This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers: With Kobe Bryant dealing with flu-like symptoms, and the rest of the Lakers a huge question mark at any given moment, I feel safe staying away from the Warriors and their number one ranked defense. I would stay away from the higher priced players on the Lakers, as this one could get out of hand quickly, and ultimately lead to low returns on investment for the key guys.
Offenses to Use
Denver Nuggets at New York Knicks: The Knicks have the fifth-worst defensive rating in the NBA over the last five games for each team, and the Denver Nuggets have the ability to put up big offensive numbers. While I don't recommend hitching your wagon to the Nuggets entirely, this is an interesting team to consider when trying to plug in low-price players with a nice match-up to provide upside to outperform value.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Denver Nuggets, Miami Heat, Houston Rockets
Second game of a back-to-back: Golden State Warriors,
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Stephen Curry, PG, ($10,500): The initial thought here is to grab a stud like Curry against a poor defensive squad like the Lakers, and to some extent that makes a lot of sense. The Lakers are one of the most generous teams when it comes to handing out DraftKings points to point guards, but have ranked 20th against the position in the last five games. This is an improvement from their dead last position they've held the majority of the season, but with few other appealing options Curry is my play here. It helps that the Lakers allow opposing teams to hit at a 40.7 percent clip from three.
Other suggestions: Reggie Jackson (vs. HOU)
Shooting Guard
Klay Thompson SG, GS ($7,100): The Lakers allow opposing teams to hit at a 40.7 percent clip from three. Excuse the echo, but that fact remains the same, and I am all for pairing the Splash Brothers in DraftKings lineups Sunday. The Lakers cannot defend the perimeter, and these guys are elite shooters. It wouldn't surprise me to see both of them make value, and Thompson can be had at a relative bargain.
Other suggestions: James Harden (at OKC), Anthony Morrow (vs. HOU), Jeremy Lamb (vs. HOU)
Small Forward
Shawne Williams, SF, MIA ($4,400): Finding value for your dollar is tough with this player pool, as you are going to pay a premium for Carmelo Anthony, and everyone else is rather uninspiring with either their match-up or recent play. I'm willing to roll the dice on Williams, who has done a solid job as a starter with Josh McRoberts on the mend. I am hoping for a point total a little north of 20 DraftKings points here with the potential for more against the Bucks.
Other suggestions: Jabari Parker (at MIA)
Power Forward
Serge Ibaka, PF, OKC ($7,500): Another unappealing crop in this player pool, and I lean toward Ibaka despite his price tag and rather tough match-up. Still, with the bargains available in other spaces, I would rather roll with a high-upside player like Ibaka over a player like Kenneth Faried or Amar'e Stoudemire, who play on teams with rotations that are rather…interesting. As a defensive-oriented player who is going to be tasked with an offensive load, the potential here is worth a gamble.
Other suggestions: Draymond Green (at LAL), Ed Davis (vs. GS)
Center
Chris Bosh, C, MIA ($8,500): Outside of the debacle versus the Pacers, Bosh has been absolutely solid, and a guy you can rely on to net you 35+ DraftKings points. Against the Bucks, and their 20th ranked defense against opposing centers, I feel most confident in grabbing Bosh and his near-guaranteed production.
Other suggestions: Dwight Howard (at OKC)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Jose Calderon (calf)
Nick Young (thumb)
Andre Roberson (foot)
Perry Jones III (knee)
David Lee (hamstring)
Game-Time Decision
Patrick Beverley (hamstring) practiced, and coach Kevin McHale expects him to play.
Randy Foye (knee) is considered day-to-day.
Kobe Bryant (illness) is expected to play versus the Warriors.
Dwyane Wade (hamstring) is day-to-day.
Iman Shumpert (hip) is not expected to play.
Terrence Jones (leg) should have his situation monitored, but is questionable.
Josh McRoberts (toe) has seen diminishing playing time in recent days, and is questionable.
Andrea Bargnani (hamstring) is questionable.
