This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defense To Avoid:
Boston Celtics vs. Brooklyn Nets. The Celtics were an above-average defense last season, particularly at home, where they gave up a full four points per game less (100.5) than on the road (104.5). They face what is likely to be the most offensively-challenged squad on Wednesday's slate, as only Jeremy Lin and Brook Lopez shape up as consistent, reliable scoring options in the Nets' starting five to begin the season. Brooklyn had the fifth-lowest scoring average (98.6) last season, and the loss of Thaddeus Young leaves them without even less offensive firepower than they already had.
Offenses To Use:
Phoenix Suns vs. Sacramento Kings: There are several games that could be high-scoring affairs on Wednesday's slate and the Suns and Kings certainly figure to be one of those. Phoenix has its impressive backcourt trio of Eric Bledsoe, Devin Booker and Brandon Knight healthy and ready to roll, while T.J. Warren has also looked impressive during preseason at small forward. Jared Dudley brings some floor-stretching ability down low, and the duo of Tyson Chandler and Alex Len should hold the five down capably. The Kings gave up the most points per game (109.1) last season, and although new coach Dave Joerger brings an impressive defensive resume from Memphis, Sacramento's personnel hasn't changed sufficiently from last season to inspire confidence that improvement is imminent.
Oklahoma City Thunder at Philadelphia 76ers: The Thunder don't appear to have a lot going offensively to start the season outside of Russell Westbrook and Victor Oladipo, but those are two highly explosive weapons. The Sixers were right behind the Kings last season in points given up (107.6) per night and check in Wednesday depleted by injury to boot. While the Thunder may not have the overall firepower of seasons past with Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka elsewhere, they should have more than enough to light up the scoreboard against Philadelphia.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Celtics, Kings
Second game of a back-to-back: None
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Guards
Premium
Russell Westbrook OKC at PHI ($11,500): As if his usage wasn't high enough last season, Westbrook now begins life without Kevin Durant, which could propel him to even loftier heights in terms of fantasy production. He'll have backcourt mate Victor Oladipo (and not much else) to help ease some of the burden off him and keep defenses honest to an extent, but against a Sixers squad that will utilize the likes of journeyman Sergio Rodriguez to try and contain him Wednesday, Westbrook should be in vintage form.
Mid-Tier
Isaiah Thomas BOS vs. BKN ($7,500): Thomas will draw the questionable defense of Jeremy Lin to kick off the new campaign, making him a solid value play at his price. He thrived against the Nets last season, averaging 37.5 fantasy points and 22.0 actual points over 31.3 minutes across four games. With primary backup Marcus Smart (ankle) out for Wednesday's game, Thomas should see more than enough minutes to provide a nice return.
Affordable
Eric GordonHOU at LAL ($5,000): The talented, high-upside Gordon steps into the Rockets backcourt alongside James Harden, who he worked well with during preseason. Gordon can be a bit streaky with his shot at times but offers a considerable ceiling and draws a premium matchup to kick things off in the Lakers, who gave up an NBA-worst 45.1 fantasy points per game to opposing two-guards last season. In what should be an up-tempo contest, Gordon is priced to move at just $5K, even with Patrick Beverley out of the lineup.
Forwards
Premium
Anthony Davis NO vs. DEN ($10,100): Although Davis surprised exactly no one by running into some injury issues during preseason, he played a whopping 37 minutes in the exhibition finale last Friday, amassing 33 points and 13 boards. That should put to rest any concerns about his viability in a plus matchup against a Nuggets squad that gave up the most fantasy points (50.7) to power forwards last season. While Nikola Jokic may help to stem some of that vulnerability this season, Davis is a transcendent talent when he's on.
Mid-Tier
Danilo Gallinari DEN at NO ($6,200): On the other side of what should be fantasy-prolific matchup between the Nuggets and Pels is Gallinari, who is underpriced for the ceiling he offers. He looked sharp in the preseason tilts that he did play in and faces a Pelicans defense that ranked in the bottom 10 in fantasy points (41.6) and field-goal percentage (44.8) allowed to small forwards last season. Gallinari should have more than enough opportunity to provide a solid return at his price point while matching up with the likes of Solomon Hill in what should be a fast-paced game.
Affordable
Jared Dudley, PHO vs. SAC ($3,800): Dudley's price is an eye-opener given his starting spot. While we have to be a bit wary of foul trouble for any player projected to spend plenty of time against DeMarcus Cousins, there's not a lot at risk here price-wise. The veteran big man can also stretch the floor, helping him to potentially get off Cousins from time to time. Dudley flashed a 25-to-35 fantasy point ceiling in the final three games of last season, which would be an outstanding return on his sub-$4k price. The Kings' 49.1 percent field-goal percentage allowed to opposing fours last season, which ranked third-highest in the league, furthers Dudley's case as well.
Centers
Premium
DeMarcus Cousins SAC at PHO ($10,100): Cousins has dual position eligibility at center and shapes up as a highly appealing option against Dudley, who, like most anyone else that gets put in Cousins' way, won't be able to contain him. The big man looked refreshed and primed for another big year during preseason, and appears to be at peace while playing under new head coach Dave Joerger. Feel confident slotting him in if you have the cash to spend for what should be a stellar opening performance.
Mid-Tier
Brook Lopez BKN at BOS ($7,400): There's not much left in terms of offensive options on the decimated Nets besides Lopez and Jeremy Lin, meaning the big man should be in line for even more usage that in previous seasons. Lopez took it to the Celtics last season, averaging 35.7 fantasy points along with 21.5 fantasy points and 8.8 rebounds across 34.1 minutes over four games. He'll face off against Amir Johnson, who was a component of a defense that gave up 50.5 fantasy points per game to the center position in 2015-16.
Affordable
Alex Len SAC at PHO ($4,900): Len is technically the backup to Tyson Chandler, but figures to see nearly a starter's load of minutes behind the veteran. Len has demonstrated near 50-fantasy point upside and can dominate on the boards, making him a very viable value option against a Kings squad that ranked in the bottom 10 in both fantasy points (49.3) and rebounds (15.4) allowed to opposing fives last season.
INJURY REPORT
For the latest news on injured players heading into the games, check out our Injury Updates page.
