This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Golden State Warriors at Phoenix Suns: The Warriors boast the highest defensive rating in the league (90.5 points per 100 possessions) while playing at the fastest pace in the league (102.98 possessions per 48 minutes). Those statistics combined show just how good the Warriors defense has been this season, and even coming off a back-to-back, it's hard to feel great about going up against them. I am not ruling out Phoenix Suns entirely, as they are a potent offense in their own right, but you must shift your values accordingly.
Offenses to Use
Denver Nuggets at Portland Trail Blazers: The Trail Blazers are a top-tier offense (107.4 offensive rating) that is going up against a lower-level defense (104.1 defensive rating). Combine that with the Nuggets playing poor interior defense, and it's easy to feel like things could break down quickly when playing a team like Portland who can trot out a lineup featuring dominant post LaMarcus Aldridge and a plethora of three-point shooters to make the Nuggets pay from outside.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons,
Second game of a back-to-back: Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Reggie Jackson, PG, OKC ($6,000): Since his return from injury, Reggie Jackson has been a hot fantasy commodity. Running as the starter, Jackson has dropped at least 35 DraftKings points in each contest, and can claim a 27.9 Usage Rate, which is quite close to players like Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and John Wall; guys you would consider fantasy studs. At $6,000, the potential reward here is too much to pass up.
Other suggestions: Kemba Walker (at LAL), Tony Wroten (at TOR), Kyle Lowry (vs. PHI)
Shooting Guard
Klay Thompson, SG, GS ($7,300):Klay Thompson is another player with a fairly high usage rate (27.7 percent), and he's been lighting it up here in this young season. He gets a Phoenix Suns team that gives up the most DraftKings points to the shooting guard position, and he looks primed to continue his early success. While his price tag isn't exactly cheap, his talent, opportunity, and match up all point to a good return on investment.
Other suggestions: Dwyane Wade (at DAL), Lance Stephenson (at LAL)
Small Forward
Draymond Green, SF, GS ($5,700):Draymond Green actually should be playing power forward (he's starting for the injured David Lee), and would have been the pick in that position if he was eligible. He's coming off a huge game of over 40 DraftKings points, so his price normally would be even lower, but he's still a good buy at $5,700. With the ability to contribute in every category, his potential for a fairly large game is always there, and the Suns give up the second-most DraftKings points to the power forward position. The only thing stopping Green are his superstar teammates, but he's worth a dice roll given his opportunity and price.
Other suggestions: Chandler Parsons (vs. MIA), Nicolas Batum (vs. DEN)
Power Forward
LaMarcus Aldridge, PF, POR ($8,600):As previously stated, Draymond Green would be the pick here if he was power forward eligible. Instead, with the ability to put Green at only small forward, I feel most comfortable rolling with Aldridge. He hasn't lived up to his consistently high price, only averaging around 35 DraftKings points, but he's the best option with the best matchup in my opinion. I'll bank on him improving on his 6.2 rebounding average to collect the extra points that it will take to make him a valuable buy.
Other suggestions: Markieff Morris (vs. GS), Jordan Hill (vs. CHA)
Center
Jonas Valanciunas, C, TOR ($5,900):This is another potential value play here from a guy who hasn't had eye-popping numbers yet. Valanciunas gets to square off a Philadelphia 76ers defense that will potentially be without Nerlens Noel, and with his propensity of approaching double-doubles, he could bust out in this one. The 76ers give up the fourth-most DraftKings points to opposing centers, and at his mid-tier price tag, Valanciunas could provide much higher value.
Other suggestions: Al Jefferson (at LAL), DeMarcus Cousins (at OKC)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Nick Young (Thumb)
David Lee (Hamstring)
Raymond Felton (Suspension)
Michael Carter-Williams (Shoulder)
Game-Time Decision
Ty Lawson (ankle) did not play Friday, and is considered day-to-day.
Andre Roberson (foot) is considered unlikely to play on Sunday.
Anthony Morrow (knee) could make his team debut Sunday.
Rudy Gay (illness) is considered questionable for Sunday.
Chandler Parsons (illness) played through the condition Friday, but is still questionable.
Perry Jones III (knee) did not practice Saturday.
Danny Granger (hamstring) may be close to making his team debut, as he dressed Saturday.
Amir Johnson (ankle) is questionable after practicing Saturday.
Nerlens Noel (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's contest.
DeMarcus Cousins (thumb) is considered probable for Sunday.
J.J. Hickson (suspension) should return Sunday, but it's unclear how much, if any, he will play.
Chris Andersen (ribs) did not play Saturday.
