a very balanced attack almost averaging a double-double overall on 21.4 points and nine rebounds per game. I also like this side of the matchup a lot as he faces a Grizzlies team that has struggled defensively ranking 28th in efficiency and has given up the most fantasy points to opposing forwards. Lock and load in all formats. For Brooks, it took a few games to get back in the groove after a late start to the season but exploded on Saturday dropping 30 points on 20 shots for a 45 fantasy point performance. The price is still sitting under $6K so I am on board whether or more Morant plays here but he would get a huge boost in our PTS/$ projections should Morant sit. Stay tuned.
Opponent - DET
Proj Pts FD - 68.43 DK - 71.56
The price has reached a season-high on both sites and it honestly would have to go a lot higher for me to consider fading. Giannis has been easily the MVP front-runner early on averaging 34.4 points and 14 rebounds a game and commanding a 36% usage rate. For fantasy, he has also provided at least a 5x return at these prices in every game which is insane to think about at for someone who is $12K. He easily tops our projections tonight in a matchup against the Pistons who rank 29th in defensive efficiency and have allowed the 7th most fantasy points to forwards. This is where I will be starting my builds in all formats.
Opponent - BKN
Proj Pts FD - 31.12 DK - 33.42
One of the reasons why the Nets' defense ranks dead last in the league to start the season is their rebounding(29th) and that fits right into Jalen Smith's hands for fantasy. He has not only taken double-digit shots with 15 or more points in four of his last five games, he is also averaging 11 rebounds which has worked out to an average of 33 fantasy points. That ability to not only score but to rebound has provided some safety where he isn't ever killing your lineup while also providing some big-time upside. I will have exposure in all formats at a price that is under $6K on both sites.
Opponent - ATL
Proj Pts FD - 43.92 DK - 47.36
Siakam is approaching super-max contract eligibility and would need just one more All-NBA nomination to get there. He is well on his way to getting there after a terrific start to the season as he has been a beast at both ends of the floor and averaging 25.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game and for fantasy, has given him a floor of 44 fantasy points while providing elite 70-point upside. This game has the lowest total on the slate but the Hawks are below-average defensively(17th in def eff) and rank 25th in rebounding. I also just can't pass up the elite consistency Siakam is providing. Lock and load in all formats.
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