This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
BKN (-3) vs. DAL, O/U:
NYK (-2.5) vs. SAS, O/U: 212
BOS vs. LAL (-2.5), O/U:
The Lakers-Celtics matchup should result in a competitive contest with all the fixings for a solid lineup. With plenty of top-tier talent and reliable value options, it is an intriguing contest to build around.
In the top-tier salary range, look for Anthony Davis, LeBron James and Russell Westbrook to come out strong on their home court and lead the way for the Lakers. On the other hand, Jayson Tatum will be the go-to guy for the Celtics and should be able to rack up solid numbers of his own.
In the middle range, guys like Dennis Schroder, Marcus Smart and Al Horford are all stable options that can come up big by filling the stat sheet in multiple categories.
Finally, in the value range, look back to the Lakers and Malik Monk, Dwight Howard and Wayne Ellington for some affordable, high-potential options. Josh Richardson is also a solid choice on the Celtics' side, especially if Jaylen Brown is out.
Injuries to Monitor
Joe Harris (ankle): OUT
Patty Mills is expected to remain in the starting lineup without Harris. DeAndre' Bembry, Cam Thomas and James Johnson have also seen a boost in playing time.
Luka Doncic (ankle), Tim Hardaway (knee): Questionable
If Doncic remains out, Jalen Brunson would likely pick up another start, while Trey Burke and Frank Ntilikina would have some added opportunities off the bench. Additionally, if Hardaway is out, Reggie Bullock and Sterling Brown should see some extra action.
Devin Vassell (thigh): Questionable
If Vassell remains sidelined, look for Lonnie Walker and Keita Bates-Diop to see a boost off the bench.
Jaylen Brown (hamstring): Questionable
If Brown is sidelined again, then Dennis Schroder and Josh Richardson should continue to see extra playing time. Also, Jayson Tatum would be more of a focal point on the offensive end.
Carmelo Anthony (illness): Questionable
Guys like Malik Monk and Wayne Ellington will likely see some additional playing time if Anthony is sidelined.
Elite Players
Guards
James Harden ($10,700)
Harden has been playing well lately and has topped 40 DK points in nine of the last 10 games, including one outing in which he topped 70 DK points. The Nets go up against the Mavericks, who are allowing opponents to shoot 36.5 percent from long range, which should help Harden find some extra scoring opportunities.
Russell Westbrook ($10,000)
Westbrook is coming off a relatively quiet outing, but he has put up big numbers recently, topping 65 DK points in two of the last six games. He has the advantage of playing at home, as the Lakers play host to the Celtics in what should be a competitive contest.
Forwards/Centers
Kevin Durant ($10,900)
Durant has topped 50 DK points in four of the last six games, including one outing in which he totaled 69.8 DK points. The Mavs are allowing opponents to shoot an average of 47.4 percent from the field, which is fourth highest in the league.
Jayson Tatum ($9,400)
Tatum will have a tough matchup against LeBron James and the Celtics, but the young star has proven many times over that he can step up against elite competition. Tatum has topped 52 DK points in each of his last three games.
Julius Randle ($9,100)
Randle goes up against the Spurs, who do not have elite defenders in the frontcourt that can match his strength and agility. Randle has topped 43 DK points in six of the last 10 games, including two outings in which he topped 50.
Expected Chalk
Anthony Davis ($10,200)
Davis has topped 50 DK points in three of the Lakers' last four contests. He is averaging 24.4 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.2 blocks and 1.3 steals on the season and should find a good opportunity to put up strong numbers in what is expected to be a competitive contest. The last time the Lakers played the Celtics, Davis logged 31 points in 37 minutes of action in a blowout loss in Boston. The Lakers should be able to put up more of a fight on their home court, which should help Davis put together a well-rounded stat line.
Value Picks
Dwight Howard ($3,800)
Howard picked up the start in the Lakers' most recent contest and totaled 18.8 DK points in 21 minutes of action. He logged 36.3 DK points in 35 minutes in the game prior and has topped 20 DK points in three of his last six outings.
James Johnson ($3,200)
Johnson missed the Nets' most recent contest but is expected to be ready to go Monday. He has been playing well lately and has topped 18 DK points in four of his last seven games, including one night in which he went off for 39 DK points in 26 minutes of action. Johnson is averaging 24 minutes per game over his last seven contests.
DeAndre' Bembry ($4,300)
Bembry has picked up the start in the last seven games for the Nets, averaging 8.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks in 29 minutes per game over that span.
Malik Monk ($4,400)
Monk has been playing well lately, averaging 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.0 steals over the last six games. He has topped 29 DK points in five of the Lakers' last six contests. Monk could see an additional boost if Carmelo Anthony is out.
Immanuel Quickley ($4,900)
With Kemba Walker out of the rotation, Quickley has seen a bump up in playing time. He is coming off a rough outing in his most recent contest, but he topped 22 DK points in each of the five games prior, averaging 30 minutes per game.
