Miami Heat PF/SF LeBron James
(Photo Credit – Daniel E. Dobish)
Cavaliers SG Dion Waiters ($120K) has been playing really well lately, going for 22 or more fantasy points in eight consecutive games. He has managed six assists in each of his past two outings. PF/C Tyler Zeller ($81K) (illness) was absent from practice Sunday, so he might not play Monday. If he cannot go, PF/C Marreese Speights ($86K) might see some extra tick and fantasy appeal. Knicks swingman J.R. Smith ($121K) is averaging 28.3 fantasy points per game over his past four outings, including a total of 63 fantasy points over his past two appearances.
Utah Jazz at Milwaukee Bucks 7:00pm ET
Bucks SG/PG Monta Ellis ($173K) has been giant recently, going for 37 or more fantasy points in six of his past eight games. He has hit at least eight field goals in each of his past three, and he has double-doubles in two of his past four. Jazz SG Alec Burks ($91K) has been playing a little better lately, and see a healthy amount of minutes. Burks has 20 or more fantasy points in five of his past eight games, making him a solid sleeper. Bucks swingman Mike Dunleavy ($84K) has struggled lately, posting 15 or fewer points in five of his past six contests. PF/C Al Jefferson ($165K) (ankle) and PF Paul Millsap ($142K) (ankle) are each likely game-time decisions, so be careful to check their status frequently before finalizing your roster. C Enes Kanter ($105K) might be a nice play if one or both do not play. He had 43 fantasy points last time out, including 23 points , 22 rebounds and a blocked shot in 44 minutes Friday.
Orlando Magic at New Orleans Hornets 8:00pm ET
The Magic was spanked by Memphis Sunday, but SG E’Twaun Moore ($94K) had a decent outing. He 25 fantasy points in 34 minutes. With PG Jameer Nelson (knee) a big question mark for Monday, Moore might be a nice, cheap option for this one. F Tobias Harris ($115K) had been fairly effective lately, but he struggled mightily against the strong defense of the Grizzlies, hitting just three of his 14 field goal attempts while finishing with just 11 fantasy points in 23 minutes off the bench. When he plays, Hornets SG Eric Gordon ($105K) (knee) has been effective. This isn’t the second half of a back-to-back situation, so he should play. But double-check Twitter just to be on the safe side. Gordon has 16 or more fantasy points in ech of his past five games played.
Miami Heat at Minnesota Timberwolves 8:00pm ET (NBATV)
Heat SF LeBron James ($227K) (knee) crashed to the floor in Sunday’s game at New York, but he did not leave the game and is not expected to have an MRI despite twisting his knee. James ended up with 50 fantasy points in 43 minutes, and should be a safe play despite the minor irritation. Timberwolves PG Ricky Rubio ($137K) has been giant lately, going for 29 or more fantasy points in four of his past five games, and six of his past eight. At this price level, he is a nice bargain. PG Luke Ridnour ($105K) has totaled 58 fantasy points over his past two games, and is also a solid bargain.
Atlanta Hawks at Denver Nuggets 9:00pm ET
The Hawks fell just short at L.A. Lakers Sunday, but PF/C Al Horford ($210K) had another decent game. He posted 33 fantasy points Sunday, giving him 33 or more fantasy points in each of his past nine. Nuggets SF Danilo Gallinari ($119K) picked up 13 fantasy points in his return to the lineup Friday. He was a bit shaky, hitting just of his seven field goal attempts, though. Give him one more game to knock off the rust before plugging him into your lineup, even on a light night. PG Ty Lawson ($150K) has 23 or more fantasy points in each of his past nine games.
Charlotte Bobcats at Portland Trail Blazers 10:00pm ET
The struggles of Bobcats PG Ramon Sessions ($99K) continued Sunday in Sacramento, as he misfired on all five of his field goal attempts, finishing with just six fantasy points in 17 minutes off the bench. Blazers PF/C J.J. Hickson ($154K) will be an attractive fantasy option against the defensively-challenged Bobcats. He has 32 or more fantasy points in four of his past five, and he should easily reach that point level again in this one. PG Eric Maynor ($64K) had his best showing so far in three games in a Portland uniform, posting 16 fantasy points in Saturday’s win. He could be a sneaky sleeper on a lighter night in the NBA.
Toronto Raptors at Golden State Warriors 10:30pm ET
This game might be a real high-scoring affair, with plenty of big-time fantasy performances. Raptors swingman DeMar DeRozan ($133K) bounced back from a subpar shooting performance in Indiana to post 30 fantasy points Saturday against Milwaukee. He has 26 or more fantasy points in four of his past five games, making him a nice play at this salary level. After some struggles recently, PF/C Andrea Bargnani ($87K) showed some signs of life, posting 23 fantasy points in Saturday’s game. He still hit just four of his 14 field goal attempts, but he has played 33 minutes in each of the past two, and is a good sleeper if you have the nerve to start him in this potential score-fest. Warriors SG Klay Thompson ($124K) has totaled 65 fantasy points over the past two games.
Thanks for the tips Dan!