This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Washington Wizards at Miami Heat: The Wizards have a good defense, but this is more about the poor Miami offense than anything else. The Heat average 94 points per game this season (26th in the league), and have hit 100 points only once in their last five games. With Chris Bosh out, Dwyane Wade is carrying the load, and is not a bad play due to his usage, but it's hard to recommend anyone else with confidence.
Offenses to Use
Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Lakers: The Thunder are on the come up in the Western Conference, and they need to win this game to help their pursuit of a high seed now that their roster is healthy. Against the Lakers poor defense, their players get a bump in value, and their star duo in particular make for good buys when looking for studs.
First game of a back-to-back:: Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz, Charlotte Hornets, San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers
Second game of a back-to-back: Chicago Bulls, Oklahoma City Thunder
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Phil Pressey, PG, BOS ($3,000): If you have not heard, Rajon Rondo is now a Dallas Maverick, and someone has to start at point guard for Boston. Marcus Smart is more talented, but has been banged up and may not play Friday. If he doesn't, Pressey is a nice value play because of his opportunity and matchup against Minnesota. Monitor his status because both Marcus Smart and Evan Turner are threats to start at point guard. Adjust lineups accordingly.
Other suggestions: Russell Westbrook (at LAL), Kemba Walker (at PHI)
Shooting Guard
Jimmy Butler, SG, CHI ($6,800): Butler is a budding superstar for the Bulls even if he's not priced like it for Friday's contests. The matchup isn't ideal, but the Bulls could be missing Derrick Rose, and when Rose misses, Butler is a near must-buy. He has the talent to put up massive DraftKings numbers any night.
Other suggestions: Bradley Beal (at MIA), Dwyane Wade (vs. WAS)
Small Forward
Shabazz Muhammad, SF, MIN ($4,500): Muhammad hasn't been setting the world on fire, but he's been solid at a low-end price lately, only dipping under the 20 DraftKings points mark one time in his last seven outings. Use him as a solid fill-in option if you are cutting salary to include higher-end players in your lineups.
Other suggestions: Jeff Green (vs. MIN), Kevin Durant (at LAL)
Power Forward
Serge Ibaka, PF, OKC ($6,800): Ibaka will have a chance to dominate the boards against a largely inferior Laker team. Los Angeles ranks 26th against opposing power forwards this season, giving Ibaka the perfect combination of talent and matchup. He's disappointed lately, but looks primed to turn it around in his comfortable role as a defender and third scoring option.
Other suggestions: Blake Griffin (at DEN), Pau Gasol (at MEM)
Center
Mason Plumlee, C, BKN ($6,100): Plumlee has put together a string of nice games since Brook Lopez has been sidelined, and gets his second straight recommendation from me. If you aren't in love with one of the top options, or need a solid mid-tier priced center, Plumlee provides a compelling option against the Cavaliers.
Other suggestions: Al Jefferson (at PHI)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Ricky Rubio (ankle)
Kevin Martin (wrist)
Tony Parker (hamstring)
DeMar DeRozan (groin)
Lance Stephenson (groin)
Randy Foye (quad)
Kawhi Leonard (hand)
Aaron Gordon (shoulder)
Chris Bosh (abdomen)
Brook Lopez (back)
Robin Lopez (hand)
Nikola Pekovic (wrist)
Game-Time Decision
Mo Williams (back) is questionable.
Derrick Rose (illness) should be considered questionable.
Marcus Smart (Achilles) is questionable.
Nicolas Batum (wrist/knee) is questionable.
Paul Pierce (toe) is questionable.
Tony Allen (eye) is questionable.
Taj Gibson (ankle) missed Thursday and should be considered questionable.
Jordan Hill (illness) is probable.
