This article is part of our FantasyAces NBA series.
RotoWire aims to help you win on Fantasy Aces, as we break down a few value plays for Monday's seven-game slate.
The modest number of games nevertheless provides a slew of value propositions, particularly in a Thunder-Kings matchup that could be the highest scoring game of the night. A number of solid mid-priced veterans and an array of appealing options under $4,000 make their way into our recommendations today, providing the roster flexibility to select the likes of James Harden and DeMarcus Cousins.
Guards
Gary Harris, DEN vs. MEM ($4,150)- Harris has scored between 21.25 and 28.75 fantasy points in six of his last seven games, including consecutive 17-point outings with multiple threes in each. The Grizzlies have struggled defending shooting guards lately, checking in as a bottom-10 unit in fantasy points allowed per game over the last five (38.9), as well as third-worst in field-goal percentage allowed (44.7) and three-pointers allowed per game (2.7) this season. Tony Allen (knee) may also miss a fifth consecutive game Monday, leaving P.J. Hairston to start in his place.
Darren Collison, SAC vs. OKC ($4,100)- It's unclear if Collison will start in place of Rajon Rondo (thumb) again, but his cheap price makes him an appealing option, particularly in what should a fast-paced game. Collison had 31.25 fantasy points in 37 minutes during his start Friday, and he also has a pair of 32.25-fantasy point performances over the last 10 games off the bench. Meanwhile, the Thunder have struggled against point guards this season, checking in as a bottom-five unit in fantasy points (67.2), points (23.4), rebounds (5.9), steals (2.1) and three-pointers (2.4) allowed to the position per game.
J.R. Smith, CLE vs. IND ($4,400)-Monta Ellis and the Pacers have surrendered their fair share of productive outings to opposing two-guards, ranking in the bottom half of the league in points (20.9) and three-pointers (2.4) allowed to the position per game. Although he's in the midst of a tough stretch when he's scored fewer than 15 fantasy points in four of the last five, Smith did tally over 30 fantasy points in three other games over the last 10, and over 20 in another three. Given recent circumstances and the matchup, Monday shapes up as a potential spot for both the Cavs and Smith to get back on track.
Forwards
Serge Ibaka, OKC at SAC ($4,700)- The Thunder forward has been hot of late, scoring 46.50 fantasy points during Saturday's instant classic against the Warriors while also tallying between 24.00 and 39.50 fantasy points in six of the last nine games. Monday, he'll draw a Kings squad surrendering the sixth-most fantasy points per game (64.3) to power forwards, and that ranks in the bottom 10 in points (20.8) and rebounds (11.4) allowed to the position per game. Sacramento is also tied for the most shots blocked per game (1.6) by power forwards, certainly a noteworthy stat for a player that ranks fourth in the league with 2.12 blocks per contest.
Jeff Green, LAC vs. BKN ($4,500)-Green had 22 points (including four three-pointers), five rebounds and a blocked shot in his first start for the Clippers on Friday, good for 28.25 fantasy points. That followed respective totals of 29.25 and 17.25 fantasy points off the bench in his first pair of contests for the team. Brooklyn has struggled defensively all season, and has notably surrendered the fourth-highest field-goal percentage (44.7) to small forwards.
Trevor Ariza, HOU at MIL ($4,600)- Ariza has scored between 21.50 and 44.00 fantasy points in nine of the last 10 games, including 44.00, 32.25, 33.00 and 26.00 over the last four, respectively. He is also able to score fantasy points without having to put the ball in the basket, as he's recorded multiple steals in eight of his last 10 games, including three games with five and another pair with four. Monday, he'll face a Bucks team that turns the ball over more than all but five teams in the league and also is in the bottom-10 in points allowed (20.3) per game to small forwards. They have also allowed the second-most three-pointers to the position, a relevant stat given that Ariza has hit multiple threes in eight of the last 10 games.
Bojan Bogdanovic, BKN at LAC ($3,900)- Bogdanovic's first two starts after Joe Johnson was bought out were undeniably mixed, scoring 22.50 fantasy points against the Suns last Thursday before recording just 9.75 fantasy points against the Jazz on Saturday. However, he's the clear-cut starter for the Nets at small forward and his $3,900 price in what should be a face-paced game while being guarded by Jeff Green certainly makes him worthy of consideration.
Centers
Jared Dudley, WAS vs. PHI ($3,900)- Dudley draws perhaps the best matchup in the league for a frontcourt player Monday against the Sixers. He has been able to hold off Markieff Morris for the starting job at the four, though his price makes him an attractive option even if he comes off the bench. Dudley had 25.25 fantasy points in just 29 minutes Friday against the Sixers, who are allowing 67.0 fantasy points per game to power forwards this season, the second-worst mark in the league. The only real threat to a handsome return would be a blowout, but his cheap price makes him worthy of consideration.
Steven Adams, OKC at SAC ($3,800)-Miles Plumlee ($3,600) also makes for a notable value play Monday, but he draws a fairly tough matchup against Dwight Howard. Adams get the call because he's facing a Kings defense that is in the bottom-10 unit in rebounds (15.4) and blocks (2.7) allowed per game to centers, and is in the bottom half of the league in fantasy points allowed per game (47.4) as well. Adams' upside is a bit limited, but he's scored 27.75 and 23.25 fantasy points in two of his last three, as well as 23.50 and 25.50 fantasy points in two other contests over the last eight.
