This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Utah Jazz at Sacramento Kings: The Jazz are probably the defense that fantasy players should fear most right now, and it's no different with the Kings as their opponent. DeMarcus Cousins is fantastic, but he will have a true test with Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors on his hands. The rest of the Kings roster is nondescript and sees no added value in this tough matchup.
Offenses to Use
Houston Rockets at Oklahoma City Thunder: In what projects to be a high-scoring game, both offenses should be targeted. The Thunder are on a roll offensively at home, and that shouldn't change against a Rockets squad that loves to play fast. On the flip side, Oklahoma City has not been able to defend for some time now, and James Harden & company should be able to light up the scoreboard.
First game of a back-to-back: None
Second game of a back-to-back: Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Point Guard
Ish Smith, PG, PHI ($6,100): Smith has been good for fantasy purposes, averaging nearly 31 DraftKings points per game over his last six. His backup, Isaiah Canaan, is out for this game, so he'll get a full workload versus the lowly Knicks. Smith is a nice option if you don't want to pay the price needed for an elite point guard.
Other suggestions: Russell Westbrook (vs. HOU), Pablo Prigioni (at OKC)
Shooting Guard
Ricky Ledo, SG, NY ($3,600): Ledo has been fantastic in his last few games, giving a bit of life to an abysmal Knicks offense. He's posted two consecutive games over 25 DraftKings points, and with the 76ers on deck, it's not inconceivable he'll challenge that number again. At this price, 20 DraftKings points would be a nice value, but there is certainly potential for much more.
Other suggestions: James Harden (at OKC), Anthony Morrow (vs. HOU)
Small Forward
Gordon Hayward, SF, UTA ($7,800): In the top-heavy small forward pool Sunday, Hayward is a nice option who represents a relatively cheap alternative to LeBron James. He's averaging 41 DraftKings points against the Kings this season and should be able to challenge that number given the defensive deficiencies that Sacramento has displayed in the second half of the season.
Other suggestions: LeBron James (vs. CHI), C.J. Miles (vs. MIA)
Power Forward
Kevin Love, PF, CLE ($7,000): Love will play on Sunday after sitting out to rest Thursday, and now is a great time to deploy him. He's averaged 41 DraftKings points against the Bulls this season and plays much better coming off of rest. At his price point, he's not going to eat up a huge chunk of salary, but he's still potentially an elite option at his position.
Other suggestions: Terrence Jones (at OKC), Blake Griffin (at LAL)
Center
Enes Kanter, C, OKC ($7,800): Kanter has thrust himself into elite status at the center position and has become a double-double machine for the Thunder. He's the second option offensively behind Russell Westbrook and has posted back-to-back games of 50 DraftKings points. He was banged up after his last game but looks ready to roll on Sunday.
Other suggestions: Roy Hibbert (vs. MIA), Joakim Noah (at CLE)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Derrick Rose (knee)
Alexey Shved (rib)
Darren Collison (hip)
Isaiah Canaan (foot)
Jamal Crawford (calf)
Wayne Ellington (shoulder)
Rudy Gay (concussion)
Serge Ibaka (knee)
Game-Time Decision
C.J. Watson (elbow)
Dwyane Wade (knee/illness)
Cleanthony Early (knee) is doubtful.
Donatas Motiejunas (back)
Udonis Haslem (illness)
Thomas Robinson (ankle)
Enes Kanter (neck)
Tiago Splitter (calf)
Trey Burke (back)
