This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Defense to Avoid
Chicago Bulls at Atlanta Hawks
It's strange to recommend a team that has allowed at least 100 points in 11 straight games, but there's circumstances that make the Hawks less desirable in this matchup. Atlanta ranks 28th in rebounding, while the Bulls rank No. 1 in the category. Rebounds are the easiest way to pick up fantasy points and this is an obvious fade with the way these two teams hit the boards. It's not so much the defense that I'm scared of, as much as the fantasy points that the Hawks can accumulate in a tough matchup.
Offense to Use
Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Lakers
The Clippers are an obvious offense to use against the Kings, but the Grizzlies are a sneaky one to use against the Lakers. Memphis just played the Lakers on Wednesday and dropped 128 points in an offensive showcase. The Grizzlies have scored at least 100 points in 14 of their last 16 games and they play at a much higher pace with Marc Gasol out of the lineup. Not to mention, the Lakers have allowed at least 108 points in five straight games and are allowing well over 120 points per game in that span. Memphis also has some cheap fantasy options, with no player costing more than $7,200.
Teams on Back-to-Back Sets:
First Game: Bulls and Grizzlies
Second Game: Magic
Daily Player Recommendations
Point Guard:
D'Angelo Russell, LAL vs. MEM ($5,200): Russell has moved into the starting lineup and is averaging over 30 fantasy points per game over his last three, including 40 in his most recent matchup. That came against this same Grizzlies team and he should be able to have success again in a higher-scoring game than most would expect.
Other Options: John Wall, WSH at PHI ($9,200); Derrick Rose, CHI at ATL ($7,300)
Shooting Guard:
Wesley Matthews, DAL vs. DEN ($4,500): Matthews has scored at least 23 fantasy points three times in his last four games and may finally be getting his legs underneath him. What's most encouraging is the usage, as he is averaging 35 minutes and 12 shots per game in that span. That's a ton of usage for a player who costs $4,500, and he should have no problem hitting value on his price. The matchup is great as well, with the Nuggets ranking 25th in fantasy points allowed per game to shooting guards this season.
Other Options: Nicolas Batum, CHA at IND ($6,900); Bradley Beal, WSH at PHI ($6,400)
Small Forward:
Danilo Gallinari, DEN at DAL ($6,800): There haven't been many small forwards as good as Gallinari since the calendar turned, and he continues to be a nice bargain. Since returning from injury Jan. 2, Gallinari is averaging 22.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Gallo hasn't scored below 20 fantasy points in that 25-game span, and his usage is solid, as he is averaging over 14 field-goal attempts and 10 free-throw attempts per game. That alone makes Gallinari reliable, and he should have some success against a Dallas defense that allows the 11th-most fantasy points per game to small forwards.
Other Options: Chandler Parsons, DAL vs. DEN ($6,200); Otto Porter, WSH at PHI ($4,900)
Power Forward:
JayMychal Green, MEM at LAL ($4,200): Since Marc Gasol went down injured, Green has taken as the starting power forward, and over his last four games, Green is averaging 28 fantasy points per game and regularly approaching double-doubles. Not to mention, this is a fantastic matchup against a Lakers defense that ranks 29th in fantasy points allowed per game to power forwards and 28th in points allowed per game.
Other Options: Zach Randolph, MEM at LAL ($7,100); Taj Gibson, CHI at ATL ($5,100)
Center:
Al Horford, ATL vs. CHI ($7,100): Horford scored nearly 70 fantasy points against the Golden State Warriors in his most recent game and is averaging 39 fantasy points per game over his last eight gaes. The rebounding is a bit of a concern against the Bulls, but he can provide great value through points, assists, steals and blocks. In fact, Chicago ranks as one of the worst defenses in terms of fantasy points allowed to centers, despite being the top rebounding team in the NBA.
Other Options: Pau Gasol, CHI at ATL ($8,600); Al Jefferson, CHA at IND ($4,800)
Injury Report
Out
Tiago Splitter – ATL (calf)
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist - CHA (shoulder)
Joakim Noah – CHI (shoulder)
Jimmy Butler – CHI (knee)
Nikola Mirotic – CHI (appendectomy)
Wilson Chandler – DEN (hip)
Blake Griffin – LAC (hand)
Marc Gasol – MEM (foot)
Joel Embiid – PHI (foor)
DeMarre Carroll – TOR (knee)
Game-Time Decision
Spencer Hawes – CHA (back)
Derrick Rose – CHI (hamstring)
Devin Harris – DAL (foot)
Jusuf Nurkic - DEN (knee)
Jameer Nelson – DEN (wrist)
Rodney Stuckey – IND (ankle)
C.J. Miles – IND (calf)
Larry Nance – LAL (knee)
Tony Allen – MEM (knee)
Nemanja Bjelica – MIN (foot)
Kevin Garnett - MIN (leg)
Nikola Pekovic – MIN (foot)
T.J. McConnell – PHI (ankle)
Marco Belinelli – SAC (mouth)
Ben McLemore – SAC (wrist)
Omri Casspi – SAC (mouth)
