This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Indiana Pacers at Miami Heat: Both of these teams are struggling offensively, and each rank in the bottom-five in offensive rating over their last five games. It doesn't look like it's going to get better anytime soon, as both teams are capable of playing solid defense. While players like Dwyane Wade and Roy Hibbert remain solid options, this projects to be a low scoring game, and limited for fantasy purposes.
Offenses to Use
Boston Celtics at Denver Nuggets: The Celtics have been bad on defense this year in general, and the Nuggets have plenty of players that can contribute offensively. Ty Lawson is an excellent play as far as studs go, and the bigs of Denver should be able to see a bump in production. Scorers like Aaron Afflalo and Wilson Chandler could be in line for some nice games as they take on a Boston team on the second night of a back-to-back.
First game of a back-to-back: New York Knicks, Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers
Second game of a back-to-back: San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Derrick Rose, PG, CHI ($7,300): Rose is playing his best basketball of the year, and despite playing on the second night of a back-to-back here, is a good play against the 29th ranked point guard defense of the Mavericks on Friday. Rose put up 36 DraftKings points against the Spurs on Thursday after averaging 42.1 DraftKings points in his previous five contests.
Other suggestions: Michael Carter-Williams (vs. TOR), Ty Lawson (vs. BOS)
Shooting Guard
Evan Turner, SG, BOS ($5,300): Turner is still a big part of the Celtics rotation, and a matchup with the Nuggets in what looks to be an offensive-oriented contest spells for good value. When he's hitting shots, Turner has the opportunity to put up triple-double numbers, and the Nuggets have been known to let players grab more than their fair share of rebounds this season.
Other suggestions: Eric Gordon (at MIN), J.R. Smith (vs. CHA)
Small Forward
Andrew Wiggins, SF, MIN ($7,000): Wiggins is emerging as a fantasy superstar, contributing in every category imaginable. He's cooled a bit since his career-best performance against Denver, but he'll take on a sub-par defense at home Friday, and is one of the lower priced small forwards with his categorical upside.
Other suggestions: Kawhi Leonard (vs. LAL), Carmelo Anthony (vs. ORL)
Power Forward
Patrick Patterson, PF, TOR ($3,800): Patterson is a bit of a risk due to his limited minutes, but he's posted 20+ DraftKings points in three straight and he gets a good matchup in the Philadelphia 76ers. He's a value play, as is teammate Amir Johnson, and should get enough run to warrant playing him despite his extremely low price tag.
Other suggestions: Nuggets PFs (vs. BOS), Anthony Davis (at MIN)
Center
Timofey Mozgov, C, CLE ($5,100): The Hornets are ranked fairly highly against centers, but Mozgov is finding his groove with his new team, and seems to be hitting his stride as a player. He's put up back-to-back games of over 35 DraftKings points, and his team is playing much better basketball than what we've seen from them thus far this season. If he can stay out of foul trouble, he should make value easily.
Other suggestions: Tyson Chandler (vs. CHI)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Marco Belinelli (groin)
LaMarcus Aldridge (thumb)
Robin Lopez (hand)
Jrue Holiday (ankle)
Ricky Rubio (ankle)
Kobe Bryant (shoulder)
Shabazz Muhammad (abdomen)
Terrence Jones (leg)
Game-Time Decision
Mike Dunleavy (ankle)
Joakim Noah (ankle) is doubtful.
Tony Wroten (knee)
George Hill (groin)
Ronnie Price (elbow) is probable.
Kevin Martin (wrist)
Nick Young (thumb) is probable.
Iman Shumpert (shoulder)
Luol Deng (illness) -Will play
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (knee)
Cleanthony Early (ankle)
Kenneth Faried (illness)
Nerlens Noel (illness)
Carlos Boozer (triceps) is probable.
Jonas Valanciunas (calf)
Hassan Whiteside (ankle)
Jusuf Nurkic (back)
JaVale McGee (leg)
