This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Defense to Avoid:
Utah Jazz at Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers are a tough opponent and the Jazz are on the road, but this category isn't particularly close. The Jazz are the top defense in the NBA by a clear margin (their 92.8 points allowed per 100 possessions is more than two full points better than the second place Spurs), and they also play at the slowest pace. Put it together and the Jazz are the defense to avoid every time they play.
Offense to Use:
Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers
As I wrote the other day, the Lakers and Pelicans are my go-to "start players against this defense" defenses right now, as they are the two worst teams in defensive rating and both play fast paces. And both are playing Tuesday, which means there should be plenty of offense to go around. The Heat get the call because the Lakers are on the road and have no inside presence to even try to dissuade the Heat from scoring anywhere on the court.
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First game: Celtics, Hornets, Mavericks, Lakers, Bucks, Pelicans, Knicks, Raptors
Second game: Timberwolves
Daily Player Recommendations
Point Guard
Deron Williams at NO ($5,900): The Mavs and Pelicans just played each other Saturday and here's what I wrote in this space then:
Not only are the Pelicans one of the worst defenses in general, but specifically they are dead last in the NBA in fantasy points allowed to opposing point guards. Williams had some injury concerns earlier in the season, but he's been playing solid basketball for a week and has a good chance to produce well at a modest price tag.
Williams responded with a 30.25 fantasy points, his best output of the season. Every word that I wrote for Saturday applies for Tuesday, making Williams a solid value play.
Other suggestions:Kyle Lowry vs. NY ($7,800); Ish Smith vs. DAL ($4,700)
Shooting Guard
Eric Gordon at DAL ($5,800): Much like Williams, Gordon also found himself in this space ahead of his Saturday matchup and here's what I wrote then:
The Mavericks/Pelicans game shapes up to be very fantasy friendly. The Mavericks are currently 25th in the NBA in fantasy points allowed to opposing shooting guards, and Gordon remains a key part of the Pelicans' offense.
Once again, every word is true a couple days later. Gordon turned in a 36.75 FPts effort against the Mavs on Saturday, which if he could replicate would be great value for his price tag.
Other suggestions:Andrew Wiggins vs. CHA ($6,100); Nicolas Batum at MIN ($6,500)
Small Forward
Jae Crowder at MIL ($4,800): Crowder has quietly been turning in a quality season, with no games under 20.0 FPts and an average of 27.9 FPts per game. He's coming off his best game of the season Friday when he had 12 points, 10 boards, five steals, two assists and a block on his way to 40.5 fantasy points. On Tuesday, Crowder faces a Bucks defense that is 28th in the NBA in fantasy points allowed to opposing small forwards.
Other suggestions:Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. BOS ($7,300), Otto Porter vs. OKC ($5,100)
Power Forward
Chris Bosh vs. LAL ($7,000): As mentioned above, the Lakers are pretty bad defensively and this is especially true in the middle. Meanwhile, Bosh has averaged almost 40 FPts per game over his last four, which is great value at his price.
Other suggestions:Ryan Anderson vs. DAL ($5,600), Kristaps Porzingis at TOR ($5,700)
Center
Hassan Whiteside vs. LAL ($7,600): Broken record time: the Lakers are REALLY bad at defending the paint. They are 27th in the NBA in fantasy points allowed to centers. Meanwhile, Whiteside is fresh off a 49.25-FPts outing against the Raptors on Sunday and has both a 48.5 FPts and a 55.25 FPts effort in his last five games.
Other suggestions:Zaza Pachulia at NO ($5,400), Enes Kanter at WAS ($5,400)
Injury Report
Out
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (shoulder)
Kyrie Irving (knee)
Iman Shumpert (wrist)
JaVale McGee (leg)
Gerald Green (undisclosed)
O.J. Mayo (hamstring)
Nikola Pekovic (Achilles)
Tyreke Evans (knee)
Quincy Pondexter (knee)
Norris Cole (ankle)
Kendrick Perkins (chest)
Alan Anderson (ankle)
Martell Webster (hip)
Game-Time Decision
LeBron James (thigh)
Bradley Beal (shoulder)
Marcus Smart (toe, doubtful)
J.R. Smith (knee)
Amar'e Stoudemire (knee)
Michael Carter-Williams (ankle)
Omer Asik (calf)
Arron Afflalo (hamstring)
DeMarre Carroll (foot)
