This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
New Orleans Pelicans at Memphis Grizzlies: Playing at one of the slowest paces in the league (94.25 possessions per 48 minutes) and sporting one of the best defensive ratings in the league (91.5 points allowed per 100 possessions), the Memphis Grizzlies can really drain any extra fantasy value from your players. It's best to look elsewhere while filling out your daily lineups, especially when trying to find some hidden value here. Anthony Davis and other key contributors are still in play if you need them, but don't be surprised if they struggle to put together anything more than an average offensive game at the Grindhouse.
Offenses to Use
Boston Celtics at Dallas Mavericks: The Mavericks have the highest offensive rating in the NBA (118.8 points per 100 possessions) but play at one of the slowest paces in the league (93.02 possessions per 48 minutes). A couple things that make their matchup against the Celtics interesting are the fact that Boston plays at the second fastest pace in the league (102.77 possessions per 48 minutes), and Dallas has a fairly poor defensive rating (109.1 points per 100 possessions). If the Celtics can push the pace, we could be looking at a high scoring affair here. Don't be afraid to use the Mavericks players, or even the Celtics, when filling out your daily lineups.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, New Orleans Pelicans,
Second game of a back-to-back: Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings,
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Ty Lawson, PG, DEN ($7,000): After an abysmal performance in the opener against the Detroit Pistons (9.5 DraftKings points), Lawson had a bounce back game against the Oklahoma City Thunder (34 DraftKings points). While his salary hit at a modest $7,000 dollars, he is a good value against a Sacramento Kings team that has faced two good point guards already this year (Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, Chris Paul) and let up an average of 51 fantasy points per game. Even though point guards are shooting just 36 percent against Sacramento so far this season, Lawson has some high upside in this one.
Other suggestions: Rajon Rondo (at DAL), Trey Burke (at LAC), Isaiah Canaan (at PHI)
Shooting Guard
Monta Ellis, SG, DAL ($7,200): The Boston Celtics have allowed Joe Johnson and James Harden both to go off for some very good lines recently, and it's conceivable that Monta Ellis will do the same in what could be a fast paced game. Since dropping 41 DraftKings points against the Spurs on opening night, Ellis has seen his price drop $600, but he is poised to outperform that here. The Celtics allow the most fantasy points to shooting guards out of all teams in the league, making Ellis worth a buy at this low number.
Other suggestions: James Harden (at PHI), Gordon Hayward (at LAC), J.J. Redick (vs. UTA)
Small Forward
Jeff Green, SF, BOS ($5,900): Playing at one of the highest paces in the game as a member on the Boston Celtics, and being one of the primary scorers for that same club, give Jeff Green a high ceiling as a fantasy prospect. He faces a Dallas Mavericks defense that, as noted, has a poor defensive rating, and he should be primed to outplay his sub-$6,000 price tag here. The Mavericks have allowed both Gordon Hayward and Tyreke Evans to post big fantasy games recently, and Green is more than capable of following in their footsteps.
Other suggestions: Joe Johnson (vs. OKC), Chandler Parsons (vs. BOS), Perry Jones III (at BKN)
Power Forward
Zach Randolph, PF, MEM ($7,500): In three games this season, Zach Randolph has failed to post a double-double. He will get a tough challenge in this one as the Grizzlies take on the top rebounding team in the league, the New Orleans Pelicans, but you have to love the potential for a scoring outburst here; the Pelicans give up the fourth-most points per game to power forwards. With potential for elite production, at a not-so-elite price, Randolph is worth a look.
Other suggestions: Dirk Nowitzki (vs. BOS), Jared Sullinger (at DAL), Anthony Davis (at MEM)
Center
Dwight Howard, C, HOU ($8,500): The Philadelphia 76ers are one of the worst teams in basketball, and that includes their interior defense. Howard has got to be licking his chops heading into this matchup against a team that allows opposing centers to drop the most fantasy points in basketball per game. The only concern with this one is that it's a blowout early, leading to less playing time for the big fella who is dealing with a minor knee issue. I'll bank on Howard playing, and making an impact before that happens.
Other suggestions: DeMarcus Cousins (at DEN), Brook Lopez (at OKC)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Michael Carter-Williams (shoulder)
Raymond Felton (suspension, ankle)
Courtney Lee (concussion)
Anthony Morrow (knee)
Game-Time Decision
Reggie Jackson (ankle) will be a game-time decision after not playing on Saturday.
Patrick Beverley (hamstring) practiced on Sunday.
Jamal Crawford (ribs) is dealing with a minor injury and was kept out on Sunday.
Jeremy Lamb (back) did not play Saturday and is questionable for Monday.
Luc Richard Mbah A Moute (face) will probably play on Monday.
Dwight Howard (knee) did not practice on Sunday and is a game-time call for Monday.
Brook Lopez (foot) is probable for Monday's contest.
