This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Philadelphia 76ers at Houston Rockets: The Rockets surprisingly rank first in the NBA in points allowed per 100 possessions, and they get a team that is absolutely abysmal, especially on offense. With Michael Carter-Williams potentially seeing some minutes here, it could end up hindering the fantasy jewel of the 76ers, Tony Wroten. In addition, I am not ready to trust Carter-Williams until I see him play a bit, so I am going to be avoiding the 76ers players when building my rosters.
Offenses to Use
Cleveland Cavaliers at Boston Celtics: Two of the worst defensive rated teams in the league will collide when the Cavaliers take on the Celtics in Boston. The Cavaliers rank 29th in points per 100 possessions, and the Celtics rank 27th, so I have no problem investing in either offense in this game as there should be some fireworks. As a side note, both teams rank about even in offensive rating with the Celtics ranking sixth overall in points scored per 100 possessions, and the Cavaliers ranking ninth overall.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Orlando Magic, San Antonio Spurs, Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Utah Jazz, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets, Phoenix Suns
Second game of a back-to-back: Philadelphia 76ers
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Rajon Rondo, PG, BOS ($8,600): Rondo gives you everything you want from the point guard position, and he's a nightly threat to grab a triple-double. He's home against Cleveland here, who ranks 28th against opposing point guards. At TD Garden, Rondo is scoring nearly eight more points per game, and averaging 44.3 DraftKings points. I have no problem dropping $8,600 here to acquire his services.
Other suggestions: Ty Lawson (at IND), Isaiah Thomas (vs. CHA)
Shooting Guard
Dwyane Wade, SG, MIA ($7,600): When he's on his game, Wade is an elite option at the shooting guard slot, which makes his price tag always look a little low. Here, he takes on the Hawks defense that ranks dead last against the two-guard position, so the potential for a big game is there; especially given he's on a day's rest. His performance against Indiana was sub-par, but prior to that, he reeled off 40 or better DraftKings points in four of five contests. I'll roll the dice on him getting near that level again.
Other suggestions: Lance Stephenson (at PHX), Kevin Martin (at NO)
Small Forward
Solomon Hill, SF, IND ($5,000): Here, you're looking for a baseline of 25 points for Hill to be a true value, and at his price tag, you're buying him as a complimentary piece to your lineups with upside. The great part is that Denver ranks 25th against small forwards, and Hill is getting as many minutes as he can handle. He's not going to carry your team, but rather push it over the top at such as nice value here.
Other suggestions: LeBron James (at BOS), Trevor Ariza (vs. PHI), Donatas Montiejunas (vs. PHI)
Power Forward
Derrick Favors, PF, UTA ($7,300): The Knicks are quite bad at defense, and ranking at the very bottom of the league against power forwards should definitely benefit Favors here. Another benefit could be the extremely slow pace that the Knicks play (slowest in the league) and 25th ranked true shooting percentage that should allow him time to get in defensive position and plenty of rebounding opportunities. Favors may not be an elite option, but he'll have his opportunity to rack up a ton of stats here.
Other suggestions: Jared Sullinger (vs. CLE), Amare Stoudemire (vs. UTA)
Center
Nikola Vucevic, C, ORL ($8,100): Vucevic is the lowest priced of the four elite center options, and he's got an excellent matchup with the Bucks who rank 21st against opposing centers. With the constant threat of grabbing a double-double on his side, it's hard not to pencil him into your lineups with a relatively low price point like this.
Other suggestions: Dwight Howard (vs. PHI), Kelly Olynyk (vs. CLE)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Jose Calderon (calf)
George Hill (knee)
Ricky Rubio (ankle)
C.J. Watson (foot)
Marcus Smart (ankle)
Ronnie Price (suspension)
Victor Oladipo (face)
Nick Young (thumb)
Rodney Stuckey (foot)
DeMarre Carroll (groin)
David West (ankle)
Game-Time Decision
Patrick Beverley (hamstring) is questionable.
Alexey Shved (back) is questionable.
Andre Roberson (foot) remains out and will be evaluated again before Friday's game.
Randy Foye (knee) missed practice and is questionable.
Dion Waiters (back) is probable against Boston.
Perry Jones (knee) will be re-evaluated before Friday's game.
Marvin Williams (knee) is considered doubtful.
Terrence Jones (leg) is day-to-day.
Andrea Bargnani (hamstring) has been limited in practice.
Kyle O'Quinn (ankle) is unlikely to play Friday.
