This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Defense to Avoid:
San Antonio Spurs vs. Toronto Raptors
The Spurs have been the best defense in the NBA all season, and the Raptors have been less than their best because point guard Kyle Lowry is not 100 percent healthy.
Offense to Use:
Indiana Pacers at Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers' defense stinks, and has all season. The Sixers are a slump-buster to every opponent, giving a lot of opportunities for big numbers. On top of that, their best defender, Nerlens Noel, is out with an injury. Plus, the 76ers have a knack for keeping games close enough for starters to get minutes and post big fantasy production.
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First game: Bulls, Pacers, Trail Blazers
Second game: Pistons, Heat, 76ers, Kings, Raptors
Point Guard
Darren Collison, SAC at DEN ($5,400): Collison is in line to start for the Kings with Rajon Rondo resting. Plus, with DeMarcus Cousins, Marco Belinelli and Omri Casspi out, as well, Collison will have a big load to carry against a pedestrian Nuggets defense.
Other Options: Emmanuel Mudiay, DEN vs. SAC ($5,500), Ty Lawson, IND at PHI ($3,000)
Shooting guard
Jimmy Butler, CHI vs. DET ($7,300): Butler played great in his last game after struggling with injury and will be called upon to carry a heavy load with Derrick Rose doubtful to play.
Other Options: Will Barton, DEN vs. SAC ($5,200), Monta Ellis, IND at PHI ($5,800)
Small Forward
Al-Farouq Aminu, POR vs. MIA ($4,800): Aminu has been great lately, averaging 33.4 fantasy points over his last five games, including a 51.3-point explosion Thursday against the Celtics.
Other Options: Marcus Morris, DET at CHI ($5,300), Rudy Gay, SAC at DEN ($6,400), Paul George, IND at PHI ($8,700)
Power forward
Nikola Mirotic, CHI vs. DET ($5,200): Mirotic has taken on a role as an impact player for the Bulls, especially with Taj Gibson on the shelf. Mirotic has averaged 45 fantasy points over his last two games.
Other Options: Carl Landry, PHI vs. IND ($4,400), Darrell Arthur, DEN vs. SAC ($3,900)
Center
Andre Drummond, DET at CHI ($7,500): Drummond is just way too big and athletic for the undersized Bulls frontline to contain. He is a viable 20-20 threat in this game.
Other Options: Ian Mahinmi, IND at PHI ($4,900), Pau Gasol, CHI vs. DET ($7,400)
Out
Danilo Gallinari, DEN (ankle)
Jodie Meeks, DET (foot)
Tyler Johnson, MIA (shoulder)
Nerlens Noel, PHI (knee)
Richaun Holmes, PHI (Achilles)
DeMarcus Cousins, SAC (foot)
Rajon Rondo, SAC (rest)
Marco Belinelli, SAC (foot)
Omri Casspi, SAC (hamstring)
DeMarre Carroll, TOR (knee)
Luis Scola, TOR (knee)
Game-Time Decision
Derrick Rose, CHI (elbow)
Taj Gibson, CHI (ribs)
Jusuf Nurkic, DEN (illness)
Dwyane Wade, MIA (back, neck)
Chris Kaman, POR (illness)
