This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Orlando Magic at Golden State Warriors: The Warriors are one of the top teams in the league, and that includes their stellar defense thus far this season (tops in the league over the last five games). The Magic are young, and going into Oracle Arena can be a tough task for any club. Unless you're grabbing their stars, it's best to look to a team other than Orlando while you build your rosters.
Offenses to Use
Toronto Raptors at Sacramento Kings: The Raptors are one of the top offensive teams in the league, ranking third in offensive rating over the last five games. While the Kings are not terrible defensively, they are the seventh-worst in defensive rating over that same five game span. This could be a high scoring affair in Sacramento, especially if DeMarcus Cousins is limited by the effects of his illness.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Los Angeles Lakers, Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Dallas Mavericks, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic,
Second game of a back-to-back: Denver Nuggets
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Brandon Jennings, PG, DET ($7,500): If ever there were a game for Brandon Jennings, it is his matchup against the Lakers, who play no defense whatsoever. Furthermore, they've been atrocious against point guards, and Jennings is a guy who doesn't mind hogging the ball a bit when he gets hot. The floor for Jennings is always questionable, but his ceiling is high in this one.
Other suggestions: Russell Westbrook (at NO), Derrick Rose (vs. DAL), Darren Collison (vs. TOR)
Shooting Guard
Kobe Bryant, SG, LAL ($9,500): With the shooting guard position, sometimes it's just better to pay a premium for a "safe" play. This is about as safe as you'll get, with a hot Kobe Bryant taking on a team whose perimeter defense is questionable at best. You're likely paying for his ceiling at this price, but you're also getting his floor here which is where the value lies.
Other suggestions: Tyreke Evans (vs. OKC), Jimmy Butler (vs. DAL)
Small Forward
Harrison Barnes, SF, GS ($4,800): This one is for the owners who are trying to save a little coin to get superstars into their lineups. While not dirt cheap, Barnes is seeing a fairly low price tag here, and should be able to provide at least his season average of 22.5 DraftKings points. With a matchup looming against a Orlando team that has allowed the third-most DraftKings points over the last four games, he is a solid buy as a complimentary piece.
Other suggestions: LeBron James (vs. MIL), Draymond Green (vs. ORL)
Power Forward
Paul Millsap, PF, ATL ($8,900): The Celtics are the go-to matchup for opposing power forwards, and they have allowed an average of over 80 DraftKings points to the position over the last two games. Expect Millsap to exceed his season average of 37.4 DraftKings points per contest.
Other suggestions: LaMarcus Aldridge (at DEN), Greg Monroe (at LAL)
Center
Andrew Bogut, C, GS ($6,000): Bogut provides the potential to contribute in every category aside from three-pointers, and he'll be even more involved in the offensive process if Steph Curry (ankle) is hobbled. Last time out against the Magic, Bogut dropped 39 DraftKings points. He only needs about 30 DraftKings points to provide value here.
Other suggestions: Jordan Hill (vs. DET)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Randy Foye (quad)
George Hill (knee)
Marcus Smart (ankle)
DeMar DeRozan (thigh)
Jodie Meeks (back)
Eric Gordon (shoulder)
Andrei Kirilenko (personal)
Taj Gibson (ankle)
Aaron Gordon (foot)
Andrea Bargnani (calf/hamstring)
Game-Time Decision
Stephen Curry (ankle) is expected to play against Orlando.
Isaiah Thomas (ankle) is questionable.
Raymond Felton (ankle) is questionable.
Jameer Nelson (back) is probable.
J.R. Smith (illness) was sent home from Monday's practice.
Kevin Durant (foot) is questionable to make his season debut.
Amir Johnson (toe) is questionable after re-injuring his toe.
David Lee (hamstring) is questionable to make his season debut.
DeMarcus Cousins (illness) is expected to play.
Roy Hibbert (ankle) is expected to play.
Anderson Varejao (ribs) is expected to play.
