This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Portland Trail Blazers at Detroit Pistons: The Pistons are a mess offensively, and rate 29th in the league in offensive rating over the last five games. Portland is sneaky-good defensively, and with Andre Drummond constantly getting into foul trouble, the Pistons can only claim one fantasy player with remote consistency. Look elsewhere for potential value.
Offenses to Use
Toronto Raptors at Cleveland Cavaliers: The Cavaliers have hit a nice rhythm offensively, ranking in the top-five in offensive rating in the last five games. The Raptors are second to last in defensive rating over that same span, and are winning games by playing high-octane offense. Expect the Cavaliers to be in attack mode against their Eastern Conference rivals.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Portland Trail Blazers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs
Second game of a back-to-back: Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
If you've never played on DraftKings before, we recommend reading our Daily Fantasy Basketball 101: How to Win on DraftKings strategy article. Want to play in a $50,000 daily NBA contest on DraftKings? Check it out here.
Point Guard
Darren Collison, PG, SAC ($6,900): Collison presents value for the second straight day as he gets to go against the Lakers, who are always a matchup to target when shopping for point guards. The Lakers have been better at corralling opposing ballhandlers, but are still poor on defense, so Collison at this price represents a solid value.
Other suggestions: Goran Dragic (vs. MIA), Trey Burke (vs. SA)
Shooting Guard
Dwyane Wade, SG, MIA ($7,800): Wade's usage rate is always high when he's able to play, and that usually translates to his useful fantasy lines as well. Against the Suns, he should be able to score enough to push his DraftKings production even higher, so he-could be a nice value with the potential to put up an elite-level number in the end.
Other suggestions: Wesley Matthews (at DET), Monta Ellis (at MEM)
Small Forward
Rudy Gay, SF, SAC ($7,900): Just like his teammate Darren Collison, I recommend sticking with Rudy Gay on Tuesday. The Lakers are a terrible defensive team, and the Kings are thin on offensive options, so expect them to rely heavily on their top two guys. The upside for Gay is good in this one, but I am dishing the money for his excellent floor despite his mid-tier price.
Other suggestions: Carmelo Anthony (at NO), Gordon Hayward (vs. SA)
Power Forward
Ed Davis, PF, LAL ($4,100): Davis took over as the starter for Carlos Boozer last game, and logged 30 minutes of game action. He is not a threat to drop massive points totals, but he's a good rebounder and excellent shot blocker who can grab the occasional double-double. At this bargain of a price tag, his upside is good enough to give him a look while filling out your lineups.
Other suggestions: Jason Thompson (at LAL), Tim Duncan (at UTA)
Center
Robin Lopez, C, POR ($5,500): Lopez doesn't do anything particularly outstanding from a fantasy perspective, but he's getting a matchup against a Detroit team that has been poor against opposing centers thus far. At his price, a good return on investment, and he's taking on a defense that has allowed an average of a double-double to centers in their last four contests.
Other suggestions: Chris Bosh (at PHX), Jordan Hill (vs. SAC)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Tony Parker (hamstring)
DeMar DeRozan (groin)
Eric Gordon (shoulder)
Jodie Meeks (back)
John Henson (back)
Ersan Ilyasova (face)
Andrea Bargnani (hamstring/calf)
DeMarcus Cousins (illness)
Tiago Splitter (back)
Game-Time Decision
Isaiah Thomas (ankle) is questionable despite missing Monday vs. the Clippers.
Jeremy Lin (leg) is questionable.
