NBA $5,000+ Monday Best Buys
The Draftstars Monday $5K contest is an intriguing one with just four games on the card. Even though there are only eight teams that the players will be picked from, some of the NBA’s biggest superstars will be in action and there are plenty of options for your Draftstars side. Jump in and play now!
NBA SCORING SYSTEM:
Base Points
Point Scored = 1 point
Missed Field Goal = -0.25 points
Missed Free Throw = -0.25 points
Assist = 1.5 points
Rebound = 1.25 points
Turnover = -0.5 points
Steal = 2 point
Block = 2 points
Bonuses
3 Point Made = 1 point
Double-Double = 2 points
Triple-Double = 2 points
Point Guard
Russell Westbrook ($23,500)
Yes, Russell Westbrook will take up a sizeable chunk of your budget, but he is guaranteed production. Averaging 59.4 on the year, he gets a favourable matchup against the Indiana Pacers who are looking to push the pace this year. More pace equals more possessions and more opportunities for Russ to cause havoc.
Ty Lawson ($8,700)
Lawson’s career has gone off the rails ever since he left the Denver Nuggets when he played at an all-star level. However, at Sacramento he seems to have won the trust of coach Dave Joerger and his performance against the Clippers was his best of the season. With the high-scoring Raptors coming to town, he will be hoping for a repeat performance.
Shooting Guard
Nick Young ($7,650)
For so long he has been a footnote in the NBA, with his relationship with Iggy Azalea the most notable aspect of Nick Young’s career. In this season under Luke Walton though, it appears he has turned over a new leaf. He is shooting at a high level and playing lockdown defence, giving you those all important defensive stats like steals and blocks. In a weak position, he is a must have.
Terrence Ross ($6,300)
Toronto’s sixth man is a fearless shooter and one that can have a big impact on your Draftstars lineup. He is not going to offer much in terms of rebounds and assists, but one thing he does do is get buckets and plenty of them. With him being super cheap, throw him in and hope he gets hot from downtown.
Small Forward
Gordon Hayward ($14,400)
Having fully recovered from the finger injury that derailed his start to the season, Hayward is one of the most underrated players in the NBA. He’s guaranteed 35+ minutes a night and fills up the stat sheet in many different ways. He just doesn’t have bad nights.
Wilson Chandler ($9,050)
Wilson Chandler missed all of last season and the Denver Nuggets really struggled as a result of it. His versatility is so key and Mike Malone leaves on him in closing game situations, meaning that even though he starts on the bench, he is good for 30+ minutes a night. Averaging 48 in his last two, at the price it is hard to look past him.
Power Forward
Julius Randle ($12,800)
Julius Randle is turning into a mini Draymond Green in his ability to be a “Point Forward” and just pick up a multitude of stats. He flirts with a triple double every night which will give you those bonus points as well. Simply he must be in.
Pascal Siakam ($5,000)
The rookie from Toronto appears to be a must start based on the opportunities that he is currently receiving in the starting unit. Whilst he isn’t going to provide massive points, he is a chance for double digit rebounds and maybe a couple of blocks as well. A favourable matchup against Sacramento which plays two big men will also help his court time.
Centre
Demarcus Cousins ($19,300)
Quite simply, the big man from Sacramento is probably the most dominant big man in the NBA. Coming off a game where he scored 70 fantasy points against the LA Clippers, Cousins will be licking his lips playing against the Toronto frontcourt. If Sacramento are to win, Cousins as to have a huge game and he knows this. He’ll try to do it all.
Nikola Jokic ($8,750)
Nikola Jokic is without doubt one of the most undervalued players based on his potential in today’s play. Unfortunately, he is now coming off the bench for Denver due to struggling to fit next to Jusuf Nurkic in the Denver frontcourt. In his last outing he showed signs of life and even closed the game ahead of Nurkic, indicating he might be in the good books of the coach. He could be the one that makes or breaks your lineup.
NBA