This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Orlando Magic at Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizzlies have been a top-ten team in terms of defensive rating over their last five games, and while the Magic have been more competitive than expected, they aren't a very explosive offensive team. Things will be hard for their stars in this one, and there typically isn't much value on the roster outside of them anyways.
Offenses to Use
Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Clippers: The Nuggets have been atrocious defensively, ranking last in the NBA over their last five games. On the other hand, the Clippers rank 2nd in the NBA in offensive rating over that same span. The bigs of the Clippers should also have success, as the Nuggets are one of the best matchups for opposing bigs this season.
First game of a back-to-back: Memphis Grizzlies
Second game of a back-to-back: Orlando Magic, New Orleans Pelicans, Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder, Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Langston Galloway, PG, NYK ($4,300): Galloway has been a great story for the Knicks, and an even better bargain on DraftKings, averaging 26.3 DraftKings points over his last five games. His salary is still low, and he's playing big minutes on a team that will look for him to contribute his fair share offensively. The Kings' defense is certainly not one to shy away from, and Galloway could take advantage even more so if Carmelo Anthony opts out of this game.
Other suggestions: Russell Westbrook (vs. MIN), Chris Paul (vs. DEN)
Shooting Guard
Eric Gordon, SG, NO ($5,700): Gordon is rolling since his return from injury, and the Pelicans will rely on him as a scorer to pair with Anthony Davis. He'll take on a Philadelphia team that is one of the best fantasy matchups, and at his mid-level price, he represents a good option for those looking for a potential bargain at the shooting guard position.
Other suggestions: Ben McLemore (at NY), Evan Turner (at UTA)
Small Forward
Jeff Green, SF, MEM ($5,000): When Green was dealt to the Grizzlies, it was expected he'd take a major hit in fantasy value. While he doesn't have as many shots to work with, he's been pretty good for Memphis, averaging 23.2 DraftKings points in his last six games. He's a good option against Orlando, which ranks 23rd against the small forward position.
Other suggestions: Rudy Gay (at NY), Kevin Durant (vs. MIN)
Power Forward
Blake Griffin, PF, LAC ($9,800): It's hard not to recommend Griffin as a fantasy option, given the success that bigs have had against the Nuggets this season. He should have the potential to post a big double-double, as well as a nice a scoring night given the Nuggets' recent defensive form.
Other suggestions: Derrick Favors (vs. BOS), Lance Thomas (vs. SAC)
Center
Omer Asik, C, NO ($4,400): Asik doesn't do much else besides rebound, but that's all he'll need to do against Philadelphia on Monday. Their frontcourt leaves much to be desired, and the big bodies they do have should be busy enough slowing down Anthony Davis so that Asik can take advantage of the 30th ranked center defense of the 76ers.
Other suggestions: DeAndre Jordan (vs. DEN)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Jrue Holiday (ankle)
Ricky Rubio (ankle)
Marcus Smart (personal)
Shabazz Muhammad (abdomen)
Kelly Olynyk (ankle)
JaVale McGee (leg)
Deron Williams (rib)
Robin Lopez (hand)
Game-Time Decision
Kevin Martin (wrist)
Ryan Anderson (ankle)
Jose Calderon (knee)
Carmelo Anthony (rest)
Nicolas Batum (wrist)
Amar'e Stoudemire (wrist/ankle)
