This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Milwaukee Bucks at New York Knicks: Even if you're not sold on the Bucks defensively, you have to acknowledge that the Knicks sans Carmelo Anthony certainly are challengers for the worst offense in the league. Even with their superstar, it's difficult to trust anyone else but Anthony on this team right now. Because of that, it's best to avoid most Knicks until they gain a little traction offensively.
Offenses to Use
Toronto Raptors at Phoenix Suns: The Raptors just played in a high-scoring affair with the Warriors, and it's difficult to see this game being a defensive showdown. Both of these teams thrive in fast-paced games, so there should be a lot of points scored here, and both sets of players should be looked at when filling in the gaps in your daily lineups.
First game of a back-to-back: Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers
Second game of a back-to-back: Miami Heat
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Donald Sloan, PG, IND ($4,700): Sloan will, in all likelihood, get the start for the Pacers against the Lakers on Sunday. Earlier in the season, he provided excellent value while playing starters minutes, so I have no problem grabbing him at this low price. Monitor the health of C.J. Watson, but George Hill will miss this contest, paving the way for Sloan to play a nice share of minutes.
Other suggestions: Kyle Lowry (at PHX), Goran Dragic (vs. TOR)
Shooting Guard
J.R. Smith, SG, NY ($5,900): While I listed the Bucks defense as one to avoid, Smith is an exception to that because I expect his usage rate to be sky-high in this one. If Carmelo Anthony doesn't play, and the load falls squarely on Smith's shoulders, we could be looking at one of the better bargains of the day Sunday as he's coming off a 40.25 DraftKings point performance. Even if Tim Hardaway Jr. plays, he has not been shooting well enough to be a threat to J.R. Smith's usage.
Other suggestions: Joe Johnson (at MIA), Eric Bledsoe (vs. TOR)
Small Forward
Rudy Gay, SF, SAC ($8,600): Gay is sure to be a popular choice on Sunday, and for good reason. He's the safest bet of those likely to play, and the quality of the small forward position dips quite a bit after his name appears on the board. He's a good buy if you want a small forward with a nice floor, and he has a decent matchup that could provide elite numbers.
Other suggestions: C.J. Miles (at LAL), Khris Middleton (at NY)
Power Forward
Ed Davis, PF, LAL ($5,400): Davis is comfortable in the starting lineup and has been producing for owners that put him in their DraftKings lineup. Out of his last four games, he's topped 25 DraftKings points three times, and he's a threat to grab a double-double and swat a handful of shots each time out. He's a nice value at this price point.
Other suggestions: Greg Monroe (vs. SAC), David West (at LAL)
Center
Mason Plumlee, C, BKN ($7,700): The Heat have a tough time against opposing bigs, and they will now get to take on one of the hottest fantasy commodities of late. Plumlee has been a force, and his price has dropped below $8,000 once again. I have no problem spending the money on him, specifically with his matchup and hot streak in consideration.
Other suggestions: Zaza Pachulia (at NY)
INJURY REPORT
Out
DeMar DeRozan (groin)
George Hill (groin)
Iman Shumpert (shoulder)
Ersan Ilyasova (concussion)
Larry Sanders (personal)
LeBron James (knee)
Game-Time Decision
C.J. Watson (foot) is day-to-day.
Tim Hardaway (concussion) is probable.
Carmelo Anthony (knee) is doubtful.
Amar'e Stoudemire (knee) is questionable.
Andrea Bargnani (calf) is doubtful.
Samuel Dalembert (ankle) is questionable.
