This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Minnesota Timberwolves at Golden State Warriors: The Warriors have really been stellar defensively this year, posting a defensive rating of 96.9, best in the NBA. They may play with a fast pace, but they're shutting teams down, and they get a Timberwolves' team who is in the bottom five of the NBA in offensive rating. If you want a standout fantasy option, look somewhere other than Minnesota in most spots.
Boston Celtics vs. Washington Wizards: The Wiz kids have been the third-best team in the NBA in defensive rating, allowing just 99.6 points per 100 possessions. While that's incredibly impressive, tack on the fact that the Celtics have seen some of their key players struggle offensively since losing Rajon Rondo (Jeff Green for example), and you have a defensive situation that is best to avoid.
Offenses to Use
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors: I hate to pile it on, but…this is the matchup to hit on. The Timberwolves are the second-worst team in the NBA in defensive rating, allowing 110.3 points per 100 possessions, which sets up beautifully for the Warriors. They're top five in the NBA in offensive rating and run with a pace of above 100. This is simply a great spot across the board for the Warriors.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Chicago Bulls: The Bulls are getting it going offensively, scoring 106.9 points per 100 possessions, which is in the top six of the NBA to this point. Their opponent? The Pelicans, who are in the bottom 10 of the NBA in defensive rating. While not every matchup is going to be great, there are definitely some spots that you'll want to take advantage of in this game.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks
Second game of a back-to-back: Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Charlotte Hornets, New Orleans Pelicans, Memphis Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Kemba Walker, PG, CHA ($8,500): Kemba has been rolling right along, topping 33 fantasy points on DraftKings in seven of his last eight games. Tack on the fact that he's up against an Orlando Magic team who gives up 51.6 fantasy points per game to opposing point guards, and you have a seriously great spot here. Walker isn't the most expensive option on a busy night, and you won't be breaking the bank, while still getting a player who could potentially top 40+ fantasy points.
Other suggestions: Stephen Curry (vs. MIN), Jrue Holiday (at CHI), Derrick Rose (vs. NOP)
Shooting Guard
Alec Burks, SG, UTA ($6,000): If you're looking to save some money, do it with Burks, who is going against a weak 76ers team. Philadelphia gives up an average of 54.4 fantasy points per game to opposing shooting guards, which is just under six points per game less than the next closest team. Burks has shown the ability to put up strong numbers (33.25 fantasy points last game), and is a great option to save some money.
Other suggestions: Klay Thompson (vs. MIN), Ben McLemore (vs. NYK), Giannis Antetokounmpo (vs. ATL)
Small Forward
Gordon Hayward, SF, UTA ($8,100): Utah is at home against the woeful Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, who are tied for the most points allowed on average to opposing small forwards. It's a great spot to spend your money on Hayward, and while there are some intriguing options at the small forward position, I think Hayward will end up being the top choice of the night.
Other suggestions: Rudy Gay (vs. NYK), Draymond Green (vs. MIN), C.J. Miles (at BKN)
Power Forward
Paul Millsap, PF, ATL ($8,200): Millsap is coming off of a huge performance, and he's taking on the Milwaukee Bucks. Millsap is one of the most skilled, yet underrated big men in the game today, and after the Hawks were blown out Friday, he should show up big in this game, and live up to his value.
Other suggestions: Anthony Davis (at CHI), David West (at BKN), Nene Hilario (vs. BOS)
Center
Al Jefferson, C, CHA ($9,100): The Magic have been one of the worst teams against opposing centers this year, and they rank in the bottom six of the NBA in points per game allowed on DraftKings. Al Jefferson has been playing through a groin injury the last two games, making him somewhat risky. Charlotte were beat up and lost for the first time in five games Friday, so they should be playing with a purpose Saturday.
Other suggestions: Al Horford (at MIL), Gorgui Dieng (at GSW), Marcin Gortat (vs. BOS)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Ricky Rubio (ankle)
Eric Gordon (shoulder)
Kevin Martin (wrist)
Lance Stephenson (pelvis)
Josh McRoberts (knee)
Andrew Bogut (knee)
Game-Time Decision
Chris Bosh (calf)- questionable
DeMarcus Cousins (illness)
Kirk Hinrich (hamstring)- doubtful
Larry Sanders (illness)
Zach Randolph (knee)- questionable
Rodney Stuckey (face)- questionable
J.R. Smith (heel)
Zach Randolph (knee)
