This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Houston Rockets vs. Milwaukee Bucks: In a bit of a surprise, the Houston Rockets have been impressive defensively, posting a defensive rating of just 94.5, which is the best in the NBA. They face a Bucks team who are in the bottom of the NBA in offensive rating as well, making this a brutal matchup for a Bucks team who many don't target for GPP games anyways. With a fair number of games, I'd look other places than on the Bucks' roster.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Philadelphia 76ers: To put it simply, the 76ers have simply been terrible in 2014. They are in complete rebuild mode, and have the worst offensive rating, averaging just 90.2 points per 100 possessions. The Mavericks play solid defense as well, and they're in the top half of the NBA in defensive rating. There are some intriguing options against on the 76ers' roster, but I'd probably stay away tonight.
Offenses to Use
Dallas Mavericks vs. Philadelphia 76ers: The 76ers are simply a defense that you want to try to target, and grab players who are facing them on that night. With guys like Dirk Nowitzki and Monta Ellis, there could be interesting options. If you want to get even more in-depth, take a shot on big man Tyson Chandler, who could feast on the inside.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Utah Jazz: The Jazz haven't been a great defensive team, as they have the third-worst defensive rating in the NBA currently at 107.8. That's great news for a Clippers' team who has a top-five offensive rating in the NBA, and on top of that they have some explosive playmakers in guys like Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and even DeAndre Jordan. There's plenty of players to target on the Clippers.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: None
Second game of a back-to-back: Charlotte Hornets, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, Milwaukee Bucks, New Orleans Pelicans, Atlanta Hawks
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Jeff Teague, PG, ATL ($7,400): Teague has been an interesting option this year, and he gets a Charlotte Hornets team tonight that has given up the second most points to point guards on the year. To make this pick even more impressive, you can look at the fact that over his last three games, Teague has scored 47.75, 43.25 and 49.5 points in his last three games. He's playing excellent and gets a strong matchup.
Other suggestions: Kyrie Irving (vs. IND) Kemba Walker (at ATL), Michael Carter-Williams (vs. DAL)
Shooting Guard
Monta Ellis, SG, DAL ($8,400): We've already touched on this excellent matchup, so there's no real surprise here that Ellis makes the list. He's facing a 76ers' team who is fourth-worst against opposing shooting guards. Ellis has scored 26, 38.75, 31 and 40.75 over his previous four games, and he's a top option tonight at the shooting guard position.
Other suggestions: James Harden (at MIL), Rodney Stuckey (at CLE)
Small Forward
Trevor Ariza, SF, HOU ($6,000): Ariza is getting massive minutes, and has been producing in a solid way. He also gets a great matchup tonight against the Bucks, who have been in the bottom half of the NBA against opposing small forwards. Ariza is a very interesting option tonight, and while there are some great options on the Rockets, he's not incredibly expensive currently.
Other suggestions: Chandler Parsons (at PHI), Paul Pierce (vs. NOP)
Power Forward
Blake Griffin, PF, LAC ($9,400): Griffin may be one of the most expensive options on the board tonight, but he also is one of the best options as well. He's facing a Jazz defense who gives up 26.44 regular points per game to opposing power forwards, as well as 12.63 rebounds. Griffin is set up to be big on Saturday, and three of his last four games have been very good. He's scored 35.25, 56, 21.5 and 47.25 points in the last four, and should have a massive night against Utah.
Other suggestions: Dirk Nowitzki (at PHI), Derrick Favors (vs. LAC), Nerlens Noel (vs. DAL)
Center
Enes Kanter, C, UTA ($6,100): Looking for an option at the center position who won't break the bank? Look no further than Kanter. The Jazz face an interesting option in the Los Angeles Clippers, who actually haven't been great defending against centers, and they rank in the top 10 of the NBA in fantasy points allowed to opposing centers. To top it off, Kanter has been playing solid as of late, scoring 27.25, 36.5, 12.5 and 26.25 fantasy points in his last four games.
Other suggestions: Al Horford (vs. CHA), Tyson Chandler (at PHI), Anderson Varejao (vs. IND- if he starts)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Tony Wroten- knee
Nene Hilario- foot
Eric Gordon- shoulder
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist- foot
Patrick Beverley- hamstring (questionable)
Game-Time Decision
Raymond Felton- ankle (questionable)
Roy Hibbert- ankle (questionable)
Dwight Howard- knee (questionable)
Gary Neal- shoulder (questionable)
Jameer Nelson- back (questionable)
Anderson Varejao- rib (questionable)
