This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Golden State Warriors at Detroit Pistons: The Warriors have emerged as an elite team early in the season, and their defense is a huge part of the reason why. Over their last five games they lead the league in defensive rating, while the Detroit Pistons are the second-worst offensive rated team in that same span. While players like Josh Smith should still provide decent multi-category production, this simply is not a very good matchup for a team with little offense to speak of.
Offenses to Use
Toronto Raptors at Los Angeles Lakers: It's hard not to salivate at the potential for the Toronto offense against a Laker team that just gave up 120 points in a game against the injury depleted Timberwolves. Furthering that, the Raptors are the highest rated offensive team over their last five games, while the Lakers are the second-worst in terms of defensive rating. Toronto should have little problem scoring in this one as this is a plus-matchup all around the board.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves
Second game of a back-to-back: None
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Kyle Lowry, PG, TOR ($8,400): Point guards kill the Lakers, and rack up the DraftKings points in the process. The Lakers are the worst team against the position this season, and are giving up over 56 DraftKings points to point guards. Lowry is the Raptors best player, and with DeMar DeRozan hobbled a bit, it would be no surprise to see him take over the scoring load.
Other suggestions: Lou Williams (at LAL), Mo Williams (at POR)
Shooting Guard
Wesley Matthews, SG, POR ($6,000): With no truly appealing combination of talent and matchup at the shooting guard position, my target is Matthews, who gets a good matchup and could post a solid point total at a relative bargain. He's having a career year, and with his ability to hit three-pointers at a high clip, he could take advantage of a bad Minnesota defense.
Other suggestions: Victor Oladipo (at PHX), Eric Bledsoe (vs. ORL)
Small Forward
Rudy Gay, SF, SAC ($7,500): Surveying the landscape of the available small forwards, it's easy to become frustrated with lack of inspiring options across the board. Gay is not facing a can't-miss matchup, but he's been fantastic this season most of the time. Last time out he did well against a tough Spurs defense, so don't be scared too much by the Memphis defense.
Other suggestions: Nicolas Batum (vs. MIN), Terrence Ross (at LAL)
Power Forward
LaMarcus Aldridge, PF, POR ($9,100): Aldridge is the best player on today's player board, and also the most expensive. He might be worth the investment though because he faces a poor Minnesota defense that seems ill-equipped to stop him. There's not a player on the roster that matches up well against the big guy, and he's poised for a nice game here.
Other suggestions: Zach Randolph (at SAC), Amir Johnson (at LAL)
Center
Jordan Hill, C, LAL ($6,600): There are a few big name players with high price tags, but I'll opt for Jordan Hill in this space. Hill is an every night double-double threat, and the Raptors are one of the most profitable teams on DraftKings when it comes to centers. Hill's relatively low price could be a bargain here.
Other suggestions: Nikola Vucevic (at PHX)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Ricky Rubio (ankle)
DeMar DeRozan (thigh)
Kevin Martin (wrist)
Andrea Bargnani (hamstring/calf)
Aaron Gordon (foot)
Nikola Pekovic (wrist)
Game-Time Decision
Mario Chalmers (illness) is expected to be ready to go Sunday.
Isaiah Thomas (ankle) is questionable after missing Friday's game.
Dwyane Wade (hamstring) practiced, but is questionable for Sunday.
Carmelo Anthony (back) is questionable heading into Sunday.
DeMarcus Cousins (illness) missed Friday's game.
