This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Utah Jazz at Memphis Grizzlies: Monday's slate is fairly solid in terms of matchups, but one that I am not in love with is Utah visiting Memphis. The Grizzlies aren't playing the same style that they did last year, but they are still a good defensive club, and the Jazz aren't scaring anyone on the road. It's hard to trust any member of the Jazz here.
Offenses to Use
Atlanta Hawks at Dallas Mavericks: This matchup looks to be more shootout than defensive standoff, and while I don't mind the Mavericks players here, I prefer the Hawks side of things for a few reasons. The Mavericks aren't a shut-down defense by any means, and they are installing a big piece into both the offensive game and defensive rotation. This could mean turnovers as they work out the kinks, which makes things easier for the Hawks. Even if the Mavs play smoothly, the Hawks are still in a good position here.
First game of a back-to-back:: Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, Denver Nuggets, Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trail Blazers, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors
Second game of a back-to-back: Toronto Raptors, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Dennis Schroder, PG, ATL ($5,400):Jeff Teague has been dealing with a hamstring injury, and Schroder has put up back-to-back 20+ DraftKings points games in the two starts he's been handed as a result. He's a good, cheaper option against a Dallas defense that has been soft against opposing ball handlers, though that may change with Rajon Rondo in town. Make sure to check if Teague plays, but if he doesn't, Schroder provides a nice option with upside.
Other suggestions: Ty Lawson (at CHA), Stephen Curry (vs. SAC)
Shooting Guard
Monta Ellis, SG, DAL ($7,500):The addition of Rajon Rondo is good for Ellis because Rondo is a player that is only going to give "Mr. Have It All" more shots. He's been good for upwards of 35 DraftKings points (with the occasional dud) so seeing him available at $7,500 against a not-so-great Hawks defense is enough for me to pull the trigger due to his elite-level potential.
Other suggestions: Ben McLemore (at GS), Kyle Korver (at DAL)
Small Forward
Donatas Motiejunas, SF, HOU ($5,200): Motiejunas actually plays power forward for the Rockets, but is listed as a small forward for DraftKings. The Trail Blazers are missing Robin Lopez, and will have their hands full with Dwight Howard down low, so Motiejunas could see some nice production at this low price. Portland is ranked 17th against opposing power forwards this season on DraftKings.
Other suggestions: Draymond Green (vs. SAC), Nicolas Batum (at HOU)
Power Forward
Jon Leuer, PF, MEM ($4,700): This suggestion assumes that Zach Randolph will sit out on Monday after missing Sunday with a knee issue. Leuer, at this price, is a nice add for those looking to cut a little salary somewhere, and can provide solid scoring and rebounding that should translate into a good DraftKings day.
Other suggestions: LaMarcus Aldridge (at HOU), Maurice Speights (vs. SAC)
Center
Al Jefferson, C, CHA ($9,000): The Hornets are in trouble in terms of wins and losses, and now face the Nuggets in a game Charlotte must have at home. The Nuggets are soft on the inside, and bigs have been ripping them apart, so Jefferson is certainly worth the money when you consider he'll need to be the focal point for his team tonight. He suffered a mild groin injury in Saturday's game, so keep an eye on his availability Monday.
Other suggestions: DeMarcus Cousins (at GS)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Tony Parker (hamstring)
DeMar DeRozan (groin)
Lance Stephenson (groin)
Randy Foye (quad)
Kawhi Leonard (hand)
Danilo Gallinari (knee)
Tony Allen (eye)
Terrence Jones (leg)
Andrew Bogut (knee)
Robin Lopez (hand)
JaVale McGee (leg)
Spencer Hawes (knee)
Game-Time Decision
Jeff Teague (hamstring) is questionable.
Derrick Rose (illness) plans to play on Monday.
James Harden (hamstring) is probable.
Pau Gasol (chest) is probable.
Zach Randolph (knee) did not play Sunday, and should be considered questionable.
David Lee (hamstring) should make his debut Monday.
Taj Gibson (ankle) is probable.
Darrell Arthur (leg) is day-to-day.
Dwight Howard (shoulder) is probable.
Al Jefferson (groin) should play Monday.
Joakim Noah (ankle) is probable.
