We have a slim four-game slate available for FanDuel contests as we begin the week. Using RotoWire's trusted NBA projections, I'll endeavor to find my favorite selections in an intriguing player pool. At first glance, the overarching issue is inflated salaries across the board due to a lack of offerings, resulting in unreasonable costs for standout players on struggling teams like the Jazz and the Pacers. The salary climbs limit our ability to diversify, but I'm banking on a core of elites to prevail after making the best budget calls we can with some other squads.
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NBA Games Today
The only team we've faded is Brooklyn, and the low total and wide spread justify the move. Boston injuries will create some value for us, and the injury section will also offer additional opportunities to pivot due to some absences.
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NBA Injuries Today
For all the latest updates, visit RotoWire's NBA Injury News page and our comprehensive NBA Injury Report. Below are some of the most recent and relevant injuries for Monday. Keep in mind that this is not a complete list. Use your best judgment when evaluating ongoing injury scenarios elsewhere on the slate.
UTA Ace Bailey (hip) - QUESTIONABLE
Although Bailey could return, Cody Williams ($3,800) would be the likely starter if he is absent.
BOS Jaylen Brown (back) - DOUBTFUL
BOS San Hauser (hamstring) - QUESTIONABLE
Hauser would probably start for Brown, but if they are both out, the starting gig would go to Hugo Gonzalez ($3,900).
IND Andrew Nembhard ((back) - QUESTIONABLE
The Pacers also have a few other tags that have been up for some time, but we would probably see a promotion for T.J. McConnell ($5,600) if Nembhard can't make it.
PHI Paul George (knee) - OUT
PHI Joel Embiid (knee/groin) - QUESTIONABLE
Kelly Oubre ($4,600) should take over for George, while Andre Drummond ($4,600) would step in if Embiid records an absence.
TOR Brandon Ingram (thumb) - OUT
TOR RJ Barrett (ankle) - OUT
TOR Jakob Poeltl (back) - OUT
Collin Murray-Boyles ($5,500) is playing lights-out during Poeltl's absence, and he's the only pivot I would endorse here. The remaining starters will pick up the slack.
BKN Ziaire Williams (illness) - QUESTIONABLE
Cam Thomas ($6,200) should make his way back into the starting lineup if Williams is out.
DAL P.J. Washington (ankle) - DOUBTFUL
DAL Anthony Davis (hand) - OUT
Naji Marshall's ($6,000) starting role will likely be the new normal during Davis' extended absence.
Elite NBA DFS Picks
Tyrese Maxey ($10,600) is the only player above $10k in today's player pool. He's certainly usable against the short-handed Raptors tonight.
In the $9k range, the pickings are equally slim. Donovan Mitchell ($9,600) is my preferred play there over Embiid and Michael Porter.
We have seven players in the $8k tier, and I would give Evan Mobley ($8,100) the nod as the best value in the group. I'm also going to give a lot of attention to Derrick White ($8,300), who should pick up a lot of the slack in Brown's absence.
Also consider: Scottie Barnes, TOR ($8,600) vs. PHI
Expected Chalk and NBA DFS Value Picks
Darius Garland, CLE ($6,900) vs. UTA
If Mitchell is too expensive for you, I have no problem shifting down a gear and going with Garland. The Cavs are back to full health and taking on the struggling Jazz, and a stack with Mobley is an excellent avenue tonight.
Payton Pritchard, BOS ($6,700) vs. IND
Although I prefer White as the top candidate to absorb Brown's absence, Pritchard makes sense following a similar script. White will be tasked with more off-the-ball duties, allowing Pritchard to rack up some points as the floor general. The Pacers will also be short-handed in the backcourt, giving both Pritchard and White the edge.
Jay Huff, IND ($4,700) @ BOS
Huff's exclusion from the starting lineup the other day drove down his salary, and unfortunately, most of the Pacers are just too expensive against the Celtics. I'd keep Huff in the mix due to his lower salary and double-double opportunity, although Murray-Boyles will probably command most of my attention at the position.
Brice Sensabaugh, UTA ($5,000) @ CLE
Like Indiana, the Jazz's best options are well into the $8k range, so we need to grab some budget value wherever we can. Sensabaugh has shown the ability to hit value at this salary, and he played well during Utah's recent rash of injuries. Although Bailey is the only projected absence tonight, he's a good dart throw against the Cavs, who have opted for a smaller setup at the wing in recent days.
Klay Thompson, DAL ($4,000) vs. BKN
I'm offering no guarantees for Thompson, but he's a good candidate to see extra minutes with Davis out for months and Washington doubtful for the contest. D'Angelo Russell hasn't realized his value with Dallas, and Thompson's streaky three-point shot is destined for upside when he's dialed in. The salary is excellent, and he could help us out as we aim for a build involving Maxey, White, Barnes and Mobley.
Also consider: Quentin Grimes, PHI ($5,300) @ TOR
