This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Los Angeles Lakers at San Antonio Spurs: The Lakers have made shifts in their starting lineup with the focus on improving their defense. The problem is, the two players ascending to the starting slots are Ronnie Price and Ed Davis; not the most exciting offensive options. The offense isn't as potent as it was prior to the move, so the prospect of a ton of points on the Lakers' side of things isn't great considering the opponent.
Offenses to Use
Detroit Pistons at Phoenix Suns: The Pistons are a terrible defensive team, and with their big-heavy roster, have trouble corralling perimeter threats. The Suns present something of a matchup nightmare as they boast some of the best guards in the game. This is a plus matchup for Phoenix, so there could be some extra value here.
First game of a back-to-back:: Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trail Blazers, Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons
Second game of a back-to-back: Cleveland Cavaliers, Oklahoma City Thunder
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Deron Williams, PG, BKN ($8,200): Williams has been the last man standing out of the star trio including Joe Johnson (illness) and Brook Lopez (back), and didn't benefit from the lack of help on the court over the last few games. While he's definitely not cheap, he provides potential value with his matchup, and he'll have extra help as Joe Johnson is expected to return. Williams dropped 48 DraftKings points on the 76ers in their last matchup.
Other suggestions: Mike Conley (vs. CHA), Michael Carter-Williams (at BKN)
Shooting Guard
Alec Burks, SG, UTA ($5,900): Burks is a player who doesn't explode for huge numbers, but can provide a solid total in the 20-30 DraftKings point range. He has a good matchup against a Heat team that hasn't been good against opposing backcourts, and at $5,600 he is not going to break your bankroll. I like Burks if you aren't targeting a top shooting guard.
Other suggestions: Eric Bledsoe (vs. DET), Victor Oladipo (at ATL)
Small Forward
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, SF, PHI ($4,400): This pick is one that comes at a potential value if you are looking for a cheap buy to fill out your roster. Mbah a Moute is playing significant minutes for the 76ers, and while he's never going to be a big scorer, he's doing some nice things for DraftKings users. He's hovering around 30 minutes recently, and contributing about 20 DraftKings points per game, which make him a potentially nice value at this price.
Other suggestions: Tobias Harris (at ATL), Paul Pierce (vs. LAC)
Power Forward
Amar'e Stoudemire, PF, NY ($5,900): Another potential value on Friday could be Stoudemire. He's been somewhat boom-or-bust this season, but he's put together some good games as of late (throw out that Spurs game), and could see a big share of the offense fall on his shoulders. He also has a fantastic matchup against the Boston Celtics.
Other suggestions: Tim Ducan (vs. LAL), Paul Millsap (vs. ORL)
Center
Andre Drummond, C, DET ($8,400): Drummond is supremely talented, but he's struggled mightily with foul trouble this season, making him a hard player to recommend in daily games. He might be worth a dice roll in this one though, as he faces a perimeter oriented team in the Suns. They provide little resistance on the boards, so we could be looking at a nice game from Drummond in this one.
Other suggestions: Marc Gasol (vs. CHA)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Ricky Rubio (ankle)
George Hill (quad)
Mo Williams (back)
DeMar DeRozan (groin)
Kevin Martin (wrist)
Eric Gordon (shoulder)
Aaron Gordon (foot)
Andrea Bargnani (calf/hamstring)
Joakim Noah (ankle)
Brook Lopez (back)
Nikola Pekovic (ankle)
Game-Time Decision
Tony Parker (hamstring) is considered probable.
Tony Wroten (knee) is questionable.
Isaiah Thomas (ankle) is questionable.
Greivis Vasquez (illness) should play Friday.
Joe Johnson (illness) is on track to play Friday.
J.R. Smith (heel) is questionable.
Iman Shumpert (finger) is questionable.
LeBron James (knee) did not play Thursday.
Carmelo Anthony (knee) is questionable.
Kawhi Leonard (hand) is questionable.
Wesley Johnson (illness) is questionable.
Shabazz Muhammad (ankle) should play Friday.
Pau Gasol (shoulder/chest) expects to play.
Mirza Teletovic (hip) practiced ahead of Friday's game.
Kevin Garnett (foot) had precautionary X-Rays taken Thursday and did not practice.
Josh McRoberts (knee) could play Friday.
Nikola Vucevic (back) could play Friday.
