NBA DFS Preview: DraftKings DFS Picks & Lineups for Monday, 10/28
Published: Oct 28, 2024
We have just eight games on the NBA DFS DraftKings slate and 11 games on FanDuel on Wednesday, October 30th. Elite plays such as Anthony Davis, Trae Young, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Victor Wembanyama are taking the floor.
In the latest episode, Jon Impemba and James Grande break down each position to share the best NBA DFS lineups, picks, bargains, and players to avoid for Monday's games. They finish off by creating a sample lineup.
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Asa Newell amassed 14 points (4-of-9 FGs, 5-of-8 FTs), six rebounds and one three-pointer in Monday’s win over the Rockets.
Newell’s production took a hit after a stellar performance in Sunday’s win over the Suns. However, the reps are more important than the numbers, as the first-round pick won’t turn 20 until early October. With the Hawks among the teams still in contention to reach the semifinals of the NBA 2K26 Summer League, Newell does not appear to be a shutdown candidate. If so, that would mean more opportunities for Jack McVeigh. He shined against the Rockets, finishing with 21 points, four rebounds, three assists, one block and four three-pointers in 27 minutes off the bench.
Kobe Bufkin accounted for 25 points (8-of-15 FGs, 5-of-6 FTs), six rebounds, three assists, two steals, one block and four three-pointers in Monday’s win over the Rockets.
Bufkin shot the ball far better than on Sunday, when the Hawks guard shot 3-of-17 from the field in a win over Phoenix. However, the scoring efficiency was countered by a brutal day regarding ball control. Bufkin turned the ball over nine times against the Rockets, eight more than his total on Sunday. While his opportunities will be limited once the regular season begins, Bufkin must be efficient as a scorer and playmaker to log consistent minutes off the bench.
Paul George underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee and will be re-evaluated before the start of training camp.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, George injured his knee during a recent workout. The 76ers wing only appeared in 41 games in his debut season with the team, as groin and knee injuries sidelined him for good in March. George initially hyperextended his left knee during the preseason, and it remained an issue throughout the year. With Joel Embiid also recovering from offseason knee surgery, the 76ers could be without two of their stars when training camp opens in September.
Jacob Toppin (hip) is out for the remainder of Monday’s game against the Rockets.
Toppin, who agreed to a two-way contract in March, played well in Las Vegas before suffering an injury. According to the Hawks, he’s dealing with a left hip injury sustained during the first half of Monday’s game. Given Atlanta’s depth at the power forward position, Toppin may struggle to get the minutes needed to impact fantasy basketball once the regular season begins. That said, the Hawks had to be pleased with his play at summer league.
HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reports the Wizards waived Richaun Holmes.
With only $250,000 of Holmes’ contract for the 2025-26 season guaranteed, he was considered a candidate to be waived this offseason. The veteran forward/center appeared in 31 games for the Wizards last season, averaging 7.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 17.2 minutes. If Holmes were to catch on with another team, he could provide frontcourt depth, but he’s unlikely to impact fantasy basketball.
The Spurs have cleared Victor Wembanayama to play in the 2025-26 NBA season.
Deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder limited Wemby to just 46 appearances in Year 2. The superstar big man has been phenomenal through his first two NBA seasons, and fantasy managers should expect more of the same for the 2025-26 season, assuming there are no additional health issues. He should be a consensus top-3 pick in upcoming fantasy basketball drafts.