This article is part of our FantasyDraft NBA series.
Monday's early slate features six games, with most of the contests having a good opportunity to serve as competitive matchups. While there aren't too many players priced at elite levels, there's plenty worthy of consideration at a notch below and in the mid-tier as well. Let's sift through the many options in an effort to get your DFS day off to a profitable early start.
GUARD
John Wall, WAS vs. MIL ($17,800): Wall is now averaging 42.64 fantasy points per contest after a current three-game tear during which he's scored 52.25 to 66.00 fantasy points. He's scored no less than 45.25 fantasy points in his last seven games overall, a stretch during which he's boasting a 31.8 percent usage rate and averaging 1.35 fantasy points per minute. The Bucks will be on the second game of a back-to-back Monday and have allowed the seventh most fantasy points (55.8) per game to point guards over the last 10 contest, along with the third most assists (10.8) and second highest shooting percentage (50.0). Moreover, Wall also just scored 46.75 fantasy points on the strength of a 16-point, 16-assist double-double against this same Milwaukee squad Jan. 6.
Kemba Walker, CHA at DET ($14,800): The Pistons have particularly struggled against point guards in recent games, as they're allowing the third most fantasy points (62.0) per game to ones over the last five, along with the most assists (14.2), second most steals (3.0) and most blocks (2.2). That makes Walker a particularly appealing option in the mid-tier, considering he'd scored 32.75 to 59.75 fantasy points in the nine games prior to compiling 26.25 versus the Thunder on Saturday afternoon. Walker is boasting a 28.9 percent usage rate and averaging 1.20 fantasy points per minute during that span, putting him firmly in play given Monday's plus matchup.
Zach LaVine, CHI vs. MIA ($9,200): LaVine looked sharp in his first game action in nearly a year Saturday night, as he posted an efficient 18.00 fantasy points in 19 minutes against the Pistons. He should be in for a bump in minutes Monday versus a Heat team whose Achilles heel defensively this season has been shooting guards. Miami is allowing 56.7 fantasy points per game to two-guards over the last 10 contests, the fifth most over that span and a notably higher figure than the 50.2 average they've yielded to the position on the season. While LaVine's minutes probably won't exceed the mid-20s, he could certainly return value on a very reasonable price with that allotment of playing time.
FORWARD/CENTER
Joel Embiid, PHI vs. TOR ($17,800): Embiid has had plenty of rest for his troublesome back recently, as the Sixers have only played once – last Thursday's tilt in London against the Celtics – since Jan. 5. He should therefore be raring to go in an appealing matchup against a Raptors squad that's allowed 35.9 fantasy points per game to centers on the season, along with a 53.0 percent success rate from the floor. Embiid has scored 41.00 to 55.00 fantasy points in five of his last six games, and he already posted an efficient 31.00 fantasy points over a modest 22 minutes against Toronto back on Dec. 23.
Dario Saric, PHI vs. TOR ($12,900): Embiid's frontcourt mate is in a favorable spot in his own right Monday, as the Raptors have allowed the third most fantasy points (46.7) per game to power forwards on the season, including 50.5 over the last 10 games. They're also yielding bottom 10 figures in points (21.9) and rebounds (11.9) to the position on the campaign, while Saric already scored 32.00 fantasy points in 33 minutes against this same Toronto squad Dec. 23. Additionally, before a three-game stretch against the tough defenses of the Pistons, Spurs and Celtics in which he scored 23.50 to 27.00 fantasy points, Saric compiled 42.75 to 47.25 fantasy points in the three prior contests, providing a glimpse at the impressive upside he offers despite a relatively modest mid-tier price.
Jonas Valanciunas, TOR at PHI ($10,400): The Sixers' frontcourt defense hasn't exactly been stellar either, rendering Valanciunas a viable affordable option Monday. He's started to garner some consistency on the offensive end over the last five games, scoring 26.25 to 42.25 fantasy points in four of them (and posting double-doubles in three) while averaging 15.2 points on a solid 9.8 shot attempts and 61.2 percent shooting over that span. He should continue to carry some additional scoring responsibility if Kyle Lowry (back) remains out Monday, and the Sixers also come in allowing the fifth most fantasy points (44.5) per game to centers in the last five contests, along with the sixth most rebounds (13.4) and most assists (5.4) over that span.
UTILITY
Kawhi Leonard, SA at ATL ($16,100): Leonard made a successful Saturday night return from a three-game absence due to a shoulder injury, tallying 43.50 fantasy points over 28 minutes against the Nuggets. He'd racked up 49.00 and 43.25 fantasy points, respectively, in his two prior contests as well, lending credence to the fact that his tournament upside is as high as ever whenever he enjoys full health. He'll be in a prime position for a similar caliber of production Monday, as the Hawks have allowed the fourth most fantasy points (44.9) per game to small forwards on the season, along with the second most points (24.1), fifth most assists (4.0), fourth most steals (1.9), third most blocks (1.1), third most made three-pointers (2.8) and highest shooting percentage (51.0).
Avery Bradley, DET vs. CHA ($11,100): Bradley lit up the Bulls for 38.25 fantasy points Saturday night, following a 40.75 fantasy-point haul against the Pelicans two games prior. He's also scored 23.00 and 29.00 fantasy points in two other contests since returning from a groin injury Jan. 3, and he'll draw a matchup Monday against a Hornets squad that's allowed 45.9 fantasy points per game to two-guards, along with 26.7 points and 3.3 made three-pointers. Moreover, it's worth noting that Bradley's 24.9 percent usage rate in his six games since returning are tops on Detroit's first unit over that span.
