This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Clippers: The Clippers have been one of the hottest offenses in basketball since Blake Griffin (elbow) went down, and to Chris Paul's own admission are moving the ball better than they would otherwise. They are certainly still usable, but expectations should be tempered going up against a Grizzlies defense that is equipped to slow down the Los Angeles attack on the strength of a 97.6 offensive rating over their last five games.
Offenses to Use
Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets: This game promises to be a fast-paced affair, and the Timberwolves boast a variety of players at different price points that can help out on Monday. The Rockets are a wise investment as well, as the absence of Dwight Howard continues to spread the fantasy-wealth throughout the Houston roster.
First game of a back-to-back: Toronto Raptors
Second game of a back-to-back: Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
If you've never played on DraftKings before, we recommend reading our Daily Fantasy Basketball 101: How to Win on DraftKings strategy article. Want to play in a $50,000 daily NBA contest on DraftKings? Check it out here.
Point Guard
Ricky Rubio, PG, MIN ($6,600): Rubio is capable of being an elite fantasy option, and as long as he's priced in this range, he's a tremendous value. The game against Houston should be fast-paced, and Rubio is coming off a similar style of game against the Suns in which he posted 45.5 DraftKings points. The Rockets are better defensively than that Phoenix squad, but I expect 35+ DraftKings points from Rubio.
Other suggestions: Goran Dragic (vs. PHI), Isaiah Canaan (at MIA)
Shooting Guard
James Harden, SG, HOU ($10,500): Harden isn't a surprising pick at all, but he's probably the best one, even coming off a subpar performance by his standards. He's usually good at bouncing back from duds, and he'll get to go against one of the worst defensive teams in the league in Minnesota.
Other suggestions: Avery Bradley (at PHX), Dwyane Wade (at PHI)
Small Forward
P.J. Tucker, SF, PHX ($4,900): Since the All-Star break, Tucker has put forth two solid performances totalling 29.25 and 36.5 DraftKings points in his last two games. You have to like his matchup with the defensively-challenged Celtics, and his price is low enough to make him an attractive option on Monday.
Other suggestions: Danilo Gallinari (vs. BKN), James Johnson (at NO)
Power Forward
Terrence Jones, PF, HOU ($4,600): Jones can be a fantasy force when he's healthy and afforded enough minutes, and it's looking like both are happening right now. He's averaging 26.3 minutes since the All-Star break, and he's putting up 31 DraftKings points as a result. The Timberwolves present a great matchup, and his price point makes him worth consideration.
Other suggestions: Pau Gasol (vs. MIL), Derrick Favors (vs. SA)
Center
Alex Len, C, PHX ($4,000): Len is soaking up the minutes since the team dealt away Miles Plumlee, averaging well over 30 minutes in the two games since the All-Star break. He's averaging 30.6 DraftKings points in those games as well, and his price makes him a must-have against a bad Celtics defense.
Other suggestions: Hassan Whiteside (vs. PHI), Rudy Gobert (vs. SA)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Jrue Holiday (leg)
Vince Carter (foot)
Anthony Davis (shoulder)
Blake Griffin (elbow)
Ryan Anderson (knee)
Kevin Garnett (trade)
Dwight Howard (knee)
Game-Time Decision
Michael Carter-Williams (toe)
Jarrett Jack (hamstring) is doubtful.
Louis Williams (ankle) is probable.
Gary Neal (ankle)
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (personal)
Jerami Grant (back)
Kelly Olynyk (ankle)
