Top Fantasy Basketball Picks, DFS Strategies, and Betting Tips for Monday’s NBA Matchups

Monday’s NBA Games: Fantasy Basketball Picks, DFS, and Betting Tips

Monday’s NBA slate features just three games but offers critical opportunities for fantasy basketball enthusiasts, DFS players, and bettors. As the NBA Cup knockout rounds loom, each contest carries added significance, increasing potential fantasy value and competitive intensity.

The Indiana Pacers host the Sacramento Kings in a tight matchup with a 3.5-point spread. This close line signals a competitive game where starters may log heavy minutes. Maxime Raynaud of the Kings is a top fantasy streaming option. He’s started recently due to Domantas Sabonis’s knee injury and is averaging 16.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks over the past four games. On the other side, Jay Huff has emerged as a reliable shot blocker for the Pacers, averaging 3.6 blocks and 2.2 three-pointers over his last five starts.

The Phoenix Suns visit the Minnesota Timberwolves in the night’s only contest featuring two teams with winning records. The Suns are major underdogs at +9.5 points, largely impacted by injuries to Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, and others. Despite this, Collin Gillespie has stepped up, scoring double-digits and hitting at least one three-pointer in 11 consecutive games. Bettors should note Anthony Edwards’s potential bounce-back against Phoenix; after two low-scoring outings, Edwards has historically exploded for 37+ points following similar slumps, including multiple big games versus the Suns this season.

San Antonio Spurs face the New Orleans Pelicans in the late game. Although the Spurs are favored by 9.5 points, injuries remain a concern with Victor Wembanyama out and Stephon Castle questionable. Fantasy players can target value picks like Jose Alvarado and Bryce McGowens for the Pelicans, who have seen expanded roles recently due to multiple absences.

Key DFS values and betting angles for Monday:

1. Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves) – $9,500 salary, poised for a big return after a scoring drought.
2. Pascal Siakam (Pacers) – $8,800, consistent high fantasy production lately.
3. Zach LaVine (Kings) – $6,800, high upside facing a Pacers defense that allows 26.3 PPG to shooting guards.
4. Rudy Gobert (Timberwolves) – $6,000, strong recent fantasy scores, including a 50+ FP effort versus the Suns.
5. Jose Alvarado (Pelicans) – $4,600, gaining usage and fantasy points.
6. T.J. McConnell (Pacers) – $4,500, reliable reserve producing starter-level output.
7. Bryce McGowens (Pelicans) – $4,300, benefiting from an increased offensive role.

For bets, consider Zach LaVine over 21.5 points given the Pacers’ weak perimeter defense and Anthony Edwards over 29.5 points based on his historical scoring rebound patterns.

Injury reports remain a critical factor, with key absences on both sides shaping game flow and fantasy opportunities. Monitor updates late Monday for any changes that could influence playing time and matchups. Every start and performance counts as teams jockey into the highly competitive days ahead.