This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Miami Heat at Memphis Grizzlies: By this point, most people are familiar with the defensive resistance they provide with their fierce frontcourt. What people may not be familiar with is the struggle that is the Miami offense. Currently, they are too reliant on Dwyane Wade (highest usage rate in the league since coming back from his injury) and Chris Bosh, and with Tony Allen and Marc Gasol waiting to slow them down, it could be hard to find value here outside of the stars if they struggle to score.
Offenses to Use
Portland Trail Blazers at New York Knicks: The Trail Blazers are an excellent offensive team, and the Knicks are lacking on the defensive end. New York should have trouble slowing down LaMarcus Aldridge on the inside, leaving their compliment of shooters free reign to launch when the double teams inevitably come. The Blazers have a good matchup here.
Also consider: New Orleans Pelicans offense at Los Angeles Lakers
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Washington Wizards, Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets
Second game of a back-to-back: Detroit Pistons, New Orleans Pelicans
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Brandon Knight, PG, MIL ($6,900): Knight struggled in his last game out and was plagued by foul trouble in a forgettable performance versus the Heat. So far this year, Knight has been one of the most consistent forces in the Bucks' lineup, and on DraftKings with his multi-category production. At this price, against a Dallas defense ranked 29th against point guards, he provides solid value.
Other suggestions: Jrue Holiday (at LAL), Mike Conley (vs. MIA)
Shooting Guard
Tyreke Evans, SG, NO ($7,500): Evans is a main ball handler for the Pelicans and has to be licking his chops at his upcoming matchup. The Lakers defense is last in the league, and is ill-equipped to stop the weapons on this New Orleans team. Evans can rack up stats in many categories, and will have the opportunity to do so frequently against a Los Angeles Lakers defense that allowed a similar player in Rajon Rondo to drop nearly 50 DraftKings points last time out.
Other suggestions: Wesley Matthews (at NY), Monta Ellis (vs. MIL)
Small Forward
Nicolas Batum, SF, POR ($6,600): Batum has been hobbled by injury this season, and since coming back, he's struggled with his shooting stroke. As a result, his scoring numbers have been down, but he's still producing on DraftKings through offerings in a variety of categories. Once he starts to put the ball in the bucket, he'll bust out for a big game, and a date with the Knicks is always promising. Even if he continues his shooting slump, he should provide adequate value.
Other suggestions: Josh Smith (vs. OKC), Wesley Johnson (vs. NO)
Power Forward
Anthony Davis, PF, NO ($11,700): Is there a better option on the board? With his massive price tag, the answer better be a resounding 'no' for those buying in on Davis. He gets a matchup against the worst defense in the league, and Davis is in line for a huge night. Ed Davis is the only rim protector the Lakers have, and he's struggled with fouls when matched against superior big men. If you are going with a stars and scrubs strategy on Sunday, including this guy on your roster is a must. Anthony Davis should feast on LA.
Other suggestions: LaMarcus Aldridge (at NY), Zach Randolph (vs. MIA)
Center
Tyson Chandler, C, DAL ($7,100): The Tyson Chandler rejuvenation tour continues, and it's next stop is a Milwaukee team that will counter with a combination of Larry Sanders and Zaza Pachulia. Eventually, Chandler will slow down his pace (100 rebounds, 86 points over his last six games), but as of right now, he's a man on fire, and for this price, I'll take my chances he stays hot versus the Bucks.
Other suggestions: Jordan Hill (vs. NO), Omer Asik (at LAL), Marc Gasol (vs. MIA)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Raymond Felton (ankle)
Eric Gordon (shoulder)
Randy Foye (quad)
Jodie Meeks (back)
Ersan Ilyasova (face)
John Henson (back)
Andrea Bargnani (hamstring/calf)
Game-Time Decision
Damian Lillard (hand) will play versus New York.
Norris Cole (illness) returned to practice Saturday.
Luol Deng (hand) returned to practice Saturday.
