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DraftKings NBA: Best Picks And Lineups For Jan. 25

By Aaron Ferguson

Jan 2, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) dribbles to the basket while defended by Phoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler (4) during the first quarter of the NBA game at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) dribbles to the basket while defended by Phoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler (4) during the first quarter of the NBA game at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA action returns on Monday with a nine-game slate. Here are some of the best picks, bargains and duds for DraftKings contests.

Jan 2, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) dribbles to the basket while defended by Phoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler (4) during the first quarter of the NBA game at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) dribbles to the basket while defended by Phoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler (4) during the first quarter of the NBA game at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

There are nine games on the docket for tonight’s NBA action. Five of those feature a cross-conference matchup and four intra-conference contests.

Playoff spots on the line in the Eastern Conference, where every game is important. Eight teams are separated by 3.5 games from the 5-seed all the way down to the 12-seed. A losing streak now would really hurt a team’s chance to make the playoffs.

Of course in the Western Conference there is a showdown between the two NBA powerhouses, with the San Antonio Spurs (38-6) paying a visit to Oracle Arena to take on the Golden State Warriors (40-4). It should be a great game, but maybe not so much in terms of DraftKings. The over/under on the game is set at 209.5 with the two teams combining to average 219.0 points per game.

The Spurs are the best team defensively, allowing just 89.8 points per game. The Warriors are 18th defensively and allow 102.6 points per game. It’s obvious that the Warriors will want to make it a track meet, while the Spurs will want to slow the tempo and play in the half-court. Looking at player’s career splits, particularly shooting numbers, against one another may be the best method in determining who is a good play on Monday.

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Moving over to an Eastern Conference meeting, the Boston Celtics (24-21) will meet the Washington Wizards (20-21) in an attempt to complete a four-game season series sweep. The game is in question due to winter storm Jonas, which has dumped 17.8 inches on the nation’s capital, according to ABC news.

If the game goes on as scheduled, it will be a great game. The over/under is set at 213.5 with two top 10 scoring teams competing. The Celtics are seventh and the Warriors are 10th in scoring and the two teams combine to score 206.2 points per game. While great guard play is certainly a theme, the best DraftKings value will come from the center positions.

Out West there is a cross-conference meeting between the Charlotte Hornets (21-23) and the Sacramento Kings (20-23). There isn’t an over/under set, according to ESPN.com, but it should be another high-scoring affair. The two teams combine to score 207.9 points per game, with the Kings ranking third offensively.

It should be a great contest with some of the league’s best players, including DeMarcus Cousins, Kemba Walker and Rajon Rondo. However, there are also some injuries that will allow for some sleeper picks to sneak into lineups. Cody Zeller (strained shoulder) and Nicolas Batum (right toe) are both out with Jeremy Lin ($5,400) and Spencer Hawes ($4,100) starting in their places. Rudy Gay has missed two games with a bruised heel and is listed as questionable for Monday’s contest.

Typically, most people don’t look forward to Mondays, but with the Golden State Warriors hosting the San Antonio Spurs things may be a little different this week.

Next: Top Four PGs