With an exciting lineup of 11 games on Monday, October 28, NBA DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) players have plenty of choices to consider. Among the top picks are superstar talents like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Victor Wembanyama as the NBA enters its second week of the 2024-25 season. In a highly anticipated matchup, the Boston Celtics will take on the Milwaukee Bucks with big names like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White representing Boston’s depth and potential DFS value. Meanwhile, Khris Middleton will likely sit out due to an ankle injury, raising the question: will this be an opportunity to include Giannis Antetokounmpo or Damian Lillard in your NBA DFS lineup?
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For Celtics fans, a 3-0 start may be expected, but another team making waves is the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have also gone 3-0 under head coach Kenny Atkinson. The Cavaliers have posted at least 135 points in two of their three games so far, which raises another question for DFS players: should they consider Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley for their lineup on Monday? For expert guidance, DFS players are turning to Mike McClure of SportsLine.
McClure, a seasoned DFS player with over $2 million in career winnings, uses predictive modeling that simulates every NBA game 10,000 times, taking into account combinations, statistical trends, and injuries. He’s a go-to source for DFS value on sites like DraftKings and FanDuel, offering insights that NBA DFS players don’t want to miss.
Key NBA DFS Picks and Strategies
Luka Doncic (PG, Dallas Mavericks)
McClure’s top pick for Monday night’s lineup is Luka Doncic, priced at $11,300 on DraftKings and $11,700 on FanDuel. Doncic, a five-time All-Star in just six seasons, is off to an incredible start this season, following up a 40-point, 10-rebound, four-assist game against the Suns with a 28-point, 10-rebound, and eight-assist performance in the season opener. The 25-year-old is already averaging 34 points per game over his first two outings this year.
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The Mavericks face the Utah Jazz, who have started the season 0-2, allowing at least 126 points per game so far. Last season, Utah ranked third-worst in points allowed per game, giving up 120.5 points. Doncic has a solid record against the Jazz, with averages of 30.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 11.5 assists across four matchups last season. McClure expects another standout performance from Doncic, who has proven his consistency and value at a premium price point.
Nikola Jokic (C, Denver Nuggets)
Another cornerstone of McClure’s optimal DFS strategy on Monday is Nikola Jokic, priced at $11,100 on DraftKings and $11,800 on FanDuel. The reigning NBA MVP is coming off a monster game where he scored 41 points and grabbed nine rebounds after logging a triple-double (16 points, 12 rebounds, 13 assists) in Denver’s season opener. Jokic has captured three of the last four NBA MVP awards and remains one of the most dominant players in the league. He averaged 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game last season, establishing career highs in rebounds.
Jokic’s numbers have steadily improved over the years, becoming increasingly essential to Denver’s success. Denver will face the Toronto Raptors, who allowed 136 points in their season opener against the Cavaliers. In his most recent matchup with Toronto, Jokic scored 35 points, pulled down 17 rebounds, dished out 12 assists, and recorded six blocks. McClure sees another big night in the cards for Jokic, making him a high-value selection in any DFS lineup.
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Additional Considerations for Monday’s Lineup
Aside from Doncic and Jokic, McClure has also highlighted the importance of role players who can deliver substantial fantasy points at lower costs. In last Friday’s game, he successfully spotlighted Dyson Daniels of the Atlanta Hawks as a “hidden gem” player with high value potential. Daniels, who is less well-known among DFS players, scored 18 points, grabbed one rebound, delivered four assists, and recorded two blocks, ending with 33.8 points on DraftKings and 36.2 points on FanDuel. DFS players who followed McClure’s advice and included Daniels in their lineups benefited greatly from this under-the-radar pick.)
As McClure now shifts his focus to Monday’s NBA action, he has selected a handful of other key players who are poised to capitalize on their matchups. While some might be obvious stars, others are carefully chosen for their ability to overperform based on their opponents’ weaknesses. DFS players can view his full lineup recommendations on SportsLine.
Tips for Optimizing Your NBA DFS Lineup on October 28
When crafting an NBA DFS lineup for Monday’s games, McClure’s insights stress the importance of factoring in matchups, recent performances, and injury reports. With the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics facing off, the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard present significant value, particularly given Middleton’s absence. For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White are strong DFS choices given their contributions to the team’s undefeated start.
On the other side of the matchup spectrum, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ early-season momentum makes players like Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen appealing picks. Cleveland has consistently scored high in its first games, and Atkinson’s system emphasizes aggressive offensive play, which should continue to benefit DFS participants who choose Cavaliers players.
DFS players also need to consider secondary players who can fill critical roles in their lineups without breaking the bank. For example, the Denver Nuggets’ Bruce Brown has shown flashes of high-value play and may be worth consideration given Toronto’s defensive struggles. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama continues to be a dynamic option, as the highly-touted rookie adjusts to NBA gameplay and proves his worth to DFS players.
Final Thoughts
The vast array of stars in action on Monday, October 28, gives DFS players multiple strategies to pursue. Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic anchor many lineups with their proven scoring and consistency, while players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jayson Tatum represent excellent options based on their matchups. With insights from McClure and the use of predictive analytics, DFS participants can identify high-value picks and optimize their lineups across DraftKings and FanDuel.
For those looking to gain an edge, McClure’s picks remain indispensable. He offers a strategic approach rooted in data modeling that is essential for DFS players looking to maximize their chances of winning. To see McClure’s complete lineup and secure the latest NBA DFS insights, visit SportsLine and discover the game-changing recommendations that elevate your DFS experience.
