This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
San Antonio Spurs at Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets are typically a viable offense to use for fantasy, but the Spurs present a great challenge on the second night of a back-to-back. Kawhi Leonard is back for the spurs, and the rest of the team is getting healthy as well, allowing the Spurs to play the defense they have been known for over the years. With only two games on the schedule, you can't rule out any Nuggets players, but the matchup is not particularly inviting.
Offenses to Use
Oklahoma City Thunder at Miami Heat: The Thunder seem to be getting it together recently after posting back-to-back games scoring 127 points. No team boasts better studs to pick on Tuesday, so if you're looking to go with a star-heavy roster, this is probably the team that you're doing it with. Whether it's Kevin Durant or Russell Westbrook, or even the cheaper options like Dion Waiters; the Thunder are the hottest offense on the board.
First game of a back-to-back: Oklahoma City Thunder, Miami Heat
Second game of a back-to-back: Denver Nuggets
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
Patty Mills, PG, SA ($3,500): Finding value on a short slate can be tough, but Mills is one player that could certainly fit that description. He gets to take on a Nuggets defense that isn't all that stout, and has been scoring well enough to be a nice low-end option to fill out most rosters. If he meets his season average of 18.3 DraftKings points, he will represent a great value.
Other suggestions: Russell Westbrook (at MIA), Mario Chalmers (vs. OKC)
Shooting Guard
Dwyane Wade, SG, MIA ($8,300): All indications are that Wade will suit up against the the Thunder, and if he does, he is a star player with a high ceiling at a discount. He faces a defense that can be tough on the Thunder, but when he plays, he's still fantastic, and he can rack up the DraftKings points with the best of them. If he plays, Wade is a slam dunk pick.
Other suggestions: Dion Waiters (at MIA), Danny Green (at DEN)
Small Forward
Kevin Durant, SF, OKC ($10,700): Durant is a player that comes with a premium price, but on a two-game slate, he's well worth the money if you can squeeze him into the roster. He's averaged 50.8 DraftKings points over his last four games, and with little margin of error for the Thunder, he'll need to be on his game versus the Heat. He won't make a tremendous value, but his floor is high enough to warrant consideration.
Other suggestions: Kawhi Leonard (at DEN)
Power Forward
Tim Duncan, PF, SA ($8,500): Any time the Nuggets take the floor, the first power forward to take a look at is whoever they are opposing. Duncan is still playing at a phenomenal level despite his age, and has shown the ability to post triple-double type numbers by stuffing the stat sheet in every way possible. The only question with Duncan is about his potential workload due to his coach's shenanigans.
Other suggestions: Serge Ibaka (at MIA)
Center
Tiago Splitter, C, SA ($3,900): Splitter is another player that can provide solid value and allow you to place more stars in your lineup. Going up against the Nuggets is a great boost to Splitter's potential rebounding, and even though his minutes leave a bit to be desired right now, he should get plenty of opportunity. If Splitter gets you 20 DraftKings points, he's a good value.
Other suggestions: Chris Bosh (vs. OKC)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Marco Belinelli (groin)
Danilo Gallinari (knee)
JaVale McGee (leg)
Game-Time Decision
Dwyane Wade (hamstring) is probable.
Chris Andersen (illness) will be available to play.
