NBA Picks for Monday

G-1 Russell Westbrook OKC: Averaging 31.7 points and 6.3 assists per game in his last 3 games, Westbrook has really been feeling it lately for the high powered OKC offense. 

G-2 Kyle Korver CHI: Tom Thibodeau has had enough with Ronnie Brewer’s struggles, and this has led to Korver cracking the starting lineup.  Yesterday was his first start which led to 22 fantasy points in 32 minutes, and with him valued at 6.5, look for Korver to continue putting up almost 3.0 his value as long as he is a starter.

G-3 Courtney Lee HOU: A very consistent fantasy option since Kevin Martin has been sidelined for Houston.  Lee keeps logging big minutes, and has not disappointed fantasy owners as he has scored in double figures in 5 straight games now.  Averaging just over 23 fantasy points over the last 5 games, Lee is a must play at 8K even though he is facing the Bulls, one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, tonight.

F-1 Ersan Ilyasova MIL: A no brainer play tonight, Ilyasova has come out of nowhere to be one of the best forwards in the league this past month.  A couple nights ago against Memphis, he put of 44 fantasy points by recording 20 points and 16 rebounds.  He has been a double-double machine, and keeps seeing 40+ minutes for the Bucks.  To give you a little extra incentive to play him tonight, He is facing one of the worst defensive teams tonight in the Wizards.

F-2 J.J. Hickson POR/Kevin Seraphin WSH: The only reason Kevin Seraphin should be in your lineup, is if Nene is not playing.  Nene has been bitten by the injury bug frequently of late, and this has led to Seraphin starting in his place.  Last night in 35 minutes with Nene out, Seraphin scored 16 points to go along with 7 boards.  Keep an eye on Nene’s status for tonight.  If Nene is playing tonight, then plug in J.J. Hickson.  Hickson has now cracked the starting lineup, and he continues to put of big numbers.  After a huge Friday night against the Clippers (40 fantasy points), Hickson had 15 points and 9 rebounds last night.  As long as he starts for Portland, he is a must play right now. 

F-3: Serge Ibaka OKC: Since Westbrook and Durant usually steal the show in OKC, no one really appreciates the season Ibaka is having.  

C-1 Marcus Camby HOU: The wily veteran has taken over the starting duties for Dalembert, and has put up monstrous numbers.  He has drawn the starting assignment in his last two games for Houston and put up 46 and 38 fantasy points respectively.  As he continues to log big minutes, Camby is a must play.

C-2 DeMarcus Cousins SAC: The only reason Cousins did not have a big game on Saturday is because he got himself into foul trouble early.  Don’t let this deter you from playing him.  He is averaging 44 fantasy points over the last 7 games.

C-3 Al Jefferson UTH: The Utah starting center is just short of averaging 20 points 10 boards a game this season.  It’s tough leaving a guy out of your fantasy lineup who has averaged 41 fantasy points over the last 8 games.

Player to Watch: F Patrick Patterson: We told you a few weeks ago to keep an eye on Patterson, and after he played 29 minutes last night for 19 fantasy points, it is time to consider him again for your lineup.  At just under 6.5K, Patterson has scored at least 18 fantasy points in 9 of his last 11 games with outbursts of 28 and 36.  Do not play him over Hickson or Seraphin tonight, but it is imperative you keep a close watch on him for your future lineups. 

Lineup A:

F: Ersan Ilyasova

F: J.J. Hickson/Kevin Seraphin (if Nene is not playing, Seraphin is a must start over Hickson)

G: Courtney Lee

G: Russell Westbrook

C: DeMarcus Cousins

C: Al Jefferson

U: Marcus Camby

U: Kyle Korver

Total: $99,735 (draftstreet)

Lineup B:

F: Ersan Ilyasova

F: Kevin Seraphin

G: Courtney Lee

G: Gordon Hayward

C: DeMarcus Cousins

C: Al Jefferson

U: Marcus Camby

U: Serge Ibaka

Total: $99,569 (draftstreet)