This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
The NBA kicks off the week with eight games on the schedule Monday. Injuries continue to dominate the league, creating opportunities for players you wouldn't normally consider in DFS. Here are some players with favorable matchups who could help you win some money.
Guards
Tyreke Evans, MEM at BKN ($8,000): Evans has played well in two games since returning from injury, scoring at least 39.8 DraftKings points in both contests. He played 38 minutes Saturday against the Nuggets, so it doesn't appear he'll have any limitations moving forward. His 28.6% usage rate is tied for 20th in the league and he gets to face a Nets team that allows the third-most points per game (110.3) in the league, leaving him with upside Monday.
Denzel Valentine, CHI at NY ($5,700): The Bulls will be shorthanded again Monday with Zach LaVine (knee), Kris Dunn (toe) and Lauri Markkanen (back) all out. Valentine had a dominant offensive performance with those players sidelined Saturday against the Cavaliers, scoring 57.8 DraftKings points. With an elevated usage rate in the cards again for Monday, Valentine makes a lot of sense at this price.
Cameron Payne, CHI at NY ($4,700): Payne started in place of Dunn on Saturday and played well, producing a double-double on his way to 32 DraftKings points. He's clearly the Bulls preferred option at point with Dunn out as Jerian Grant only played 16 minutes while Payne logged 32 minutes. Like Valentine, his increased role makes him a great option at an even cheaper price.
Forwards
Draymond Green, GS at SA ($9,600): Green is the last star still standing for the Warriors with Stephen Curry (ankle), Klay Thompson (thumb) and Kevin Durant (ribs) all sidelined. Green has shown what he's capable of doing when he has a more prominent role, scoring at least 50 DraftKings points in back-to-back games. He's a threat for a triple-double with defensive stats based on his increased usage, making him a viable option even at his inflated price.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, BKN vs. MEM ($6,400): Hollis-Jefferson missed almost a month this season due to injury and was brought off the bench when he returned. He thrived in the role and has finally pushed his way back into the starting lineup, starting both of the last two games. He hasn't slowed down, scoring at least 36.8 DraftKings points in each contest. The Nets play at the seventh-fastest pace (100.9 possessions per game) in the league, so the added playing time is even more meaningful for Hollis-Jefferson's value. His price is climbing, but it's still low enough to provide value Monday.
Jeremy Lamb, CHA at PHI ($4,200): The Hornets will be without Nicolas Batum (Achilles) on Monday, which will open up a larger role for Lamb. Lamb started when Batum was injured earlier this year and has played well in the role, averaging 16.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.7 three-pointers in 14 games. The Hornets and Sixers are both in the top eight in the league in pace of play, leaving Lamb with excellent potential to out produce his price point.
Centers
Julius Randle, LAL at IND ($8,300): Randle has continued to thrive for the Lakers down the stretch, scoring at least 37.8 DraftKings points in 11 of his last 13 games. His 25% usage rate is second-highest on the team, leaving him with a high floor most nights. The Pacers have struggled to defend opposing big men this season and could be missing some key players due to injury Monday, so Randle could be in line for a big performance.
Kelly Olynyk, MIA vs. DEN ($5,800): The Heat will have a big hole to fill in the middle once again Monday with Hassan Whiteside (hip) set to miss his fifth straight game. Olynyk has stepped up in his absence, scoring at least 32.5 DraftKings points in three of the previous first four contests. If you don't want to pay up for Randle, Olynyk is a mid-tier option with upside.
Al Jefferson, IND vs. LAL ($4,300): The Pacers could be very thin up front against the Lakers with Domantas Sabonis (ankle) out and Myles Turner (ankle) questionable. Both players didn't take the floor Saturday against the Wizards, leaving Jefferson to score 28.3 DraftKings points in 26 minutes. The Lakers have a lot of size up front, so Jefferson will likely see plenty of minutes if Turner is out again Monday. At this price, he might be worth the risk in tournament play.
