This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defense To Avoid
Indiana Pacers vs. New Orleans Pelicans
The Pacers allow the seventh-fewest points per game (100.3) this season, while also causing the fifth-most turnovers per contest (15.3), and limiting their opponents to the fourth-lowest field-goal percentage (43.9). Meanwhile, the Pelicans come in compromised offensively, with Ryan Anderson already ruled out with his groin injury and Norris Cole (back) in danger of missing a ninth straight game.
Offense To Use
Cleveland Cavaliers at Brooklyn Nets
The Cavs are rightfully renowned for their defense, but they've begun to get dialed in on the other side of the ball as they fight to keep the top spot in the Eastern Conference. They've averaged 118.5 points per game over their last two and will now face a Nets defense that gives up the eighth-most points per game (104.8) and highest field-goal percentage (47.8) this season.
Teams on a Back-to-Backs
First game: None
Second game: Cavs, Bulls, Knicks, Jazz, Trail Blazers, Clippers
DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Point Guard
George Hill, IND vs. NOP ($5,000): Hill has scored between 21.75 and 27.00 fantasy points seven times within the last 10, and 42.25 in another. Meanwhile, the Pelicans are second only to the Trail Blazers in fantasy points allowed to point guards (61.3) over the last 10 games, while also giving up the third-most points (23.5), third-most three-pointers (2.5) and second-highest field-goal percentage (46.2) per game to the position this season.
Other options: Russell Westbrook, OKC vs. UTA ($10,300); Chris Paul, LAC vs. POR ($9,500); Damian Lillard, POR at LAC ($9,000); Jrue Holiday, NOP at IND ($8,400); Kyrie Irving, CLE at BKN ($6,800); Shelvin Mack, UTA at OKC ($6,300); Toney Douglas, NOP at IND ($5,100)
Shooting Guard
C.J. McCollum, POR at LAC ($6,800): McCollum came into Wednesday night's matchup against the Mavericks on a three-game streak with more than 40 fantasy points, but only managed a rather ordinary 14 points on 5-of-14 shooting. However, the one thing you can count on with McCollum is his willingness to keep chucking, despite a clunker from time to time. He'd scored between 22.75 and 44.25 fantasy points in the last 10 games prior to Wednesday and should be in line for another aggressive night on offense in a fast-paced tilt versus the Clippers.
Other options: Jimmy Butler, CHI at NYK ($7,200); Monta Ellis, IND vs. NO ($6,100); Bojan Bogdanovic, BKN vs. CLE ($5,500); Rodney Hood, UTA at OKC ($5,100); J.J. Redick, LAC vs. POR ($4,900); J.R. Smith, CLE at BKN ($4,500); Jamal Crawford, LAC vs. POR ($4,300)
Small Forward
Carmelo Anthony, NYK vs. CHI ($8,000): Anthony represents an appealing consolation prize for those who may not be able foot the bill for the top three smalls. He comes at a notable savings over both Kevin Durant and LeBron James, and posted 24 points, five assists and three rebounds against the Bulls on Wednesday night. He'd also scored between 34.5 and 51.0 fantasy points in the 10 games prior, and he could be in line for similar success in Thursday's rematch.
Other options: Kevin Durant, OKC vs. UTA ($9,900); LeBron James, CLE at BKN ($9,200); Paul George, IND vs. NOP ($8,500); Gordon Hayward, UTA at OKC ($6,700); Luke Babbitt, NO at IND ($4,000); Al-Farouq Aminu, POR at LAC ($3,700)
Power Forward
Kevin Love, CLE at BKN ($6,600): Love's return from a one-game absence was a triumphant one, as he tallied 24 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a pair of blocks versus the Bucks. He'd also scored between 21.0 and 52.5 fantasy points in eight of the previous 10 games, and will now face a Nets defense that is one of the league's worst against power forwards. Brooklyn gives up the eighth-most fantasy points (47.8), seventh-most points (21.6), most three-pointers (1.8) and seventh-highest field-goal percentage (.476) per game to power forwards this season.
Other options: Derrick Favors, UTA at OKC ($7,000); Thaddeus Young, BKN vs. CLE ($6,900); Kristaps Porzingis, NYK vs. CHI ($5,400); Myles Turner, IND vs. NOP ($4,700); Tristan Thompson, CLE at BKN ($4,600); Nikola Mirotic, CHI at NY ($4,400)
Center
Robin Lopez, CHI at NYK ($5,600): Lopez gets the call for the second consecutive night, considering he's up against the same vulnerable Bulls frontcourt that surrendered 41.25 fantasy points to him on Wednesday. Lopez had also scored between 26.75 and 54.5 fantasy points in seven of the 10 games prior, and he should be in line for another healthy dose of opportunity in Thursday's rematch.
Other options: DeAndre Jordan, LAC vs. POR ($7,700); Pau Gasol, CHI at NY ($7,600); Rudy Gobert, UTA at OKC ($5,900); Ian Mahinmi, IND vs. NO ($4,800); Mason Plumlee, POR at LAC ($4,700)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Ryan Anderson (groin)
Mo Williams (knee)
E'Twaun Moore (hamstring)
Cameron Bairstow (back)
Alec Burks (ankle)
Meyers Leonard (shoulder)
Game-Time Decision
Norris Cole (back)
Lance Thomas (knee)
