This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks: Sometimes a defense is so bad you have to avoid them for fantasy purposes simply because there's no way to predict how long key players will be on the court. This is one of the those situations, and knowing Gregg Popovich, anything could happen in terms of minute distribution for the Spurs. I wouldn't invest too much in the big names from San Antonio.
Offenses to Use
Charlotte Hornets at Los Angeles Clippers: The Clippers' offense is humming along, and the return of Blake Griffin should make it even easier for those around him. DeAndre Jordan's value is likely to take a dip, but the Clippers make for a nice option to round out any open holes in your lineups on Tuesday.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers
Second game of a back-to-back: Memphis Grizzlies, Charlotte Hornets
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Point Guard
Elfrid Payton, ORL at HOU ($6,200): While he's not the cream-of-the-crop on Tuesday, Payton has been playing well enough to warrant serious consideration at this price. He's averaging 37.2 DraftKings points over his last six, and a matchup with the up-tempo Rockets should provide an opportunity for value.
Other suggestions: Chris Paul (vs. CHA), Tyreke Evans (vs. MIL)
Shooting Guard
James Harden, HOU vs ORL ($10,800): Harden is never a surprising pick, but with a rather weak shooting guard pool, he is by far the safest bet. His opponent, the Magic, has been playing well of late, and the Rockets will need Harden to be his normal, dominant self in order to keep pace in the Western conference standings.
Other suggestions: Courtney Lee (at DET), Khris Middleton (at NO)
Small Forward
Trevor Ariza, HOU vs ORL ($5,800): The small forward pool is rather cringe-worthy Tuesday, and while Ariza's price isn't the cheapest, he's a fairly safe buy. He has topped 30 DraftKings points in three of his last four, and had 28 DraftKings points in his last game against Orlando.
Other suggestions: Jeff Green (at DET), Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (at LAC)
Power Forward
Blake Griffin, LAC vs CHA ($9,000): Griffin had a nice game in his return from injury, and he will look to build on it against a thin Charlotte frontcourt. He's an elite option, so taking advantage of his lowered price could lead to some excellent value.
Other suggestions: Zach Randolph (at DET), Terrence Jones (vs. ORL)
Center
Marc Gasol, MEM at DET ($7,400): Gasol doesn't have the upside of Andre Drummond or DeAndre Jordan, but he also doesn't have the same bust potential as those players. He has a phenomenal matchup against Detroit, a team that he posted 43 DraftKings points against in their last meeting.
Other suggestions: Nikola Vucevic (at HOU)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Jrue Holiday (leg)
Jamal Crawford (calf)
Manu Ginobili (ankle)
O.J. Mayo (hamstring)
Ryan Anderson (knee)
Dwight Howard (knee)
Game-Time Decision
Michael Carter-Williams (ankle)
Mike Conley (ankle)
Jerryd Bayless (ankle)
Tim Hardaway Jr. (wrist)
Matt Barnes (hamstring)
Tayshaun Prince (hip)
Cleanthony Early (ankle)
Cody Zeller (shoulder) is doubtful.
Andre Drummond (concussion) is probable.
