This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Washington Wizards vs. Brooklyn Nets: The Nets are in the midst of trade talks, which include some of their big-name players such as Brook Lopez, Deron Williams and possibly even Joe Johnson. While it's all speculation and rumors currently, they are struggling offensively. This is a Brooklyn team who averages 99.8 points per 100 possessions, which ranks them 26th in offensive rating. Turning the attention to the Wizards, this team has played impressive defense this year, posting a defensive rating of 100.7, which ranks them seventh-best in the league. Tack on the fact that the Nets rank 25th in points per game at 95.5, while the Wizards rank fifth in points allowed at 97.5, and Washington could be a defense to avoid on Saturday.
Indiana Pacers vs. Charlotte Hornets: The Pacers may not score the ball all that well, as their offensive rating is 98.6, but they can play a bit of defense. So far this season, Indiana ranks eighth overall in defensive rating with 101.4 points allowed per 100 possessions, and this is a stellar matchup for them. The Hornets are not a great defensive team, and the proof of that comes from their 99.2 offensive rating, which is tied for fifth-worst overall. Charlotte is 24th in points per game this year, averaging 95.9, but what's even more surprising is that the Pacers rank third in points allowed, as they allow 97 per game. There may be a player or two on Charlotte worth using, but Saturday is not likely to be a night to take any risks with the Hornets.
Offenses to Use
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Sacramento Kings: The Clippers are pushing the Dallas Mavericks for the best offensive rating in the NBA, and are currently sitting at an impressive 110 points per 100 possessions. They'll take on a Kings team who is not bad offensively, as they average 102.3 points per game, but defensively they allow 103.8 points per game, which ranks them 26th overall in the NBA. As for Sacramento's defensive rating, they come into this game ranked eighth-worst overall, allowing 105.4 points per 100 possessions. The Clippers could be a team to target on Saturday, especially with a few big-name playmakers.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: None
Second game of a back-to-back: Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers, Memphis Grizzlies, Washington Wizards, Brooklyn Nets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Brandon Jennings, PG, DET ($8,100): When Brandon Jennings is on, he is really on. We've seen Jennings score 26.5, 58, 46.75 and 33.5 DraftKings points over his last four games. While fantasy owners would obviously prefer the 58 and 46.75 outings, he's capable of those huge nights. Saturday sets up nicely for Jennings, as he has an excellent matchup against a Philadelphia 76ers team that allows an average of 52 points per game to opposing point guards. What's even more impressive about Jennings' recent outings is that he's done it while playing over 29 minutes just one time. The upside is there, and the cost won't break the bank.
Other suggestions: John Wall (at BKN), Ty Lawson (vs. MIN)
Shooting Guard
Bradley Beal, SG, WAS ($6,100): The "Real Deal Beal" gets a chance to continue his impressive stretch against the poor defense of Brooklyn. The Nets allow 44.9 points per game to opposing shooting guards, which ranks them sixth-worst in the NBA. When looking at Beal's recent play, he's topped 30.75 fantasy points on DraftKings in three of his last four games, and the other game was a 26.25 point night against the Atlanta Hawks. Beal has shot the ball well during that stretch, with a field goal percentage of 40% or above in three of the four games as well. His cost makes him even more attractive, as it'll allow money to be saved for other positions.
Other suggestions: Jimmy Butler (vs. ATL), Arron Afflalo (vs. MIN), Jamal Crawford (at SAC)
Small Forward
Wilson Chandler, SF, DEN ($5,700): Chandler makes for a good value option on Saturday, for a few different reasons. For starters, Chandler is getting all of the minutes that he can handle, playing 40, 39, 33, 41 and 35 over his last five games. He and the Nuggets just played the Dallas Mavericks in back-to-back games, and he scored 37.5 fantasy points on DraftKings in the first game. Chandler struggled a bit in the second game against the Mavs, scoring 10 points (4-12 FG, 2-6 3Pt), with six rebounds, one assist and one steal, but there's no reason for concern. The Nuggets have a quick turnaround, and they'll take on the Timberwolves, who allow the most fantasy points per game to opposing small forwards at 41.8. The combination of Chandler's matchup and his low price make him worth any risk that comes along with the play.
Other suggestions: Draymond Green (at HOU), Andrew Wiggins (at DEN), Nicolas Batum (at MEM)
Power Forward
Nerlens Noel, PF, PHI ($4,900): Noel seems to be coming into his own, and his last two games are proof of that. On Wednesday night against the Toronto Raptors, Noel had 31.5 fantasy points. Then on Friday night against the New Orleans Pelicans, he posted possibly his best game of the year. Noel scored 17 points (7-10 FG, 3-4 FT), tacked on 11 rebounds and also had five blocks, two assists and two steals in 33 minutes. Now, the big man from Kentucky gets the chance to face the Detroit Pistons, who give up the second-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards at 47.5 per game.
Other suggestions: Greg Monroe (vs. PHI), Kenneth Faried (vs. MIN), Thaddeus Young (at DEN)
Center
DeAndre Jordan, C, LAC ($7,700): The Los Angeles Clippers big man has had an impressive stretch, as he's only scored below 33 fantasy points on DraftKings twice in the last 10 games. Jordan has a matchup worth watching on Saturday, as he'll be up against a Sacramento Kings team who allows 48.7 fantasy points per game on average to opposing centers, ranking them sixth-worst in the NBA. The best part of Jordan's game is that fantasy owners don't need to rely on his scoring, as over that same stretch above, he only managed to top 15 points twice. In fact, Jordan usually racks up more rebounds than points, but regardless, it equals out to strong fantasy outings on most nights.
Other suggestions: Andre Drummond (vs. PHI), Dwight Howard (vs. GSW), Gorgui Dieng (at DEN)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Ricky Rubio (ankle)
Al Jefferson (groin)
Joakim Noah (ankle)
Shabazz Muhammad (abdomen)
Deron Williams (rib)
Randy Foye (quad)
Nikola Pekovic (ankle)
Terrence Jones (leg)
Robin Lopez (hand)
Mike Dunleavy (ankle)
Doug McDermott (knee)
George Hill (groin)
Kemba Walker (knee)
Game-Time Decision
Kevin Martin (wrist)
Tony Wroten (knee)
Rudy Gay (knee)
Gerald Henderson (illness)
Mike Conley (ankle)
Carl Landry (wrist)
