This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Memphis Grizzlies at Utah Jazz: The Jazz have the best defensive rating in the league at home since the All-Star break and will play a slow-paced game with the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies' offense could be missing some key components, which could lead to some value, but overall, this is not an enticing matchup. Expect a low-scoring affair here.
Offenses to Use
Sacramento Kings at Oklahoma City Thunder: The Thunder need to win this game in order to keep their playoff hopes alive and have been an excellent offense at home since the All-Star break. They will get a chance to tee off on a Kings defense that is still trying to find its footing under George Karl, and they will be without DeMarcus Cousins. Using the key Thunder players could prove profitable.
First game of a back-to-back: Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, Memphis Grizzlies, Utah Jazz, Minnesota Timberwolves
Second game of a back-to-back: None
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Point Guard
Russell Westbrook, PG, OKC ($11,600): With the Thunder's season on life support, this is an absolute must-win for Oklahoma City. The Kings are a poor defensive team, and will likely succumb to the way the Thunder want to play (fast). In this scenario, it's difficult to pass up on the potential benefits of the dynamic Westbrook, who has seen his price drop a bit due to some tough matchups in which he failed to live up to his historic numbers as of late.
Other suggestions: Jordan Clarkson (vs. MIN), Jeff Teague (vs. CHA)
Shooting Guard
Jabari Brown, SG, LAL ($3,400): He's not going to be huge source of points, and his value is completely contingent of Jeremy Lin missing Friday's contest, but Brown is a nice flier given those circumstances. He dropped 21 DraftKings points in his last game against Minnesota, and received 34 minutes (12 FGA) in his last game. If he can get to 20 DraftKings points, he's an excellent value.
Other suggestions: Kyle Korver (vs. CHA), Anthony Morrow (vs. SAC)
Small Forward
Tobias Harris, SF, ORL ($6,600): Aside from a terrible game against the Bulls his last time out, Harris has enjoyed a nice beginning to the month of April. He's put up at least 30 DraftKings points in three of four games, including two games above the 40 DraftKings points mark. The matchup with Toronto is nice, and he's had success against them this season (37 DraftKings points per game in three meetings).
Other suggestions: Andrew Wiggins (at LAL), Kawhi Leonard (at HOU)
Power Forward
Kevin Love, PF, CLE ($6,900): There are whispers that LeBron James could see extra rest heading into the playoffs, and assuming that Love is not part of that plan as well, he could be one of the top options in their offense. He's averaging around 35 DraftKings points against the Celtics this season, and his price doesn't take into account his potential ceiling with no LeBron around.
Other suggestions: John Henson (at NY), Mike Scott (vs. CHA)
Center
Aron Baynes, C, SA ($3,400): Baynes is typically not the type of player you ever want to see on your fantasy roster, but he's getting enough opportunity to make value given his low price. Tiago Splitter has been ruled out of Friday's contest, and that makes Baynes a viable option to clear space for bigger priced stars.
Other suggestions: Enes Kanter (vs. SAC)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Ricky Rubio (ankle)
Jrue Holiday (leg)
Darren Collison (hip)
Brandon Knight (ankle)
Wayne Ellington (shoulder)
Gary Neal (ankle)
Serge Ibaka (knee)
Gorgui Dieng (concussion)
Tiago Splitter (calf)
Alexey Shved (rib)
Thabo Sefolosha (leg)
Chandler Parsons (leg)
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (ankle)
Tony Allen (hamstring)
Donatas Motiejunas (back)
Game-Time Decision
Kyle Lowry (back)
Mike Conley (foot)
Jeremy Lin (knee)
C.J. Watson (elbow)
Jameer Nelson (hip)
Dion Waiters (knee) is expected to play.
Alan Anderson (ankle)
John Jenkins (illness)
Marco Belinelli (groin)
LeBron James (rest)
Rudy Gay (head)
Giannis Antetokounmpo (undisclosed) is expected to play.
Cleanthony Early (ankle)
Paul Millsap (shoulder)
Amir Johnson (ankle)
Kevin Garnett (knee) is doubtful.
Cody Zeller (shoulder)
DeMarcus Cousins (foot)
Al Jefferson (knee)
Gorgui Dieng (head)
Pero Antic (legal)
