This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Memphis Grizzlies at Oklahoma City Thunder: The Grizzlies occupy this space so often that it's difficult to come up with new numbers to suggest avoiding this club. If the fact that the Thunder will continue to be without Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant is not enough to scare you off, consider the Thunder will also potentially be without Perry Jones. Also, their two most useful fantasy pieces, Serge Ibaka and Reggie Jackson, will be seeing plenty of Marc Gasol and Tony Allen respectively. You shouldn't need any stat to tell you that Oklahoma City is running out of horses to run with, and Memphis is playing at a high level.
Offenses to Use
Dallas Mavericks at Utah Jazz: The Mavericks sport the highest offensive rating in the league at 118.1 points per 100 possessions, and the Jazz rank second to only the abysmal Lakers in terms of worst defensive rating, with their number being at 110.4 points per 100 possessions. This game has all the making of a shootout, so feel free to use either side, though the Mavericks clearly have the better options in this one even on the second night of a back-to-back.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Washington Wizards, Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, Memphis Grizzlies
Second game of a back-to-back: Dallas Mavericks
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Donald Sloan, PG, IND ($5,600): Sloan has been a fairly productive player for daily fantasy purposes, averaging over 30 DraftKings points early on this season. He has all the minutes in the world due to the Pacers' injury situation, so if nothing else, he will produce based on pure volume. And while his matchup against Rajon Rondo isn't inspiring, Sloan should see enough run to gather stats to make his sub-$6,000 price worth investing into.
Other suggestions: Ricky Rubio (at ORL), Isaiah Thomas (vs. SAC), Trey Burke (vs. DAL)
Shooting Guard
Jimmy Butler, SG, CHI ($5,200): Butler missed the first few games of the Bulls' season but has been a fantasy force since returning, averaging over 35 DraftKings points per contest. He gets the Philadelphia 76ers here, and a chance to build on his averages of 19.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2 steals per game. At a mere $5,200, Butler has immense upside given his recent production.
Other suggestions: Kyle Korver (at CHA), Alec Burks (vs. DAL)
Small Forward
Josh Smith, SF, DET ($7,400): Smith can be a frustrating player in fantasy basketball, especially when percentages are accounted for. Thankfully they are not in DraftKings leagues, and Smith provides a potential boom for your hopes here. Though he's shot the ball extremely poorly to start the season (31.4% FG), he's still averaging around 35 DraftKings points. Against the Bucks, he should find scoring a bit easier, and in addition to his defensive stats, we could be looking at a big game.
Other suggestions: LeBron James (at DEN), Chandler Parsons (at UTA), Mike Dunleavy (at PHI)
Power Forward
Derrick Favors, PF, UTA ($7,400): Favors gets a shot to take on Dallas, who will try to improve on their poor 109 defensive rating here. Even if the offense doesn't come early and often for Favors, he still contributes in rebounds, steals, and blocks, so at $7,400, there is a high ceiling here. I expect him to have success offensively, so I have no problem laying the cash down to roster him. In one matchup this year, Favors dropped 36.75 DraftKings points while recording only 17 points and zero blocks.
Other suggestions: Greg Monroe (vs. MIL), Thaddeus Young (at ORL), Kevin Love (at DEN)
Center
Marc Gasol, C, MEM ($7,800): The Memphis Grizzlies are undefeated, and Marc Gasol's contributions are a big reason why. The big man has averaged around 40 DraftKings points per game, though those numbers are inflated by a 54.25 DraftKings points outing against Minnesota on opening day. Still, at $7,800 and a matchup against an overmatched Steven Adams on the horizon, I'll risk Gasol providing "only" 35 DraftKings points.
Other suggestions: Marcin Gortat (at TOR), JaVale McGee (vs. CLE)
INJURY REPORT
Out
George Hill (knee)
Jose Calderon (calf)
C.J. Watson (foot)
Raymond Felton (ankle)
Michael Carter-Williams (shoulder)
Bradley Beal (wrist)
Rodney Stuckey (foot)
Jeremy Lamb (back)
Anthony Morrow (knee)
Jodie Meeks (back)
David West (ankle)
Andrea Bargnani (hamstring)
Game-Time Decision
Avery Bradley (elbow) is probable against Indiana.
J.R. Smith (suspension) should return against Brooklyn.
Andre Roberson (foot) is doubtful to play against the Grizzlies.
Perry Jones III (knee) did not practice on Thursday.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (chest) is listed as probable.
Nerlens Noel (ankle) is likely out against Chicago.
Amir Johnson (ankle) should return for the Raptors.
Joakim Noah (illness) is questionable to play against Philadelphia.
Jonas Valanciunas (hand) should return for Friday's game.
Kyle O'Quinn (ankle) is questionable against Minnesota.
