This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
The NBA starts this week off strong with 11 games on the schedule. With no games on Thanksgiving, there are few heavy slates this week. Let's take a look at which options you want to consider on DraftKings today to begin the week on a high note.
Guards
Ben Simmons, PHI vs. UTA ($9,200): Simmons ability to contribute in multiple categories makes him a safe DFS bet on most nights, even at this price. He is averaging 46.4 DraftKings points for the season and played well against the Jazz earlier this month when he scored 51.8 DraftKings points. Expect similar production from him Monday.
Darren Collison, IND at ORL ($6,100): If Collison is off, he can really hurt you in DFS as he has scored 19.3 DraftKings points or less five times this season. However, he's played well lately as he is averaging 19.3 points, 8.0 assists and 1.3 three-pointers over his last three games. The Magic allow the fourth-most DraftKings points per game (49.6) to opposing point guards, making Collison a nice mid-tier option for your lineup.
Mario Chalmers, MEM vs. POR ($4,700): Chalmers is starting at point guard with Mike Conley (Achilles) out, making him a nice value play on volume alone at this price. He has been an excellent source for assists since taking over, dishing out at least six in three straight games. Take advantage of this cheap price while you can and get him in your lineup.
Forwards
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL vs. WAS ($11,500): Giannis is an elite option every night as he has the sixth-highest usage rate (33.4%) in the NBA. He has not scored fewer than 42.5 DraftKings points in a game this season, justifying his lofty price more often than not. Find a way to make him work in your budget Monday.
Nicolas Batum, CHA vs. MIN ($6,200): Batum has played well since his return from an elbow injury, scoring at least 33 DraftKings points in two of his three games. He's not an elite scorer, but he provides excellent all-around production as he entered this year averaging at least 5.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists for five straight seasons. This is a very reasonable price considering the numbers he can provide.
Kyle Anderson, SA vs. ATL ($4,500): Anderson has played well of late as he has scored at least 22.5 DraftKings points in five of his last six games. He's averaging a career-high 27 minutes per game, leaving him with the most value he has ever had in terms of DFS production. The Hawks allow the sixth-most points per game (108.5) in the league, so look for Anderson to provide value at this cheap price.
Centers
Nikola Jokic, DEN at SAC ($9,100): Jokic was on his way to a nice game Sunday against the Los Angeles Lakers before he was ejected for arguing with a referee. He played only 12 minutes, so he'll be fresher than expected on the second leg of a back-to-back. The Kings allow the most DraftKings points per game (62.5) to opposing centers, making Jokic a great candidate to rebound with big numbers Monday.
DeAndre Jordan, LAC at NY ($6,600): Jordan continues to anchor the Clippers defense and is averaging a double-double for the season. He has grabbed at least 14 rebounds in eight games this season, giving him significant value even on nights when he's not involved much in the offense. Expect him to see plenty of action against a big Knicks frontcourt.
Willie Cauley-Stein, SAC vs. DEN ($4,500): The Kings have been terrible this season, which prompted them to make changes to their starting five. After starting the first 14 games this season, Cauley-Stein has come off the bench their last two games. The change in role has suited him well as he averaged 20.3 points and 9.7 rebounds over those two games. After only averaging 24 minutes per game as a starter, he played at least 31 minutes in both games off the bench. If you want to save money at center, Cauley-Stein has upside at this price based on his recent run of success.
