This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Defense to Avoid
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers
The Cavs and Pistons were the two leading candidates here, as both are among the top-5 stingiest defenses as far as points allowed per 100 possessions and both are among the top-10 slowest paced teams in the league. The Cavaliers are the choice because of their opponents, and also because they're playing at home. The Pistons are playing on the road against the Trail Blazers, who are one of the best offenses in the league and also play from the outside-in which works counter to the strength of the Pistons' defense, which is Andre Drummond's rim protection. The Pacers, on the other hand, are a poor offense anyway which is directly countered by the strengths of the Cavs' defense (LeBron James at forward, and big men clogging the paint). As such, I'd avoid them against the Cavs.
Offenses to Use
New York Knicks vs. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers and Pelicans are the top options for the "start players against this defense" right now. Since the Pelicans don't play Sunday, that makes the offense to use an easy one. The Lakers play poor per-possession defense, they play at a fast pace, they have no rim protection and their perimeter players don't play tough defense. There's really no aspect of the game where they limit their opposition, so the Knicks should have plenty of production at home Sunday.
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First game: Pistons, Pacers, Trail Blazers
Second game: None
Point Guard
Jordan Clarkson at NY ($5,700): Clarkson has been up-and-down this season, but Sunday looks like a positive situation. Outside of 17.5 fantasy points against the Mavericks last Sunday, Clarkson has averaged almost 33 FPts per game in his three previous games. That would be excellent value for his lower price tag. Plus, he will be facing a Knicks defense that is 22nd in the NBA in fantasy points allowed to point guards.
Other suggestions:Louis Williams at NY ($5,000); Brandon Knight at OKC ($7,300)
Shooting Guard
Eric Bledsoe at OKC ($7,800): Bledsoe is averaging 44.3 FPts per game over his last four outings, and the Thunder are dead last in the NBA in fantasy points allowed to opposing shooting guards. Bledsoe also had a memorable duel with Russell Westbrook last season when Westbrook went for 39 points, 14 boards, 11 assists and three blocks while Bledsoe countered with 28 points, 13 boards, nine assists, four blocks and a steal to lead the Suns to victory. There is always the chance that these two super-freak athletes decide to go at it again on Sunday.
suggestions:C.J. McCollum vs DET ($6,400); Kentavious Caldwell-Pope at POR ($5,000)
Small Forward
Carmelo Anthony vs LAL ($8,400): As mentioned above, the Lakers are a matchup to treasure. Anthony is out-priced by Kevin Durant, LeBron James (who is struggling with a thigh injury) and Paul George (who will have to deal with LeBron, assuming he plays). Anthony could very easily end up as the leading fantasy producer Sunday at home against a terrible defense that also features a marquee name in Kobe Bryant who could conceivably be playing his last game at Madison Square Garden.
Other suggestions:Marcus Morris at POR ($6,200); Al-Farouq Aminu vs DET ($6,100)
Power Forward
Julius Randle at NY ($6,700): The Knicks are dead last in the NBA in fantasy points allowed to opposing power forwards. Meanwhile, Randle has been strong in every game this season except for one. Outside of the Sacramento game when he was in foul trouble, Randle has averaged 16.8 points, 9.5 boards, 2.8 assists and 2.3 combined steals/blocks per game in his other four outings.
Other suggestions:Kristaps Porzingis vs LAL ($5,600); Chris Bosh vs TOR ($7,000)
Center
Enes Kanter vs PHO ($5,300):Andre Drummond is the obvious name on the board at center. He may be the highest price, but he's also averaging 15 more FPts than any other center and has a good matchup against a Trail Blazers defense that is 19th in fantasy points allowed to opposing centers. That said, Kanter also has a good matchup, as the Suns are 21st in fantasy points allowed to opposing centers, and Steven Adams is questionable for Sunday's game with an injury. If Adams doesn't go, Kanter gets the start. Kanter is already averaging 25.7 FPts per game off the bench, but he showed last year that as a starter he has 40+ FPts potential. This would be quite a value at $5,300, so watch to see whether or not Adams is able to go.
Other suggestions:Andre Drummond at POR ($9,000); Robin Lopez vs LAL ($4,600)
Injury Report
Out
Kyrie Irving (knee)
Iman Shumpert (wrist)
Brandon Jennings (Achilles)
Jodie Meeks (foot)
Rodney Stuckey (ankle)
Gerald Green (undisclosed)
Arron Afflalo (hamstring)
Gerald Henderson (hip)
Game-Time Decision
LeBron James (thigh)
J.R. Smith (leg)
C.J. Miles (ankle)
Amar'e Stoudemire (knee)
Steven Adams (back)
DeMarre Carroll (foot)
Lucas Nogueira (hamstring)
