Daily Games Cheat Sheet: Tuesday

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Updated on January 6, 2015 10:38AM EST

TEAM ANALYSIS

Defenses to Avoid
Phoenix Suns at Milwaukee Bucks: With only two games on the schedule, it's hard to avoid any one team on the slate. Furthermore, the Suns aren't really a team to avoid, because they lead the league in offensive rating over the last ten games. Just keep in mind that the Bucks lead the league in defensive rating over that same span when picking out your rosters. Suns players are definitely usable on this slate, they'll just come with a bit of a tougher matchup.

Offenses to Use
Detroit Pistons at San Antonio Spurs: It's no secret the Spurs have been struggling, and their defense has not been immune to those struggles. The Pistons are a completely different squad without Josh Smith, and while they aren't the most exciting offensive team, they could be a profitable offense to use right now. The Spurs are capable of excellence any given night, but the numbers currently indicate the Pistons won't be taking on an elite Spurs defense.

First game of a back-to-back:: Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons
Second game of a back-to-back: None

DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
If you've never played on DraftKings before, we recommend reading our Daily Fantasy Basketball 101: How to Win on DraftKings strategy article. Want to play in a $50,000 daily NBA contest on DraftKings? Check it out here.

Point Guard
Brandon Knight, PG, MIL ($7,500): Resisting the temptation to dip into the Suns' pool of point guards, Knight looks worthy as a recommendation. He's been a disappointment at times since his phenomenal start to the season faded, but he contributes in a ton of categories, and the Bucks could find themselves in a fast paced contest if the games tilts Phoenix's way. Knight had 33.3 DraftKings points last time out versus the Suns despite shooting 39 percent from the field.

Other suggestions: Patty Mills (vs. DET), Brandon Jennings (at SA)

Shooting Guard
Gerald Green, SG, PHX ($4,700):Eric Bledsoe, Green's teammate, is always a great option, but if you're not willing to spend that kind of dough, you may want to consider Green on Tuesday. He's something of a dice roll, but he's put up at least 20 DraftKings points in his last four games and can certainly do more than that if he gets hot. Of the shooting guards in his price range, Green probably carries the most 'boom' potential.

[Editor's Note: This should help explain what 'boom' potential is.]

Other suggestions: Eric Bledsoe (at MIL), Danny Green (vs. DET)

Small Forward
Giannis Antetokounmpo, SF, MIL ($6,800): Going against a guard-heavy team like the Suns, a lengthy ball handler like Antetokounmpo should be extremely useful. For your fantasy lineup, he can either light it up or stink up the joint depending on what coach Jason Kidd wants to do with the minute distribution. With a short slate on Tuesday, Antetokounmpo is worth a shot as he figures to get enough run to put up the stat line he needs to be a DraftKings value due to his recent play.

Other suggestions: Khris Middelton (vs. PHX), P.J. Tucker (at MIL)

Power Forward
Greg Monroe, PF, DET ($7,100): Monroe is not exactly a cheap option for Tuesday's contests, but he's got the potential to put up some very nice stats against the 19th ranked team against power forwards. He's been struggling lately, but if he's able to play up to his talent level, those who decide to spend the dough on him will be rewarded.

Other suggestions: Tim Duncan (vs. DET), Boris Diaw (vs. DET)

Center
Zaza Pachulia, C, MIL ($6,000): Pachulia has been playing out of his mind recently, and looks to have free reign at the center position as long as Larry Sanders is out. The Suns have been soft against opposing centers on DraftKings, ranking 24th against the position. Pachulia has registered a double-double in his last two contests and is averaging 32 DraftKings points over the last 10 days.

Other suggestions: Andre Drummond (at SA)

INJURY REPORT

Out
Kawhi Leonard (hand)
Ersan Ilyasova (concussion)
Larry Sanders (personal)

Game-Time Decision
Tony Parker (hamstring) is questionable.

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire.