This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Oklahoma City Thunder at Philadelphia 76ers: The Thunder are finally complete again, and they are coming off an absolutely terrible defensive performance in their last game. Expect them to focus on that end of the court when they take on the worst offensive team in the NBA, one that only scored 85 points against Minnesota to claim their first victory in eighteen tries.
Offenses to Use
Los Angeles Lakers at Boston Celtics: These are two free flowing teams, both offensively oriented in nature. The Celtics play at a fast pace, and should have no problem getting the tempo they want as they have the best point guard in this contest. Targeting players from this one could result in some good value as the points could come early and often.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs, Orlando Magic, Sacramento Kings,
Second game of a back-to-back: New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Rajon Rondo, PG< BOS ($7,800): Multi-category production meets a fantastic matchup in this one. Rondo has the opportunity to put up some big-time numbers against the worst defense against the point guard position, and he's worth a look if you're not committed to paying top dollar at the point.
Other suggestions: Kyle Lowry (vs. CLE), Brandon Knight (vs. MIA)
Shooting Guard
Dwyane Wade, SG, MIA ($7,500): Wade, despite his injury issues, remains an elite producer when he can find minutes on the court, and as of right now, he's good to go. He is getting a good matchup against a Bucks team not known for their defense, and he looked solid his last time out to the tune of 46.25 DraftKings points. He's worth a play at this price.
Other suggestions: James Harden (at MIN), Joe Johnson (vs. ATL)
Small Forward
Gordon Hayward, SF, UTA ($7,800): Hayward has been a bit inconsistent with his play, but when he's good, he's an elite-level DraftKings buy, and it typically comes at a nice discount. He didn't set the world on fire in his last game, but a date with the Magic is on the slate, and he's a low-risk gamble to turn in a solid performance in this one.
Other suggestions: Kevin Durant (at PHI), Jeff Green (vs. LAL)
Power Forward
Serge Ibaka, PF, OKC ($7,100): With Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook out, Ibaka proved that he was not the type of player that can lead a team to success. Fortunately, the two superstars are back in the fold, and Ibaka can go back to doing what he does best: block shots and gobble up rebounds. The scoring should come as well against Philadelphia, making Ibaka a solid buy with upside.
Other suggestions: Jared Sullinger (vs. LAL), Tim Duncan (at MEM)
Center
Tyson Chandler, C, DAL ($7,800): Chandler has been on fire as of late, posting DraftKings scores of 46.5, 32, 49.75, 34, and 56.25 in his last five games. With a ton of injuries at the center position, and a good matchup against the Suns on deck, it's worth a heat check on Chandler, even if it's somewhat of a pricey one.
Other suggestions: Marcin Gortat (vs. DEN)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Ricky Rubio (ankle)
George Hill (quad)
Tony Wroten (knee)
Patrick Beverley (hamstring)
DeMar DeRozan (thigh)
Alec Burks (shoulder)
Randy Foye (quad)
Kevin Martin (wrist)
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (foot)
Andrei Kirilenko (personal)
Terrence Jones (leg)
John Henson (foot)
Ersan Ilyasova (face)
Aaron Gordon (foot)
Andrea Bargnani (hamstring/calf)
DeMarcus Cousins (illness)
Dwight Howard (knee)
Tiago Splitter (back)
Nikola Pekovic (wrist)
Game-Time Decision
Mo Williams (back) is questionable.
Isaiah Thomas (ankle) is questionable.
Raymond Felton (ankle) is questionable.
Isaiah Canaan (ankle) should be considered doubtful.
Alexey Shved (hip) is questionable.
Gary Neal (shoulder) is questionable.
Paul Pierce (toe) is questionable.
Luol Deng (hand) is likely out.
Shabazz Muhammad (ankle) is questionable.
Nene (foot) has progressed in practice, but is questionable.
Marc Gasol (knee) should be considered questionable, and will likely be limited if he plays with his knee bruise.
Nikola Vucevic (back) is questionable.
