This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Dallas Mavericks at Utah Jazz: The Mavericks are on the second game of a back-to-back set and have locked themselves into the seventh seed in the Western Conference. With nothing to play for, and a roster full of veterans, it's likely that many of them will see a little extra rest in this game if they play at all. Throw in the matchup against one of the best defenses in the NBA, and the Mavericks are a team to avoid.
Offenses to Use
Los Angeles Lakers at Sacramento Kings: Over this final stretch of games, the Kings may end up being one of the more valuable offenses in the league. They've got a bunch of players with sudden opportunity who priced reasonably. They've got two matchups against one of the worst defenses the NBA has to offer. And, this is the best part, they don't play any defense themselves, leading to fruitful fantasy matchups. Points should be had for the Kings once again.
First game of a back-to-back: Los Angeles Clippers
Second game of a back-to-back: Houston Rockets, Charlotte Hornets, Detroit Pistons, Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, New Orleans Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, Denver Nuggets
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Point Guard
D.J. Augustin, PG, OKC ($3,400):Russell Westbrook picked up his 16th technical foul on Sunday, so he'll be out unless the league rescinds the foul. That means Augustin will take the reigns for a team fighting for it's playoff life. He'll assume a big role offensively for the club and should be one of the top options alongside Enes Kanter. There's potential for him to have a big game, but he's going to be a bargain even if he has an okay night.
Other suggestions: Jordan Clarkson (at SAC), Ray McCallum (vs. LAL)
Shooting Guard
Jabari Brown, SG ($4,000): Brown gets his third straight recommendation from me and for the same reasons. He's cheap, he has opportunity, and he's likely going to make value at the very least (20 DraftKings points). The matchup with the Kings should mean a high-scoring affair, and he was aggressively looking for his shot against the Mavericks. If they fall, he's a steal.
Other suggestions: James Harden (at CHA), Khris Middleton (at PHI)
Small Forward
Omri Casspi, SF, SAC ($5,200): Casspi is another repeat recommendation, and he's coming off a great game against the Nuggets. The matchup against the Lakers should provide him with little resistance to a repeat performance, and the best part is that his price hasn't moved at all. Given his new role, and the fact that he's playing a cupcake opponent, Casspi remains a great play.
Other suggestions: LeBron James (vs. DET), Andrew Wiggins (vs. NO)
Power Forward
Jason Thompson, PF, SAC ($4,400): Thompson is the new starter at center with DeMarcus Cousins shut down for the year. He only played 25 minutes in his last game, which is less than ideal, but seems to lead a platoon that includes Carl Landry and Ryan Hollins. His price is a bit steep for his talent, but a solid double-double against the Lakers is all it would take for him to meet his value.
Other suggestions: Anthony Davis (at MIN), Kevin Love (vs. DET)
Center
DeAndre Jordan, C, LAC ($8,000): The Clippers are still battling for seeding in the Western Conference, so it's likely that Jordan will play his full compliment of minutes. Against the Nuggets, that is a fantastic thing, as Jordan has averaged 42 DraftKings points against Denver this season. His price is a little below market value, and he's a stud you can play with confidence Monday.
Other suggestions: Brook Lopez (vs. CHI)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Russell Westbrook (suspension)
Ricky Rubio (ankle)
Alexey Shved (rib)
Jeremy Lin (knee)
Darren Collison (hip)
Isaiah Canaan (foot)
Dwight Buycks (hand)
Arron Afflalo (shoulder)
Wayne Ellington (shoulder)
Gary Neal (ankle)
Thabo Sefolosha (leg)
Rudy Gay (concussion)
Tony Allen (hamstring)
Nerlens Noel (foot)
Serge Ibaka (knee)
Donatas Motiejunas (back)
Kevin Garnett (knee)
DeMarcus Cousins (foot)
Gorgui Dieng (concussion)
Game-Time Decision
Ish Smith (groin) expects to play.
Mike Conley (foot)
Trey Burke (back)
Jameer Nelson (hip)
Devin Harris (rest)
Alan Anderson (ankle)
Gordon Hayward (rest)
Chandler Parsons (knee)
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (ankle)
Jeff Green (back)
Wesley Johnson (ankle)
LaMarcus Aldridge (foot)
Derrick Favors (rest)
Paul Millsap (shoulder)
Cody Zeller (shoulder)
Marc Gasol (ankle)
Al Jefferson (knee)
