This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Memphis Grizzlies at Portland Trail Blazers: The Grizzlies have a very good defense, so that's point one. More importantly though is the return of Arron Afflalo, who figures to cut sharply into the production of the already stagnant Trail Blazers backcourt. This goes for Damian Lillard, Allen Crabbe, Nicolas Batum, and C.J. McCollum, who could all see less opportunity than in the first two games of the series. The 31 minutes played by Robin Lopez last out might've hinted at him having some playability in this spot, but a probable return of Chris Kaman should push his minutes back to the low twenties or less. LaMarcus Aldridge has been beastly so far in the series, so he's the lone exemption to this recommendation to avoid the Trail Blazers.
Offenses to Use
Chicago Bulls at Milwaukee Bucks: The starters are seeing big minutes in Chicago. No Nikola Mirotic and a very limited Kirk Hinrich equates to what is really an eight deep rotation, and even at that Aaron Brooks has only seen 10 minutes in each of the last two games of the series. The big three of Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler, and Pau Gasol will all continue to see their minutes in the mid-thirties, topping out over forty. Nobody else on the team is reliable. Joakim Noah just doesn't make any baskets, and Mike Dunleavy was in a rotation with Taj Gibson and Tony Snell last out.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: none
Second game of a back-to-back: none
Point Guard
Derrick Rose, PG, CHI ($7,700): Rose might've been $1,000 cheaper in Game 1, but that price was ridiculous. Honestly, this price is still too low. Rose is showing the form of the 2010-11 season that saw him awarded the MVP. With a talented backcourt partner in Butler, his point production may be slightly capped, but nonetheless, Rose has shot well at a cumulative 47 percent over the series while averaging 24 points. Combined with his solid rebound, assist, and steal numbers, Rose makes all the sense in the world.
Other suggestions: Stephen Curry ($10,600) GS at NO; Mike Conley ($5,700) MEM at POR
Shooting Guard
Joe Johnson, SG, BKN ($6,500): The former Atlanta Hawk has stepped up against his old team in the first two games of the series with a range of 37.5-37.75 fantasy points. Seeing near forty minutes, taking lots of shots, and picking up solid all-around peripheral stats, Johnson looks like he'll be a solid producer for the Nets throughout the playoffs – even if the stint looks to be short.
Other suggestions: Jimmy Butler ($8,200) CHI at MIL; Bojan Bogdanovic ($4,700) BKN vs ATL
Small Forward
Tony Allen, SF, MEM ($4,900):Tony Allen looks to have pushed Jeff Green to the bench and is now ready to take back his starting role at the three position. Allen's 24.25 FPt performance in Game 2 was nice, but it's the 38.25 FPt he put on the Trail Blazers back in March that really excites me about the upside Allen can potentially provide.
Other suggestions: Giannis Antetokoumpo ($6,200) MIL vs CHI; Mike Dunleavy ($4,800) CHI at MIL
Power Forward
Anthony Davis, PF, NO ($11,200): The power forward position is absolutely stacked up top. Davis, Aldridge, Gasol, and Draymond Green have all been huge so far in their respective series. Davis and Green will likely be in the highest scoring game and make the most sense on that front. Alridge has 60.5 and 55 FPt in the first two games against the Grizzlies, which is surprising as the Grizzlies are not bad at defending the power forward position; yet those numbers garner much respect with no indication he won't be able to do it yet again. Gasol is the best big man by far in the Chicago/Milwaukee series and is performing with points, rebounds, and three blocks per game through the first three games in the series. Picking one from the bunch is tough. All four could leave you wishing you had them.
Other suggestions: LaMarcus Aldridge ($9,700) POR vs MEM; Pau Gasol ($9,000) CHI at MIL; Draymond Green ($8,100) GS at NO; John Henson ($4,100) MIL vs CHI
Center
Marc Gasol, C, MEM ($8,500): Gasol will look to put his 27 percent shooting from Game 2 behind him and get back on track. He has the ability to carry the Grizzlies offense, and if the game ends up being close, you can expect him to step up. When the offense is run through Gasol, he can pick up stats in every category, as seen by his Game 1 line of 15 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, three blocks, and one steal.
Other suggestions: Pero Antic ($2,000) ATL at BKN; Al Horford ($7,500) ATL at BKN
INJURY REPORT
Out
Nikola Mirotic (quadriceps)
James McAdoo (illness)
Dorell Wright (hand)
Game-Time Decision
David Lee (back)
Beno Udrih (ankle)
Chris Kaman (ankle)
Arron Afflalo (shoulder)
