This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Los Angeles Clippers at Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizzlies are a tough matchup for any team, especially at home, but the Clippers are at a disadvantage against that rugged Grizzlies frontcourt. The Clippers are the second-worst rebounding team this season, and it's hard to see that getting any better with this matchup on the docket. All around, the Grizzlies can slow down any team when they need to, so downgrade the Clippers a bit in this one, and only stick to the stars if you need them.
Offenses to Use
Portland Trail Blazers at Boston Celtics: The Portland Trail Blazers can score with any team in the league, and the best part is that the offensive output is typically predictable as they rely on a small set of players to get the job done. The Celtics, armed with the fifth-worst defense in terms of rating, are ill-equipped to stop the likes of LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard. The Blazers should receive an uptick as you set your lineups.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Los Angeles Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets
Second game of a back-to-back: Miami Heat
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Ty Lawson, PG, DEN ($8,800): Fresh off letting up 140 points against the Mavericks, the Lakers are faced with Lawson and his Nuggets, a team with offensive potential that hasn't been realized as of yet. Typically it's easy to recommend the Lakers as a great matchup, but I especially like Lawson, as opposing ballhandlers have decimated the purple and gold this season. The Lakers currently allow 25.3 points and 9.1 assists on average to point guards, and Lawson is a good play today faced with that matchup.
Other suggestions: Kemba Walker (at MIA), Damian Lillard (at BOS)
Shooting Guard
Lance Stephenson, SG, CHA ($7,000): Over their last three games, the Heat are the fourth-most profitable team to go against for opposing shooting guards. Stephenson isn't a big-time points scorer, but with his ability to rack up stats in multiple categories, he's worth a look when his price begins to drop a bit. Even if Dwyane Wade plays, Stephenson is a good buy.
Other suggestions: Wesley Matthews (at BOS), Arron Afflalo (at LAL)
Small Forward
Wilson Chandler, SF, DEN ($5,900):Wilson Chandler is on a nice little streak, and as a lower priced player it's not a bad idea to try to ride the wave. He has put up back-to-back 30+ DraftKings point games, and has emerged as a nice scoring threat for the Nuggets. He gets the Lakers, who are dreadful defending the perimeter, and has the potential to be a big time producer today.
Other suggestions: Jeff Green (vs. POR)
Power Forward
LaMarcus Aldridge, PF, POR ($9,500): The stud with the best matchup of the day is Aldridge. Over their last three games the Boston Celtics have let up the second-most DraftKings points to the power forward position, and Aldridge has been on a tear, hovering right around that 40 Draft Kings points mark in each game. He's a pretty safe bet to return to that territory and beyond with the opponent in mind.
Other suggestions: Jared Sullinger (vs. POR), Carlos Boozer (vs. DEN)
Center
Marc Gasol, C, MEM ($8,200):Marc Gasol continues to be an underrated commodity on DraftKings, and he gets a good matchup with the Clippers in this one. A team that struggles on the boards for the most part, the Clippers should provide Gasol with plenty of opportunity to grab stats outside of the scoring category. In a big-time matchup, the Grizzlies should rely on the big man, and I think he delivers against an inferior opponent.
Other suggestions: Jordan Hill (vs. DEN)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Marcus Smart (ankle)
David Lee (hamstring)
Ryan Kelly (hamstring)
Game-Time Decision
Norris Cole (thumb) will be re-evaluated Sunday and is questionable.
Dwyane Wade (hamstring) sat out Saturday, and is questionable.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (foot) missed Friday's game and is questionable.
Perry Jones (knee) is considered day-to-day.
Tony Allen (illness) should be active for Sunday's game.
