This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Minnesota Timberwolves at Washington Wizards: The Timberwolves have a plethora of injuries, and the Wizards are a very good defense when they need to be. While Zach Lavine and company have provided some decent value as of late, I would look to avoid this ragtag group in lineups Tuesday, as the Wizards will take every win they can get against the superior Western Conference.
Offenses to Use
Oklahoma City Thunder at Sacramento Kings: Without star center DeMarcus Cousins, the Sacramento Kings are certainly vulnerable. The Thunder should be able to take advantage of this, finally at full health on the season. Upgrade the Thunder players Tuesday, as they take on a battered team that is breaking in a new head coach.
First game of a back-to-back:: Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks
Second game of a back-to-back: None
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Deron Williams, PG, BKN ($7,900): After a few disappointing games as the last man standing due to injury, Williams finally got back on the board with a good game versus the Hornets. Expect that success to continue on versus Miami, as they have struggled against point guards this season. At this price, Williams boasts high upside, with a nice floor for production.
Other suggestions: Russell Westbrook (at SAC), Jose Calderon (vs. DAL)
Shooting Guard
Bradley Beal, SG, WAS ($6,000):Bradley Beal is an elite-level NBA shooting guard, so getting him against any opponent at the price tag he's been going at is potentially a steal. Getting Beal against the Timberwolves, who are terrible against shooting guards, is absolutely a bonus so I have no problem grabbing him here.
Other suggestions: Joe Johnson (vs. MIA), Tim Hardaway Jr. (vs. DAL)
Small Forward
Gordon Hayward, SF, UTA ($7,300): New Orleans is simply not a good defense, giving Hayward an extremely high floor as a pick for Tuesday's NBA contests. Hayward is typically a good pick, giving owners a little bit in every DraftKings category that counts for points, and at a fairly low price, he's worth a dice roll here
Other suggestions: Paul Pierce (vs. MIN), Shabazz Muhammad (at WAS)
Power Forward
Serge Ibaka, PF, OKC ($6,600): Ibaka has underwhelmed as of late, despite the Oklahoma City Thunder's collective success. He's a good talent, and has a good shot to get going against a fairly weak Sacramento frontline, as you count on him to get boards and blocks against a bad team here.
Other suggestions: Ryan Anderson (vs. UTA), Kris Humphries (vs. MIN)
Center
Mason Plumlee, C, BKN ($5,400): Plumlee has filled in nicely for the injured Brook Lopez, and has strung together a nice line of games for DraftKings purposes. Against the Heat, who struggle against opposing centers and should be missing Chris Bosh, Plumlee could have his best game yet, and at this price, it's worth a risk.
Other suggestions: Tyson Chandler (at NY)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Ricky Rubio (ankle)
Kevin Martin (wrist)
Eric Gordon (shoulder)
Iman Shumpert (shoulder)
David Lee (hamstring)
Brook Lopez (back)
Andrew Bogut (knee)
Nikola Pekovic (wrist)
Game-Time Decision
Mo Williams (back) is questionable.
Dwyane Wade (illness) is questionable.
J.R. Smith (heel) did not practice Monday.
Chandler Parson (back) is a true game-time decision.
Harrison Barnes (nose) is questionable.
Anthony Davis (chest) is questionable.
Derrick Favors (ankle) is questionable.
Mirza Teletovic (hip) is questionable.
Kevin Garnett (foot) is questionable.
