This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Atlanta Hawks vs. Houston Rockets: While I'm not going to tell you to stay away from James Harden, this matchup isn't the best for the Rockets. Atlanta comes in with an impressive defensive rating of 100.5, which puts them in the top 10 of the NBA currently. The Rockets, who are usually known for their incredible offense, have actually found themselves in the bottom half of the NBA, with just an offensive rating of 101.7 points per 100 possessions. Basically, what I'd say here is to avoid the boom or bust guys for the Rockets in this spot.
Indiana Pacers vs. Denver Nuggets: Is that Indiana Pacers defense officially back? It just may be, as they have a defensive rating that's in the top 12 of the NBA currently. They get a nice matchup as well, with a Denver team who is really tough to call for daily fantasy players. One player could light it up one day, while it could be another player the next day. The Nuggets haven't been great offensively, and pairing that with the Pacers' ability to slow the game down (just a pace of 94.83 this season), and it makes for a spot to avoid Indiana on this night in most instances.
Offenses to Use
San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks: The Mavericks are an absolutely stellar team offensively, with an offensive rating that is the best in the NBA at 113.6. Add in the fact that Rajon Rondo will be making his first run with the Mavericks on their home floor, and this crowd should help get everyone even more excited. There's going to be plenty of options from the Mavs, so just make sure to check out the player recommendations. Oh, let's not forget that Dallas is playing a San Antonio team who is usually solid defensively, but is coming off BACK-TO-BACK triple-overtime games. That's just insane, and you have to assume this team will be exhausted.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Indiana Pacers
Second game of a back-to-back: Utah Jazz, Charlotte Hornets, San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, LA Clippers
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Patrick Beverley, PG, HOU ($5,900): Not only is Beverley moderately priced, but he's been playing great basketball. Even in the last game when he struggled with his shot (going 1-for-7 from three-point land), he still managed 26.25 fantasy points. He's topped 30 fantasy points on DraftKings in six of the seven games prior to that, and gets a Hawks team who gives up an average of 49.5 fantasy points per game to opposing point guards on the season. Beverley could be a steal on this night.
Other suggestions: Ty Lawson (vs. IND), Damian Lillard (at NOP), Trey Burke (at CHA)
Shooting Guard
Rodney Stuckey, SG, IND ($5,600): Let's roll out another fairly low-priced, but strong option who has a great matchup. Stuckey and the Pacers are taking on the Nuggets, who give up the fourth most fantasy points on average to opposing shooting guards at 46 per game. Stuckey on the other hand, had a mediocre game on Wednesday night, so he may not be used as much. In the two games before Wednesday though, he put up 44 and 37 fantasy points on DraftKings. Great spot for Stuckey on Saturday.
Other suggestions: James Harden (vs. ATL), Giannis Antetokounmpo (at LAC), Kyle Korver (at HOU)
Small Forward
Chandler Parsons, SF, DAL ($6,800): To be honest, the options don't really jump off the page at me on this night at small forward, but I'm liking the situation that Parsons finds himself in. He's going up against the exhausted Spurs' team, and he's playing great recently. Parsons has scored 48.75, 31.25, 30.5, 51.75 and 38.75 fantasy points on DraftKings in his last five games. Expect him to get plenty of looks, especially with Rajon Rondo dishing out the rock now. Parsons could be in for a huge one.
Other suggestions: Gordon Hayward (at CHA), Khris Middleton (at LAC), C.J. Miles (at DEN)
Power Forward
Blake Griffin, PF, LAC ($11,000): Ready to spend some of that money yet? Well, Griffin is the option. He faces a Milwaukee Bucks' team who gives up the third most fantasy points to opposing power forwards (47.4 per game), and Griffin has been on his game. In his last two, he's scored 60 and 42.25 fantasy points. Expect Griffin to feast on this Bucks team inside, and to have the type of game that warrants paying a hefty price tag of $11k.
Other suggestions: Derrick Favors (at CHA), Dirk Nowitzki (vs. SAS), David West (at DEN)
Center
DeAndre Jordan, C, LAC ($8,600): We're doubling up on the Clippers' big men against the poor Bucks inside defense. The Bucks give up 46.4 fantasy points per game on average to opposing centers, and Jordan has been on a tear. Even when Jordan doesn't score big, just like on Friday night, he produces in other ways. He scored 11 points to go with 14 rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Before Friday's game, he posted 48.75, 40.75 and 35.25 fantasy points in the games leading up their loss to Denver. Expect Jordan to have another big game on this night.
Other suggestions: Al Horford (at HOU), Tyson Chandler (vs. SAS), Roy Hibbert (at DEN)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Kawhi Leonard- hand
Tony Parker- hamstring
Jabari Parker- knee
Robin Lopez- hand
Lance Stephenson (groin)
JaVale McGee- leg
George Hill- quad
Eric Gordon- shoulder
Nicolas Batum- wrist
Ian Mahinmi- foot
Terrence Jones- knee
Spencer Hawes- knee
Game-Time Decision
Jeff Teague (hamstring)- doubtful
Tyreke Evans (knee)- questionable
