This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defense To Avoid
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Orlando Magic: The Clippers give up the seventh-fewest points per game (102.3) in the league, while the Magic score the fourth-least (98.9) and own the sixth-worst shooting percentage (43.8). Los Angeles has also held opponents under 100 points in three of its last four and have their defensive ace Chris Paul back at full strength.
Offense To Use
Houston Rockets at Minnesota Timberwolves: The Cavs are also in a very good spot against the Blazers, and could therefore qualify for this designation, as well. However, the Rockets are certainly in a favorable position themselves, considering they've scored the second-most points (116.5) per game. Minnesota checks in as a middle-of-the-pack unit in terms of points allowed (104.5), but gives up the fourth-highest shooting percentage (47.1) and commits the fourth-most turnovers (15.1), with the latter providing opposing offenses with plenty of fast-break opportunities.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Knicks
Second game of a back-to-back: Wizards, Celtics, Rockets, Cavs, Blazers
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Chris Paul, LAC vs. ORL ($9,400): Paul has been on fire in the two games since returning from a hamstring injury, totaling 46.0 and 59.0 fantasy points, respectively. As was the case last season, Paul is sporting a healthy usage rate (25.2) with Blake Griffin off the court, and will be in a prime position for another successful outing Wednesday. The Magic are allowing the seventh-most fantasy points (55.8) to point guards on the season, and sixth-most (61.0) over the last five games. They're also tied with three other clubs for the highest field-goal percentage given up to the position (47.0), furthering Paul's case in a home matchup.
T.J. McConnell, PHI vs. NY ($5,500): McConnell has been filling out the stat sheet with regularity since joining the starting five in Sergio Rodriguez's (ankle) stead, and even though the latter returned to action Sunday, McConnell remained in the starting lineup. If he's announced as part of the first unit again Wednesday, he checks in as a bargain at his current price. He's scored 26.0 to 42.5 fantasy points in his four-game starting stint, and the Knicks surrender 54.4 fantasy points to point guards on the season, and 59.5 fantasy points over the last 10.
Gerald Green, BOS vs. WAS ($3,000): Avery Bradley (Achilles) could remaing out Wednesday, which would set up Green for another decent allotment of minutes off the bench. He's parlayed such opportunity over the last two games into productive outings, tallying 19.75 and 19.25 fantasy points, respectively. In what should be a high-scoring, competitive affair, Green could well be an instant source of offense, especially if he can maintain the hot hand he's displayed in the last two contests (47.4 percent shooting).
Kevin Love, CLE at POR ($8,100): Love draws the best matchup in the league for power forwards Wednesday, one that he already exploited to the tune of 62.0 fantasy points in the one previous Cavs-Blazers meeting this season. Outside of a 27.75-fantasy point outing against the stingy Jazz defense Tuesday, Love has scored no less than 33.25 fantasy points in the other nine games over his last 10, going over 40 on three occasions and over 50 twice. The Blazers continue to rank at the bottom of the league in both fantasy points (52.9) and points (22.7) given up to power forwards, while also surrendering the third-highest field-goal percentage (48.7) to the position.
Dario Saric, PHI vs. NY ($4,600): Markieff Morris ($5,600) is also an interesting option at this level Wednesday, but both his minutes and production can sometimes prove to be a bit erratic. At $1K cheaper, Saric offers relatively similar upside, having scored 20.75 to 35.25 fantasy points in five of his last six. His playing time appears secure, as well, as he's played no fewer than 20 minutes and as much as 30 minutes in nine of his last 10 games. The Knicks have also given up a robust 51.5 fantasy points to power forwards over the last five, as well as the fourth-most points (22.0).
Domantas Sabonis, OKC vs. MEM ($3,200): Chandler Parsons ($3,200) also makes for an intriguing punt play on the other side of this matchup, but has yet to get it going this season and appears to still be on a significant minutes limit. Meanwhile, Sabonis has scored 12.25 to 26.25 fantasy points in eight of his last 10 games, making him a worthy roll of the dice at this near-minimum price. While he naturally checks in as a fourth option on offense in the Thunder's first unit, the young forward could be in for one of his more productive outings Wednesday, given his matchup against a Grizzlies defense that's given up the third-most fantasy points (56.0) over the last five games.
Joel Embiid, PHI vs. NY ($8,000): Embiid is another highly viable Sixers option Wednesday, particularly against a Knicks defense that's given up the third-most fantasy points (52.5) to centers this season, as well as the third most over the last five (62.8). Before a 34.75-fantasy point outing against the Nets over just 24 minutes on Sunday, Embiid had rattled off 40.0 or more fantasy points in five consecutive contests, as well as 58.0 in another game over the last 10. Even with his highest price tag to date, he makes for a solid play for either cash or tournaments Wednesday.
Marcin Gortat, WAS at BOS ($6,000): Gortat continues to churn out double-doubles with impressive regularity, now having accomplished the feat in six of his last seven. The Polish Hammer posted 30.8 fantasy points against the Celtics in his one previous encounter with them this season and should have little trouble producing a successful encore, considering Boston has given up the seventh-most fantasy points (50.7), fifth-most points (21.0) and fifth-most rebounds (15.4) to centers this season.
Kelly Olynyk, BOS vs. WAS ($3,600): Olynyk appears to currently be a trusted part of coach Brad Stevens' rotation, having received 18 to 25 minutes in the last five games. He's scored 20.5 to 24.0 fantasy points in four of those contests, impressive returns at his current price. Olynyk has shot 55 percent (11-of-20) over the last two and could be in line for more against a Wizards defense that's surrendered the second-most points (22.1) and highest field-goal percentage (48.9) to power forwards, along with the fifth-highest (56.0) to centers, where Olynyk is sometimes deployed.
INJURY REPORT
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