This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Philadelphia 76ers at Brooklyn Nets: As anemic as the Brooklyn offense has been over their last five games, their defense has been good enough for seventh best in the league under the defensive efficiency metric. The 76ers sport a mark of 89 points per 100 possessions, which is abysmal, and with the Nets being a fairly bad offensive team themselves, expect this to be a low-scoring affair.
Offenses to Use
Cleveland Cavaliers at Golden State Warriors: The Warriors run an unbelievably efficient offense (1st in the league over their last five games), and are taking on a Cavaliers team that is integrating new pieces into their system. Even with their new addition, Timofey Mozgov, there is not enough rim protection to stop the Warriors, let alone enough help on the wing to stop an impending three-point onslaught.
First game of a back-to-back: Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, Utah Jazz, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, Orlando Magic
Second game of a back-to-back: None
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Jarrett Jack, PG, BKN ($6,400): A date with Philadelphia is always great as a boost to your fantasy value, and Jack's is only amplified by the news that Deron Williams will be out for awhile with injury. Jack isn't a spectacular player, but he can contribute some nice DraftKings performances when he's given the minutes. We're looking for about 30-32 DraftKings points from Jack with this pick, and he stands a great chance to achieve that versus an inferior opponent.
Other suggestions: Kyrie Irving (at GS), Elfrid Payton (at LAL)
Shooting Guard
Klay Thompson, SG, GS ($7,100): Thompson is always a player that can post solid totals, but a 19 minute, 26.75 DraftKings performance has contributed to his salary falling to low the $7,000s mark. He showed what he can do when he plays his regular minutes load versus Indiana (54 DraftKings points), and he should have no problem getting 30+ DraftKings points against Cleveland if he's afforded his normal share of minutes.
Other suggestions: Kyle Korver (at DET), Joe Johnson (vs. PHI)
Small Forward
Andrew Wiggins, SF, MIN ($6,600): Milwaukee is a sneaky good defensive team, but Wiggins has been playing well enough to earn a nod at this slot regardless. The rookie has posted at least 30 DraftKings points in his last five contests, and if he can get back there again, he'll be a fair buy for DraftKings users. While he's found his scoring touch for the struggling Wolves, he can also contribute through steals and boards, giving more confidence that he can put up DraftKings points if his shot isn't falling.
Other suggestions: Draymond Green (vs. CLE), Khris Middleton (vs. MIN)
Power Forward
Greg Monroe, PF, DET ($7,500): Monroe's elite fantasy potential has been unlocked in his past two contests, and he's worth a buy while his salary is still in this range. While the Hawks defense has been one of the most efficient in the league during their ascent atop the standings, they still have little rim protection to speak of. Monroe, along with Andre Drummond, should be able to challenge the Hawks inside and potentially have nice nights on DraftKings.
Other suggestions: Kevin Garnett (vs. PHI), Ryan Anderson (vs. MEM)
Center
DeMarcus Cousins, C, SAC ($10,500): Cousins is an absolute monster, both on the real court and DraftKings, and he'll get a chance to rip into a soft Denver defense on Friday. The Nuggets just traded Timofey Mozgov and will be without JaVale McGee in the game, so Cousins will only have to go through rookie Jusuf Nurkic to have a huge fantasy night.
Other suggestions: Nikola Vucevic (at LAL)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Ricky Rubio (ankle)
Deron Williams (rib)
George Hill (groin)
Kevin Martin (wrist)
Randy Foye (quad)
Iman Shumpert (shoulder)
LeBron James (knee, back)
Kawhi Leonard (hand)
Danilo Gallinari (knee)
Hollis Thompson (illness)
Aaron Gordon (foot)
Ersan Ilyasova (concussion)
Nikola Pekovic (wrist)
Larry Sanders (personal)
Game-Time Decision
Tony Parker (hamstring) is questionable.
Mo Williams (ankle) is questionable.
Ronnie Price (nose) is expected to play.
Rodney Stuckey (groin) is questionable.
Nick Young (knee) is questionable.
Mike Dunleavy (ankle) is questionable.
Wesley Johnson (hip) is questionable.
Zach Randolph (knee) is questionable.
Enes Kanter (ankle) is doubtful.
Roy Hibbert (ankle) is questionable.
