This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
Monday's seven-game slate features a lot of teams playing the second half of a back-to-back set and a lot of teams vying for a playoff spot. There are a lot of injuries to monitor ahead of tip-off, namely Kyle Lowry, Al Jefferson, Jeremy Lin, and the majority of the Timberwolves' roster. Let's take a look at the bargain options that could give you a solid return for under $6K.
Monday's Value Plays
Point Guard
Mike Conley, MEM, $5,800: It's no secret that Memphis is struggling right now, and it wouldn't be surprising if the Grizzlies took out their frustrations on the Kings after falling out of the second seed in the West. Assuming Memphis deploys its usual starting five, Conley should be able to outperform his price tag Monday. Sacramento is allowing the second-most FanDuel points to opposing point guards this season and 10th most over the last 10 games. There are two slightly concerning factors in playing Conley tonight: 1) Memphis builds a massive lead and sits its starters for a good chunk of the games 2) Memphis limits its starters minutes anyway as it's playing the second half of a back-to-back. Still, Conley should be able to produce at a high enough clip while he's on the floor to make him a solid value option Monday if you're looking to save at the position.
Other Suggestion: Zach LaVine, MIN, $5,200- If Ricky Rubio sits out again.
Shooting Guard
Louis Williams, TOR, $4,800: Williams has reached double figures in four straight outings and eight of his last 10 games overall. Over his last four, Williams is shooting 50 percent from the floor while averaging 12 field goal attempts per game. With Kyle Lowry battling back spasms, it's unclear whether he'll be able to give it a go Monday. Although Greivis Vasquez is likely to get the start if Lowry sits out again, Williams should absorb a good portion of Lowry's usual shot volume. If you're looking to save at shooting guard Monday, Williams is a solid option for under $5K.
Other Suggestion: Wayne Ellington, LAL, $4,600- If Jeremy Lin is out.
Small Forward
Gerald Henderson,CHA, $5,700: Henderson has topped 20 FD points in seven straight and nine of his last 10 outings. That said, he played well beyond what you can expect from him on Saturday when he hit nine of his 10 shots from the field against the Hawks' B-Team. Regardless, the Hornets are banged up with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist out until the weekend and Al Jefferson and Mo Williams operating at less than 100 percent (or at least that's what Charlotte's brass is saying). Henderson should be in line for at least double digit points with decent contributions in the rebound and assist columns tonight against Boston and keep his 20 FD point streak alive.
Chase Budinger, MIN, $5,000: Budinger has been quietly productive of late, scoring in double figures in nine straight games. As one of the few healthy bodies remaining on the Timberwolves, Budinger has been getting a ton of run, playing 30 minutes per game over his last 10. You'll need to keep an eye on Minnesota's injury report throughout the day, but if several starters are unavailable again, Budinger becomes a good play. His $5K price tag is inflated for what he's worth if Minnesota has a full complement of players, so be sure to check back on the statuses of Ricky Rubio, Nikola Pekovic, Kevin Martin, and others because their absence is the key to Budinger being viable Monday.
Power Forward
Josh Smith, HOU, $6,000: With Donatas Motiejunas and Terrence Jones sidelined, Smith has gotten two consecutive starts at the four. The production in those outings? 43.3 FD points and 32.5 FD points against the Timberwolves and Wizards. He draws a matchup against Toronto, who is allowing the fourth most points to opposing power forwards over the last five games. Dwight Howard is also going to sit out Monday, so Smith is going to be Houston's only real option in the frontcourt on the offensive end. For $6K, Smith is a great mid-level option Monday.
Ersan Ilyasova, MIL, $5,900: Ilyasova came back to earth Saturday against the Warriors after a string of ridiculous outings where he averaged 35.2 FD points over his previous six games. His salary is sitting just under $6K now, and he should be able hit value Monday against an underperforming Hawks team that has already locked up the number one seed in the East. He's not going to set a new career high in scoring like he did Thursday against Indiana, but he should reach double-digit points and pull down a good amount of boards against the third-worst rebounding team this season.
Other suggestion: Trevor Booker, UTA, $3,700- only if you only have enough for a near-minimum option and Derrick Favors (back) is out.
Center
Justin Hamilton, MIN, $5,000: This pick hinges on Gorgui Dieng, who is listed as questionable ahead of Monday's tilt after suffering a facial contusion during Sunday's game. When given the minutes, Hamilton has been productive. He had 21 FD points in 23 minutes Sunday, and the last three times he has gotten 30+ minutes, he has had outings of 43.5, 30, and 31.2 FD points. The matchup against the Jazz tempers my expectations a bit, but it won't be as daunting if Derrick Favors is out Monday. Like I mentioned above about Budinger, monitor Minnesota's injury report before pulling the trigger on Hamilton.
Robin Lopez, POR, $5,400: Lopez posted a double-double against Phoenix last week and catches another matchup with the Suns on Monday. The Suns are playing the second night of a back-to-back after collapsing in the second half against the Thunder on Sunday. Lopez doesn't have huge upside, but he's a pretty safe bet Monday if you don't want to spend on the likes of DeMarcus Cousins (assuming coach George Karl doesn't rest him).
Other Suggestion: Bismack Biyombo, CHA, $3,800 - Al Jefferson had his knee drained for the second time in a week recently and is questionable for tonight's game against Boston. If he's unable to go, Biyombo should easily outplay his price tag with the minutes increase. Biyombo has produced at about 1 FD points/minute in his last three outings.
