This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
New York Knicks at Milwaukee Bucks: A fact that some may find somewhat surprising: the Bucks are the second-highest ranked team in terms of defensive rating this season. Combine that with the fact that the New York Knicks have looked dysfunctional on offense, as Derek Fisher attempts to build his system, and it's enough for me to stay away from adding Knicks to my roster. I value Carmelo Anthony the same, but it would take a difficult scenario for me to consider anyone else from New York.
Offenses to Use
Los Angeles Lakers at Atlanta Hawks: Two of the worst defenses in the league collide in this one, with the bottom-ranked Los Angeles Lakers taking on the eighth-worst Atlanta Hawks. The offense should be easier to come by for both clubs, making this a fantasy friendly matchup from a scoring perspective. If you're looking for fill-in players, feel free to take a glance at either club for a little more upside potential.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, Oklahoma City Thunder
Second game of a back-to-back: New Orleans Pelicans
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Jeff Teague, PG, ATL ($7,000): Death, taxes, and point guards facing the Lakers. While it's not a guarantee, it's typically a pretty good idea to target guards against the Lakers, as they give up the second-most points to guards overall this season. Teague hasn't set the world on fire, but still boasts a 31.2 DraftKings points average, and has the match-up to provide sufficient value for his price tag.
Other suggestions: Reggie Jackson (at UTA), Jrue Holiday (at SAC)
Shooting Guard
Kobe Bryant, SG, LAL ($8,800): After a horrific performance against the San Antonio Spurs, Bryant went off against the Golden State Warriors to the tune of 55.25 DraftKings points. Going up against the Atlanta Hawks and their league ranked eighth-worst defense, he has the opportunity to put up another solid game. As Kobe is supplied with as many shots as he wants, he should have every possible opportunity to make value, and is a stud I am targeting despite his high-end price.
Other suggestions: Kyle Korver (vs. LAL), Giannis Antetokounmpo (vs. NY)
Small Forward
Gordon Hayward, SF, UTA ($7,700): The small forward position is a tough one Tuesday. Despite not having an elite match-up, I am going with Gordon Hayward, who is priced outside the top-tier. As a ball handler for the Jazz, Hayward has the ability to contribute in a multitude of categories, and I am confident in that versatility despite going up against a solid defense in Oklahoma City.
Other suggestions: Carmelo Anthony (at MIL)
Power Forward
Anthony Davis, PF, NO ($11,000):: Anthony Davis is priced like a Ferrari, but the great news is that he performs like one as well. Going into last night's game, Davis had only failed to post 50 DraftKings points twice. That kind of production is insane, and when you consider he's hit 60 DraftKings points four times already this year as well, you get a picture of what exactly he's doing. It's not a bad investment to pay top-dollar for this guy, and until he cools down, he's worth the valuation.
Other suggestions: Ed Davis (at ATL), Serge Ibaka (at UTA)
Center
Jordan Hill, C, LAL ($6,800): With truly no fantastic match-up/player combinations to choose from, I default to Jordan Hill who is a constant double-double threat for the Lakers. He gets an Atlanta Hawks defense that ranks bottom-third in the league against centers on DraftKings this year. Hill has potential to put up points, rebounds, and blocks against this team en route to making value.
Other suggestions: Al Horford (vs. LAL)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Jose Calderon (calf)
Andrea Bargnani (hamstring)
Game-Time Decision
Iman Shumpert (hip) is questionable.
Andre Roberson (foot) is likely out.
Nick Young (thumb) should return versus Atlanta.
Rudy Gay (Achilles) is questionable.
DeMarre Carroll (groin) is considered doubtful.
Perry Jones (knee) is questionable.
Jason Thompson (quad) is probable.
Omer Asik (back) missed Monday's game.
