This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Indiana Pacers at Charlotte Hornets: Even in losing to the 76ers on Saturday, the Hornets continued their fantastic defensive play, holding Philadelphia to 89 points. Indiana has been better offensively over their last five games with a 109 offensive rating, but this matchup with Charlotte should bring them back down to earth, even on the second night of a back-to-back for the Hornets.
Offenses to Use
Los Angeles Lakers at Cleveland Cavaliers: Despite the loss to the Pacers on Friday, the Cavaliers have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA, particularly on the offensive side of things. The Lakers have been one of the worst defenses all season, and that hasn't changed over their last five games, posting a 105.3 defensive rating. The Cavaliers will have a distinctive advantage at almost every position and should be deployed accordingly.
First game of a back-to-back:: Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Orlando Magic, San Antonio Spurs
Second game of a back-to-back: Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Patrick Beverley, PG, HOU ($4,200): On the season, Beverley has been a nice player to add to lineups, typically making his five points per K spent value marker. His salary has dipped down to $4,200, making him a nice value buy, and he's a consistent performer who plays big minutes. Beverley is worth adding to most rosters, especially if you want to trim salary at point guard.
Other suggestions: D.J. Augustin (vs. MIN), Kyrie Irving (vs. LAL)
Shooting Guard
Jodie Meeks, SG, DET ($3,300): The Timberwolves rank 30th against shooting guards, and Meeks is available at a bargain bin price. He's averaging 25.5 minutes over his last six games, putting up 19.1 DraftKings points per game in that span. While those numbers aren't eye-popping, that average points total would make Meeks a valuable play.
Other suggestions: Eric Bledsoe (at SAC), Kyle Korver (at MEM)
Small Forward
Josh Smith, SF, HOU ($6,100): Smith has taken on a greater role with Dwight Howard out, averaging 37.3 DraftKings points over his last five games. He's capable of massive games due to his ability to produce in multiple categories, as evidenced by his 44 DraftKings points outing against Milwaukee in his last game.
Other suggestions: Kawhi Leonard (at TOR), Kevin Durant (vs. LAC)
Power Forward
Pau Gasol, PF, CHI ($9,300): Gasol is about as consistent as they come for elite options. He's rebounding the ball extremely well, making him a near guarantee to get a double-double. The Magic also have the worst defensive rating in the league over their last five games, which only furthers Gasol's appeal.
Other suggestions: Ed Davis (at CLE), Greg Monroe (vs. MIN)
Center
Steven Adams, C, OKC ($3,800):Kendrick Perkins is out Sunday, which should allow Adams to grab extra playing time against the Clippers. While he's certainly not an extremely enticing option, Adams is cheap and should provide enough value to make himself worth an addition to lineups on Sunday.
Other suggestions: Gorgui Dieng (at DET), Timofey Mozgov (vs. LAL)
INJURY REPORT
Out
J.J. Redick (back)
Dwight Howard (knee)
Jordan Hill (hip)
Ian Mahinmi (ankle)
Kemba Walker (knee)
Ronnie Price (elbow)
Vince Carter (foot)
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (hamstring)
Mike Dunleavy (ankle)
Kendrick Perkins (suspension)
Game-Time Decision
Darren Collison (hip)
Ricky Rubio (rest)
Kirk Hinrich (toe)
Trevor Ariza (neck)
Nikola Pekovic (rest)
