Daily fantasy basketball: LeBron James, Rajon Rondo solid investments

After a light Sunday slate, the action picks up Monday with nine games on the schedule. However, a few of the top performers draw tough defensive match ups, and a result, fantasy owners have to be careful about which high-priced options are worth the cost. In the end, there are some mid-priced options that may offer more bang for the buck.
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Stud of the day

F LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Denver Nuggets
$9,100 salary | 18.2% of cap
James is averaging 31.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 7.6 assists over his last five games, and he should deliver another big performance Monday against a Denver defense that is allowing the fourth-most points in the NBA

Start ‘em

G Mario Chalmers, Miami Heat at Brooklyn Nets
$4,300 salary | 8.6% of cap
Chalmers has averaged 16.5 points and 5.3 assists in 34 minutes of action over his last four games, and he appears to have passed Norris Cole as the top option at point guard. He should post another solid line against a Brooklyn team that struggles to slow down opposing point guards.
G Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics vs. Phoenix Suns
$7,600 salary | 15.2% of cap
He is nearly averaging a triple-double this season, and he should stuff the stat sheet again Monday in what should be a high-scoring game between two teams that rank among the worst in the NBA in points allowed.
F Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls at Los Angeles Clippers
$5,900 salary | 11.8% of cap
Derrick Rose is questionable, and even if he does play, Butler has a great matchup against a Clippers defense that struggles to defend athletic wings. Butler is averaging 37.6 fantasy points, and his breakout season should continue Monday.
C Greg Monroe, Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic
$6,000 salary | 12.0% of cap
Andre Drummond can’t stay out of foul trouble, and Monroe just keeps delivering double-doubles. The matchup against Orlando is favorable, and Monroe should put up numbers on par with the higher-priced centers on the board Monday.

Sit ‘em

G Monta Ellis, Dallas Mavericks at Charlotte Hornets
$5,700 salary | 11.4% of cap
Ellis doesn’t do much other than score, and he draws a rough matchup against Lance Stephenson on Monday. The Hornets are allowing the second-fewest points per game to opposing shooting guards this season.
C Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets at Memphis Grizzlies
$7,600 salary | 15.2% of cap
The Grizzlies defense is allowing the fewest points per game in the NBA, and thanks to Marc Gasol, they are particularly tough in the paint. Heading into Monday’s matchup, no team has been better at shutting down opposing centers.