This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Golden State Warriors at Washington Wizards: The Wizards have been in a funk offensively and now face the team who has been the best team in defensive rating this season. The offensive woes don't look to be easing up for Washington, who will likely still be missing a key component of their offense in Bradley Beal (leg). John Wall is always a consideration, but the Washington offense as a whole should be avoided.
Offenses to Use
Cleveland Cavaliers at Detroit Pistons: One of the best offenses in the league, humming along and playing at arguably their highest level of the season? Another cupcake defense from the Eastern Conference on deck? There's no reason to stop using the Cavaliers offense until they slow down. Expect a ton of points from them as they tune up for duel with the Warriors on Thursday.
First game of a back-to-back: Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks
Second game of a back-to-back: Toronto Raptors
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Russell Westbrook, PG, OKC ($11,000):Kevin Durant remains out, so Westbrook remains in as the premier point guard to use on DraftKings. He's thrust himself in the MVP conversation and has been phenomal since the All-Star break with DraftKings points totals of 58.75, 57.25, and 58.
Other suggestions: Reggie Jackson (vs. CLE), Kyrie Irving (at DET)
Shooting Guard
J.R. Smith, SG, CLE ($5,000): Smith has been a great option since joining Cleveland and has posted over 30 DraftKings points in both his contests since the All-Star break. He is basically matchup-proof because of the wealth of talent around him, but he doesn't need to be against a suspect Detroit defense.
Other suggestions: DeMar DeRozan (at DAL), Klay Thompson (at WAS)
Small Forward
Richard Jefferson, SF, DAL ($3,500):Chandler Parsons will be out on Tuesday, leaving Jefferson as the starter at small forward. He's not what he used to be, but he dropped 35 DraftKings points in a spot start his last time out. Jefferson may not do anything close to that here, but at his price, you don't need much to get value.
Other suggestions: LeBron James (at DET), C.J. Miles (at OKC)
Power Forward
Serge Ibaka, PF, OKC ($7,600): Ibaka's price has jumped quite a bit, but it's been justified by his three 40+ DraftKings points performances since the All-Star break. The Pacers bigs can make it difficult for him, but the power forward pool is top-heavy on Tuesday, and he's playing well enough to keep deploying him at this price.
Other suggestions: Greg Monroe (vs. CLE), Luis Scola (at OKC)
Center
Timofey Mozgov, C, CLE ($5,200): Mozgov is fairly priced, and while his ceiling is limited, he should provide enough production in order to be a good value on Tuesday. The Pistons let up some big numbers to opposing centers, giving Mozgov's prospects a further boost.
Other suggestions: Andre Drummond (vs. CLE), Tyson Chandler (vs. TOR)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Kevin Durant (foot)
Chandler Parsons (ankle)
Paul George (leg)
Shawn Marion (hip)
Steven Adams (arm)
Game-Time Decision
Stephen Curry (ankle)
Bradley Beal (leg)
Tayshaun Prince (trade)
Patrick Patterson (knee)
