This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Defense to Avoid:
Miami Heat vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: At this point of the season, it's not the worst idea to fade a game altogether. That's what we have here, as these are two defensive-minded teams fighting for a playoff berth. That should only force them to play harder in what could be one of the lowest-scoring games of the season. Over their last eight games, both of these rank top-six in defensive efficiency and points allowed, while they are both forcing opponents to shoot under 45 percent from the field.
Offense to Use:
Phoenix Suns vs. Orlando Magic: Phoenix has been a solid offense all season and should do work against this Orlando defense that's turned into one of the worst in the league. In fact, the Magic rank dead-last in defensive efficiency across their last eight games, as they've really bumped up their pace. That should only add to the Suns' value, as they rank as the fastest-paced team in the NBA. Phoenix also ranks top-10 in offensive efficiency and points scored, so a 120-point game wouldn't be surprising and could come at the hands of some nice hidden values on this roster.
Teams on Back-to-Back Set:
First Game: Bucks, Bulls, Rockets and Wizards
Second Game: Magic, Nets and Raptors
DraftKings.com Player Recommendations
Jimmy Butler, CHI at WSH ($8,800): With Dwyane Wade out, that means it's Jimmy Butler time in Chicago. When Wade is out of the lineup, Butler is one of the league leaders in usage, while posting elite fantasy numbers. It couldn't have come at a better time for Butler either, as this $8,800 price tag is one of the cheapest he's been all season. This is the time of the season when Butler could be playing more than 40 minutes too, so he should fall into production no matter what.
Devin Booker, PHX vs. ORL ($7,200): With Eric Bledsoe ruled out for the year, Booker should turn into one of the best shooting guard options over the final month. He's been doing work recently too, as he's averaging 34 fantasy points across his last eight games. What makes him even more usable now is the fact that he'll be taking most of Bledsoe's usage and minutes, as Booker should be handling the ball every time down the floor. The matchup is simply the icing on the cake, with Orlando ranking dead-last in defensive efficiency across its last eight games.
Rajon Rondo, CHI at WSH ($6,500): Rondo has taken over the staring point guard role in Chicago and it's automatically made him fantasy-relevant yet again. In his last two games as the starter, Rondo has played at least 35 minutes, while scoring at least 39 fantasy points in both games. That's the Rondo of old and it makes him an intriguing option at such an affordable price. Not to mention, Dwyane Wade is now injured, so Rondo should pick up even more usage.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL at LAL ($9,900): Antetokounmpo has taken on a bigger role in the absence of Jabari Parker and he should be able to add to his ridiculous numbers in such a great matchup. Not only is he averaging over 45 fantasy points across his last eight games, Antetokounmpo dropped 68 fantasy points in his only game against the Lakers this season. That shouldn't come as a surprise when looking at their defense either, with Los Angeles ranking dead-last in defensive efficiency.
Trevor Ariza, HOU at NOP ($5,100): Ariza has been very frustrating recently, but this price is getting too cheap for someone of his ability. Ariza is not only averaging 27 fantasy points per game for the season, he's averaging over 32 fantasy points across his last three. His minutes make him extremely reliable as well, with Ariza regularly playing 35 minutes per game. At just $5,100, Ariza is one of few players with a 5X floor and a potential for 10X ceiling.
Ryan Anderson, HOU at NOP ($4,500): Anderson is in the same boat as Ariza, as he's way too talented of a player to be this cheap. What makes Anderson scary is his risk though, as he's one of few players who has a range between five fantasy points and 50. That upside is what makes Anderson enticing though, as he can provide 10X value at just $4,500. The circumstances are good as well, with Anderson playing much better on the road, in an arena that he is familiar with from his New Orleans days. In addition, the Pelicans allow opposing power forwards to score an average of 48 fantasy points against them, which is a below-average mark.
Andre Drummond, DET vs. TOR ($7,100): This price is too cheap for someone of Drummond's ability, as he's a double-double machine. With an average of 39 fantasy points per game, Drummond is a great bet to exceed 5X value and has a very high floor with this price drop. That's evident by the fact that he has at least 38 fantasy points in eight of his last 10 games. This matchup is nothing to be concerned with either, with Toronto's frontcourt weakness.
Al Horford, BOS at BRK ($6,100): Horford is coming off a near triple-double in his most recent game, and that shows just what makes him most effective. It's the matchup that truly makes him a special play though, with Brooklyn ranking last in numerous defensive categories. That doesn't even consider this cheap price, with Horford's 34 fantasy points per game representing what should be a $7,000 player.
Jahlil Okafor, PHI vs. DAL ($5,300): Okafor has found himself as the everyday center in Philadelphia and he's posting some of the best fantasy numbers of his career. In fact, Okafor has scored at least 29 fantasy points in four straight games, while seeing an increase in numbers every game out. That sort of production is hard to find at this price and it's clear DraftKings is slow to adjust to his new role. This matchup isn't as bad as it appears on the surface either, as the center position is a big weakness for Dallas in the absence of Andrew Bogut.
