This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Portland Trail Blazers at Philadelphia 76ers: Aside from the Philadelphia 76ers being a miserable offensive team and winless on the season, the Trail Blazers are actually a sneaky-good defensive team, ranking seventh overall in defensive rating They'll get the opportunity to take on the league's worst offensive rated team, and as a result I am not actively seeking the services of any 76ers players.
Offenses to Use
Orlando Magic at Cleveland Cavaliers: The Cavaliers are still struggling to find themselves defensively, but still boast the ability to score with any team on any given night. The Magic aren't particularly impressive on either end of the floor, but with their matchup I have no problem adding Orlando players to the lineup as every game Cleveland plays has the potential of a shootout.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Chicago Bulls
Second game of a back-to-back: Los Angeles Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Louis Williams, PG, TOR ($4,500): Williams has added a new dimension to the Toronto Raptors bench this season, and has really started to show that he's all the way back from his knee injury with four straight games with 20+ DraftKings points. He's not playing heavy minutes, but his scoring ability and tendency to generate steals makes him an excellent value play at his price going against the guard-heavy Suns. There's bust potential here, but if you need a lower priced guard, look no further.
Other suggestions: Kyrie Irving (vs. ORL), Chris Paul (at CHA)
Shooting Guard
Jimmy Butler, SG, CHI ($7,400): Butler is currently the last man standing for the Chicago Bulls with injuries hindering Kirk Hinrich, Derrick Rose, Pau Gasol, and Taj Gibson. Even if a few of these guys return to the lineup, you still have to like Butler as a volume play, and he's been playing well enough this year to promise potential for a big game against a team that isn't great defensively.
Other suggestions: Wesley Matthews (at PHI), James Harden (vs. NY)
Small Forward
Tobias Harris, SF, ORL ($7,100): With the pool of players given, I am struggling to find a player that I am in love with in terms of value. Harris is closest thing to a true value, with a great matchup against the defensively challenged Cavaliers on the schedule. He could end up with a game full of LeBron James defense, but there's also the potential for a big game against this struggling club. NOTE: Harris is questionable, so monitor his status. His injury was considered minor, so if he plays as I expect him to, he's good to go for lineups.
Other suggestions: Carmelo Anthony (at HOU), Solomon Hill (at DAL)
Power Forward
LaMarcus Aldridge, PF, POR ($9,600): Aldridge gets the nod in this slot for the second consecutive day with his fantastic matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. There's a bit of risk here with the possibility of tired legs (second game of a back-to-back) or a blowout against an inferior team, but with practically no resistance against the only winless club, Aldridge should be a fine play if you're okay dropping the money.
Other suggestions: Channing Frye (at CLE), Nikola Mirotic (at UTA)
Center
Al Jefferson, C, CHA ($7,900): Once priced as an elite fantasy commodity, Jefferson has seen his price tag slip due to a few poor performances. Recently though, he's been hot with a couple 40+ DraftKings point performances in his last two games. He'll get the Clippers at home in this game, and they just let up 50+ DraftKings points to Marc Gasol last night.
Other suggestions: Nikola Vucevic (at CLE)
INJURY REPORT
Out
George Hill (knee)
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (foot)
Taj Gibson (ankle)
Terrance Jones (leg)
Kyle O'Quinn (ankle)
Game-Time Decision
Derrick Rose (hamstring) is considered questionable.
Patrick Beverley (hamstring) should play against the Knicks.
Kirk Hinrich (ribs) is doubtful to play Monday.
Rodney Stuckey (wrist) is questionable to play.
Tobias Harris (calf) is questionable to play with a minor injury.
C.J. Miles (calf) is questionable.
Andrea Bargnani (calf) now has a calf injury to deal with in addition to a hamstring.
David West (ankle) may make his debut this week.
Pau Gasol (calf) is probable to play Monday.
Roy Hibbert (ankle) is questionable for Monday.
