This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Golden State Warriors at Portland Trail Blazers: The Warriors have quietly transformed themselves from the "run-'n'-gun" team we tend to think of them as, into a rapidly improving defensive club over the last couple seasons. With Andrew Bogut healthy and manning the middle, Stephen Curry creating turnovers, and Klay Thompson evolving into a fantastic wing defender, Golden State doesn't always mean you'll get a high-scoring, fantasy-friendly matchup. The Trail Blazers are usually a good option due to their penchant for high scoring affairs, but don't overpay for Portland players against the Warriors.
Offenses to Use
Charlotte Hornets at New York Knicks: The Knicks are a team trying to grasp a ton of concepts under their new head coach Derek Fisher. They currently have the sixth-worst defensive rating in the league (110.2) and have never been a great defensive team during the Carmelo Anthony-era. One thing that seems to be saving New York is their sluggish pace, which is the lowest in the league (88.10 possessions per-48 minutes). This actually should benefit their opponent, the Hornets, who would be more than happy to let big Al Jefferson go to work in the half-court game. All Hornets players could see an uptick in value in this one.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Clippers
Second game of a back-to-back: Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat, Charlotte Hornets, Golden State Warriors
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Kemba Walker, PG, CHA ($8,100): With a good crop of a point guards in the player pool, I'm leaning toward finding quality production at an uninflated price, and Walker certainly can fit the bill with a matchup against the Knicks. While I believe Al Jefferson has his way with the Knicks interior defense, Walker should benefit by racking up the assists, points, and steals in New York.
Other suggestions: Chris Paul (vs. SAC), Darren Collison (at LAC), Norris Cole (vs. TOR)
Shooting Guard
Dwyane Wade, SG, MIA ($7,300): The Toronto defense is solid, and Wade surely won't follow Kyle Korver's lead with six three-pointers against the Raptors' perimeter efforts, but getting an elite player at such a low price point is a potential boon here. Wade dropped 30.75 DraftKings points with a fairly low output in terms of offensive counting stats, and I see that more as his floor here. Look for more than 21 points and three assists out of the Miami Heat superstar in his second game this weekend as the team will need him in order to keep pace in the contest against the Raptors. If you are using Wade, the one thing you have to keep an eye out for is the possibility he'll sit out the game with Sunday's contest being the second game on a back-to-back set.
Other suggestions: Lance Stephenson (at NY), Klay Thompson (at POR)
Small Forward
Carmelo Anthony, SF, NY ($9,000): Sure, the new offense installed by Derek Fisher has hampered Anthony a bit (30.5 DraftKings points per game through two contests this season), but he picked it up against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and is now poised to face an opponent he performed great against at home last season. In two games at home against the then-Charlotte Bobcats, Anthony dropped points totals of 32 and 62 points. Expect some fireworks from Anthony to go with some solid rebounding production.
Other suggestions: Rudy Gay (at LAC), Luol Deng (vs. TOR), Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (at NY)
Power Forward
Amir Johnson, PF, TOR ($6,500): With this player pool, it's Blake Griffin and LaMarcus Aldridge, and then everybody else. If you're not looking to splurge on one of the top two players, consider taking a look at Amir Johnson. He sports a modest price point but is a threat to grab a double-double any night with a healthy dose of defensive stats as well. He dropped 41 DraftKings points in the Raptors' season opener.
Other suggestions: LaMarcus Aldridge (vs. GS), Blake Griffin (vs. SAC), Quincy Acy (vs. CHA)
Center
Al Jefferson ($9,000): En route to a 42 DraftKings point outing against the Milwaukee Bucks in their season opener, Jefferson shot a poor 6-15 from the field (40%) and only scored 14 points overall. Expect that number to climb much higher as he faces off against a New York Knicks team that allowed Pau Gasol to score 21 points with 11 rebounds and saw Kevin Love drop 19 points with 14 boards. On a night with several stud centers, Jefferson might just give you the most bang for your buck.
Other suggestions: Chris Bosh (vs. TOR), Jonas Valanciunas (at MIA), Chris Kaman (vs. GS)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Jose Calderon (calf)
Andrea Bargnani (hamstring)
Game-Time Decision
Danny Granger (hamstring) is still dealing with tightness and is day-to-day.
David Lee (hamstring) is set to miss Saturday's game, and is questionable for Sunday.
Josh McRoberts (toe) looks prepared to play this weekend in Miami's back-to-back set.
Udonis Haslem (quad) still has tightness in his quad, and is listed as day-to-day.
