This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Defense to Avoid:
Boston Celtics at Brooklyn Nets
It is unpredictable when the same two teams play back-to-back because often the games look nothing alike. That said, the Celtics dominated the Nets defensively Friday and the season-long numbers suggest they will again. The Celtics are second in the NBA with 97.6 points allowed per 100 possessions, they are seventh in EFG% allowed and first in highest opponent turnover percentage. Even playing without Marcus Smart (knee) doesn't hurt them, as it just allows defensive beast Avery Bradley to move back into the starting line-up.
Offense to Use:
Phoenix Suns at New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans remain one of the worst defenses in the NBA, allowing 111 points points per 100 possessions (second-worst in the NBA) while playing at a fast pace (ninth). They are next-to-last in opponent EFG% allowed, and sixth-worth in generating turnovers. Meanwhile, the Suns have one of the most efficient offenses in the NBA (eighth in Offensive Rating) and should be able to exploit this matchup to good result.
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First game: Thunder, Suns
Second game: none
Point Guard
Brandon Knight, PHO at NO ($7,900): Knight has been explosive of late, with three games of at least 30 points in his last five games. He had 68.75 fantasy points in his last outing, which came two games after he had a ridiculous 78. On Sunday, he faces a Pelicans defense that is dead last in the NBA in fantasy points allowed to opposing point guards, which means that co-point guard Eric Bledsoe could be in for a big game as well.
Other suggestions:Jordan Clarkson, LAL vs POR ($5,200), Damian Lillard, POR at LAL ($8,700)
Shooting Guard
Avery Bradley, BOS at BKN ($5,000): Bradley should move back into the starting lineup with Marcus Smart (knee) out due to injury. Bradley was solid off the bench (32 fantasy points in 25 minutes per game over his last three), and now he has more opportunity. As a bonus, he's facing a Nets team that is next-to-last in the NBA in fantasy points allowed to opposing shooting guards.
Other suggestions:Eric Bledsoe, PHO at NO ($8,400), Evan Turner, BOS at BKN ($4,800)
Small Forward
Jae Crowder, BOS, at BKN ($5,600): There's a theme here of Celtics perimeter players being picked against Brooklyn. The Nets actually do a good job defending opposing small forwards (second in the NBA in fewest fantasy points allowed to the position), but Crowder is unusual because so much of his contributions come from defense. He showed Friday that he can produce against the Nets, with 35.25 fantasy points in only 28 minutes while sitting out the fourth quarter of a blowout.
Other suggestions:Al-Farouq Aminu, POR at LAL ($6,200); Harrison Barnes, GS at DEN ($5,300)
Power Forward
Thaddeus Young, BKN, vs BOS ($6,900): Young was one of the only bright spots Friday for a Nets team that was blown out by these same Celtics, scoring 33.5 fantasy points in only 29 minutes before sitting in the fourth quarter. He had averaged almost 44 fantasy points per game in the three contests before Friday, so if the game stays within range he should produce.
Other suggestions:Serge Ibaka, OKC vs DAL ($6,700); Julius Randle, LAL vs POR ($5,800)
Center
Mason Plumlee, POR at LAL ($5,500): Plumlee has been playing well since Meyers Leonard went down with a shoulder injury, and he is averaging 34.25 fantasy points per game over his last two, which came against the Clippers and Rockets. On Sunday, he faces a Lakers defense that is putrid against opposing bigs, allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing centers.
Other suggestions:Jared Sullinger, BOS at BKN ($6,300), Brook Lopez, BKN vs BOS ($7,500)
Injury Report
Out
Marcus Smart, BOS (knee)
JaVale McGee, DAL (leg)
Jusuf Nurkic, DEN (knee)
Joffrey Lauvergne, DEN (back)
Wilson Chandler, DEN (hip)
Norris Cole, NO (ankle)
Quincy Pondexter, NO (knee)
Tyreke Evans, NO (knee)
Kendrick Perkins, NO (chest)
Meyers Leonard, POR (shoulder)
Jonas Valanciunas, TOR (hand)
Game-Time Decision
Pablo Prigioni, LAC (illness)
