This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
San Antonio Spurs at Minnesota Timberwolves: In terms of defensive rating, the San Antonio Spurs are far and away the best team in the league over the last five games. In this one, they get a Minnesota team that is still without its maestro in Ricky Rubio, and is more raw and athletic than anything else. With a lockdown defender in Kawhi Leonard to drape over Kevin Martin, and Tim Duncan patrolling the paint, I just don't see a ton of value in the Minnesota offense tonight.
Offenses to Use
Los Angeles Lakers at Dallas Mavericks: It seems like I am recommending the team opposing the Lakers almost every night they play, despite the slight improvement the club has seen on the front. Here, it's warranted, as they will take on the Dallas Mavericks who are tops in offensive rating over their last five games. The Lakers are still allowing 113 points per 100 possessions this season, so there's plenty of reason to enjoy this match up from a Dallas perspective.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, Brooklyn Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, Utah Jazz
Second game of a back-to-back: Chicago Bulls
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Mike Conley, PG, MEM ($7,600): Over the last five games, only one team gives up more DraftKings points to point guards than the Boston Celtics, Conley's opponent on Friday. While Conley isn't exactly a bargain, he doesn't even have to break the 40 DraftKings points mark to make a good value here, so he's a nice, reliable option to plug-in to your lineups.
Other suggestions: Deron Williams (at OKC), Reggie Jackson (vs. BKN)
Shooting Guard
Eric Bledsoe, SG, PHX ($7,500): The Philadelphia 76ers have been dreadful against shooting guards over their last five games, and now will get a dose of the guard-heavy Phoenix Suns. Bledsoe provides the potential for multi-category production, and with the plus-matchup here is worth a long look.
Other suggestions: Monta Ellis (vs. LAL), Gordon Hayward (at GS)
Small Forward
Tyreke Evans, SF, NO ($7,400): Evans is another player who is a constant triple-double threat, and is enjoying a nice fantasy year early on. He comes at a less-than-elite price, but with a game against the struggling Denver Nuggets looming, could definitely be in line to put up some serious numbers on DraftKings. Even if he only meets his season average (37 DraftKings points) he is worth a buy here.
Other suggestions: Kawhi Leonard (at MIN), Josh Smith (at ATL)
Power Forward
Anthony Davis, PF, NO ($11,300): Is there any stopping Anthony Davis? The only thing that has limited him so far this season have been a blow out and the Memphis Grizzlies. With a game against the Nuggets on the horizon, he has another good matchup, and I am good with riding the wave of DraftKings points that Davis is providing this season. He's worth building your lineup around.
Other suggestions: Zach Randolph (vs. BOS), Nene Hilario (vs. CLE)
Center
Marcin Gortat, C, WAS ($6,100): The Cleveland Cavaliers are a work-in-progress, but are clearly lost on defense in the early going. With LeBron James on the outside to wreak havoc, the Wizards may very well look to go into the post with their offense. Even if they don't go to Gortat early and often, he should be able to do enough offensively and on the boards to grab the 30 DraftKings points needed to make him a value here.
Other suggestions: Al Horford (vs. DET)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Ricky Rubio (ankle)
Marcus Smart (ankle)
Raymond Felton (suspension)
Jodie Meeks (back)
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (foot)
David Lee (hamstring)
Thaddeus Young (personal)
Nikola Pekovic (wrist)
Tiago Splitter (back)
Game-Time Decision
Derrick Rose (hamstring) sat out Thursday, and is questionable.
Devin Harris (leg) plans to play Friday.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (ankle) is questionable.
Evan Fournier (heel) is questionable.
Courtney Lee (illness) is questionable.
Marco Belinelli (groin) is questionable.
Tony Allen (illness) is questionable.
P.J. Hairston (ankle) is questionable.
Gary Neal (concussion) is probable.
Nicolas Batum (knee) appears probable after shedding his brace in practice.
DeMarre Carroll (groin) should be able to return Friday.
James Johnson (ankle) is questionable.
Perry Jones (knee) remains questionable.
Pau Gasol (calf) missed Thursday's game and is questionable.
Omer Asik (back) is questionable.
