This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Miami Heat at Boston Celtics: With a mere two games on the schedule, it's not advisable to avoid any one team, as you're eliminating 25 percent of the player pool by doing so. However, it's worth noting that the Heat have a top-five rated defense over their last five games and are playing at an extremely slow pace this season. There will be value somewhere on the Celtics, but even without Dwyane Wade, the Heat will put up a defensive fight.
Offenses to Use
Los Angeles Lakers at New York Knicks: The Knicks have been playing better as of late, and the Lakers represent one of the most fantasy-friendly defenses in the game. The Knicks have a ton of players that could be useful at cheap prices, and boast one of the few elite options on the board if Carmelo Anthony gives it a go.
First game of a back-to-back: None
Second game of a back-to-back: None
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Langston Galloway, PG, NY ($5,500): The point guard position is particularly dreadful on Sunday, and Galloway has the easiest matchup of anyone on the board. He'll get a dose of either Jordan Clarkson or Wayne Ellington from the jump, which shouldn't impede him from putting up good enough stats to be worth a buy.
Other suggestions: Jordan Clarkson (at NYK), Jose Calderon (vs. LAL)
Shooting Guard
James Ennis, SG, ($3,300): With Dwyane Wade out, Ennis has the chance to see some increased minutes on the court, giving him flier status here. He played 32 minutes against Dallas, ending with 21.5 DraftKings points. Anything close to that would be a boon considering his dirt-cheap price point.
Other suggestions: Tim Hardaway Jr. (at LAL), Evan Turner (vs. MIA)
Small Forward
Tayshaun Prince, SF, BOS ($3,900): If you decide against Carmelo Anthony on Sunday, the options at small forward become a grab bag of uncertainty. The one option that has been fairly consistent as of late is Prince, who has posted at least 20 DraftKings points in his last three games. There is still risk in this pick, but if you don't want Melo, this is probably the way to go.
Other suggestions: Carmelo Anthony (vs. LAL)
Power Forward
Jason Smith, PF, NY ($4,900): Any of the trio of Smith, Lance Thomas, and Lou Amundson make for decent plays on Sunday, but Smith has been getting the most consistent minutes as of late. Over his last five games, Smith has averaged 27.5 DraftKings points which would be an excellent number given his valuation.
Other suggestions: Lou Amundson (vs. LAL), Lance Thomas (vs. LAL)
Center
Hassan Whiteside, C, MIA ($8,100): Whiteside has been nothing short of phenomenal during his breakout season, and is averaging 40.7 DraftKings points over his last four games. He's worth a buy until he slows down, especially against a Boston frontcourt that should have trouble containing him.
Other suggestions: Chris Bosh (at BOS), Jordan Hill (at NY)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Dwyane Wade (hamstring)
Amar'e Stoudemire (ankle)
Andrea Bargnani (ankle)
Game-Time Decision
Nick Young (ankle)
Luol Deng (calf)
Cole Aldrich (leg)
Kelly Olynyk (ankle)
