This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Toronto Raptors at Washington Wizards: Something just looks off with the Raptors, and they now stare into the possibility of going down 3-0 in the playoffs. DeMar DeRozan continues to be a solid option due to his usage, but pretty much everyone else on the roster is a question mark given their performances through two games.
Offenses to Use
Houston Rockets at Dallas Mavericks: The Mavericks seem to have officially exiled Rajon Rondo, which should be good for their offense overall. They were the highest rated offensive team in the league before his arrival and fell to the middle of the pack after the trade. They have multiple low-priced ball handlers that can help fill your roster on a short slate.
First game of a back-to-back: None
Second game of a back-to-back: None
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Point Guard
Devin Harris, PG, DAL ($2,000):Rajon Rondo is all but off the team, opening the door for guys like Harris and teammate J.J. Barea. Harris is battling a toe injury, but is probable, and given the opportunity and the price, he's a solid buy. Make sure to monitor his status leading up to tipoff.
Other suggestions: Chris Paul (at SA), J.J. Barea (vs. HOU), Patty Mills (vs. LAC)
Shooting Guard
Monta Ellis, SG, DAL ($6,700): Without Rondo, Ellis should have the ball in his hands much more, and he's one of the better priced shooting guards on the market. He put up 37 DraftKings points against the Rockets in Game 2 and will be relied upon to keep the Mavericks alive in Game 3. Everything points to a solid performance at a great price for Ellis.
Other suggestions: James Harden (at DAL), Bradley Beal (vs. TOR)
Small Forward
Matt Barnes, SF, LAC ($4,800): Barnes has been struggling with his scoring but somehow is still putting up games of 20+ DraftKings points. That spells good things for him if he can finally get it going offensively, and even better things for those who utilize him for fantasy. If you don't want to spend on a small forward, he's probably your best option.
Other suggestions: Kawhi Leonard (vs. LAC), Trevor Ariza (at DAL)
Power Forward
Blake Griffin, PF, LAC ($9,900): Simply put, the Spurs don't have a player to match up with Griffin. He's put up massive stat lines in his first two games against San Antonio this postseason, racking up 60+ DraftKings points in each contest. While it will be much tougher to reach that mark on the road, he's one of the best options on the board overall.
Other suggestions: Boris Diaw (vs. LAC), Tim Duncan (vs. LAC)
Center
DeAndre Jordan, C, LAC ($8,600): You can count on Jordan for two things: rebounds and blocks. He's been doing those things well in this series versus San Antonio so far, and if the "Hack-A-Shaq" strategy is employed, it can mean good things for his scoring numbers. He has attempted 29 free throws in two games. Even if he's a horrendous free-throw shooter, that's good for daily games.
Other suggestions: Tyson Chandler (vs. HOU)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Rajon Rondo (back)
Chandler Parsons (knee)
K.J. McDaniels (wrist)
Game-Time Decision
Kyle Lowry (leg) will play Friday.
Tony Parker (Achilles)
Devin Harris (toe) is probable.
Garrett Temple (hamstring)
Jordan Hamilton (concussion)
