This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Defense to avoid:
Detroit Pistons vs NY: Through the first week of the season, the Pistons are fifth in the NBA in team defensive rating (96.1 points allowed per 100 possessions), seventh-slowest in pace (95.0 possessions/game), second in EFG% allowed to opponents (43.1%), and fifth in free throws allowed per field goal attempt. Translation: the Pistons slow the game down, make it difficult for opponents to score on each possession, and don't foul much. The Knicks have their work cut out for them.
Offense to use:
Memphis Grizzlies at MIN: Through the first week, the Grizzlies rank fifth in the NBA in offensive rating (110.3 points per 100 possessions) while the Timberwolves rank dead last in team defensive rating (114.1 points per 100 possessions). So far, new coach Tom Thibodeau's defensive schemes haven't taken with the young Timberwolves, and the Grizzlies could be the beneficiaries Tuesday.
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First game: Pistons, Rockets, Lakers, Grizzlies, Pelicans, Knicks, 76ers, Trail Blazers, Jazz
Second game: Kings
Guards
Damian Lillard, POR vs GS ($9,500): Lillard has been one of the most explosive guards in the NBA this season, and he has a history of huge performances against the Warriors. Last season, he averaged 36.5 points, 6.5 assists, 5.8 3-pointers and 2.3 steals in four games versus Golden State.
Tim Frazier, NO vs MIL ($5,900): Frazier began the season with two double-doubles before he ran into the Spurs and should return to form against a Bucks team not known for its defense.
Kris Dunn, MIN vs MEM ($4,100): Dunn should get the start on Tuesday with Ricky Rubio nursing an elbow injury. Dunn is a bit of an unknown as a rookie in his third game, but he was projected as one of the most NBA-ready prospects in the 2016 class, and he had a monster showing in the Las Vegas Summer League. It will be interesting to see what he makes of his first NBA start.
Forwards
Anthony Davis, NO vs MIL ($10,800): Davis broke the fantasy scoring scale through his first two games of the season before running into the Spurs on the second night of a back-to-back after facing the Warriors. He should bounce back in a big way against a Bucks team lacking much in the way of interior defense.
Justise Winslow, MIA vs SAC ($5,200): Winslow has stepped up in a big way to start his sophomore campaign, averaging 14.3 points, 6.3 boards, 3.7 assists and two combined steals and blocks through the first week of the season.
Al-Farouq Aminu, POR vs GS ($4,400): Aminu finally broke out with a typical, all-around Aminu performance in his third game of the year, grabbing 12 boards to go with five points, three blocks, an assist, a steal and a three-pointer. If he's found his level, he'll make a solid play against an undersized Warriors front line.
Centers
Andre Drummond, DET vs NY ($8,200): Drummond had a poor first game against the Raptors, but in the two games since, he has averaged 21.5 rebounds and 16 points per game. The Knicks don't have anyone physically capable of keeping him off the glass, so Drummond projects to have a strong showing Tuesday.
Gorgui Dieng, MIN vs MEM ($6,200): While Karl-Anthony Towns is presumed to be the man in Minnesota, Dieng has quietly been outplaying him this season. Fresh off signing a $64M extension on Monday, Dieng will look to build on his averages of 13 points, 13.5 boards and 2.5 combined blocks and steals through the first week.
Mason Plumlee, POR vs GS ($4,600): Plumlee had a terrible first game against Rudy Gobert, who just overwhelmed him with size and got him into foul trouble. But in the two games since, Plumlee has averaged 15 points, 5.0 boards, 4.5 assists and 2.0 combined steals and blocks.
