This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Defense to Avoid:
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Utah Jazz
Forget avoiding the Cavaliers defense, just avoid this game entirely. I picked the Cavs simply because they've been the better offensive team lately and have the premier players. Cleveland has torn it up during its current four-game road trip, which concludes Monday, averaging 118 points per game. Whatever negativity that was put on the team has clearly fueled Kyrie Irving and LeBron James, as each is averaging more than 24 points per game over the past five.
Offense to Use:
Toronto Raptors vs. Chicago Bulls
I don't care if Jimmy Butler is expected to return Monday, the Bulls have no identity and have become a shell of their former hard-nosed selves. The Raptors have scored at least 100 points in seven straight games and the Bulls are allowing the fourth-most fantasy points in the NBA over the last three weeks. To make matters worse for Chicago, Pau Gasol (knee) is out and Derrick Rose (adductor strain) is doubtful. DeMar DeRozan is averaging 30.2 points per game in March and Kyle Lowry should get plenty of open looks from beyond the arc. Both DeRozan and Lowry cost less than $8,500.
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First game: Nuggets, Raptors
Second game: Jazz, Cavaliers
Daily Player Recommendations
Point Guard
Ricky Rubio, MIN at PHO ($6,200): Rubio is coming off an emotional high from hitting the game-winning three-point shot Friday against the Thunder and gets the Suns on a silver platter. He's posted double-digit assists in three of his past four games while averaging 6.0 rebounds per contest.
Other suggestions: Goran Dragic, MIA vs. DEN ($6,700); Kyle Lowry, TOR vs. CHI ($8,200)
Shooting Guard
DeMar DeRozan, TOR vs. CHI ($7,700): At this point you're probably sick of hearing about how good DeRozan has been lately, but I'm going to remind you again anyway: 30.2 points per game in March. He is really turning into an elite scoring guard and is still one of the more underrated two guards in fantasy.
Other suggestions: Klay Thompson, GS vs. NO ($7,100); Devin Booker, PHO vs. MIN ($6,500)
Small Forward
Lance Stephenson, MEM at HOU ($5,500): Let's face it, Stephenson makes a lot of questionable decisions. The good thing is that he's scoring at a pretty efficient rate lately, averaging 15.1 points per game in his last seven. The Grizzlies have been plagued by injuries and need a guard who can create with Mike Conley and Zach Randolph sidelined.
Other suggestions: Luol Deng, MIA vs. DEN ($6,200); Tobias Harris, DET at WAS ($6,300)
Power Forward
Taj Gibson, CHI at TOR ($4,400): I know I ripped into the Bulls' defense earlier and their offense hasn't been much better, but with Gasol out somebody in the front court has to step up. Without Gasol down low, Gibson should be able to clear most of Chicago's rebounds and reach double figures easily. Nikola Mirotic ($4,500) is more of a scoring threat, and he isn't as reliable as Gibson. The Taj Mahal is averaging 24.8 fantasy points per game over his last four, almost 6x his salary.
Other suggestions: JaMychal Green, MEM at HOU ($6,200); Gorgui Dieng, MIN at PHO ($5,800)
Center
Jonas Valanciunas, TOR vs. CHI ($5,300): If you want free points, you can roll with Hassan Whiteside ($8,200) like everybody else. If you'd rather pay down, Valanciunas has four double-doubles in his last five games. Again, Gasol won't play in this one, and while Gibson is a strong defender Valanciunas has close to three inches on him.
Other suggestions: Alex Len, PHO vs. MIN ($7,000); Andrew Bogut, GS vs. NO ($4,300)
Injury Report
Out
Derrick Rose, CHI (adductor)
Danilo Gallinari, DEN (knee)
Mike Conley, MEM (foot)
Eric Gordon, NO (finger)
Game-Time Decision
Jimmy Butler, CHI (knee)
Andre Iguodala, GS (ankle)
Terrence Jones, HOU (illness)
Zach Randolph, MEM (knee)
Vince Carter, MEM (leg)
Dwyane Wade, MIA (thigh)
Dion Waiters, OKC (personal)
Bradley Beal, WAS (Pelvis)
