This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Charlotte Hornets at New York Knicks: Considering the team is battling injuries at the moment, many wouldn't even think about Charlotte as an imposing defense right now. However, Charlotte has actually had the second best defensive efficiency through the month of January. Also helping the Hornets is that New York has had the fourth worst offensive efficiency during that same span, while they too deal with injuries and try to find an identity almost three months into the season. There are few Knicks worth considering in fantasy.
Offenses to Use
Memphis Grizzlies at Philadelphia 76ers: Expect Memphis to out-muscle Philadelphia, who has the 12th worst defensive efficiency in the month of January, while Mike Conley should continue to impress against Michael Carter-Williams. Philadelphia is simply too inexperienced to impose their will on an offense as polished as the Grizzlies', making Memphis a strong play on Saturday.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, Washington Wizards
Second game of a back-to-back: Philadelphia 76ers, Charlotte Hornets, New York Knicks
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Langston Galloway, NYK ($4,100): Galloway has been the most recent surprise of this season, as he's already a starter for the Knicks and is playing very efficiently. He's had three impressive games in a row and has racked up DraftKings points, yet he still has the price tag of a bench player. Galloway is playing big minutes and making the most of them, while his addition will allow you to spend more at other positions, making him a top value.
Other suggestions: Damian Lillard (vs. WAS), Mike Conley (vs. PHI)
Shooting Guard
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL, ($5,300): On a night where many of the top shooting guards find themselves in bad matchups, Giannis is one of the few options who have a good matchup at a low price. The great thing about alphabet is the fact that he can contribute across the board, giving him the potential to put up huge numbers in different ways. Giannis is coming off of three solid games, averaging 28 points, while he has a great opportunity to make it four in a row on Saturday.
Other suggestions: O.J. Mayo (vs. DET), Jodie Meeks (at MIL)
Small Forward
Gordon Hayward, UTA, ($7,800): Saturday doesn't see too many good options at small forward at a good price. Given this, small forward is probably the position where you want to invest more. Gordon Hayward finds himself playing against Brooklyn, who I already described is going to have a hard time with a thin lineup. He's also coming off of a 42.5 performance in Milwaukee and gets to attempt an encore in front of a home audience, while doing the same for your lineup.
Other suggestions: Paul Pierce (at POR), Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (vs. NYK)
Power Forward
Zach Randolph, MEM, ($8,000): As mentioned earlier, this is the place to invest heavy for lineups on Saturday. Nerlens Noel is likely to have his hands full with Marc Gasol, leaving Luc Richard Mbah a Moute to go against Z-Bo. Randolph has been averaging 41.15 over the last five games and can easily build upon that on Saturday. The only thing to worry about in this game is whether Memphis goes up by enough points where they pull their star players. However, even if that's the case, Randolph should do enough damage to earn the price in your lineup.
Other suggestions: Nene Hilario (at POR), Thomas Robinson (vs WAS)
Center
Marcin Gortat, WAS, ($5,500): Gortat's matchup may not register in DraftKings as a highlight play, but the truth is that he has a golden opportunity in front of him. With the recent news that LaMarcus Aldridge is out with a thumb injury, heading to the sidelines with Robin Lopez, Gortat suddenly becomes the best frontcourt player in this matchup. Portland was coming into this game allowing the third most rebounds to opposing defenses, and with both their starting big men out of this game, they're going to have a harder time doing so on Saturday. The affordable price tag simply makes Gortat a value that's hard to pass on.
Other suggestions: Marc Gasol (vs. PHI), Enes Kanter (vs BKN)
INJURY REPORT
Out
LaMarcus Aldridge (thumb)
Deron Williams (ribs)
Tony Wroten (knee)
Game-Time Decision
Derrick Favors (personal)
Nicolas Batum (wrist)
Jose Calderon (knee)
