NBA DFS: Top DraftKings, FanDuel daily Fantasy basketball picks for Monday, March 9 include Nikola Jokic
Daily Fantasy basketball players building lineups on DraftKings and FanDuel will once again find Nikola Jokic near the top of the salary scale, and for good reason. The Nuggets star remains one of the safest anchors in DFS, combining elite usage with rare efficiency and triple-double upside virtually every night.
In cash games, Jokic is the prototypical “set-and-forget” option. His floor is supported by contributions across every category: scoring, rebounding, playmaking, and defensive stats. Even on nights when his shot volume dips, his passing and glass work tend to keep him among the top scorers on any slate. In competitive matchups where Denver leans heavily on its starters, Jokic’s minutes profile only strengthens his appeal.
Tournament players, however, must weigh Jokic’s hefty price tag against roster construction. Paying up for him often forces value hunting at other positions, but his ceiling can separate lineups in large-field contests. When projecting game environments, Jokic gains additional appeal in matchups against teams that struggle on the defensive glass or lack a true, physical interior presence.
Around Jokic, savvy DFS managers will look for complementary pieces who benefit from his playmaking. Denver shooters and secondary scorers can gain value in stacks, especially if you’re targeting a high-total game script where the Nuggets’ offense hums. Correlating Jokic with one or two teammates can be an effective strategy on larger slates, provided salaries and roles align.
On the other side of any Nuggets matchup, opposing guards and wings can sometimes see elevated opportunities if Denver’s defense tilts toward containing Jokic’s supporting cast. That creates potential mid-range options to pair with a Jokic build, giving lineups balance between high-end stability and contrarian upside.
Ultimately, Monday’s DFS decision revolves around whether to lock in Jokic’s dependable production or pivot to a more stars-and-scrubs approach. For many players, his combination of reliability, versatility and slate-breaking potential will make him the foundational piece of their DraftKings and FanDuel entries.
In cash games, Jokic is the prototypical “set-and-forget” option. His floor is supported by contributions across every category: scoring, rebounding, playmaking, and defensive stats. Even on nights when his shot volume dips, his passing and glass work tend to keep him among the top scorers on any slate. In competitive matchups where Denver leans heavily on its starters, Jokic’s minutes profile only strengthens his appeal.
Tournament players, however, must weigh Jokic’s hefty price tag against roster construction. Paying up for him often forces value hunting at other positions, but his ceiling can separate lineups in large-field contests. When projecting game environments, Jokic gains additional appeal in matchups against teams that struggle on the defensive glass or lack a true, physical interior presence.
Around Jokic, savvy DFS managers will look for complementary pieces who benefit from his playmaking. Denver shooters and secondary scorers can gain value in stacks, especially if you’re targeting a high-total game script where the Nuggets’ offense hums. Correlating Jokic with one or two teammates can be an effective strategy on larger slates, provided salaries and roles align.
On the other side of any Nuggets matchup, opposing guards and wings can sometimes see elevated opportunities if Denver’s defense tilts toward containing Jokic’s supporting cast. That creates potential mid-range options to pair with a Jokic build, giving lineups balance between high-end stability and contrarian upside.
Ultimately, Monday’s DFS decision revolves around whether to lock in Jokic’s dependable production or pivot to a more stars-and-scrubs approach. For many players, his combination of reliability, versatility and slate-breaking potential will make him the foundational piece of their DraftKings and FanDuel entries.
