Bargain Plays - Big Willie (Cauley-Stein) Style
Here are the top sleeper picks for Monday's 10-game slate:
SF Maurice Harkless, Trail Blazers (vs. Kings)
Harkless has seen both a nice jump in minutes and scoring with Meyers Leonard done for the year. In his absence, Harkless has played at least 25 minutes in three straight games, averaging 13.3 points and 6.6 rebounds. Compared to his seasonal averages of 17 minutes, 5.8 points, and 3.3 rebounds, Harkless is a steal at his near-basement price.
Another double-digit scoring performance should be a lock against the weak Sacramento defense - especially considering DeMarcus Cousins is expected to sit out with a foot issue. Though Portland's frontcourt is a tad crowded with Mason Plumlee, Ed Davis, and Noah Vonleh, Harkless is expected to start for the fourth straight time Monday night.
PF Willie Cauley-Stein, Kings (at Trail Blazers)
Cauley-Stein has been fantastic in his last two games, combining for 47 points and 13 rebounds. Though some keen DFS players will hop on him Monday with Cousins listed as doubtful, there will still a be a contingent that is unaware of Cauley-Stein's recent play.
The expected absence of Cousins should be Cauley-Stein's biggest propellant Monday as the ex-Kentucky Wildcat should see increased playing time and scoring opportunities. As one the league's worst defensive teams and top scoring teams, the Kings often find thesmelves in high scoring affairs and have topped 100 points in four straight games.
With their top point-getter expected to sit out, Cauley-Stein will be in an excellent position to return value for a third straight game.
PG Jordan Farmar, Grizzlies (vs. Spurs)
There are plenty of options at point guard on a 10-game slate, and even a few bargain plays that could be mentioned. But former Laker first-round pick Farmar gets Monday's mention despite a matchup against San Antonio.
In three games with Memphis, Farmar has averaged 10.3 points, 3.7 assists, and two rebounds. His most recent game was an 11-point, five-rebound performance Friday against San Antonio.
With the injury bug forcing Memphis into playing a plethora of mediocre guards, Farmar has quickly carved himself out a role, averaging 25.3 minutes in just three games. In this brief time, Farmar has returned value in all three games and should do so once again despite the matchup.