This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
New Orleans Pelicans at Golden State Warriors: With a mere two games on the slate, you can't rule out New Orleans entirely. In fact, they have some players (two recommendations) that you'll likely need to rely on to be successful. However, it's worth acknowledging that they'll be playing in the most difficult road environment in the NBA this season, and they'll have to take on the best defense in the league. The Warriors are capable of ruining any player's value at any time.
Offenses to Use
Milwaukee Bucks at Chicago Bulls: Milwaukee is actually a very good defense, but they simply don't match up well with the Bulls. Derrick Rose seems to be on a mission, and the frontcourt is absolutely stacked. While the Bucks are a candidate to make any team's offense look ugly due to their ability to generate turnovers, use the Chicago offense with confidence.
First game of a back-to-back: None
Second game of a back-to-back: None
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Point Guard
Derrick Rose, PG, CHI ($6,700): Perhaps it's wishful thinking, but Rose certainly looked like his old self in Game 1. He dropped 39 DraftKings points and has the potential to do more than that if he continues his aggressive play. The matchup with Michael Carter-Williams could go sour, but he's a cheap stud at this price.
Other suggestions: Stephen Curry (vs. NO), Norris Cole (at GS)
Shooting Guard
Khris Middleton, SG, MIL ($5,700): Middleton is coming off a breakout regular season and continued that success with 32 DraftKings points in Game 1. He's averaging 30 DraftKings points over his last six games, and at his price, he's worth rostering at the shooting guard slot.
Other suggestions: Jimmy Butler (vs. MIL), O.J. Mayo (at CHI)
Small Forward
Quincy Pondexter, SF, NO ($4,800): The small forward pool isn't fantastic, and while this price is probably more than one would like to pay for Pondexter's services, it's the best option on the board. The Pelicans like his length to guard against Stephen Curry, so he'll likely be playing quite a bit. He dropped over 45 DraftKings points in Game 1, and while he's probably not going to come close to that, he could get to the 25 DraftKings points he needs in order to be a value.
Other suggestions: Andre Iguodala (vs. NO), Mike Dunleavy (vs. MIL)
Power Forward
Anthony Davis, PF, NO ($10,900): For the Pelicans to have a chance against the Warriors, Davis needs to have big games. He came through in the first game (52 DraftKings points), even though his team didn't, and he's worth buying yet again Monday. As one of the true studs on the slate, he'll be present on many rosters.
Other suggestions: Pau Gasol (vs. MIL), John Henson (at CHI)
Center
Andrew Bogut, C, GS ($6,300): Bogut is probably the most appealing option on the board at center, and he upped his consideration with a 46 DraftKings points performance in the first game against New Orleans. He's a key piece to help limit Anthony Davis, so he'll be a focus of the Warriors' defense, keeping him out on the floor, and he should turn in another solid all-around game.
Other suggestions: Joakim Noah (vs. MIL)
INJURY REPORT
Out
David Lee (back)
Game-Time Decision
Tyreke Evans (knee)
Kirk Hinrich (knee)
Draymond Green (ankle)
Taj Gibson (knee)
