Daily Games Cheat Sheet: Friday

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Updated on January 2, 2015 9:37AM EST

TEAM ANALYSIS

Defenses to Avoid
Indiana Pacers at Milwaukee Bucks: This projects to be a fairly low scoring game, and it makes sense with the Pacers playing better now that they are regaining health. While defense has been the identity for that team for the past few years, it may be shocking to some that over the last five games Milwaukee ranks first in the NBA in defensive rating with a stingy 90.4 mark. Look for this game to be more defensive in nature.

Offenses to Use
Toronto Raptors at Golden State Warriors: Without Andrew Bogut, the Warriors are a different team, and while they can still be a sound defensive team, it's easy to see their matchup with the Raptors as being a fast-paced shootout with plenty of points. Use both rosters in your lineups as there should be enough scoring to go around.

First game of a back-to-back:: Charlotte Hornets, Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks, Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies
Second game of a back-to-back: None

DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Jeff Teague, PG, ATL ($7,800): Teague is not an elite NBA point guard if you ask most people, but he's sure playing like it on DraftKings. He's back to playing starters minutes after his injury, and with totals of 47 and 51.25 DraftKings points in his last two games, he's certainly delivered for owners. With a matchup against the Jazz, it's conceivable he could continue this, and won't break the bank in the process.

Other suggestions: Isaiah Thomas (vs. PHI), Mike Conley (at LAL)

Shooting Guard
Dion Waiters, SG, CLE ($4,600):LeBron James is out for the Cavaliers, and while it's expected that Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love will get the biggest boost in value, I am taking a shot with Waiters while his price is conducive to it. He can be a rollercoaster on DraftKings, but is certainly capable of posting a huge night when his usage goes up.

Other suggestions: Jodie Meeks (at NY), Nick Young (vs. MEM)

Small Forward
Draymond Green, SF, GS ($7,800): Green is capable of posting elite DraftKings numbers every time out, so it's always tempting to grab him at a price like he's been given Friday. The Raptors actually rank pretty well against opposing power forwards (this is Green's real life position), but his ability to do a variety of things on the basketball court should let him rack up stats regardless.

Other suggestions: Harrison Barnes (vs. TOR), Evan Turner (vs. DAL)

Power Forward
Tristan Thompson, PF, CLE ($6,100):LeBron James being out doesn't really affect the role of Thompson, and at his price, he provides a solid value on Friday. He's taking on a Charlotte team that will be without Al Jefferson, and after posting three straight games up over 30 DraftKings points (all double-doubles), he should be a solid bet to grab enough rebounds to snag a double-double once again.

Other suggestions: Greg Monroe (at NY), Marcus Morris (vs. PHI)

Center
Bismack Biyombo, C, CHA ($4,500): Biyombo is a potential value play as he continues to fill in for the injured Al Jefferson. He's not a scorer by any means, but he'll flirt with a double-double and can potentially provide some defensive statistics to boost his DraftKings score.

Other suggestions: Andre Drummond (at NY), Tyson Chandler (at BOS)

INJURY REPORT

Out
DeMar DeRozan (groin)
Lance Stephenson (pelvis)
Alec Burks (shoulder)
Eric Gordon (shoulder)
LeBron James (knee, back)
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (calf)
Terrence Jones (leg)
Ersan Ilyasova (concussion)
Al Jefferson (groin)
Andrew Bogut (knee)

Game-Time Decision
Jerryd Bayless (knee) is day-to-day.
Bradley Beal (toe) is questionable.
Tim Hardaway (concussion) is questionable.
Kevin Love (back) could play Friday.
Zach Randolph (knee) is questionable.
Nene Hilario (ankle) is questionable.
Ed Davis (nose) will play with a mask Friday.
Marc Gasol (illness) is probable.
Larry Sanders (illness) should be considered questionable.

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire.