This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers: Injuries abound in this series, including high-priced stars LeBron James (ankle), Kyrie Irving (foot/knee), and Kevin Love (shoulder) for the Cavaliers. James is still a usable asset, but it's tough to know what to expect from this team given the fact that the majority of their offensive producers are banged up.
Offenses to Use
Los Angeles Clippers at Houston Rockets: The Rockets should presumably play better facing elimination at home, but it's clear the Clippers are in a different class right now. The Clippers have dropped over 120 points on Houston in each of the last two games. Continue using Los Angeles' hot offense until the wheels fall off.
First game of a back-to-back: None
Second game of a back-to-back: None
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Point Guard
Derrick Rose, PG, CHI ($8,500): Rose's price is quickly rising, but he's still not the highest priced option on the board. He's been performing like it though, and with many wing defenders on the Cavaliers ailing, he actually has an advantage in terms of his health. Rose will need a big performance in Game 5.
Other suggestions: Chris Paul (at HOU)
Shooting Guard
James Harden, SG, HOU ($9,600): I am targeting Harden over LeBron James for my highest-priced stud, mostly due to James' injury woes. Harden has found himself under valued heading back to Houston for Game 5, and he looks like he can be a major value if he can put together a performance like the ones we witnessed in the regular season.
Other suggestions: Jamal Crawford (at HOU), J.R. Smith (vs. CHI)
Small Forward
Matt Barnes, SF, LAC ($4,900): Barnes is a nice mid-range pick for the small forward position. He can contribute without scoring a ton of points, but with the way that the Clippers are rolling right now, he might get those as well. If you want to go the "Stars-and-Scrubs" route, LeBron James is the pick at this position.
Other suggestions: LeBron James (vs. CHI), Trevor Ariza (vs. LAC)
Power Forward
Taj Gibson, PF, CHI ($4,600): Early reports are that Pau Gasol (hamstring) won't play in Game 5, so we should see Gibson take the start again on Tuesday. Nikola Mirotic has the bigger upside from an offensive standpoint, but he really struggled in Game 4, and Gibson looks like the safer bet for the money.
Other suggestions: Tristan Thompson (vs. CHI), Terrence Jones (vs. LAC)
Center
Joakim Noah, C, CHI ($5,900): Noah has been horrendous offensively in this series, but he should get extra minutes with Pau Gasol on the mend. Noah doesn't need a ton of scoring to put up a big DraftKings day and should be a nice value if he can finally channel his passing ability in this series. In the end, I like his price over the two alternatives above him.
Other suggestions: Dwight Howard (vs. LAC), DeAndre Jordan (at HOU)
INJURY REPORT
Out
K.J. McDaniels (wrist)
Kevin Love (shoulder)
Game-Time Decision
Kyrie Irving (knee, foot) isn't expected to miss time.
LeBron James (ankle) is expected to play.
Jordan Hamilton (concussion)
Pau Gasol (hamstring) is doubtful.
