This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Miami Heat at Charlotte Bobcats: The Bobcats have had their hands full while matching up with the defending champions. In fact, this contest is the only one across the playoffs that features a truly more dominant team which is reflected by the Heat's 2-0 series lead. The offensive weapons on the Charlotte side of the ball are limited to an injured Al Jefferson (foot) and an inexperienced Kemba Walker. Charlotte's saving grace is that they're playing at home, but the Heat already smell blood in the water.
Offenses to Use
San Antonio Spurs at Dallas Mavericks: The Mavericks exploded during Game 2 for 113 points. This surprised just about everyone including the Spurs who boasted one of the top regular season defenses. Now the series moves to Dallas where the home team stands a good chance to get an extra bump in motivation. The Mavericks have the hottest offense coming into Saturday's set of games.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: None
Second game of a back-to-back: None
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
Devin Harris, PG/SG, DAL ($5,000): Harris is having a great postseason and currently provides quite a bit of bang for your buck. He's produced well in the first two games of the series averaging 18.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists coming off the bench. Somewhat inexplicably, the veteran averaged 28.0 minutes on the court during those two contests even though his average for the regular season was 20.5 minutes per game. This increased run is giving him the opportunity to outperform his listing price.
Other suggestions: Mike Conley, PG, MEM ($7,900); Jeff Teague, PG, ATL ($7,500)
Shooting Guard
Manu Ginobili, SG/SF, SAN ($5,600): There aren't many great options for the shooting guard slot in Saturday's games, but Ginobili has provided two solid performances during the Spurs' series with the Mavericks. Averaging 22.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists in the playoffs thus far makes him a viable option. This is especially true because it would be hard to imagine the Spurs not avenging the blowout loss at home they suffered in Game 2.
Other suggestions: Tony Allen, SG/SF, MEM ($4,600)
Small Forward
Lance Stephenson, SG/SF, IND ($6,000): Stephenson can certainly be a no-show at times, but his explosiveness was evident during Game 3's loss to Atlanta. He finished the regular season with five triple-doubles, which was more than any other player in the league. The Pacers have struggled as a team throughout their opening series and are in desperate need of a win. Their poor play is a legitimate cause for concern, but Stephenson's price tag is irresistible considering that he's a legitimate threat for a triple-double every time that he steps foot on the hardwood.
Other suggestions: DeMarre Carroll, SF/PF, ATL ($5,300)
Power Forward
Serge Ibaka, PF/C, OKC ($7,400): It's true that Ibaka had a rather pedestrian Game 3, but he played well during the first two games of the series. This proves that he can compete against the frontcourt of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph. The Thunder's backs are against the wall, sitting at a 2-1 series deficit, and Ibaka will have to step up if his team has any shot at equalizing the potent Grizzlies. With Game 3 in mind, he's averaging 14.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 1.0 steal and 3.0 blocks at a salary that is very reasonable.
Other suggestions: Paul Millsap, PF/C, ATL ($8,000); Chris Bosh, PF/C, MIA ($6,200)
Center
Marc Gasol, C, MEM ($7,500): There are many options at power forward who are also center eligible that are worth considering here. However, Gasol is deserving of a roster spot considering how well he's played in the series against the Thunder and due to his current price tag. He's averaging 15.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.7 steals during the playoffs. One of the more impressive parts of Gasol's game is his passing ability at the center position. This often leads to impressive assist totals for great daily game potential.
Other suggestions: Tim Duncan, PF/C, SAN ($8,100)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Andrew Bynum (knee) has been ruled out of the Pacers' first-round playoff series.
Nick Calathes was suspended for violating the league's drug policy.
Game-Time Decision
Michael Beasley (ankle) was inactive for Wednesday's Game 2.
