This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Golden State Warriors at Miami Heat: Over the last three games, the Warriors rank as a top-five defensive team, and they face the prospect of taking on a Heat team that has been banged up all season. If Dwyane Wade plays, it surely helps, but even then it's hard to love the matchup from a Miami perspective. This isn't to say that all Heat players are to be avoided; I just wouldn't pay a premium for them.
Offenses to Use
Atlanta Hawks at Washington Wizards: The Atlanta Hawks have been struggling on defense as of late, allowing 115.8 points per 100 possessions over their last three games. The Wizards aren't a dominant offensive team, but they are set up pretty well with the return of Bradley Beal, even if Nene is forced to miss the game. There should be little resistance in this one, so upgrade all of your Washington players.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards, Golden State Warriors, Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings, Denver Nuggets
Second game of a back-to-back: Chicago Bulls
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Jrue Holiday, PG, NO ($7,500): Holiday represents a nice value at a moderate price with a matchup against the point guard friendly Sacramento Kings. He's likely not a threat to absolutely go off, but he should net around his season average of 33 DraftKings points. With a crop of elite-priced point guards, there are higher upside options, but at this price Holiday can be a good buy.
Other suggestions: Jeff Teague (at WAS), John Wall (vs. ATL)
Shooting Guard
Klay Thompson, SG, GS ($7,100): Thompson remains an elite option at the shooting guard position, and he still can be had at a middle-of-the-road price. He will take on the Miami Heat who allow the fourth most points to his position over the last four games. Look for Thompson to make value with the potential for more as he takes advantage of a team allowing four three-pointers per game to shooting guards in their last four outings.
Other suggestions: Bradley Beal (vs. ATL), O.J. Mayo (vs. DET)
Small Forward
Josh Smith, SF, DET ($6,500): Smith has struggled with his shot this season, so he's likely not going off a for a fifty-point outing anytime soon, but the multi-category production he provides is excellent for DraftKings. With the ability to produce in at least five different areas of the box score, along with a nice matchup against the Bucks who are struggling defensively, make him a nice buy at this price.
Other suggestions: Wilson Chandler (vs. CHI), Rudy Gay (at NO)
Power Forward
Pau Gasol, PF, CHI ($7,200): The elder Gasol has been absolutely money this year on DraftKings, and you won't have to spend a huge wad of cash to get him as a centerpiece of your lineup. He returned to the Bulls on Monday, and looked good coming back to the lineup from his calf injury. He's got the potential to be an elite-level play against a questionable Denver defense.
Other suggestions: Kris Humphries (vs. ATL), Anthony Davis (vs. SAC)
Center
DeMarcus Cousins, C, SAC ($10,400): Cousins is on an absolute tear right now heading into a big individual matchup with Pelicans superstar Anthony Davis. At this point you can pencil in the Kings' big guy for a nightly double-double, and he's been fantastic scoring the ball lately, making him a threat to top his 46 DraftKings points average on any given night.
Other suggestions: Andre Drummond (at MIL)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Taj Gibson (ankle)
Eric Gordon (shoulder)
Jodie Meeks (back)
David Lee (hamstring)
Game-Time Decision
Brandon Jennings (thumb) is questionable to pay against the Bucks.
Brandon Knight (quad) is considered questionable for Tuesday.
Darren Collison (quadriceps) is questionable against the Pelicans.
Kirk Hinrich (ribs) did not play Monday, and is questionable at best for Tuesday.
Norris Cole (finger) is questionable against the Warriors.
Dwyane Wade (hamstring) is questionable against the Warriors.
Rudy Gay (Achilles) is questionable despite playing through his injury the past few games.
Nene Hilario (foot) is questionable against the Hawks.
Andrew Bogut (orbital contusion) is questionable to go against the Heat.
Omer Aski (back) is questionable after missing four straight contests.
JaVale McGee (leg) is questionable after undergoing an MRI on his tibia.
