This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
New Orleans Pelicans at Miami Heat: The Heat turned in a fantastic performance Friday, routing the Knicks while a less-than-100-percent Anthony Davis and the Pelicans only managed eighty-four points, including just 13 in the fourth quarter. The big man down low for Miami, Whiteside, has quickly established himself as one of the league's premier defenders. The Heat are the second best team in points allowed, and the Pelicans are lost on nights Davis doesn't put up huge stats.
Offenses to Use
Phoenix Suns at Chicago Bulls: The Suns are the second worst team in terms of points allowed, reason enough to like the chances of whatever opponent they're going up against. The Bulls are healthier than they've been all season with their star-studded cast of Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah, Derrick Rose, and Jimmy Butler. They're one of the better scoring teams in the league and have a roster chock full of defenders. Look for them to bounce back from their loss to Detroit on Friday.
Sacramento Kings at Los Angeles Clippers: The Kings are turnover prone and give up a lot of points. Their backcourt is especially weak, giving up big numbers to a Boston squad on Friday that would not be considered elite. The Clippers, however, are strong in the backcourt. New coach George Karl seemed to give the Kings new life in his first game Friday, but there are going to be road bumps as he tries to teach the Kings how to beat good teams consistently.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Oklahoma City Thunder, Charlotte Hornets
Second game of a back-to-back: New Orleans Pelicans, Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Chris Paul, PG, MIA ($9,900):Avery Bradley of Boston put up a stat line of 28 points, three rebounds, six assists, four steals, one block, and no turnovers on the very poor Kings on Friday. What the Celtics have in talent is down low, and Paul – who most anyone would agree is better than Bradley – looks a very good chance to capitalize at home in front of the Staples Center crowd on a Saturday.
Other suggestions: Patrick Beverley ($4,300) HOU vs. TOR; Russell Westbrook ($10,600) OKC at CHA
Shooting Guard
J.J. Redick, SG, LAC ($3,800): Redick appears to finally have a clean bill of health. He doesn't miss free throws, shoots at a high percentage, and picks up rebounds and assists. In a favorable matchup with the Kings, Redick provides considerable value.
Other suggestions: Jimmy Butler ($7,600) CHI vs PHO; Gerald Henderson ($5,500) CHA vs OKC
Small Forward
Rudy Gay, SF, SAC ($7,300): The shooting forward position runs pretty thin, but Gay's performance Friday was as thick as it comes. With Blake Griffin still missing in action, Gay should be a big part of the Kings' attack against the Clippers once again coming off a tremendous 47.75 fantasy point performance Friday.
Other suggestions: Luol Deng ($5,100) MIA vs NO
Power Forward
Amir Johnson, PF, TOR ($4,200): Johnson is a high-upside player in a favorable matchup with the Rockets. He's most useful in GPP leagues. If you're looking for a more conservative choice, teammate Patrick Patterson has been a consistent producer of over 20 fantasy points at $4,100, without the occasional lows Johnson as been susceptible to.
Other suggestions: Markieff Morris ($6,300) PHO at CHI
Center
DeAndre Jordan, C, LAC ($8,400): Jordan gets a favorable matchup against a weak Sacramento defense, even with DeMarcus Cousins manning the paint. Jordan's last three fantasy point totals were 58.0, 62.5, and 65.25. The only concern for the Clippers offense is a blowout win, putting the starters on the bench.
Other suggestions: Joakim Noah ($6,900) CHI vs. PHO; Jonas Valanciunas ($4,800) TOR at HOU
INJURY REPORT
Out
Blake Griffin (elbow)
Dwight Howard (knee)
Chris Bosh (lungs)
Jrue Holiday (leg)
Kemba Walker (knee)
Bismack Biyombo (knee)
Steven Adams (hand)
Josh McRoberts (knee)
Game-Time Decision
Reggie Evans (knee)
Darren Collison (hip)
Austin Rivers (ankle)
Kevin Durant (toe)
Brandon Knight (trade)
Marcus Thornton (trade)
Norris Cole (trade)
Reggie Evans (knee)
