TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Dallas Mavericks at Indiana Pacers: The Pacers aren't playing lock-down defense, but the Mavericks are likely going to be playing without their best offensive player in Monta Ellis. While this could result in the team turning the keys over to Rajon Rondo, and little dip in offensive production, it's a situation that I am actively avoiding if I can.
Offenses to Use
Houston Rockets at Washington Wizards: The Rockets are a team of opportunity due to key injuries to a ton of players, as well as Dwight Howard not being ready to take on a full workload yet. There are plenty of nicely-priced options that will be key parts of a dynamic, fast-paced offense, making them the perfect fillers for lineups on Sunday.
First game of a back-to-back: Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, Memphis Grizzlies, Phoenix Suns
Second game of a back-to-back: Oklahoma City Thunder
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Point Guard
John Wall, PG, WAS ($8,600): The Rockets like to play fast, and they put up a ton of points with MVP-candidate James Harden leading the way. The Wizards' best chance of keeping pace is Wall, who is coming off of back-to-back games of 50+ DraftKings points. Patrick Beverley (wrist) will not play in this game, leaving the Rockets without one of their best defenders on the perimeter to check Washington's All-Star point guard.
Other suggestions: Russell Westbrook (at PHX), Jeremy Lin (at BKN)
Shooting Guard
Jason Terry, SG, HOU ($3,800): As previously stated, Patrick Beverley is dealing with a wrist injury, and Terry is the logical replacement for him going forward. I do not expect a massive performance for the veteran guard, but at his price, he needs just shy of 20 DraftKings points to be a value. He's a fantastic option if you decide to pass on paying at the shooting guard position.
Other suggestions: Eric Bledsoe (vs. OKC), Joe Johnson (vs. LAL)
Small Forward
Luc Richard Mbah A Moute, SF, PHI ($4,200): Another cheap option, Mbah A Moute has been a consistent factor for fantasy when he's been healthy. He recently returned from a shoulder injury and represents a safer option that won't break the bank at small forward. He's averaging 23 DraftKings points over his last five games, and that type of performance would make him a valuable addition to lineups on Sunday.
Other suggestions: Josh Smith (at WAS), Andrew Wiggins (at NO)
Power Forward
Zach Randolph, PF, MEM ($7,000): In what should be a crucial game for the Grizzlies on Sunday, Randolph should receive his fair share of looks. He's put up two duds in a row and has seen his price drop because of it, but he's also found success against the Spurs this season with an average of 37 DraftKings points in two games played against the division rival.
Other suggestions: Nerlens Noel (at CLE), Blake Griffin (at BOS)
Center
Brook Lopez, C, BKN ($7,500): Lopez didn't soar to the heights that I had hoped against the Cavaliers, but he gets a fantastic matchup on Sunday at home against the Lakers. His last game against the Lakers resulted in him dropping 42 DraftKings points, and he has been good enough lately, where a repeat is a distinct possibility.
Other suggestions: Enes Kanter (at PHX)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Jrue Holiday (leg)
Patrick Beverley (wrist)
Jamal Crawford (calf)
Nick Young (knee)
Kevin Durant (foot)
Paul George (leg)
Serge Ibaka (knee)
Terrence Jones (lung)
Donatas Motiejunas (back)
Thaddeus Young (knee)
Ryan Anderson (knee)
Game-Time Decision
Ricky Rubio (ankle)
Deron Williams (illness)
Brandon Knight (ankle)
Dwyane Wade (knee)
Monta Ellis (calf) is doubtful.
Rodney Stuckey (calf)
Kevin Martin (hamstring)
Gary Neal (ankle)
Tony Allen (hamstring)
Greg Monroe (knee)
David West (illness) is probable.
Carlos Boozer (rest)
Kevin Garnett (rest)
Hassan Whiteside (hand)
Jordan Hill (rest)
Nikola Pekovic (ankle)
