This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Defenses to Avoid
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. San Antonio Spurs
The Cavaliers and Spurs are both among the top five defenses in the NBA according to defensive rating, with the Spurs by far the best. There will be elite defense played at every position of this game, sometimes for both teams. The Cavs rank third in the NBA against point guards, 15th against shooting guards, second against small forwards, 10th against power forwards and sixth against centers. Meanwhile, the Spurs are ninth against point guards, first against both shooting guards and small forwards, third against power forwards before dropping to 18th against centers.
Offense to Use:
Washington Wizards at Houston Rockets
The Rockets have been one of the worst defenses in the league all season, and their defensive weaknesses match up very well with the perimeter-heavy Wizards. The Rockets are 27th against point guards (John Wall), 22nd against shooting guards (Bradley Beal), last against small forwards (Otto Porter, if he plays), 21st against power forwards (Nene Hilario) and 14th against centers (Marcin Gortat).
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First game: Warriors
Second game: Nets, Cavaliers, Pistons, Rockets
Daily Player Recommendations
Point Guard
Jrue Holiday, NOP vs. BKN ($7,100): Holiday has stepped up in a major way with all of the Pelicans' injuries. He had 25 points, eight assists and five rebounds Thursday, one game after having 32 points, nine assists, six rebounds and three steals. Anthony Davis and Tyreke Evans are both questionable to play, and if neither are able to go, Holiday would be relied upon heavily again. But even if they do, he's playing so well that he could still make a strong play.
Other suggestions: Donald Sloan, BKN at NOP ($4800); John Wall, WAS at HOU ($9,400)
Shooting Guard
Will Barton, DEN at IND ($5,900): After struggling for a majority of the month, Barton has been picking it back up of late. Over his last three games he has averaged 19.7 points, 5.3 boards, 2.0 assists and 2.0 combined steals/blocks in 28.7 minutes per game. On Saturday, he has a good matchup against a Pacers defense that is weak at defending opposing shooting guards.
Other suggestions: Monta Ellis, IND vs. DEN ($6,800); James Harden, HOU vs. WAS ($10,100)
Small Forward
Trevor Ariza, HOU vs. WAS ($5,500): Ariza has played outstanding basketball over the last week. Even including a dud game against the Spurs and their top-rated defense against opposing small forwards, Ariza has averaged 19 points with four boards, 2.8 assists, 2.6 steals and 0.8 blocks per game over his last five. Next up: a Wizards defense that is 21st this season against small forwards.
Other suggestions: Alonzo Gee, NOP vs. BKN ($4400); Jared Dudley, WAS at HOU ($4,500)
Power Forward
Ryan Anderson, NOP vs. BKN ($6,900): Anderson makes an outstanding play if Anthony Davis sits again due to his concussion. Anderson exploded for 36 points, nine boards and four assists on Thursday in his most recent game in Davis' place and has played well as an injury replacement all season. Davis is listed as questionable, so his status will strongly affect Anderson's potential value.
Other suggestions: Kenneth Faried, DEN at IND ($5,800); Nene Hilario, WAS at HOU ($4,600)
Center
Brook Lopez, BKN at NOP ($7,100): In his last three games, Lopez has two massive games sandwiched around one good one. He went for 31 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks and two assists against the Thunder, then a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double against the Heat, followed by a 28-point, 12-rebound game Friday against the Mavericks. On Saturday, he faces a Pelicans defense that is 27th against centers this season.
Other suggestions: Willie Cauley-Stein, SAC at MEM ($5,200); Marcin Gortat, WAS at HOU ($7,000)
Injury Report
Out
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, BKN (ankle)
Joffrey Lauvergne, DEN (toe)
Donatas Motiejunas, HOU (back)
Rodney Stuckey, IND (foot)
Brandan Wright, MEM (knee)
Eric Gordon, NO (finger)
Tim Duncan, SA (knee)
Alan Anderson, WAS (ankle)
Kris Humphries, WAS (knee)
Game-Time Decision
Tyreke Evans, NO (knee)
Anthony Davis, NO (concussion)
Otto Porter, WAS (hip)
Gary Neal, WAS (leg)
