This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defense To Avoid
Detroit Pistons vs. Charlotte Hornets: There's no clear-cut defense to tab Thursday, as the Spurs and Jazz are both on the road and against teams that can light up the scoreboard. Meanwhile, the Pistons are at home and check in surrendering the fourth-least points per game (99.3). The Hornets are on the second game of a back-to-back coming off a fast-paced 123-112 victory over the Thunder on Wednesday, which could leave their legs a bit heavy against a Pistons squad that slows the pace down.
Offense To Use
Indiana Pacers vs. Brooklyn Nets: A similar dilemma exists when trying to pick out a stud offense Thursday, but the Pacers appear to be in the best potential spot overall. The Nets continue to give up the most points per game in the league (114.0), along with a 46.2 shooting percentage. Additionally, they commit the most turnovers (16.8) per contest, and have won just one game on the road this season. The Pacers have also been solid on offense all season, scoring 104.9 points per game.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Nets, Rockets, Lakers
Second game of a back-to-back: Hornets, Hawks, Thunder, Blazers
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Russell Westbrook, OKC at HOU ($12,300): Thursday's marquee Thunders-Rockets showdown presents us with an interesting dilemma in the top tier at guard, as both Westbrook and James Harden ($12,100) figure to be especially motivated going against the other. While both are going to get their fair share of numbers, I'll give the slightest edge to Westbrook, even in the road matchup. The Thunder have actually been the second-toughest team for Harden to score against this season, as they've held him to a meager 25.6 percent success rate from the field, 18.8 percent from three-point range, and just 17.0 points across an average of 36.5 minutes in two matchups. Meanwhile, Westbrook has had a bit more success, as he's posted 28.5 points, 9.5 assists and 8.5 rebounds over the two contests. While Patrick Beverley, assuming he plays, will undoubtedly make things difficult on occasion for Westbrook, the Rockets have notably given up the sixth-most fantasy points (60.9) to point guards over the last five games.
Victor Oladipo, OKC at HOU ($6,000): Jrue Holiday ($7,200), Dennis Schroder ($6,600) and Deron Williams ($6,200) are also viable options at this level Thursday, but I'm going right back to the well with Oladipo as my second Thunder player from what should be the fastest-paced game of the night. The talented two-guard continued to progress positively Wednesday from his recent wrist injury, posting 31.25 fantasy points against the Hornets. Despite Westbrook's sky-high usage, Oladipo hasn't exactly been a wallflower on the court, taking 20 shot attempts against Charlotte. The Rockets have also been great facilitators of fantasy production for shooting guards, giving up the second-most fantasy points (44.5) to the position, along with the fourth-most points (23.1) and most three-pointers (3.5) per game.
Tony Parker, SA at DEN ($4,900): There's several ways you can go in the affordable tier at guard Thursday besides Parker, including Lou Williams ($4,900), Seth Curry ($4,300) and Parker's teammate Danny Green ($3,900). However, I like the veteran point guard's chances against a Nuggets squad that's yielded the fourth-most fantasy points (57.9) to point guards, as well as bottom-10 figures in points, rebounds and assists per game to the position. Parker has also had the hot hand over the last five games, scoring 24.75 to 34.75 fantasy points over that span while shooting 53.4 percent (39-of-73).
Paul George, IND at BKN ($8,700): Anthony Davis ($10,000) is always a consideration but has a tough matchup against a Hawks frontcourt that's played solid defense this season. Meanwhile, George checks in $1,200 cheaper and in a premium position against a Nets squad that's been a defensive sieve throughout most of the season. Brooklyn has given up the second-most fantasy points (46.7), points (22.5), rebounds (8.7) and steals (2.0) to small forwards, along with the fifth-highest field-goal percentage (46.1). George also tallied 40.8 fantasy points in the one previous Pacers-Nets meeting this season he played in, and has been over the 40-mark in three of the last four games overall.
Thaddeus Young, IND at BKN ($5,600): Young is another viable play on the Pacers in a matchup against his former Nets teammates. Brooklyn has essentially been as bad against fours as they have against threes, having given up the third-most fantasy points (50.7) to power forwards, along with the second-most points (21.8) and highest field-goal percentage (50.1). Young has also averaged a solid 27.5 fantasy points over 18 home games this season and has supplied an average of 28.1 fantasy points over the two previous Pacers-Nets games this season.
Kent Bazemore, ATL at NO ($4,200): Bazemore has been frustrating to roster at times this season, but his price and matchup are such Thursday that they make him worth the risk. He's been over 20 fantasy points in two of the last three, and he's actually been better on the road this season, averaging 23.6 fantasy points over 17 games away from Phillips Arena. The Pelicans have been about middle-of-the-pack in terms of fantasy points allowed to small forwards, but have given up the second-most rebounds (8.7) to the position.
Andre Drummond, DET vs. CHA ($7,800): Drummond takes on a Hornets squad on the second game of a back-to-back and that's yielded the eighth-most fantasy points (50.3), along with bottom-10 figures in rebounds (15.1), assists (3.1), steals (1.3) and blocks (2.4). Drummond has also averaged 41.9 fantasy points at home this season, and 35.8 against the Hornets over two previous meetings. He's been heating up lately, as well, with 37.75, 55.5 and 48.0 fantasy points, respectively, over the last three.
Mason Plumlee POR vs. LAL ($5,900): Speaking of heating up, Plumlee is underpriced Thursday considering his recent production. He's posted 33.0 to 44.0 fantasy points in four of his last five games, and a solid 25.25 in his other game over that stretch. The Blazers' big man will also be up against a Lakers unit that gives up 50.1 fantasy points per game to centers, along with 20.4 actual points and a robust 54.5 percent success rate from the field, both bottom-10 figures.
Dirk Nowitzki DAL vs. PHO ($4,400): Nowitzki is priced right for a game in which he faces a Suns defense that's given up the sixth-most fantasy points (48.1) per game to power forwards. Nowitzki has been ramping up his minutes over the last three, topping out at 24 minutes against the Wizards on Tuesday, an outing that yielded 22.75 fantasy points. While he's been besieged by injury this season, Nowitzki looks like he's regaining full strength, and shouldn't need an overly large allotment of minutes to provide a solid return on a very modest price.
INJURY REPORT
For the latest news on injured players heading into the games, check out our Injury Updates page.
