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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ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the Celtics have acquired Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks in exchange for Jrue Holiday.
Drafted by the Trail Blazers in 2018, Simons spent seven years in Portland and averaged between 17.3 and 22.6 points per game over the last four years. He’s entering a situation with the Celtics where he could continue to score a lot of points in the absence of Jayson Tatum and now Jrue Holiday. With Simons on an expiring contract, the Celtics made a low risk move getting away from the $72 million owed to Holiday. The Celtics could remain active in the trade market, only adding to Simons’ opportunity next year. Simons was ranked 110 in per game value on Basketball Monster last year. After playing a career-high 70 games last year, Simons could be set up for a career-year with the Celtics.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the Trail Blazers have acquired Jrue Holiday in exchange for Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks.
One year after winning a championship and signing a contract extension, Holiday is on his way out of Boston. The 35-year-old point guard was traded back to the Trail Blazers in a move that saves Boston enough cap space to potentially get under the second apron. Holiday averaged 11.1 points per game, 4.3 rebounds per game and 3.9 assists per game last year. He was ranked 107 in per game value by Basketball Monster. The Trail Blazers were aggressive in re-acquiring Holiday, who should have a major role with the team next year.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Daniel Gafford intends to sign a three-year contract extension worth nearly $60 million with the Mavericks.
Gafford has been a key player for the Mavericks since joining the team via a trade with the Wizards prior to the 2024 trade deadline. The 26-year-old center averaged 12.3 points per game, 6.8 rebounds per game and 1.8 blocks per game this past year. Gafford saw an increase in production in an 11-game stretch where the team was without Dereck Lively II. The Mavericks continue to value size as they keep Gafford to go along with Lively II, Anthony Davis and presumed No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg in the frontcourt.
The Athletic’s Kelly Iko reported the Rockets are likely to decline Fred VanVleet’s team option and discuss a long-term extension in the coming days.
The Rockets have until Sunday to make a decision on VanVleet’s $44.9 million team option. NBA Insider Marc Stein also reported there’s a “strong expectation” that the Rockets agree to a long-term deal with VanVleet before free agency officially opens up on June 30. VanVleet could be looking at a three-year offer, though it would be for less money annually than his team option. The Rockets will be looking to stay under the first apron of the salary cap this year, but VanVleet is certainly a player they want to keep in the wake of the Kevin Durant trade.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that Khris Middleton has picked up his $33.3 million player option for the 2025-26 season.
No surprises here, as Middleton will get fully compensated for the final year of the three-year, $93 million deal he signed with Milwaukee in 2023. Given his recent injury history and declining play, Middleton’s next contract will surely be far less than what he makes this season. He will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2026.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that Tyrese Haliburton suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday.
As feared, Haliburton’s injury is severe, and it will likely cost him all of next season. It’s a brutal development for the emerging superstar, especially after the magical playoff run he led. In Hali’s absence, T.J. McConnell could see a big uptick in playing time and usage, while Ben Sheppard could see more time off the bench, and Andrew Nembhard could take on more responsibility as a facilitator.