This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Dallas Mavericks at San Antonio Spurs: While the Mavericks have a wealth of fantasy options on their roster, they are playing in San Antonio against the Spurs' who were ranked third in defensive rating (102.4) and sixth in opponent points per game (97.6) last season. The AT&T Center is going to be rocking for the reigning NBA champions, so make sure to factor in added defensive pressure when selecting Mavericks to place on your squad.
Offenses to Use
Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers: The Lakers' defense ranked 28th overall last season (110.6) and 29th overall in opponent points per game (109.2) last season. While they won't be playing to the tune of the league's second fastest pace this year under new head coach Byron Scott, they also still haven't shown much on defense. Expect Dwight Howard and James Harden to get theirs, particularly against the soft inside that the Lakers showed at times during the preseason.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets
Second game of a back-to-back: None
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Point Guard
Jeremy Lin, PG, LAL ($6,400): Now the starting point guard for the Lakers, Lin carries the potential to put up some very nice numbers at the position. Going against his former team, Lin will have the opportunity to put up some high points totals as well as a decent number of assists and steals, as the Rockets played at the fifth highest pace last season.
Other suggestions: Patrick Beverley (at LAL), Elfrid Payton (at NOP), Ronnie Price (vs. HOU)
Shooting Guard
James Harden, SG, HOU ($10,200):Harden is set to have a big game against a team that he absolutely destroyed last season, averaging 33.8 points (53.8 FG, 3.25 3PM), 8.0 assists, 5.5 rebounds, 3.3 steals, and 1.0 block per game. While he's the highest priced player on the board, it's for good reason, and grabbing Harden is highly recommended even at his current price point.
Other suggestions: Kobe Bryant (vs. HOU), Tyreke Evans (vs. ORL), Eric Gordon (vs. ORL), Evan Fournier (at NO)
Small Forward
Tobias Harris, SF/PF, ORL ($5,800):With Victor Oladipo out, there will be more shots available, and Harris is a good bet to see some come his way. At a pretty good value in terms of price point, Harris has the potential to put up a big scoring night as one of the focal points of the Orlando offensive attack. He is also a threat to get double-doubles thanks to his rebounds and contribute the occasional three-pointer, only adding to his sleeper value here.
Other suggestions: Trevor Ariza (at LAL), Wesley Johnson (vs. HOU), Al-Farouq Aminu (at SA)
Power Forward
Ryan Anderson, PF, NO ($5,800):After losing most of last season to a neck injury, Anderson is back and ready to take his place as a floor-spacer in the Pelicans' offense. In 22 games last season, he averaged 31.9 fantasy points per contest, making him a great value at his current salary cap price. As an added bonus, Anderson could see minutes at the small forward position, which would allow him to both gain added minutes and feed off the attention given to Anthony Davis and Omer Asik down low. Anderson is worth the price tag if you're looking for a bargain with great upside.
Other suggestions: Jordan Hill (vs. HOU), Anthony Davis (vs. ORL), Ed Davis (vs. HOU)
Center
Dwight Howard, C, HOU ($8,800):Despite carrying a decent price tag, Howard still has tremendous value as he goes up against a Lakers defense that offers little in the way of resistance in the post. Last season, the Lakers allowed the fifth most points to opposing centers, along with the fourth highest field-goal percentage at 46.8 percent. Add in the fact that the Lakers allowed the third most rebounds to the position as well as the second most steals from centers, and Dwight Howard looks to be a great buy at his current price. Look for Howard to put up a big double-double with solid defensive stats in the season opener against the Lakers.
Other suggestions: Tyson Chandler (at SA), Nikola Vucevic (at NO),
INJURY REPORT
Out
Steve Nash (back) has been ruled out for the rest of the 2014-15 season.
Raymond Felton (ankle) has been ruled out for the season opener against the Spurs.
Patty Mills (shoulder) has been ruled out for the first 3-4 months of the regular season.
Victor Oladipo (face) is out following surgery to repair a facial fracture.
Nick Young (thumb) is out as he recovers from surgery on his hand earlier this preseason.
Kawhi Leonard (eye) is unlikely to be ready to take the court for the season opener.
Ryan Kelly (hamstring) is ruled out against the Houston Rockets.
Tiago Splitter (calf) does not appear ready to play for the season opener against Dallas.
Game-Time Decision
Luke Ridnour (quad) looks ready to go against New Orleans.
Ronnie Price (knee) is doubtful against the Rockets.
Xavier Henry (knee) is progressing, but not expected to be available against Houston.
Dwight Howard (forearm) is on track to play against the Lakers.
Jordan Hill (neck) is probable to play against the Rockets.
