This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Milwaukee Bucks at Atlanta Hawks: The Bucks are typically not an offense to target, and a trip to Atlanta will not increase their value. This could be a defensive struggle for the majority of the contest, so it's hard to trust a team that has been offensively challenged outside of a few key players.
Offenses to Use
Phoenix Suns at Portland Trail Blazers: Both teams are going to be engaged in this game, as both need the victory for different playoff reasons. While that could lead to a slower game, I wouldn't bet on it affecting these offensive-oriented clubs. Ultimately, these are two of the more favorable offenses on the board, with the Suns being a team that simply is a good matchup for most squads.
First game of a back-to-back: Atlanta Hawks
Second game of a back-to-back: Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, Memphis Grizzlies, Phoenix Suns
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Point Guard
Damian Lillard, PG, POR ($7,900): Lillard has struggled recently, including a dud against the Suns his last time out. However, with the lack of quality high-end options at point guard, I have little problem spending the extra cash on Lillard, who has the capability to breakout a massive performance any given night.
Other suggestions: Ish Smith (vs. LAL), Jordan Clarkson (at PHI)
Shooting Guard
Wayne Ellington, SG, LAL ($4,000): Ellington's value is entirely contingent on the health of Jeremy Lin, who was held out Sunday with an upper respiratory infection. It makes sense for the team to give him extra time off given their situation, and Ellington should reap the results with extra playing time. He has high upside at this price due to his role as one of the only shooters on the Lakers.
Other suggestions: Eric Bledsoe (at POR), DeMar DeRozan (vs. HOU)
Small Forward
Josh Smith, SF, HOU ($6,500): Smith has been the beneficiary of injuries that have allowed him to play starter's minutes the last two games. He's a triple-double threat every time he takes the court, and while he turns the ball over too much, he can more than make up for that defect in his fantasy game with his contributions in the defensive categories.
Other suggestions: Luc Richard Mbah A Moute (vs. LAL), Nicolas Batum (vs. PHX)
Power Forward
Jae Crowder, PF, BOS ($5,200): If you're looking for a fairly-priced option at power forward, consider Crowder, who is averaging 29 DraftKings points per game over his last six contests. The upside isn't huge here, but if you want to load up on studs due to the light slate of games, Crowder is not going to crush your bankroll while still providing solid value.
Other suggestions: Nerlens Noel (vs. LAL), LaMarcus Aldridge (vs. PHX)
Center
Robin Lopez, C, POR ($4,600): Lopez is a reasonably priced center who is coming off a pair of solid games of over 25 DraftKings points. He'll need around that amount to make value, and he dropped 28 DraftKings points against the Phoenix Suns just a few games ago.
Other suggestions: Jordan Hill (at PHI)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Patrick Beverley (wrist)
Nick Young (knee))
Terrence Jones (lung)
Donatas Motiejunas (back)
Darren Collison (hip)
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (ankle)
Game-Time Decision
Ricky Rubio (ankle)
Kyle Lowry (back)
Mo Williams (knee)
Jeff Teague (ankle)
Brandon Knight (ankle)
Jeremy Lin (illness)
Kevin Martin (hamstring)
Gary Neal (ankle)
Tony Allen (hamstring)
Derrick Favors (back)
Carlos Boozer (rest)
Kevin Garnett (illness/knee)
Cody Zeller (shoulder)
Gorgui Dieng (face)
Nikola Pekovic (ankle)
