This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Orlando Magic at Miami Heat: While I don't necessarily recommend avoiding the Miami offense entirely, it's tough to trust anyone on this team outside of Dwyane Wade given the performance they've put forth of late. The Magic aren't exactly a good defensive club, but if you are going to roll with anybody outside of Wade (and perhaps the hot Luol Deng) on this Miami team, do so understanding there is a bit more risk until they put it back together on a consistent basis.
Offenses to Use
Utah Jazz at Los Angeles Clippers: The Clippers have been going through a funk lately, but they will get on track eventually, and I think it starts here, with a home game against the lowly Jazz. Utah has been pretty competitive this season, but still bad defensively, so there should be points to be had on the Clippers side of things with meaningful minutes throughout.
First game of a back-to-back:: Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz
Second game of a back-to-back: Houston Rockets
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Jarrett Jack, PG, BKN ($5,300): This is contingent on Jack continuing to rake in 30+ minutes per game, and it looks as if that should continue considering the production he is providing as the starting point guard. Deron Williams has come of the bench for the last two games, and if that continues, Jack's value should remain high. Jack has provided a cheap option that can put up 30+ DraftKings points, and gets to square off against a Kings team that is ranked in the bottom-third of the league against point guards.
Other suggestions: Chris Paul (vs. UTA), Derrick Rose (at IND)
Shooting Guard
Victor Oladipo, SG, ORL ($5,700): Oladipo has been a disappointing player on DraftKings this year, but has stabilized as a player that can provide somewhere between 20-30 DraftKings points per night. Against the Heat, who have struggled against shooting guards, he's worth a buy with a hope that he can crack the 30 DraftKings points mark and provide elite points per $K spent.
Other suggestions: Dwyane Wade (vs. ORL), Joe Johnson (vs. SAC)
Small Forward
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist ($4,800): Kidd-Gilchrist has come around since returning from injury to provide some solid lines for DraftKings users. With totals of over 20 DraftKings points in each of his last three games, and a matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks and their 30th ranked small forward defense, he's worth a roll of the dice on Monday.
Other suggestions: Gordon Hayward (at LAC), Trevor Ariza (vs. WAS)
Power Forward
Kris Humphries, PF, WAS ($4,000): Even though Humphries has returned to the bench, he's still getting minutes in the mid-to-high twenties. He's certainly a wild card against the Rockets, but if you don't want to spend the cap on a premier power forward or need a filler with upside, Humphries is a potential play even if he's primed to be a boom-or-bust candidate.
Other suggestions: Blake Griffin (vs. UTA), Pau Gasol (at IND)
Center
Nikola Vucevic, C, ORL ($9,000): The Heat have a tough time slowing down opposing bigs, and now they are dealing with injuries to a bunch of their frontcourt players. Vucevic is a double-double machine, and he's got a solid floor with a high ceiling in this contest, making him well worth the hefty price tag.
Other suggestions: DeAndre Jordan (vs. UTA), Joakim Noah (at IND)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Lance Stephenson (groin)
Alec Burks (shoulder)
Terrence Jones (leg)
Josh McRoberts (knee)
Ersan Ilyasova (concussion)
Aaron Gordon (foot)
Larry Sanders (illness)
Ian Mahinmi (foot)
Game-Time Decision
Kirk Hinrich (hamstring) is questionable.
C.J. Miles (illness) is questionable.
Chris Bosh (calf) is questionable.
Spencer Hawes (knee) is questionable.
