This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Charlotte Hornets at Dallas Mavericks: The Mavericks have looked out of sync offensively and sport a 99.2 offensive rating over their last five games. At one point, this was the most efficient offense in basketball, but those days seem to be gone for Dallas. The Hornets aren't playing the defense they were last season, but the Mavericks are still a team to be tentative about until they figure it out.
Offenses to Use
Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks: The Cavaliers were touted as a team that could become one of the best ever offensively in the preseason, and they are beginning to show why. They have a 113.8 offensive rating over their last five games, and a matchup with the NBA-worst Knicks is on deck. Everybody on the Cavaliers seems usable in this one.
First game of a back-to-back: Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies
Second game of a back-to-back: Oklahoma City Thunder, Charlotte Hornets
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Russell Westbrook, PG, OKC ($10,600): If Kevin Durant sits, Westbrook becomes an absolute must-play, regardless of salary. He's averaging nearly 50 DraftKings points on the season, and he's a near-lock to go well above 50 without his MVP teammate. The Nuggets are not a good defensive team, and that only sweetens the pot.
Other suggestions: Jerryd Bayless (vs. ATL), Reggie Jackson (vs. WAS), Isaiah Canaan (at ORL)
Shooting Guard
J.R. Smith, SG, CLE ($4,800): Smith has been playing well since coming over from the Knicks and is averaging around 30 DraftKings points over his last three games. Here, he'll get a shot at his former team, and he's never shy about hoisting up three-pointers. At his price, he's a nice option if you're avoiding pricey alternatives.
Other suggestions: Gerald Henderson (at DAL), Jason Richardson (at ORL)
Small Forward
Luc Richard Mbah A Moute, SF, PHI ($4,400): Mbah A Moute has been on fire recently, racking up an average of about 30 DraftKings points over his last four games. He's taking on more of an offensive role for a 76ers team that desperately needs someone to score and remains a solid punt option at the small forward position.
Other suggestions: LeBron James (at NY), Jerami Grant (at ORL)
Power Forward
Ed Davis, PF, LAL ($5,200):: Davis gets his third-straight recommendation from me here, and he's certainly delivered in the previous two with 33.75 and 45.5 DraftKings points respectively. The Celtics are a team to target when you're looking for bigs with good matchups, and Davis has been the Lakers' best in the paint lately.
Other suggestions: Serge Ibaka (vs. DEN), Greg Monroe (vs. WAS)
Center
Nikola Vucevic, C, ORL ($8,400): Vucevic, at his best, can make a claim for the best center in fantasy basketball. Against the 76ers, he'll have a chance to be at his best, making his price tag well worth the gamble. A double-double here is a near guarantee, and he's one of my favorite plays on Sunday.
Other suggestions: Enes Kanter (vs. DEN)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Kemba Walker (knee)
Vince Carter (foot)
Bradley Beal (leg)
Thabo Sefolosha (calf)
Carmelo Anthony (knee)
Chandler Parsons (ankle)
Paul George (leg)
Jared Sullinger (foot)
Steven Adams (arm)
Game-Time Decision
Michael Carter-Williams (toe)
Reggie Jackson (trade)
Rodney Stuckey (ankle)
O.J. Mayo (hamstring)
Arron Afflalo (trade)
Kevin Durant (foot)
Tayshaun Prince (trade)
Tobias Harris (knee)
Marc Gasol (illness)
Kelly Olynyk (ankle)
