This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Toronto Raptors at Brooklyn Nets: This is more on the offensive struggles of the Nets than the defensive prowess of the Raptors, but it's a rough matchup nonetheless. Over their last five games, the Nets are the fifth-worst offensive rated team in the NBA, and the Raptors have improved their rating steadily as of late. To construct a winning fantasy lineup, you must have faith in the players you are picking, and there's little to be found on the Brooklyn side of things right now.
Offenses to Use
Minnesota Timberwolves at Philadelphia 76ers: Targeting matchups with two really bad basketball teams can be extremely profitable for fantasy purposes. Here, the Timberwolves will have a variety of options to choose from at excellent prices, and most are set up to exceed their price point. The 76ers have some value on Friday as well, though the better targets would be the more talented Timberwolves that are available.
First game of a back-to-back: Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers, Portland Trail Blazers, Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns
Second game of a back-to-back: Chicago Bulls
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Mario Chalmers, PG, MIA ($4,800): Without Dwyane Wade, Chalmers becomes one of the top options in the Miami offensive hierarchy. Whether that is a good or bad thing in real basketball, it's typically gold on DraftKings, and he certainly could post a game significantly above his value given the potential increase in role.
Other suggestions: Kyrie Irving (vs. SAC), Kyle Lowry (at BKN)
Shooting Guard
Kevin Martin, SG, MIN ($4,600): Martin has finally made his return from injury, and he played 29 minutes in his first game. Assuming there are no setbacks, he looks primed to have a nice DraftKings performance against the 76ers after putting up 27.5 DraftKings points against Boston on Wednesday.
Other suggestions: Evan Turner (vs. HOU), J.R. Smith (vs. SAC)
Small Forward
Joe Ingles, SF, UTA ($4,100): Ingles has burst onto the fantasy scene as a multi-faceted playmaker for the Jazz. He's on a four-game streak of over 20 DraftKings points, posting production in a variety of categories in the process. He's certainly worth considering in an uninspiring pool of small forwards, despite the bad matchup against Golden State.
Other suggestions: Jerami Grant (vs. MIN), Rudy Gay (at CLE)
Power Forward
Thaddeus Young, PF, MIN ($6,600): Since being moved to small forward alongside a frontcourt of Gorgui Dieng and Nikola Pekovic, Young has played some of his best basketball of the season. He's averaging 34.1 DraftKings points over his last six games, including a 45.5 DraftKings points game at Atlanta.
Other suggestions: Pau Gasol (at PHX), LaMarcus Aldridge (at ATL)
Center
Gorgui Dieng, C, MIN ($7,000): Dieng's progress has certainly not been hampered by the return of Nikola Pekovic. The blossoming young center has grabbed at least 14 rebounds in three of four contests, and put up DraftKings points totals of 39.25, 38.5, and 42 in the process. He's primed to continue his success in an excellent matchup with the 76ers.
Other suggestions: DeMarcus Cousins (at CLE)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Jrue Holiday (leg)
Ricky Rubio (ankle)
Deron Williams (ribs)
Dwyane Wade (hamstring)
Luol Deng (calf)
Dwight Howard (knee)
Robin Lopez (hand)
Game-Time Decision
Mo Williams (personal)
J.J. Redick (back)
LeBron James (wrist) is doubtful.
Gordon Hayward (illness)
Mike Dunleavy (ankle)
Anthony Davis (groin)
