TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Los Angeles Clippers at Houston Rockets: There is really no matchup to avoid Monday, but it's worth noting that the Clippers are coming off an exhausting seven-game series with the San Antonio Spurs. The Rockets are a good defensive team, but the biggest factor could simply be tired legs for the Clippers.
Offenses to Use
Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers: The Kevin Love injury and J.R. Smith suspension open up opportunities all over the roster for the Cavaliers. LeBron James enters near must-start territory, and a variety of low-priced veterans could see significant run during their series.
First game of a back-to-back: None
Second game of a back-to-back:None
Point Guard
Derrick Rose, CHI ($7,500): Deploying Rose after significant rest time is a good idea, and he's had solid production against the Cavaliers this season. He's averaging 34 DraftKings points per game against Cleveland, and will cost you less than a banged-up Chris Paul if you don't want to spend on Kyrie Irving.
Other suggestions: Kyrie Irving (vs. CHI)
Shooting Guard
Iman Shumpert, CLE ($4,100): Shumpert will likely start in place of the suspended J.R. Smith on Monday and is a good play for the price. He exploded for 39 DraftKings points in Game 4 against the Celtics, and if he can get even 60 percent of that production, he will be a value.
Other suggestions: James Harden (vs. LAC), J.J. Redick (at HOU)
Small Forward
LeBron James, CLE ($11,100): James is one of my favorite plays Monday, as he should have to take on a bigger offensive responsibility with Kevin Love sidelined. He was lights-out in the first round, and against a much tougher opponent, he will need to be at his best. There are other solid options here, but James is far-and-away the best one.
Other suggestions: Mike Dunleavy (at CLE), Matt Barnes (at HOU)
Power Forward
Tristan Thompson, CLE ($5,000): Thompson should get a nice workload bump with Kevin Love out, and is a potential value play with his ability to grab double-doubles. He averaged over 20 DraftKings points per game against the Bulls in the regular season by playing around 30 minutes per contest.
Other suggestions: Blake Griffin (at HOU), Terrence Jones (vs. LAC)
Center
Joakim Noah, CHI ($6,300): Noah always seems to get up for Cleveland, as he averaged 36 DraftKings points per game against them this season. He costs the least out of the "Big Three" centers available, and I'll be rolling with at least one of them in the majority of my lineups.
Other suggestions: DeAndre Jordan (at HOU), Dwight Howard (vs. LAC)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Kevin Love (shoulder)
J.R. Smith (suspension)
Patrick Beverley (wrist)
Game-Time Decision
Chris Paul (hamstring)
Joakim Noah (illness)
