This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Golden State Warriors at New Orleans Pelicans: The Warriors are an efficient and effective defense, and the Pelicans could be without Anthony Davis. Even if he plays, the team is entirely too dependent on him being an absolute force that it's hard to trust them against the best team in the NBA currently. This is a tough matchup for anybody right now.
Offenses to Use
Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves: The last time these two teams squared off it was a complete shootout, and while nothing is guaranteed, it's a good bet that there will be some value in this matchup. Kobe Bryant will be gunning as looks to pass Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list, and there should be a ton of points as these bad defenses take each other on.
First game of a back-to-back:: Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs
Second game of a back-to-back: Golden State Warriors
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Zach LaVine, PG, MIN ($5,300): LaVine torched the Lakers last time out, and presents a nice, high-upside option for those who aren't willing to spend on the premium options at point guard. He's been playing heavy minutes, and if that continues, there's little reason he won't make value here. Monitor Mo Williams' status in the minutes before tip, and if he's out, it's full go on LaVine.
Other suggestions: Russell Westbrook (vs. PHX), Derrick Rose (at MIA)
Shooting Guard
Klay Thompson, SG, GS ($7,200): Thompson has been priced in this range for the majority of the season, despite averaging 35.6 DraftKings points per game. He has an off night every now and again, but most nights, he's good for an excellent value. I will roll with him against a poor New Orleans defense.
Other suggestions: Kobe Bryant (at MIN), Jimmy Butler (at MIA)
Small Forward
Draymond Green, SF, GS ($6,400): Green has been on a tear lately, posting DraftKings points totals of 30, 37, 61.25, and 38 in his last four games. He's still priced as a mid-tier option, and even if he hits the low end of the numbers just mentioned, he's a good value. His matchup with the Pelicans is nice, and he should continue to see solid run as the Warriors keep churning out wins.
Other suggestions: Corey Brewer (vs. LAL), Wesley Johnson (at MIN)
Power Forward
Tim Duncan, PF, SA ($8,900): Duncan's productivity in this matchup will all hinge on how much he plays on the first night of a back-to-back. If he plays, Duncan is almost a must-start against the Nuggets' defense which is extremely generous for power forwards. Monitor his status leading up to tip-off, but if he plays, he's an excellent addition to any roster.
Other suggestions: Carlos Boozer (at MIN), Pau Gasol (at MIA)
Center
Chris Bosh, C, MIA ($8,100): When he's on, Bosh is one of the top centers in fantasy, and with Joakim Noah dealing with injuries, it may be tough for the Bulls to slow him down. At a mere $8,100, drafting Bosh nets a solid floor with a premium production ceiling. If you've got the extra cash, I don't mind spending it on Bosh here.
Other suggestions: Jordan Hill (at MIN)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Ricky Rubio (ankle)
DeMar DeRozan (groin)
Kevin Martin (wrist)
Eric Gordon (shoulder)
Randy Foye (quad)
Iman Shumpert (shoulder)
Danilo Gallinari (knee)
David Lee (hamstring)
Andrew Bogut (illness)
Nikola Pekovic (wrist/ankle)
Game-Time Decision
Mo Williams (back) is questionable.
J.R. Smith (foot) is day-to-day.
Kawhi Leonard (hand) is questionable.
Anthony Davis (chest) has been cleared, but is questionable.
Derrick Favors (ankle) is questionable.
Josh McRoberts (knee) is questionable.
Joakim Noah (ankle) is questionable.
