This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Defense to Avoid:
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Charlotte Hornets
The Cavaliers are the best defense on the board Sunday, strong against every position. They rank seventh against point guards, eighth against shooting guards, fourth against small forwards, third against power forwards and fifth against centers. Plus, the Cavs seem to be locking in and ramping up the intensity moving toward the playoffs.
Offenses to Use:
Oklahoma City Thunder at Houston Rockets
The Rockets are the anti-Cavaliers on defense, poor across the board. They rank 22nd against point guards, 27th against shooting guards, 30th against small forwards, 22nd against power forwards and 15th against centers.
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First game: none
Second game: Bulls, Pacers, Trail Blazers
Point Guard
J.J Barea, DAL at MIN ($5,600): Barea has been dominant over the last few games with Deron Williams out, including the last one in which Raymond Felton sat as well. Barea has averaged 24.3 points, 7.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds over the last three games, and has a positive matchup Sunday against a weaker Timberwolves defense.
Other Options: Ricky Rubio, MIN vs. DAL ($6,700), Shelvin Mack, UTA at PHO ($6,000)
Shooting guard
Jimmy Butler, CHI at MIL ($7,500): Butler was already the smart play Sunday because his price got depressed while he was injured, and with Derrick Rose battling an elbow injury he was going to be called upon to do more for the Bulls. However, after his monster triple-double Saturday he will likely be even more popular Sunday, with the main risk that he may be tired.
Other Options: C.J. McCollum, POR at GS ($6,700), Klay Thompson, GS vs. POR ($6,800)
Small Forward
Jae Crowder, BOS at LAL ($5,400): Crowder has only played one game since his return from injury, but he picked up right where he left off with a 13-point/10-rebound double-double. He faces a Lakers defense that struggles against opposing small forwards.
Other Options: Kevin Durant, OKC at HOU ($10,400), LeBron James, CLE vs. CHA ($10,200)
Power forward
Julius Randle, LAL vs. BOS ($5,800): Randle had an understandable clunker this week in Utah against the dominant Jazz frontline, but other than that he has averaged well over 40 fantasy points in his last six games. He faces a Celtics defense that has not excelled against bigs this season.
Other Options: Nikola Mirotic, CHI at MIL ($5,400), Trey Lyles, UTA at PHO ($3,700)
Center
Jared Sullinger, BOS at LAL ($5,400): Sullinger has grabbed double-digit rebounds in three straight games, including double-doubles in his last two outings. In Friday's upset of the Warriors on the road, Sullinger dominated with 20 points, 12 boards and three assists. He faces a Lakers team that has been weak against opposing bigs all season.
Other Options: Nikola Vucevic, ORL vs. MEM ($6,600), Greg Monroe, MIL vs. CHI ($5,600)
Out
Deron Williams, DAL (abdominal)
Andre Iguodala, GS (ankle)
Andrew Bogut, BS (ribs)
Festus Ezeli, GS (knee)
Paul Pierce, LAC (ankle/knee)
Mike Conley, MEM (Achilles, season)
Brandan Wright, MEM (knee)
Kevin Garnett, MIN (knee)
Nikola Pekovic, MIN (Achilles)
Ryan Anderson, NO (groin)
Jose Calderson, NY (knee)
Lance Thomas, NY (knee)
Brandon Knight, PHO (groin)
Game-Time Decision
Derrick Rose, CHI (elbow)
Taj Gibson, CHI (ribs)
Raymond Felton, DAL (groin)
Jerryd Bayless, MIL (knee)
Norris Cole, NO (back)
Kristaps Porzingis, NY (shoulder)
Jon Leuer, PHO (ankle)
Alec Burks, UTA (ankle)
Derrick Favors, UTA (knee)
Alan Anderson, WAS (groin)
