This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
San Antonio Spurs at Philadelphia 76ers: The Spurs are one of the best defensive teams in terms of rating (tied for 2nd overall in the league), whereas the 76ers are abysmal offensively. Outside of Michael Carter-Williams, it's hard to like any of the potential options on Philadelphia's side of things.
Offenses to Use
Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Clippers: The Clippers, run by point guard Chris Paul, are an elite-level offense that features a number of potentially valuable fantasy assets. The Timberwolves are paper-thin currently, and are not a particularly scary defensive team when they are fully healthy. Upgrade the value of your Clippers in this one.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Denver Nuggets
Second game of a back-to-back: San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
John Wall, PG, WAS ($9,900): In a very top heavy point guard class, I go with Wall as he gets a Heat team that has had some problems with point guards as of late. The middle-tier options in this player pool could bust easily with options like Tony Parker (injury) and Trey Burke (consistency). If you want a safe option, overpay for the top options, and I like Wall here.
Other suggestions: Michael Carter-Williams (vs. SA), Ty Lawson (at UTA)
Shooting Guard
Bradley Beal, SG, WAS ($5,700): An elite-level shooting guard when he's healthy, Beal is on the road back from a wrist injury that kept him out a good portion of the first month of the season. The Heat are ranked in the bottom third of the league in shooting guard defense, and his lower price makes Beal a nice option that could easily outperform his salary.
Other suggestions: Jamal Crawford (vs. MIN)
Small Forward
Corey Brewer, SF, MIN ($5,800): Brewer has actually been the primary beneficiary of Kevin Martin's absence with a wrist injury, and has become an interesting play that can contribute in multiple categories. His matchup isn't a can't-miss one, but should be a lower priced option that can get around 30 DraftKings points.
Other suggestions: Kawhi Leonard (at PHI), Gordon Hayward (vs. DEN)
Power Forward
Blake Griffin, PF, LAC ($9,800): It's always hard to get a great return on investment when you put your money in the top salaried player at the position, but Griffin has a great matchup and at the very least will provide a floor that is worth paying a premium for. With the other options rather uninspiring, Griffin gets the nod as one of the better, if not the best, buys on the day.
Other suggestions: Derrick Favors (vs. DEN), Boris Diaw (at PHI)
Center
Gorgui Dieng, C, MIN ($6,700): Dieng is a nice player for the Timberwolves, and he will get the start in the continued absence of Nikola Pekovic. He goes up against a Clippers frontline that gets a bit soft at times, so the potential for a double-double is certainly there, and Dieng has a knack for steals and blocks as well.
Other suggestions: Marcin Gortat (vs. MIA)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Ricky Rubio (ankle)
Kevin Martin (wrist)
Nikola Pekovic (wrist)
Tony Wroten (knee)
Randy Foye (quad)
Game-Time Decision
Nene (foot) has not played in three games, but is questionable for Monday.
Darrell Arthur (knee) is expected to play Monday.
Tiago Splitter (back) should be considered unlikely to play Monday.
JaVale McGee (leg) is on track to play on Monday.
