This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Cleveland Cavaliers at Atlanta Hawks: The Cavaliers are not a defense to fear, but the inconsistency in the Hawks' offense has helped. Al Horford and Jeff Teague were the only two big-money players for Atlanta to show up for Game 1, and DeMarre Carroll left the game with a knee sprain. The Hawks have to be a consideration with only two matchups on the board, but there's risk here.
Offenses to Use
Golden State Warriors at Houston Rockets: The Warriors are the best team left on the board, and they continue to pile up points on the Rockets. Stephen Curry is an excellent option against Houston, and many of the Warriors' lower-priced players are options for filling out your lineups for Friday-Saturday contests.
First game of a back-to-back:: None
Second game of a back-to-back:None
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Jeff Teague, PG, ATL ($7,300):Kyrie Irving is no longer an option after his injuries, leaving the choice between only Teague and Stephen Curry. Teague will cost you more than $3,000 less but has 40+ DraftKings point upside, and he allows you to slot another elite option alongside him in the backcourt.
Other suggestions: Stephen Curry (at HOU)
Shooting Guard
James Harden, SG, HOU ($9,800): Harden has been one assist shy of a triple-double in both contests against the Warriors this round and is still priced to buy at his sub-$10,000 price tag. He has as much DraftKings points potential as Stephen Curry or LeBron James on any given night, but he'll cost you less than either player.
Other suggestions: J.R. Smith (at ATL), Klay Thompson (at HOU)
Small Forward
Harrison Barnes, SF, GS ($4,900):LeBron James is the best choice at small forward, but the sensible choice is Barnes. He's good for 20 DraftKings points almost every night he takes the floor, and that kind of stability is worth paying a little extra given the shallow player pool.
Other suggestions: LeBron James (at ATL), Josh Smith (vs. GS)
Power Forward
Tristan Thompson, PF, CLE ($6,000): Thompson continued to impress in Game 1 versus the Hawks, netting 32 DraftKings points on the strength of 14 points and 10 rebounds. He's hovered around the 30 DraftKings points mark in his last three games, and I would expect him to do so again as long as he's given the 40-ish minutes he's grown accustomed to since Kevin Love went down.
Other suggestions: Paul Millsap (vs. CLE)
Center
Timofey Mozgov, C, CLE ($4,800): Mozgov is another solid option that will help you cut salary. He's averaging 24 DraftKings points against the Hawks this season and put up that same number in Game 1. If he can hit that, he'll meet value and allow you to spend salary on higher-upside players.
Other suggestions: Al Horford (vs. CLE)
INJURY REPORT
Out
K.J. McDaniels (wrist)
Kevin Love (shoulder)
Marreese Speights (calf)
Game-Time Decision
Kyrie Irving (knee/foot)
DeMarre Carroll (knee)
