Daily Games Cheat Sheet: Monday

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Updated on December 8, 2014 4:05AM EST

TEAM ANALYSIS

Defenses to Avoid
Golden State Warriors at Minnesota Timberwolves: The Warriors are elite defensively, and the Timberwolves are banged up and missing many of their key guys. In the West, Golden State will need every win they can get, so it's unlikely that the Wolves will be able to sneak up on the Warriors. I am not actively seeking to add any Timberwolves into my DraftKings lineups.

Offenses to Use
Boston Celtics at Washington Wizards: These teams just played Sunday, and the Celtics took the victory in that contest 101-93. The second time around, I would expect the Wizards to take it to the defensively-challenged Celtics, with a much better offensive output for Washington. Whether it be post players or wings, everybody has a plus matchup in this one on the Wizards' side of things.

Also consider: Golden State Warriors offense at Minnesota Timberwolves

Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns
Second game of a back-to-back: Washington Wizards, Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks

DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Darren Collison, PG, SAC ($6,600): Monday's point guard pool is filled with pricey options; players that are the best in the game, and usually good buys regardless of matchup. However, if you are not looking to spend a huge chunk of change on a stud point guard, consider Collison. With DeMarcus Cousins out, he's assuming a bit more responsibility in the offense, and a game against the Jazz bodes well for his chances.

Other suggestions: John Wall (vs. BOS), Kyle Lowry (vs. DEN)

Shooting Guard
Klay Thompson, SG, GS ($7,100): This one is a no-brainer. Thompson is enjoying a career season, and he is matched up against a Timberwolves team that ranks dead-last against opposing shooting guards on DraftKings. On paper, the only thing that should stop Thompson is sitting on the bench via a Golden State romp, and he's a good bet to make value before that happens.

Other suggestions: Bradley Beal (vs. BOS), Rodney Stuckey (vs. ATL)

Small Forward
Rudy Gay, SF, SAC ($7,700): In the five games that Gay has played without DeMarcus Cousins, he's only had one dud, and he still scored 29.5 DraftKings points against Memphis in that one. He's contributing in basically every fantasy relevant category, and is the focal point of the Sacramento offense. At his price, he's an excellent play against the Jazz.

Other suggestions: Harrison Barnes (at MIN), Wilson Chandler (at TOR)

Power Forward
David West, PF, IND ($6,400): West has been working his way back into the swing of things following his ankle injury earlier this year. He hasn't put up a great performance yet this year, but has pretty solid (27.5 DraftKings points per game) and is now creeping into starter's minutes. Against a suspect Atlanta defense, West represents a low-risk play with a high floor for production.

Other suggestions: Kris Humphries (vs. BOS), Amir Johnson (vs. DEN)

Center
DeAndre Jordan, C, LAC ($7,700): Jordan represents the highest-priced option at center with DeMarcus Cousins out, but he should be worth the buy in this one. He'll take on a Phoenix team that is guard heavy, so he should have no problem gobbling up rebounds and swatting shots while he patrols the paint.

Other suggestions: Timofey Mozgov (at TOR), Andrew Bogut (at MIN), Roy Hibbert (vs. ATL)

INJURY REPORT

Out
Ricky Rubio (ankle)
George Hill (quad)
DeMar DeRozan (groin)
Alec Burks (shoulder)
Kevin Martin (wrist)
Randy Foye (quad)
Andrei Kirilenko (personal)
David Lee (hamstring)
DeMarcus Cousins (illness)
Nikola Pekovic (wrist)
Ian Mahinmi (foot)

Game-Time Decision
Mo Williams (back) is questionable to play versus Golden State.
Isaiah Thomas (ankle) continues to be questionable.
Jordan Farmar (back) should be considered questionable.

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire.