RADIO
Monday's six-game slate may look docile on the surface, but per DraftKings' scoring, each of the league's two top overall points collectors are taking the floor to kick off the week (Giannis Antetokounmpo and Andre Drummond).
That goes without mentioning that James Harden will also be available. Factor in that Joel Embiid and Karl-Anthony Towns are serving the final games of their suspensions, respectively, stemming from their tussle last week, and in short order, owners have a powder keg slate that needs some sifting through.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 11/4/19. You can also check out today's FanDuel lineup picks. Remember to monitor injury news as the slate can completely change before line-up lock.
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DraftKings DFS Guards
James Harden - PG/SG, HOU @ MEM ($10,800)
Ahead of setting lineups Monday, harken back to the ye’ old times of 2018-19 when Harden was a one-man wrecking crew for the Rockets, hell bent on obliterating scoring records left and right. Set that image in your mind and that’s likely close to what owners will receive from Harden on Monday, with teammate Russell Westbrook set to sit out the second leg of a back-to-back due to load management. As was the case when Harden was at his apex last season, his price tag doesn’t so much matter as much as the calamity of not having him in your lineup does. He’ll have immense exposure in cash games (and likely GPP as well), which will force owners to one extreme of the poles. Those hesitating over his match-up versus Memphis can take solace in the obscene pace that the Rockets have played at early on this season, in addition to the fact that Harden will likely be checked by rookie JA Morant, who should be in line for some serious on the job training.
Bruce Brown Jr. - SG/SF, DET @ WAS ($3,200)
With superstars abound in the small slate Monday, finding value is critical. That usually comes from a key contributor being priced vastly below where they should be. All of that build-up leads us to Brown. The Pistons are once again expected to be staggeringly depleted in the backcourt against Washington, lending to the idea that Brown, Luke Kennard and Langston Galloway will have to cover guard duties in some form or fashion. Brown parlayed that uncertainty into a career-high 22 points Saturday, seeing 40 minutes of action. Now add in that Detroit is set to face a woeful Wizards defensive unit, and the possibility of Brown outperforming his price tag becomes not a matter of if, but how soon.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Brandon Ingram - SF/PF, NOP @ BKN ($7,200)
Despite departing his previous contest due to a head injury, Ingram has been cleared of any injury ailments entering Monday’s showdown with the Nets. In what should be a frenetically paced contest, Ingram’s price seems vastly too low to ignore. Through his first five games, he was averaging 26.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists per contest, and while his early departure Saturday may have made owners press pause, his match-up with a generous Brooklyn defensive unit that is allowing the third-most points per game in the league (118.3) should bode well for a scoring barrage. As No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson remains sidelined during the early part of the year, expect Ingram to remain the team’s primary scoring option, a role that he only seems enthused to embrace.
Andrew Wiggins - SG/SF, MIN v. MIL ($6,700)
On the surface, Wiggins does not have a stellar match-up Monday versus Milwaukee. He’s likely to be dogged by All-Star Khris Middleton on the defensive end of the floor, and his price tag sits firmly in the middle of being neither too extraneous, nor too affordable. But a deeper dive reveals that without Karl-Anthony Towns available (due to suspension), Wiggins should be in line to carry the club’s offense. During Saturday’s romp of Washington, Wiggins was needed for just 26 minutes, yet was able to collect 21 points, six assists and five rebounds. In a contest Monday which features the Timberwolves not only as underdogs, but has a total fluctuating around 230, someone will need to get up shots for the home squad and in bunches -- with no one fitting that description more aptly than Wiggins. For those owners who can tinker with their GPP lineups, Minnesota’s explosive scoring wing could provide sky-high value.
DraftKings DFS Centers
Brandon Clarke - PF/C, MEM v. HOU ($4,800)
For those owners looking to go contrarian despite Andre Drummond’s undoubtedly favorable match-up against a porous Washington defensive group, Grizzlies rookie Brandon Clarke appears ready to take centerstage. With teammate Jaren Jackson Jr. likely unable to suit up due to a knee injury, Clarke’s price tag makes him a highly desired commodity. Despite dealing with an ailment of his own entering Saturday’s showdown with the Suns, Clarke recorded the first double-double of his career off the bench. Factor in that Houston is allowing the most points per game in the league (121.3) entering play Monday and Clarke appears to be a high-ceiling, high-floor play that should be rostered in any format no matter the desired position.
