This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Toronto Raptors at Boston Celtics: The Raptors surge over the last month has been because of their defense; they're allowing just 94.1 points per game since sitting Rudy Gay (before trading him) on Dec. 8. But they've been even better of late, allowing less than 95 points in seven of their last eight games and are the second rated defense (94.3) in the month of January, behind only Indiana. Meanwhile, the Celtics have lost nine in a row and 12 of their last 13. They won't get Rajon Rondo back until the weekend at the earliest and have conversely been one of the worst offenses as of late (96.7 rating in January).
Offenses to Use
Utah Jazz at San Antonio Spurs: In terms of efficiency, it's the third-best offense in San Antonio (108.0) against the league's worst defense in Utah (107.9). So, it's a practical pick-your-poison when looking at any of the advanced metrics to defend this pick. Most telling, though, is Utah's biggest deficiency, their interior defense, which will play right into San Antonio's hands. The Spurs are top 3 in field goal percentage in both the restricted area and in the paint (non-restricted). Utah, meanwhile, is in the bottom third in both categories. Look for the Spurs to get plenty of easy looks from a wide variety of players.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Houston Rockets.
Second game of a back-to-back: Charlotte Bobcats, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
If you've never played on DraftKings.com before, we recommend reading our Daily Fantasy Basketball 101: How to Win on DraftKings strategy article.
Point Guard
Kemba Walker, CHA (at PHI), PG ($7,900): Yes, Walker is on the back end of a back-to-back, and yes, he might break your bank before you even assemble the rest of your lineup. But he's only the eighth-highest point guard in Wednesday's pool, and his value is actually a few hundred dollars lower than what it's been most of the year. But the real value here is because Walker and the Bobcats will take on a Sixers team that is particularly inept at defending anything. The Sixers are third in defensive efficiency and dead last in points allowed per game. That should be a good matchup for the do-it-all Walker who's really picked up his scoring lately.
Other suggestions: Brandon Knight, MIL (vs. MEM), PG/SG ($6,000), Jeremy Lin, HOU (at NOP), PG/SG ($5,900), Goran Dragic, PHO (vs. LAL), PG/SG ($7,700), Darren Collison, LAC (vs. DAL), PG ($5,700), Brian Roberts NOP (vs. HOU), PG/SG ($4,300), D.J. Augustin, CHI (at ORL), PG ($4,200)
Shooting Guard
Eric Gordon, NOP (vs. HOU), SG ($5,700): He was actually playing some of his best basketball of the season even before New Orleans lost guards Jrue Holiday (leg) and Tyreke Evans (ankle) last week. But with those two out (there's a chance Evans could return Wednesday) and forward Ryan Anderson (back) also out indefinitely, there are simply plenty of shots to go around for the Pelicans. As is, Gordon is averaging 19.4 points over his last five games, with his minutes and shot attempts noticeably up from season averages as well. No, he won't give you much else, but when you can reasonably expect 20 points from a guy below $6,000, that's a pretty good deal. He's also averaging nearly three points more per game while playing at home.
Other suggestions: Jamal Crawford, LAC (vs. DAL), PG/SG ($5,700), DeMar DeRozan, TOR (at BOS), SG/SF ($7,800), Kevin Martin, MIN (vs. SAC), SG/SF ($6,100), Dion Waiters, CLE (at POR), SG, ($5,200)
Small Forward
Chandler Parsons, HOU (at NOP), SF/PF ($6,000): Parsons' value is way down thanks to a knee injury that has sidelined him for most of the new year. But he looked fine Monday night against the Celtics, and he'll face a banged-up Pelicans team that is typically one of the worst defensive teams in the league (they might be better without the guys they're missing, though). In any event, Parsons is almost too good to pass up at this value, especially in a game where Houston should be able to score with relative ease.
Other suggestions: Gerald Henderson, CHA (at PHI), SG/SF ($5,900), Jeff Green, BOS (vs. TOR), SG/SF ($6,300), Kawhi Leonard, SAS (vs. UTA), SG/SF ($5,800), Trevor Ariza, WAS (vs. MIA), SG/SF ($5,800)
Power Forward
Chris Bosh, MIA (at WAS), PF/C ($6,100): This is more or less banking on Bosh breaking out of a fairly prolonged slump that might have some Heat fans a little worried. He's been particularly miserable lately, shooting just 45 percent (27-for-60) in January (which actually includes a 9-for-9 against Orlando) while averaging 12.5 points per game in six contests. But he had 24 points last time out against Washington, which offers a favorable matchup considering Bosh's ability to space the floor against the Wizards' slower bigs. It also led him to getting to the line a season-high eight times.
Other suggestions: Channing Frye, PHO (vs. LAL), PF/C ($5,000), Tobias Harris, ORL (vs. CHI), SF/PF ($5,600), Tim Duncan, SAS (vs. UTA), PF/C ($7,900), Patrick Patterson, TOR (at BOS), PF/C ($4,500), Blake Griffin (vs. LAC), PF/C ($9,500)
Center
Anderson Varejao, CLE (at POR), PF/C ($6,000): He's been absolutely cleaning up the glass lately, averaging a ridiculous 14.2 rebounds per game in January. But this isn't merely a coincidence; he's clearly been a more effective player without Andrew Bynum, and although his offensive potential is below average, he's a quality double-double candidate on a nightly basis. The matchup with Portland isn't necessarily ideal, primarily because the Blazers' rebounding rate ranks fifth in the league. But they're actually middle of the road on the defensive glass, which is where Varejao could do some damage.
Other suggestions: Al Jefferson, CHA (at PHI), PF/C ($7,600), Jonas Valanciunas, TOR (at BOS), C ($5,500), Enes Kanter, UTA (at SAS), C ($5,200)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Rajon Rondo (knee) could return Friday against the Lakers.
Devin Harris (toe) could return Saturday against Portland.
Danilo Gallinari (knee) is still without a timetable.
JaVale McGee (leg) is still without a timetable.
Jermaine O'Neal (wrist) should return before the end of the season, but no timetable has been set.
Omer Asik (thigh) could be returning soon, although no date has been set.
Patrick Beverley (hand) claims he'll be back early than anticipated but hasn't said when.
Chris Paul (shoulder) probably won't return until mid-February.
Steve Blake (elbow) is working out again but won't return for a few weeks still.
Kobe Bryant (knee) is expected to be back by the end of the month according to coach D'Antoni.
Jordan Farmar (hamstring) should be until early February at the earliest.
Xavier Henry (knee) didn't play Tuesday, and his status is unknown for Wednesday.
Steve Nash (back) is expected to be back by the end of the month according to coach D'Antoni.
Tony Allen (hand) is probably out for at least another week.
Marc Gasol (knee) should return to the court sometime over the next week.
Mario Chalmers (Achilles) could return Wednesday against the Wizards.
Dwyane Wade (soreness) should return to the lineup Wednesday after a few days off.
Ryan Anderson (back) should be out until mid-March at the earliest.
Tyreke Evans (ankle) missed Monday's game but could be back Wednesday against the Rockets.
Jrue Holiday (leg) is without a timetable.
Arron Afflalo (ankle) is no longer wearing a walking boot and could play Wednesday.
Nikola Vucevic (concussion) missed the last four games, but could return Wednesday.
Lavoy Allen (calf) did not practice Monday after being held out the past weekend.
Arnett Moultrie (ankle) has been cleared to play, but his return is unknown.
Eric Bledsoe (knee) should return at some point after the all-star break.
Danny Green (finger) should miss four weeks.
Tiago Splitter (shoulder) should miss another two weeks.
Game-Time Decision
Jeff Green (shoulder) was a full-participant in Tuesday's practice and should be good to go Wednesday.
Shawn Marion (shoulder) has missed four in a row but is expected to play Wednesday.
Dirk Nowitzki (arm) was banged up on Monday but said he expects to play Wednesday.
Darrell Arthur (groin) is out Wednesday.
Wilson Chandler (hip) was on a minutes restriction for Monday's game.
Pau Gasol (toe) played Tuesday and should be fine despite the back-to-back.
Nick Young (back), like Gasol, played Tuesday and should be fine despite the back end of a back-to-back.
Shane Battier (quad) practice Monday and expects to play Wednesday.
Leandro Barbosa (shoulder) could play Wednesday after a X-rays came back negative.
Tyler Hansbrough (ankle) missed his sixth consecutive game on Monday.
Gordon Hayward (hip) appears to be on track to play Wednesday.
