This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Orlando Magic at Chicago Bulls: Victor Oladipo is still out following face surgery. That's bad news for the Orlando Magic as they head into Chicago to face the Bulls and their fierce defense. While, statistically, the Bulls aren't lighting it up defensively, the Orlando Magic rank 24th overall in points per game this season. Downgrade Magic player values, as they are a young team playing against one of the Eastern Conference's best defensive centers (Joakim Noah) and lockdown wings (Jimmy Butler) on the road.
Offenses to Use
Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers: The Lakers are the worst defensive team in the NBA, and if you need proof, look no further than their league-worst 118 points per game allowed. The next closest team is the Boston Celtics, who allow 109 points per game. Things aren't getting easier with a visit from the Suns, who dropped 119 points on this team less than a week ago. Use the Phoenix Suns, and watch the points pile up.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, Washington Wizards, New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers
Second game of a back-to-back: Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, New Orleans Pelicans
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Goran Dragic, PG, PHX ($5,600): Dragic has underwhelmed for fantasy thus far, averaging less than 20 DraftKings points, but he is poised to take a step forward against a Lakers team that he had his best game of the season against with 28.75 DraftKings points last week. He has struggled shooting the ball and failed to make a three-pointer through his first three games, but the Lakers could prove to be the remedy for his offensive woes. At a $1,700 discount from his opening day price, Dragic is worth the gamble on a bounce-back performance.
Other suggestions: Kyrie Irving (at POR), Reggie Jackson (at TOR), Shane Larkin (vs. WAS)
Shooting Guard
Tyreke Evans, NO, SG ($7,300):Tyreke Evans faces a tough matchup on paper, going against a defensive-minded Charlotte Hornets squad where he will likely be squaring off against Lance Stephenson. However, you have to like the well-rounded boxscores that Evans has provided lately, grabbing stats in near-triple double fashion. His potential to contribute in all categories, and a relatively low price in comparison to the star-studded pool of two-guards, make Evans a worthy play for your lineups.
Other suggestions: Kobe Bryant (vs. PHX), Eric Bledsoe (at LAL), Jimmy Butler (vs. ORL)
Small Forward
Trevor Ariza, SF, HOU ($6,000):Trevor Ariza is a three-and-D player, and he fills a great role in the Rockets' offense. He also steps into a favorable matchup against the Heat despite the presence of Luol Deng, who is still finding his footing after being hampered by injury to start the season. The Heat are giving up 2.7 threes (7th worst in NBA) and 2.4 steals (5th worst in NBA) per game to small forwards, and that skill set is right up Ariza's alley. While there's some concern that he'll take a step back following his massive performance against Philadelphia, at this price he's worth it.
Other suggestions: Nicolas Batum (vs. CLE), Tobias Harris (at CHI), C.J. Miles (vs. MIL)
Power Forward
Pau Gasol, PF, CHI ($7,400): Gasol is due for a big game, not having surpassed 21 points scored in a Chicago Bulls uniform, and he might get his chance against the lowly Magic. The Magic allow the most DraftKings points to power forwards and will trot out some less than worthy opponents to challenge the veteran, including rookie Aaron Gordon. Gasol can contribute in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals and he has put up at least 35 DraftKings points in every game this year.
Other suggestions: Nene Hilario (at NY), LaMarcus Aldridge (vs. CLE), Ed Davis (vs. PHX)
Center
Roy Hibbert, C, IND ($6,900): Going up against the Bucks, Hibbert should have a great chance to post a double-double and contribute in blocks. Milwaukee allows opposing centers to average 20 points and 14 rebounds against them, which should bode well for Hibbert in this one. At a fairly cheap price, consider adding the Pacers' big guy to your lineups as a potentially big DraftKings value.
Other suggestions: Al Jefferson (at NO), Lavoy Allen (vs. MIL)
INJURY REPORT
Out
George Hill (knee)
Jose Calderon (calf)
Bradley Beal (wrist)
Andre Roberson (foot)
Victor Oladipo (face)
Nick Young (thumb)
Jeremy Lamb (back)
Anthony Morrow (knee)
David West (ankle)
Andrea Bargnani (hamstring)
Udonis Haslem (quad)
Game-Time Decision
Damian Lillard (abdomen) should play Tuesday versus Cleveland.
Derrick Rose (ankle) is questionable against Orlando.
Patrick Beverley (hamstring) will be a game-time call versus Miami.
Rodney Stuckey (foot) practiced, but is still questionable.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (chest) is questionable for Tuesday's contest.
P.J. Tucker (suspension) will be available against the Lakers.
Taj Gibson (ankle) should be good to go against the Magic.
Amir Johnson (ankle) is questionable against the Thunder.
Quincy Acy (wrist) is questionable against the Wizards.
Ryan Kelly (hamstring) may make his debut against Phoenix.
Kyle O'Quinn (ankle) is questionable to play against Chicago.
