This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Chicago Bulls at Washington Wizards: The Bulls have admittedly only held the Wizards to 100 points per contest, but the dynamics of Game 4 have changed in relation to the first three with the one-game suspension of Nene Hilario. With Nene out of the lineup, the Bulls will likely see more of their efforts paying off on defense. Nene has averaged 17.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists during the series, which leaves Trevor Booker and Drew Gooden with big shoes to fill.
Offenses to Use
Houston Rockets at Portland Trail Blazers: So far in the playoffs, the Rockets and the Trail Blazers have averaged 116.7 and 115.3 points respectively. That's good enough for the two highest totals in the playoffs. All three games in this series have been barn burners, and Game 4 stands a good chance to be more of the same.
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
Damian Lillard, PG, POR ($8,100): Lillard's asking price is above average, but his consistent play over the last three games makes him worth every penny. The Rockets have played poor defense throughout the playoffs, which has led to Lillard recording 26.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game. All the praise for Portland's 2-1 series lead has gone to LaMarcus Aldridge, but Lillard deserves recognition too, especially in daily fantasy games.
Other suggestions: John Wall, PG, WAS ($7,900); Deron Williams, PG, BKN ($6,500); D.J. Augustin, PG, CHI ($6,100)
Shooting Guard
Bradley Beal, SG, WAS ($6,500): Beal is arguably playing his best basketball of the year this postseason. He's putting up 21.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists in the series so far, which are all better than his regular season averages. The second-year player is participating in his first playoffs, and it's scary to think how much better he could perform if the Wizards continue to stay alive and Beal racks up more familiarity with the nature of playoff basketball.
Other suggestions: Nicolas Batum, SG/SF, POR ($7,200)
Small Forward
Klay Thompson, SG/SF, GS ($6,900): Thompson and the Warriors have already competed in some offensive slugfests and Game 4 on Sunday will likely be similar. With the exception of Game 2 where he got into foul trouble, Thompson has recorded 24 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 0.5 steals and 1.0 block during 41.5 minutes of action. If he's able to stay out of foul trouble, the young sharpshooter can provide some great production at a very affordable price.
Other suggestions: Joe Johnson, SG/SF, BKN ($6,400)
Power Forward
LaMarcus Aldridge, PF/C, POR ($10,200): The majority of the power forward options in Sunday's slate of games carry a lot of risk. With this in mind, it might be wise to find a way to fit Aldridge into your lineup. He's been the most outstanding producer in the playoffs and has also lived up to his price tag. This price has actually dropped since Game 3 so Aldridge actually comes at a marginal bargain. His averages in the series stand at 37.3 points, 12.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.7 blocks per game.
Other suggestions: Dwight Howard, PF/C, HOU ($10,000); Joakim Noah, PF/C, CHI ($8,800)
Center
Marcin Gortat, C, WAS ($6,800): Gortat may prove to be the best bargain of the day, because he'll be filling in the void left by the suspended Nene Hilario. Reserve options Trevor Booker and Drew Gooden haven't shown that they can do this alone, so Gortat will have more responsibility down in the post. Nene missed a large portion of the season with a knee injury, and Gortat flourished while he was away. During the first two games of Nene's absence in the regular season, Gortat averaged 26.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.0 blocks. While those numbers are highly unlikely, they at least speak to the potential Gortat has to produce a monstrous fantasy line.
Other suggestions: DeAndre Jordan, C, LAC ($7,900); Jonas Valanciunas, C, TOR ($7,000)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Nene Hilario has been suspended for Sunday's Game 4.
Andrew Bogut (ribs) remains listed as out indefinitely.
Nemanja Nedovic (calf) is out indefinitely.
Game-Time Decision
Chris Paul dealt with pain in his injured hamstring and battled a fever throughout Game 3.
Matt Barnes jammed his toe during Thursday's Game 3.
Greg Smith (knee) sat out Game 3.
