This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: None.
Second game of a back-to-back: New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Point Guard
Tyreke Evans, PG, NOP ($7,700): Evans is the safest play Monday with several of the other options either in a timeshare, dealing with an injury, or attached to a salary that doesn't offer much value. With Anthony Davis (shoulder), Jrue Holiday (leg), and Ryan Anderson (knee) out, Evans has had to be an everyman, doing it all, and that's lead to great production. He also has a decent matchup with Dallas, who are third-worst team in the league guarding opposing point guards according to DraftKings. In three games against the Mavericks this season, Evans has averaged 18.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.7 blocks in 38 minutes per game.
Other suggestions: Stephen Curry at BKN ($9,800)
Shooting Guard
Henry Walker, SG, MIA ($3,600): Walker has been getting minutes, and the Heat moved him into the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Hawks. If he starts again Monday, Walker is a good upside play against the Suns, as they may throw P.J. Tucker at Dwyane Wade and allow Walker to be guarded by Brandon Knight. Walker has scored in double digits in four straight games and has taken at least 16 shot attempts in each of his last three games. As long as the Heat are letting him throw up a bunch of shots and play about 30 minutes per game, Walker should be a decent buy in daily games. If he doesn't start, consider one of the options below.
Other suggestions: Qunicy Pondexter, NOP ($3,600), Jamal Crawford, LAC ($5,500 - if Matt Barnes is out)
Small Forward
Dante Cunningham, SF, NOP ($3,400): Cunningham isn't going to blow the doors off the barn or whatever failed euphemism fits with him being a good-but-not-great option. He's posted 28.75 DraftKings points or better in his last three games and is playing big minutes with Anthony Davis (shoulder) and Ryan Anderson (knee) out. If you don't like Cunningham as a play, rolling the dice on Andrew Wiggins ($6,400) going H.A.M. on the Clippers is arguably the best upside play at small forward Monday.
Other suggestions: Michael Beasley, MIA ($3,200). Use Super Cool Beas If you're a frugal masochist.
Power Forward
Dirk Nowitzki, PF, DAL ($6,200): With Tyson Chandler (hip) and Chandler Parsons (ankle) out, Nowitzki should continue to be leaned on more. He finished with 31.5 DK points in Saturday's game, and though he may not have the highest upside at power forward, Nowitzki is a safe play at his salary.
Other suggestions: Nerlens Noel, PHI ($6,200)
Center
Gorgui Dieng, C, MIN ($5,100): With Kevin Garnett being used sparingly and Nikola Pekovic questionable with continued ankle soreness, Dieng is a great play Monday. In Saturday's game, Dieng played 39 minutes and put up 13 points and nine rebounds to post a 27.75 performance on DraftKings. The opportunity is there for Dieng to be a super duper value Monday.
Other suggestions: Alexis Ajinca, NOP ($4,900), DeAndre Jordan, LAC ($8,900). If your budget allows it, Jordan should be in all daily lineups as long as he continues to pull down 20-plus rebounds nightly.
INJURY REPORT
Out
Kyle Lowry (rest)
Ryan Anderson (knee)
Jrue Holiday (leg)
Blake Griffin (elbow)
Anthony Bennett (ankle)
Robbie Hummell (hand)
Tyson Chandler (hip)
Chandler Parsons (ankle)
Game-Time Decision
Anthony Davis (shoulder)
Robert Covington (elbow)
Brandon Knight (hip)
Chris Andersen (illness)
Goran Dragic (back spasms)
Matt Barnes (hamstring)
J.J. Redick (knee)
Nikola Pekovic (ankle)
Kevin Martin (illness)