This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Atlanta Hawks vs. Indiana Pacers: Atlanta is not only the stingiest defense in the league this season, allowing just 96.3 points per game, but they're also facing a stagnant Indiana offense (26th in the NBA - 95 ppg). The Pacers have only mustered 92 points in both meetings with the Hawks this year, and the Hawks are playing with extra motivation, looking for a franchise record-tying 14th straight win. The Hawks have held four teams to under 90 points in their last six games.
Offenses to Use
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Utah Jazz: Cleveland isn't facing a cupcake of a defense Wednesday, to be certain. However, facing a tough defense didn't stop the Cavaliers on Monday when they hung 108 points on the Bulls. The Cavaliers appear to be putting it together and you'd be wise to jump aboard and put a couple of them in your lineup Wednesday. LeBron James is battling an illness and missed Tuesday's practice, but Cleveland is an intriguing option whether he plays or not. If he misses the game, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving will get boosts in production. If he does play, which he likely will, you can expect James to create great looks for his teammates, such as J.R. Smith.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Brooklyn, Portland, Utah
Second game of a back-to-back: Miami, Oklahoma City
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Elfrid Payton, PG, ORL ($5,400): Payton has been coming on strong of late, averaging 34 DraftKings Points over his last five games, including two straight games with at least 40 DK points. The matchup may not be ideal, however given that Detroit is one of the top rebounding teams in the league and Payton has been bolstering his DK points with solid rebounding numbers for a point guard. In two games against Detroit this season, Payton has only averaged 10 DK points, but his minutes in those games were significantly less (14.5) than they have been lately (32.5 mpg in his last 10). While his price and recent production make him an intriguing option, proceed with caution.
Other suggestions: Jarrett Jack, BKN @ SAC $6,300; Langston Galloway, NYK @ PHI, $3,600
Shooting Guard
J.R. Smith, SG, CLE ($4,900): When Smith was dealt to Cleveland, it was generally perceived as a lateral move at best for his value. However, since LeBron James returned to the starting lineup, Smith has flourished. He has started each of those four games, averaging 34 minutes on the floor in that span. Smith has been given the green light from beyond the arc as well, attempting at least nine three-pointers in three of those four games. It's not just that he's getting those looks, he has been converting on them, shooting 48 percent from three since James' return. Furthermore, Smith's opponent, the Jazz, have the third-worst defensive three-point percentage allowed this month with a mark of almost 38 percent. It seems as though Cleveland's offense is getting back on track, and Smith could be a big benefactor that'll pay dividends in your lineup.
Other suggestions: Bojan Bogdanovic, BKN @ SAC, $3,400; Kevin Martin, MIN vs. DAL, $4,800 (if he plays).
Small Forward
Carmelo Anthony, SF, NYK ($8,800): $8,800 may not jump off the page as a bargain, but in Anthony's case, it most certainly is. His price is usually north of $10,000, and he's been strong in his return to the floor, putting up 41.5 and 46.8 DK points in two games since coming back from knee issues. What's more, he gets a matchup with the 76ers, who are allowing 101.1 points per game this month. Small forward is lacking in depth on DraftKings right now, but Anthony represents top-level production at around $2,000 less than you'll pay for either LeBron James or Kevin Durant.
Other suggestions: Robbie HummelMIN vs. DAL, $3,300 (if Kevin Martin is OUT)
Power Forward
Markieff Morris, PF, PHO ($6,600): Normally, playing the power forward going against Portland means a matchup against LaMarcus Aldridge, which isn't a recipe for success. However, Aldridge will not be on the floor Wednesday when the Trail Blazers take on the Suns in Phoenix. Morris may not provide ideal rebounding numbers for a power forward (5.4 rpg over his last 10), but he has 31.5 DK points over his last five contests and has six games of at least 28.25 DK points in his last ten, including three games with 36 or more. At his price, Morris is putting up comparable production to pricier options like Paul Millsap ($8,200) or Serge Ibaka ($6,900) over his last ten games. Moreover, Morris has also been providing some outside shooting (1.2 3PM/last five) and is worth a roll of the dice against a diminished Trail Blazers frontcourt.
Other suggestions: Nerlens NoelPHI vs NYK, $5,300; Zach RandolphMEM vs TOR, $7,700.
Center
Timofey Mozgov, C, CLE ($4,900): Mozgov is coming off of his best game as a Cavalier on Monday, putting up 15 points, 15 rebounds, and two blocks against the Bulls - a total of 40.75 DK points. He did a great job on Pau Gasol, playing a big role in holding the highly efficient big man to just 4-of-14 shooting. While it's no guarantee that he'll have a repeat performance against a talented Utah frontcourt, Mozgov and the rest of the Cavaliers appear to be gelling, and now may be the time to buy some stock in a Cleveland team that many were starting to write off after a flurry of roster moves and chemistry concerns.
Other suggestions: Alex LenPHO vs POR, $4,800; Meyers LeonardPOR @ PHO, $3,200
INJURY REPORT
Out
Rodney Hood (Foot)
Iman Shumpert (Shoulder)
Andrea Bargnani (Calf)
Tony Wroten (Knee)
Shelvin Mack (Calf)
Tarik Black (Ankle)
Mitch McGary (Leg)
Deron Williams (Ribs)
Carl Landry (Wrist)
Terrence Jones (Leg)
LaMarcus Aldridge (Thumb)
Game-Time Decision
LeBron James (Illness)
Tobias Harris (Ankle)
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (Knee) (Doubtful)
George Hill (Groin)
Ricky Rubio (Ankle) (Doubtful)
Nikola Pekovic (Ankle)
Kevin Martin (Wrist)
Ronnie Price (Elbow)
Carlos Boozer (Triceps)
Kobe Bryant (Rest)
Jrue Holiday (Ankle)
Anthony Davis (Toe)
Omri Casspi (Knee)
Rudy Gay (Knee)
DeMarcus Cousins (Ankle)
Ramon Sessions (Back)
