This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Memphis Grizzlies at Oklahoma City Thunder: The Grizzlies come into Saturday after scoring just 84 points in Game 6 on Thursday. Most importantly, they'll be without their leading scorer in the playoffs, Zach Randolph (suspension), and will have to march out a less than 100 percent Mike Conley (hamstring). Even with both of those guys in the lineup and healthy, the Grizzlies have only averaged 94.7 points per contest, and keep in mind that they've needed four overtime games to reach that benchmark. The Grizzlies' lack of offensive weapons only allows more flexibility in the Thunder's defense, which has already been solid without the added help.
Offenses to Use
Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Clippers: Both teams have managed to score at least 96 points throughout all six games of the series. The Clippers boast a star-studded bench, lead by Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford, which keeps the intensity going while the starters take their rest. On the flipside, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have taken turns carrying the scoring load. The true potential of the Warriors' backcourt hasn't even manifested in this series yet. The offensive showdown will likely continue through Game 7 as each team fights to move on to the conference semifinals.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: None
Second game of a back-to-back: None
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
If you've never played on DraftKings.com before, we recommend reading our Daily Fantasy Basketball 101: How to Win on DraftKings strategy article.
Point Guard
Jeff Teague, PG, ATL ($7,400): Teague has been very reliable for the entire series against the Pacers. Over the six games thus far, he's averaged 19.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.5 blocks. That stat line makes him a viable option at a very reasonable price, especially considering that only six teams are playing during Saturday's slate of games. Teague has proven that he can produce against the Pacers, and a sudden change in that trend seems unlikely at this point.
Other suggestions: Jamal Crawford, PG/SG, LAC ($5,100); Reggie Jackson, PG/SG, OKC ($5,100)
Shooting Guard
Andre Iguodala, SG/SF, GS ($6,200): Normally, this slot is best reserved for high-assist players that occupy dual citizenship in both the point and shooting guard positions. A day with limited options also brings the need to shake things up when those types of guards are nowhere to be found on the available player list. So that brings us to Iguodala who has been performing better than his regular season totals would suggest. He's averaged 18.3 points, 1.7 three-pointers made, 5.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.0 steal and 0.3 blocks the last three games. Iguodala will be worth every penny of his sensible price tag if he's able to duplicate those averages in Game 7.
Other suggestions: Lance Stephenson, SG/SF, IND ($6,600)
Small Forward
Draymond Green, SF, GS ($6,200): Green will be looking for his fourth double-double of the series when his Warriors contest the Clippers on Saturday in Game 7. He is currently starting for the injured Andrew Bogut (ribs) and is making the most of the opportunity. The second-year player won't likely be able to score at a high clip, but what makes him valuable is his ability to put up numbers across the box score. In the three games since he's been made a starter, Green has averaged 9.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.0 block.
Other suggestions: Klay Thompson, SG/SF, GS ($6,500)
Power Forward
Blake Griffin, PF/C, LAC ($8,400): Griffin's price tag has significantly dropped since the start of the Clippers' series with the Warriors. This was likely caused by the fact that he hasn't recorded a double-double in the six games that have been played. Every player has his ebbs and flows, but Griffin is simply overdue for a breakout performance. His listing price will still need to be paired with one or two players below the average in order stay under the salary cap; however, his proven ability to produce elite box scores may make him the best value by the end of the night.
Other suggestions: David West, PF, IND ($7,200);
Center
Marc Gasol, C, MEM ($7,200): Gasol will have a lot of responsibility during Saturday's Game 7 without his frontcourt teammate Zach Randolph (suspension) in the lineup. The potential for an increase in the amount of touches Gasol sees on the offensive end bodes well for his viability Saturday. He's already played solid throughout the playoffs, sporting averages of 17.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.3 blocks in six total games. The loss of Randolph only increases Gasol's opportunity to improve upon those numbers.
Other suggestions: DeAndre Jordan, C, LAC ($8,200);
INJURY REPORT
Out
Zach Randolph has been suspended for one game after punching the Thunder's Steven Adams in the head during Game 6 and will not play Saturday.
Nick Calathes has been suspended for violating the league's drug policy.
Andrew Bogut (ribs) is still listed as out indefinitely.
Andrew Bynum (knee) has been ruled out of the Pacers' first-round playoff series.
Game-Time Decision
Mike Conley (hamstring) is dealing with soreness in his strained right hamstring but intends to play Saturday.
Hedo Turkoglu (back) didn't take the court for Thursday's Game 6.
Festus Ezeli (knee) is still working his way back after being cleared to up his practice workouts last week.
Jermaine O'Neal suffered a bone bruise in Thursday's Game 6 and plans to play in Saturday's Game 7.
