This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
The flurry of moves at last week's deadline, combined with a number of injuries to big-name fantasy options, leaves some interesting value plays for Monday's eight-game slate.
Monday's Value Plays
Point Guard
Deron Williams, BKN, $5,300: Williams moved into the starting lineup Friday in place of Jarrett Jack (hamstring) and took advantage of the added playing time. He finished with 12 points (6-14 FG, 0-2 3Pt), 15 assists, and two steals over 40 minutes of action. Jack's lingering hamstring soreness held him out of Saturday's practice and has left him listed as doubtful for Monday's matchup with Denver. Should Jack be unavailable Monday, Williams becomes a solid value play with a very favorable matchup. Denver has been a welcome sight for opposing point guards, especially lately. Jerryd Bayless had 34.4 FD points against Denver on Friday, and Russell Westbrook torched the Nuggets for 21 points, 17 assists, and eight rebounds Sunday. While he won't put up Westbrook's numbers, Williams should be in line for a solid game Monday against a struggling Nuggets club.
Isaiah Canaan, PHI, $3,500: Canaan got the nod at point guard Sunday and posted solid FanDuel numbers for his price tag with 22.3 FD points. He drilled four of his nine attempts from beyond the arc against the Magic as well. The 76ers' other options at point guards are Tim Frazier, who is on his second 10-day contract, and Ish Smith, who was just claimed off waivers on Sunday. For the FanDuel minimum salary, Canaan is a good candidate to produce above the $3,500 price tag and give you the flexibility to stack your lineup elsewhere.
Shooting Guard
J.J Redick, LAC, $4,700: Redick has bounced back nicely after back spasms cost him three games earlier this month. In four games since returning to the lineup, Redick is averaging 18.5 points on 48% shooting from the floor and 50% from three to go with three rebounds and three assists. Blake Griffin's absence has given Redick an increased role in the offense, as he is averaging 13.5 field goal attempts in the last four games (compared to 10.7 this season). He put up 24 points in 26 minutes Saturday and would have gotten more time if that game was competitive. Jamal Crawford is on an undeniable tear and is also a good play, but Redick is nearly $1,000 cheaper than Crawford and should have the minutes to have a productive night. The matchup with the Grizzlies is far from ideal, but Redick is the best option among shooting guards under the $5K price tag for Monday.
Small Forward
P.J Tucker, PHO, $4,900: Admittedly, Tucker is a player I have avoided in the past after being burned by him a few times, but his recent production warrants some reconsideration on my part. He's averaging 23.9 FD points over his last 10, including 27.8 and 33.7-FD point outings since the trade deadline. The Suns' other options on the wing don't inspire a ton of confidence, so I'm willing to take a bargain bin option in Tucker to stack my lineup elsewhere.
Power Forward
Brandon Bass, BOS, $4,600: Boston's frontcourt is in shambles right now, with Kelly Olynyk likely out another week and Jared Sullinger recently being ruled out for the rest of the season. That means Brandon Bass is tasked with picking up more of the slack up front. In the two games since the All-Star break, Bass has logged 37 and 40 minutes and averaged 14 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks. He draws a good matchup against Phoenix. With Boston leaning on Bass for the time being until the recently-acquired Jonas Jerebko works his way into the rotation, Bass is a good value play that should outperform his price tag Monday.
Center
Rudy Gobert, UTA, $5,700: After Utah dealt Enes Kanter to Oklahoma City at the deadline, the path was cleared for Gobert to move into the Jazz's starting lineup. Gobert's first game after the deadline was a bit of a flop from a scoring perspective (four points on 2-of-3 shooting), but he made up for it with seven rebounds and five blocks against a tough Portland frontcourt. He draws a better matchup Monday with San Antonio on the slate. The Spurs are allowing the fifth most FD points to opposing centers over their last five games. While Gobert won't light up the scoreboard, his production in other counting stats makes him a good play for the price.
Omer Asik, NOP, $4,900: Much like the Celtics, the Pelicans are also depleted up front. Anthony Davis aggravated his shoulder Saturday and is expected to miss at least a week while Ryan Anderson's sprained MCL will sideline him for 2-4 weeks. Asik is the safest play among the remaining Pelicans bigs, with Alexis Ajinca and Dante Cunningham as the other candidates to see a minutes increase while Davis and Anderson are on the shelf. Asik is coming off a strong performance Saturday where he put up 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting and nine rebounds and should have similar production in Davis and Anderson's absence.
