This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Charlotte Hornets at Philadelphia 76ers: Doesn't take too much investigation to think the NBA's worst offense, Philadelphia, would struggle against the team that allows the fourth fewest points in the NBA in the Hornets. The 76ers are unanimously cheap, and deservedly so.
Offenses to Use
Golden State Warriors at New York Knicks: The Warriors are the best offense in the NBA facing a Knicks defense that is in the bottom half of the league in terms of points allowed. One must only hope the Knicks keep it close enough for the Warriors starters to get suitable minutes.
Boston Celtics at Milwaukee Bucks: The Bucks offense hasn't been particularly prolific in scoring all season long, nor have the Celtics been particularly bad on defense. However, the Bucks offense has been scoring at a higher rate lately, including 111 points in a loss to Houston Friday night. Their lineup is also thoroughly affordable, making them most definitely an offense to use.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings
Second game of a back-to-back: New Orleans Pelicans, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Utah Jazz
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
J.J. Barea, PG, DAL ($4,400): In the absence of Rajon Rondo (face), Barea has stepped up and grabbed the majority of the minutes at the point guard position for a Mavericks team that ranks second in the NBA in points scored per game. His price is rising, but still better to cash in on rising rather than risen.
Other suggestions: Tim Frazier* ($3,000) PHI vs. CHA; Ramon Sessions** ($3,000) SAC at UTA; Damian Lillard ($8,700) POR at DAL
*If Michael Carter-Williams sits out
**If Darren Collison sits out
Shooting Guard
Gerald Henderson ($4,500), SG, CHA ($4,500): The selection at shooting guard has considerable depth Saturday, but Henderson is trending upward and offers a price not to be sniffed at. It appears he's back to the form that saw him listed at $5,500 just 10 games ago, as his Hornets get a favorable match-up with the bottom dwelling 76ers.
Other suggestions: Klay Thompson ($8,200) GS at NY; Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL ($6,000) MIL vs. BOS
Small Forward
Draymond Green, SF, GS ($7,300): I've already spoken about the great propensity of the Warriors offense and their favorable matchup with the Knicks. Against an injury-riddled and undersized Knicks, Green will look to put up big stats across the board in both offensive and defensive categories.
Other suggestions: Carmelo Anthony* ($8,800) NY at GS; Khris Middleton ($6,100) MIL vs. BOS
*Game-time-decision
Power Forward
Anthony Davis, PF, NO ($10,800): Davis's 41 point performance Friday night validated what we already knew, his talent rides on fairy-tale status. He is in the top five in both points and blocks, pulls down over 10 rebounds in the majority of his games, and is matched up against a Chicago team that is 27th in number of fantasy points allowed to the power forward position. With the value available at a number of other positions, Davis is more than appealing at a price cheaper than we saw him this time last week.
Other suggestions: Jared Sullinger ($6,500) BOS at MIL, John Henson ($5,600) MIL vs. BOS
Center
Brook Lopez, C, BKN ($6,300): Lopez scored 22 points and added nine rebounds, two assists, and six blocks in 33 minutes against the Knicks on Friday. He's on a roll lately, averaging 21.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks in his last five games. When healthy and at his best, Lopez can be an elite scorer and an elite shot-blocker. I see no reason this cannot continue against the Wizards on Saturday.
Other suggestions: Tyson Chandler ($6,700) DAL vs. POR, Rudy Gobert ($5,000) UTA vs. SAC
INJURY REPORT
Out
Bismack Biyombo (knee)
Joel Freeland (shoulder)
Kelly Olynyk (ankle)
Kendall Marshall (knee)
Kemba Walker (knee)
Jrue Holiday (ankle)
Rajon Rondo (face)
Tony Wroten (knee)
Jason Richardson (foot)
Mike Dunleavy (ankle)
Andrei Kirilenko (personal)
Rodney Hood (foot)
Jabari Parker (knee)
Game-Time Decision
Joe Ingles (back)
Carmelo Anthony (knee)
Michael Carter-Williams (foot)
Darren Collison (hip)
Tayshaun Prince (hip)
Kenyon Martin (ankle)
Zaza Pachulia (calf)
Lance Stephenson (knee)
Bradley Beal (toe)
Chris Kaman (back)
Kevin Seraphin (ankle)
Pablo Prigioni (hip)
Dirk Nowitzki (rest)
