This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Defense to Avoid
Utah Jazz at Memphis Grizzlies
The Jazz have been struggling recently but this is the type of matchup where they could absolutely shut down the Grizzlies. Memphis ranks 23rd in scoring, while Utah ranks fourth in points allowed. What really scares me away from this game is the pace, as both teams rank in the bottom-four in the category. That means fewer possessions, fewer shots and, most importantly, fewer fantasy points. It would be hard to imagine any Memphis player scoring more than 30 fantasy points with the limited offensive options they have and the stingy defense they are facing. If you're a betting man, the under of 194 looks like a fantastic bet to parlay along with not playing any fantasy players from this game.
Offense to Use
Miami Heat at Philadelphia 76ers
The Heat have scored at least 98 points in eight of their last nine games and now face a Sixers defense that ranks in the bottom three in numerous defensive categories. What is most enticing about the Heat is how top-heavy their fantasy producers have been lately; their top three players have been playing the best ball of the season without Chris Bosh in the lineup. An undervalued aspect of this play is all the defensive stats they'll accumulate, with the Sixers leading the NBA in turnovers and ranking last in scoring. The only concern is blowout potential, but they should still put up some gaudy numbers. Two other offenses that are good options are the Denver Nuggets and Orlando Magic, who both play at home against bad defenses.
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First Game: Cavaliers, Hawks, Jazz, Knicks, Nets, Pacers, Timberwolves, Wizards
Second Game: Heat, Suns
Daily Player Recommendations
Point Guard
D'Angelo Russell, LAL vs. ATL ($6,300): Russell is averaging 42 fantasy points per game over his last four and single-handedly carrying the Lakers' offense. What makes him even more intriguing here is the circumstance, as the Lakers may be without Lou Williams, Jordan Clarkson and Kobe Bryant. If all three of those players are out, Russell could be looking at 40-plus minutes and a career-high usage rate in what's expected to be a high-scoring game.
Other Options: Emmanuel Mudiay, DEN vs BKN ($5,400); Shelvin Mack, UTA at MEM ($4,100)
Shooting Guard
Dwyane Wade, MIA at PHI ($7,200): Wade has taken over the Miami offense during Bosh's absence, averaging 24.4 points, 6.0 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game in his last four. He ranks seventh in the NBA in usage with that rate only rising since Bosh's injury. This is obviously a tasty matchup as well, with Philadelphia ranking as one of the worst defenses in the league.
Other Options: Nicolas Batum, CHA vs. IND ($6,600); Mario Hezonja, ORL vs. PHX ($3,900)
Small Forward
Luol Deng, MIA at PHI ($6,200): No player has benefited more from Bosh's injury than Deng, and he's becoming an elite fantasy option. Since the injury, Deng has not scored fewer than 27 fantasy points and is averaging nearly 40 fantasy points per game in that seven-game stretch. The rebounding has been key, as he is averaging double-digit rebounds during that span. Against a dreadful offense like the Sixers, Deng should easily get double-digit rebounds once again and also score at will. In fact, Philadelphia ranks 25th in fantasy points allowed per game to small forwards this season.
Other Options: LeBron James, CLE vs. WSH ($9,600); Robert Covington, PHI vs. MIA ($5,400)
Power Forward
Gorgui Dieng, MIN at MIL ($6,600): Aside from one dud outing against the Knicks two weeks ago, Dieng is averaging 15.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.0 blocks and 1.0 steals per game in his last 14. What's changed is that the team has decided to give him big minutes and rest veterans like Kevin Garnett and Tayshaun Prince. His recent form should continue here as well, with the Bucks ranking 26th in fantasy points allowed per game to power forwards this season.
Other Options: Jabari Parker, MIL vs. MIN ($6,500); Myles Turner, IND at CHA ($5,400)
Center
Hassan Whiteside, MIA at PHI ($8,300): Since returning from suspension, Whiteside is averaging 18.4 points, 15.0 rebounds, 4.1 blocks and 0.9 steals per game. Those are just ridiculous numbers and this is the matchup of all matchups. Not only do the Sixers present great rebounding opportunities with their horrendous offense, they provide some great value through defensive statistics. Philadelphia not only ranks last in turnovers per game, they are also allowing the most fantasy points per game to centers this eason. The Sixers also get blocked the second-most in the NBA.
Other Options: Al Horford, ATL at LAL ($7,400); Al Jefferson, CHA vs. IND ($4,500)
Injury Report
Out
Tiago Splitter – ATL (calf)
Kelly Olynyk – BOS (shoulder)
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson – BRK (ankle)
Jarrett Jack – BRK (knee)
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist - CHA (shoulder)
Joakim Noah – CHI (shoulder)
Jimmy Butler – CHI (knee)
Nikola Mirotic – CHI (appendectomy)
Mo Williams – CLE (knee)
Danilo Gallinari – DEN (ankle)
Wilson Chandler – DEN (hip)
Jodie Meeks – DET (back)
Blake Griffin – LAC (hand)
Marc Gasol – MEM (foot)
Chris Bosh – MIA (blood clot)
Tyler Johnson – MIA (shoulder)
Greivis Vasquez – MIL (ankle)
Joel Embiid – PHI (foot)
DeMarre Carroll – TOR (knee)
Alec Burks – UTA (leg)
Game-Time Decision
Spencer Hawes – CHA (back)
E'Twaun Moore – CHI (thigh)
Taj Gibson – CHI (hamstring)
Stanley Johnson – DET (shoulder)
Terrence Jones – HOU (concussion)
C.J. Miles – IND (calf)
Jordan Clarkson – LAL (knee)
Lou Williams – LAL (hamstring)
Larry Nance – LAL (knee)
Kobe Bryant – LAL (shoudler)
Brandan Wright – MEM (knee)
Tony Allen – MEM (knee)
John Henson – MIL (back)
Michael Carter-Williams (knee)
Nemanja Bjelica – MIN (foot)
Kevin Garnett - MIN (leg)
Nikola Pekovic – MIN (foot)
C.J. Watson – ORL (calf)
Evan Fournier – ORL (wrist)
James Johnson – TOR (ankle)
