This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
New York Knicks at Toronto Raptors: Over their last five games, the Raptors have been the second best team in the league by measure of defensive rating. However, this is more about the Knicks' broken offense than it is the Raptors defense. It's hard to trust anyone outside of Carmelo Anthony and maybe Tim Hardaway, so I do not recommend doing so.
Also avoid: Philadelphia 76ers at Orlando Magic
Offenses to Use
Memphis Grizzlies at Cleveland Cavaliers: The Cavaliers have not lived up to the hype this season, and a big problem for them has been their defense. The Grizzlies match up quite well with a Cleveland team that is rather soft inside, and there could be points aplenty for the entire offense as a result.
First game of a back-to-back:: Toronto Raptors, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings
Second game of a back-to-back: New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, Indiana Pacers, New Orleans Pelicans
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Darren Collison, PG, ($6,800): Collison has had his ups and downs in recent weeks, but with the return of DeMarcus Cousins, his life should be a bit easier. His matchup with the Lakers is nice, and makes his price tag a good buy because of his upside to stuff the stat sheet. While not a total value play, Collison is a nice alternative to the high-priced top-tier guys.
Other suggestions: Russell Westbrook (vs. NO), Jarrett Jack (vs. DET)
Shooting Guard
Rodney Stuckey, SG, ($6,000): Stuckey has played both point guard and shooting guard as of late, but it really doesn't matter where he plays against the Timberwolves on Sunday. They are a bad defense, and Stuckey has shown he can produce in multiple categories. He's got high upside at a mid-tier price.
Other suggestions:Joe Johnson (vs. DET), Dwyane Wade (vs. BOS)
Small Forward
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, SF, PHI ($4,100): Mbah a Moute isn't a particularly impressive player on DraftKings overall, but considering him relative to his price is the best way to value him. At his low price tag, his ability to snag 20+ DraftKings points each night by contributing in a variety of categories outside of scoring makes him a nice complimentary buy.
Other suggestions: Solomon Hill (at MIN), Tobias Harris (vs. PHI)
Power Forward
David West, PF, IND ($6,300): West has finally started to get it going, and while he's not going to tear it up on any given night, he is usually a good option when he's been healthy. He's at a decent price here, and 30+ DraftKings points certainly would not be out of the question against Minnesota.
Other suggestions: Carlos Boozer (at SAC), Kevin Garnett (vs. DET)
Center
Kelly Olynyk, C, BOS ($5,300): The Heat have a tough time stopping opposing centers, and Olynyk has been playing well as of late. He's dipped under 20 DraftKings points only once in his last five outings, so his price is well worth the risk when considering both his floor and ceiling
Other suggestions: DeMarcus Cousins (vs. LAL)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Ricky Rubio (ankle)
Kevin Martin (wrist)
DeMar DeRozan (groin)
Chris Bosh (abdomen)
Brook Lopez (back)
Nikola Pekovic (wrist)
George Hill (quad)
Eric Gordon (shoulder)
Aaron Gordon (foot)
Game-Time Decision
Deron Williams (calf) is doubtful.
C.J. Watson (illness) is questionable.
Kevin Durant (ankle) is questionable.
Wesley Johnson (ankle) expects to play Sunday.
Kendrick Perkins (knee) is day-to-day.
