This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs: The Spurs come into this matchup as one of the best teams in the NBA in terms of defensive rating, ranking in the top five currently. Their opponent, the Minnesota Timberwolves, have simply been bad offensively this year, putting up an offensive rating under 100, which ranks them in the bottom 10 in the NBA. Not only are the Spurs playing great defense, but the Timberwolves don't have a ton of excellent fantasy options, thanks to a large number of injuries. Just avoid the T-Wolves in most situations Saturday.
Offenses to Use
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Clippers: While the Pelicans haven't been terrible this year defensively, it'd be a long shot to say that they've been good. They're giving up an average of 105.4 points per 100 possessions, and the Clippers have been dominant offensively, posting an offensive rating of 110 points per 100 possessions, which ranks as the third best in the NBA. While you don't need to avoid Pelicans players, Saturday could be the night to target some of the big names on the Clippers, such as Blake Griffin and Chris Paul.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Detroit, New Orleans
Second game of a back-to-back: Philadelphia 76ers, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Orlando Magic, Sacramento Kings
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Stephen Curry, PG, GSW ($10,300): It's no fun recommending the highest costing player at a position, but this is a great spot for Curry. He's coming off of a 51.25 fantasy point night against the Pelicans, and now he draws a Bulls team that plays solid defense, just not against the point guard position. Currently, the Bulls allow 51.6 fantasy points per game to opposing point guards, meaning that we should see Curry absolutely light it up in this game. Play him, and look for the sleepers in other spots.
Other suggestions: Chris Paul (vs. NOP), Brandon Jennings (vs. PHI), Darren Collison (vs. ORL)
Shooting Guard
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG, DET ($4,900): Here's a great value spot that can help you get Curry into your lineup. Caldwell-Pope draws an absolutely amazing matchup against a 76ers team that has allowed a ridiculous 59.8 points per game to opposing shooting guards. Caldwell-Pope has been up and down his year, but he's been strong in three of his last four outings, posting 29, 11.5, 34.5 and 32.5 fantasy points. Play him with confidence.
Other suggestions: James Harden (vs. PHO), Victor Oladipo (at SAC), Danny Green (vs. MIN),
Small Forward
Josh Smith, SF, DET ($8,200): The 76ers have been awful against opposing small forwards, as they give up an average of 43.4 fantasy points per game on the year. Tack on the fact that Smith has scored 34.25, 46.5, 54.25 and 36.5 fantasy points over his last four, and it's obvious why he's a great play on this night. Smith is the most expensive player at the small forward position, though, so it might be worth looking at some of the cheaper options.
Other suggestions: Kawhi Leonard (vs. MIN), Rudy Gay (vs. ORL), Matt Barnes (vs. NOP)
Power Forward
Tim Duncan, PF, San Antonio Spurs ($8,400): How can you not love Tim Duncan? Blake Griffin looks great Saturday, too, but if Duncan plays, he's the better option due to cost. On the year, the Timberwolves have given up an incredible 45.1 fantasy points per game to opposing power forwards on the year. Duncan, on the other hand, has been rolling recently, scoring 43.25, 30.5, 38 and 34 fantasy points in his last four games. Watch the headlines to make sure coach Gregg Popovich doesn't randomly decide to sit his starters. Duncan played 36 minutes Friday, meaning there's a good chance he won't play Saturday.
Other suggestions: Blake Griffin (vs. NOP), Greg Monroe (vs. PHI), Nerlens Noel (at DET),
Center
DeAndre Jordan, C, LAC ($6,900): It's time to do it the DeAndre way, and not break the bank with this pick either. Jordan has been rolling recently, scoring 35.5, 39.75, 30.5 and 28.75 fantasy points over his last four games. Tack on the fact that the Clippers face a Pelicans team who has allowed an average of 48.5 fantasy points per game to opposing big men on the year. Jordan should be in for a massive night, and he's a great option due to his price as well.
Other suggestions: Andre Drummond (vs. PHI), Omer Asik (at LAC), Aron Baynes (vs. MIN)
INJURY REPORT
Out
David Lee- hamstring
Dwight Howard- knee
Nikola Pekovic- wrist
DeMarcus Cousins- virus
Terrence Jones- knee
Tiago Splitter- calf
Game-Time Decision
Isaiah Canaan- ankle
Isaiah Thomas- ankle
Mo Williams- back
Patrick Beverley- hamstring
Nikola Vucevic- back
Tony Wroten- knee
