This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls: The Celtics have become too inconsistent from game to game since losing Rajon Rondo. They have switched their starting point guard three times in the last couple weeks, and each new point guard seems to fit better with one set of players than the other, but there also hasn't been enough of sample size to make draw tangible conclusions from. The Bulls defense ranks in the top 10 in the NBA in points allowed per 100 possessions, with more than 101. Using a disjointed group of Celtics against a staunch defense like the Bulls' is risky.
Offenses to Use
Memphis Grizzlies at Denver Nuggets: While the Grizzlies play with a fairly slow pace (93.7), they get a great matchup against a Nuggets team that plays a fast pace of 98.76 and allows just over 105 points per 100 possessions. Against the Nuggets, anyone on the Grizzlies could have a big game, but Marc Gasol should shine in particular.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Miami Heat
Second game of a back-to-back: Charlotte Hornets, Memphis Grizzlies, Utah Jazz, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets, Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
If you've never played on DraftKings before, we recommend reading our Daily Fantasy Basketball 101: How to Win on DraftKings strategy article. Want to play in a $50,000 daily NBA contest on DraftKings? Check it out here.
Point Guard
Derrick Rose, PG, CHI ($6,900): Rose costs just $6,900 on DraftKings, and he's going up against a Celtics team who gives up an average of 50 fantasy points per game to opposing point guards. This is a great spot to save some money while still getting a player who has a high ceiling around 40 fantasy points. Rose had 40.75 against the Nuggets on Thursday.
Other suggestions: Chris Paul (vs PHI), Kemba Walker (at ORL), Trey Burke (at MIN)
Shooting Guard
Wesley Matthews, SG, POR ($6,100): In his last four games, Matthews has topped 31.5 fantasy points, and against the Knicks last Sunday, he scored 45.5 fantasy. Matthews is going up against a Hawks team who allows 44.3 fantasy points per game to shooting guards, making him an even attractive option. There are some strong options on Saturday, but money can be saved with Matthews at the shooting guard slot.
Other suggestions: Jimmy Butler (vs. BOS), Jamal Crawford (vs PHI), Kyle Korver (at POR)
Small Forward
Gordon Hayward, SF, UTA ($8,100): It's time to spend a little bit more of that money, and we'll use it at the small forward position. Gordon Hayward is the most expensive small forward on Saturday, but it won't break the bank. Hayward gets a matchup against the Timberwolves, who give up the third-most fantasy points to opposing small forwards, with an average of 42.1 per game. He has also been incredibly consistent this year and has topped 34+ fantasy points in three of his previous four games. With Alec Burks (shoulder) out for the season and Rodney Hood (heel) out for the next couple weeks, the Jazz will need Hayward to pick up some of the scoring slack on the wing.
Other suggestions: Wilson Chandler (vs. MEM), Nicolas Batum (vs. ATL), Matt Barnes (vs. PHI)
Power Forward
Pau Gasol, PF, CHI ($9,200): Gasol's price is high because he's been playing incredibly well. In the Bulls' last game, he scored 51.75 fantasy against the Nuggets, because he went crazy on defense and blocked nine shots. He gets a great matchup against the Celtics, who give up an average of 49.4 fantasy points per game to opposing power forwards, and the biggest worry is a potential blowout that could leave Gasol on the bench late in the game.
Other suggestions: Blake Griffin (vs. PHI), Zach Randolph (at DEN, if he plays), Derrick Favors (at MIN), Robert Covington (at LAC)
Center
Marc Gasol, C, MEM ($9,700): Gasol No. 2 gets a great matchup against the Nuggets, and it's a good spot to use more salary. The Nuggets allow an average of 49.6 fantasy points per game to opposing centers, and Gasol has been on fire. To finish out the month of December, he topped 35 fantasy points in each of the final ten games of the month.
Other suggestions: DeAndre Jordan (vs. PHI), Joakim Noah (vs. BOS), Enes Kanter (at MIN)
INJURY REPORT
See our Injury Updates page for a full list of up-to-date injuries.
Out
Al Jefferson (groin)
Ricky Rubio (ankle)
Kevin Martin (wrist)
Lance Stephenson (pelvis)
Nikola Pekovic (ankle)
Josh McRoberts (knee)
Rodney Hood (heel)
Aaron Gordon (foot)
Terrence Jones (leg)
Alec Burks (shoulder)
Tony Parker (hamstring)
Kawhi Leonard (hand)
Danilo Gallinari (knee)
Randy Foye (quad)
JaVale McGee (leg)
Robin Lopez (hand)
Enes Kanter (ankle)
Game-Time Decision
Zach Randolph (knee)- questionable
Mike Dunleavy (ankle)- questionable
