This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Los Angeles Clippers at Dallas Mavericks: The Clippers are not a shutdown defensive team, but at this point, the Mavericks are a mess and one of the last units I am interested in for fantasy. Until they can return to their more explosive ways, and avoid decimating defeats at the hands of more cohesive offensive groups, it's best to keep passing on Dallas players unless you have little choice.
Offenses to Use
Sacramento Kings at Philadelphia 76ers: The Kings have scored at least 100 points in five of their last six games, and the 76ers are still bad at basketball. Everybody on Sacramento gets a boost on Friday, and it's tough not to love fantasy-stud DeMarcus Cousins despite his nagging ankle injury.
First game of a back-to-back: Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors
Second game of a back-to-back: None
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Point Guard
Goran Dragic, PG, MIA ($6,200): While there are more intriguing options on the board, they carry a much heftier salary than Dragic, who is a potential bargain. The Raptors are a fairly inviting matchup, and his ceiling will be much higher in Miami than it was earlier this season in Phoenix. Over his last four games, Dragic has averaged 32 DraftKings points, and that's all you need from him Friday.
Other suggestions: Russell Westbrook (at MIN), Chris Paul (at DAL)
Shooting Guard
Kyle Korver, SG, ATL ($5,000): In a mixed bag of shooting guard options, Korver emerges as a sensibly priced option that is poised to produce nicely. He's put up back-to-back games over 25 DraftKings points, and a fantasy-friendly matchup with the Phoenix Suns should push him in that direction yet again.
Other suggestions: Dwyane Wade (at TOR), Eric Bledsoe (vs. ATL), J.J. Redick (at DAL)
Small Forward
Nicolas Batum, SF, POR ($6,700): It looks like Batum is back. He's averaged 40 DraftKings points over his last four games. If he gets anywhere close to that, his price is a bargain. A matchup with the Pistons provides a decent chance at that mark despite their rank against opposing small forwards.
Other suggestions: Luc Richard Mbah A Moute (vs. SAC), Rudy Gay (at PHI)
Power Forward
Brandon Bass, PF, BOS ($5,200): Bass is getting plenty of opportunity (31 mpg over his last six games) and is making that opportunity count (28 DraftKings points over his last six games). His mid-tier pricing makes him a nice addition for those looking to shave salary, and the matchup with the Magic is not one to be afraid of.
Other suggestions: Nerlens Noel (vs. SAC), LaMarcus Aldridge (vs. DET)
Center
DeMarcus Cousins, C, SAC ($9,500): Cousins has been dealing with an ankle injury, but his pricing is superb given his floor and ceiling. His matchup against the 76ers is also decent. He's potentially the stud of the day, and should be worked into your lineup.
Other suggestions: Nikola Vucevic (at BOS)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Derrick Rose (knee)
Isaiah Thomas (back)
Darren Collison (hip)
Jimmy Butler (elbow)
Jamal Crawford (calf)
Kevin Durant (foot)
Blake Griffin (elbow)
Taj Gibson (ankle)
Anthony Bennett (ankle)
Al Jefferson (calf)
Game-Time Decision
Chris Paul (ankle)
Brandon Knight (ankle)
Dennis Schroder (ankle)
Kevin Garnett (rest)
Joakim Noah (knee) is probable.
Nikola Pekovic (ankle)
Jusuf Nurkic (ankle)
