NBA Daily Fantasy Dose: These are the Days of Our Livingstons

Here's a look at the NBA daily fantasy picture for Monday's three-game slate:

Bargain Plays

• PG Shaun Livingston, Warriors (at Rockets): Livingston was up to the task of filling in for Stephen Curry, playing 29 minutes in Game 2 and finishing with 16 points, six assists, two rebounds and two steals. Against an unbalanced Rockets defense, that type of production is sustainable and would represent a solid cash-game return.

• PF Patrick Patterson, Raptors (at Pacers): Patterson brought a nice change of pace in Game 2, hitting 5 of 6 shots for 14 points and spreading the floor for the Raptors' interior scorers to flourish. Equally important, Patterson also grabbed six rebounds. It was a recipe for success, so expect Patterson to have an opportunity to post similar numbers in Game 3.

• C Salah Mejri, Mavericks (vs. Thunder): Speaking of strategies that worked, the Mavericks got 28 solid minutes out of their backup center in their Game 2 win. Mejri tallied 12 points on seven shots while adding a handful of rebounds and blocks. He might not see as many as seven shot attempts but his boards stand to improve from just three as long as he plays 20-plus minutes. He's a low-risk flier with upside.

Contrarian Options

• C Andrew Bogut, Warriors (at Houston): Bogut's reputation as a defense-first center gives the perception of a limited ceiling when compared to the slate's post-scorers. That said, Bogut is one of the primary non-guard beneficiaries when Curry sits; in the last four games without Curry leading the charge, Bogut has two tournament-level and two cash-game stat lines, including 10 points, seven rebounds, three blocks and two assists in Game 2.

• PF Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks (vs. Thunder): Nowitzki's status is uncertain due to a bone bruise in his knee- but is there really any chance that the Dunking Deutschman misses a home playoff game with the series tied 1-1? In rosters where Draymond Green's price at PF is too rich, take a chance on Dirk recapturing some of his postseason magic.

• PG Russell Westbrook, Thunder (at Mavericks): Fellow guard James Harden is slightly cheaper and, on paper, appears to have an easier matchup against a banged-up Warriors backcourt. Westbrook's price is validated by his higher floor and great track record against the Mavs. A 31-points, 11-assist night against Dallas in November was Westbrook's 10th-best fantasy stat line this season.