This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
New York Knicks at Phoenix Suns: Overall, Sunday presents a friendly fantasy slate, including a usually can't-miss matchup with the Knicks. While I don't recommend avoiding the Suns entirely, it's worth noting that they've struggled with a 94.1 offensive rating over their last five games. New York is a team that can change the fortunes of any opposing offense quickly, but it's worth looking at alternative options before loading up on Suns.
Offenses to Use
Minnesota Timberwolves at San Antonio Spurs: The Spurs finally look right again, despite a crushing loss to the Cavaliers recently, and are the best offense in the NBA over the last five games. The Timberwolves have been one of the worst defenses in the NBA all season long, and while there has been some improvement lately, there has not been enough to justify feeling tepid about the Spurs chances on Sunday.
First game of a back-to-back:: Los Angeles Lakers, Atlanta Hawks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Portland Trail Blazers, Toronto Raptors,
Second game of a back-to-back: New York Knicks
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
Alexey Shved, PG, NY ($5,800): It's usually cringe-worthy to invest so much in a Knick, but Shved has proven he can reach elite fantasy numbers at his price that has skepticism built into it. He's averaging around 30 DraftKings points over his last six, and that's about what is needed from him here.
Other suggestions: Russell Westbrook (vs. CHI), Chris Paul (vs. HOU)
Shooting Guard
Kyle Korver, SG, ATL ($5,100): If you don't want to go with a stud, the shooting guard slot can get ugly quite quickly. Korver is always a solid option that rarely disappoints, and gets a good matchup against the Lakers. The only things that would stop Korver from a nice points total would be his coach choosing to rest him or a blowout.
Other suggestions: Tim Hardaway Jr. (at PHX), Corey Brewer (at LAC)
Small Forward
Danilo Gallinari, SF, DEN ($6,000): Gallinari has seen his production climb since the All-Star break, and is averaging 30 DraftKings points over his last seven games. His price is about the highest I would feel comfortable paying for him, but given his new role in the offense and expansive playing time, he could provide a nice boost for a mid-tier price tag.
Other suggestions: Trevor Ariza (at LAC), Matt Barnes (vs. HOU)
Power Forward
Ed Davis, PF, LAL ($5,000): Davis is probably having the most consistent season of any Laker, and is averaging 25 DraftKings points over his last last six games. He could end up having a nice game against the undersized Hawks front line, and presents a good option for those looking to cut costs at the power forward slot.
Other suggestions: Nikola Mirotic (at OKC), Tarik Black (vs. ATL), Brandan Wright (vs. NY)
Center
Gorgui Dieng, C, MIN ($5,700):Nikola Pekovic is listed as questionable for this game, and if he misses the contest Dieng gets a massive boost in value. As the unquestioned starter versus Oklahoma City, Dieng exploded for 51.5 DraftKings points, and is priced very nicely in the event he sees extra minutes.
Other suggestions: DeAndre Jordan (vs. HOU)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Jrue Holiday (leg)
Derrick Rose (knee)
Brandon Knight (ankle)
Jose Calderon (Achilles)
Jimmy Butler (elbow)
Jamal Crawford (calf)
Nick Young (knee)
Kevin Durant (foot)
Ryan Anderson (knee)
Mike Scott (toe)
Dwight Howard (knee)
Alex Len (ankle)
Randy Foye (rest)
Wilson Chandler (rest)
Darrell Arthur (rest)
Serge Ibaka (knee)
Evan Fournier (hip)
Game-Time Decision
Ricky Rubio (ankle) is probable.
Tyreke Evans (ankle)
Ty Lawson (illness)
Anthony Davis (concussion)
Blake Griffin (elbow)
Taj Gibson (ankle)
Kevin Garnett (knee)
Anthony Bennett (ankle)
Enes Kanter (undisclosed)
Nikola Pekovic (ankle)
Steven Adams (thigh)
