This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Memphis Grizzlies at Indiana Pacers: With their team healthy to start the season, the Memphis Grizzlies promise to be a defensive force. Last year, the Grizzlies were one of the most feared defenses in the entire NBA, and with the Indiana Pacers missing several key components to their roster going into this game, it's best to avoid this situation altogether from Indiana's perspective; pass on Pacers unless the value is excellent.
Offenses to Use
Los Angeles Lakers at Los Angeles Clippers: The Lakers have the worst defensive rating in the entire league (119.5) and traditionally have struggled against good point guards. Enter Chris Paul and the Los Angeles Clippers. With no resistance inside to stop Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan from reigning terror on the rim, everybody should get in on the action with the Lakers struggling to keep up defensively. Look to add Clippers to your roster as you fill out your daily lineups.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis, Phoenix, Chicago, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, and Indiana
Second game of a back-to-back: Los Angeles Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Brandon Knight, PG, MIL ($7,400): After playing against a defensive-minded Charlotte Hornets team on the road, and nearly grabbing a triple-double in the process, Knight will face the lowly Philadelphia 76ers at home. While there are no guarantees he produces a similar stat line to his last game, you have to like his chances against this defense. He's also the recipient of big minutes under coach Jason Kidd's deep rotation philosophy, so he'll have a great chance to pile up the stats.
Other suggestions: Chris Paul (vs. LAL), Tony Wroten (at MIL), Isaiah Thomas (vs. SA)
Shooting Guard
Jamal Crawford, SG, LAC ($5,400): The Lakers sport one of the worst defenses in the league, and by no coincidence also give up a ton of three-pointers. Shooting the three is something that Crawford does well, and he should see his share of opportunities in this one. After giving up solid stats to James Harden and Eric Bledsoe, it's conceivable that Crawford could be next in line, and at his price point, he's worth the gamble.
Other suggestions: Manu Ginobili (at PHX), Eric Bledsoe (vs. SA)
Small Forward
Khris Middleton, SF, MIL ($4,400):A starter for the Bucks in their first contest, Middleton comes at an amazing value against a weak opponent here. His matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers is a tasty one, and by picking up Middleton at such a low salary-cap hit, you free yourself up to grab more superstar players. The production isn't bad from the Bucks forward either; 17 points, six rebounds, and a block in the first contest this season.
Other suggestions: Nicolas Batum (at SAC), Rudy Gay (vs. POR)
Power Forward
Pau Gasol, PF, CHI ($7,100): The Bulls enter Friday's game in competition against the new-look Cleveland Cavaliers, and they are going to need Gasol in order to keep pace with the explosive team from Ohio. I am looking for Pau to be involved in the offense early and often, and expect him to initiate quite a bit of the action himself. Because of that, he's a good value here with his ability to pile up points, rebounds, assists, and blocks.
Other suggestions: Jordan Hill (at LAC), Zach Randolph (at IND)
Center
DeAndre Jordan, C, LAC ($7,500): With a fairly deep slate of centers on the board, finding the right value will be imperative. Jordan represents a fantastic buy because of his opponent, the Los Angeles Lakers, and their inability to defend the interior. With Chris Paul running the show, Jordan should get plenty of easy looks and should be seen as a near-lock to post a big time double-double.
Other suggestions: Joakim Noah (vs. CLE), Spencer Hawes (vs. LAL)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Michael Carter-Williams (shoulder)
George Hill (knee)
Patty Mills (shoulder)
C.J. Watson (foot)
Nick Young (thumb)
Jimmy Butler (thumb)
P.J. Tucker (suspension)
David West (ankle)
Ryan Kelly (hamstring)
Tiago Splitter (back)
Game-Time Decision
Kwahi Leonard (eye) will be available to play Friday.
