This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Philadelphia 76ers: So, here we have a team in the Grizzlies who find themselves with a defensive rating that ranks in the top 10 (currently tied for fifth), as they allow just 99.9 points per 100 possessions. This team can seriously shut opponents down, and they get an amazing matchup with the 76ers, who rank dead last in the NBA in terms of offensive rating, scoring an average of just 91.5 points per 100 possessions. The 76ers have a few talented players, but Saturday is not the night you'll want to pencil them into your starting lineup.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Indiana Pacers: Another prime spot to avoid would be the Trail Blazers' defense. This team allows less than 100 points per 100 possessions, which ranks them in the top 10 in the NBA in defensive rating. Their matchup is against a Pacers team who is the third worst in offensive rating, as they average less than 98 points per 100 possessions. To point out why we should simply avoid the Pacers even more on Saturday, look no further than the fact that Indiana plays with an incredibly slow pace, averaging just 94.49 possessions per 48 minutes, which is ninth-worst in the entire NBA.
Offenses to Use
Detroit Pistons vs. Sacramento Kings: The Kings have been solid this year offensively, posting an offensive rating of 104. While they'll be without DeMarcus Cousins in this game, there could absolutely be some strong sleeper options against a Pistons team who has allowed over 104 points per 100 possessions on average this year. Rudy Gay is the big name on the Kings roster, but if you aren't looking to spend the money, they should have plenty of strong options to consider Saturday.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic: The Hawks have been rolling right along recently, and they're playing some great basketball. That trend could very well continue, at least offensively, on Saturday against the Magic. The Hawks average over 106 points per 100 possessions, while the Magic allow over 104 points per 100 possessions. The Hawks also have some very intriguing options offensively, and could make for some excellent GPP targets.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets
Second game of a back-to-back: Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers, Charlotte Hornets, Memphis Grizzlies, Detroit Pistons
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Jeff Teague PG, ATL ($7,900): Teague had a down game offensively against the 76ers on Wednesday, so his usage may be down a good bit. With that said though, he has a great matchup against an Orlando team who allows the fourth most fantasy points to opposing point guards. The Hawks point guard could have one of those major "boom" games that we see from time to time.
Other suggestions: Damian Lillard (at IND), Mike Conley (at PHI), Kemba Walker (vs. BKN)
Shooting Guard
Victor Oladipo, SG, ORL ($6,300): Here's a good matchup for Oladipo, who's been playing very well as of late. In DraftKings scoring over his last three games, he's scored 31.5, 31.25 and 32.25 points. Now, the Magic draw the Hawks who have allowed 42.8 fantasy points per game to opposing shooting guards. Oladipo is lined up for a big one, and I think he could be asked to take over at times in this game. Don't hesitate to use him, especially with a very affordable price tag.
Other suggestions: James Harden (vs. DEN), Courtney Lee (at PHI), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (at SAC)
Small Forward
Trevor Ariza, SF, HOU ($6,600): Ariza has a price tag that won't break the bank, yet he's getting massive minutes and producing nicely. He's been playing 40+ minutes on a consistent basis, and has topped 30 fantasy points on DraftKings in five of his last six games. If you want a consistent option at small forward, look no further than Ariza in a matchup against a Denver team who has allowed 38.9 fantasy points per game on average this year to opposing small forwards.
Other suggestions: Josh Smith (at SAC), Tobias Harris (vs. ATL), Jabari Parker (vs. LAC)
Power Forward
Robert Covington PF, PHI ($3,600): Covington has been lighting it up as of late, and he gets the nod as the go-to option at power forward largely due to his ridiculously low cost. On Friday night against the Nets, he scored 20 points, had six rebounds, and tacked on two assists. Before that game, he had scored 18.75, 35, 33.5 and 27 DraftKings points in four games. Expect Covington to have another strong night against a Grizzlies team who has allowed an average of 43.4 fantasy points per game to opposing power forwards.
Other suggestions: Blake Griffin (at MIL), Zach Randolph (at PHI), Donatas Motiejunas (vs. DEN)
Center
Marc Gasol, C, MEM ($8,600): Gasol is a bit expensive, and out of all of the active centers, he'll cost you the most, but he could pay off in a big way. The Grizzlies face a 76ers team that has been dominated by centers this season, giving up an average of 48.8 fantasy points per game. Gasol has established himself as not only one of the most talented big men in the NBA, but also as a guy who can take advantage of a solid matchup and put up big numbers. Over his last 10 games, he's topped 44.5 fantasy points seven times.
Other suggestions: DeAndre Jordan (at MIL), Al Horford (at ORL), Timofey Mozgov (at HOU)
INJURY REPORT
Out
David Lee- hamstring
Andrew Bogut- knee
Brook Lopez- back
Nikola Pekovic- wrist
DeMarcus Cousins- virus
Terrence Jones- knee
Tiago Splitter- calf
Nikola Vucevic- back
Game-Time Decision
Isaiah Canaan (questionable)- ankle
Omri Casspi (questionable)- knee
Dwight Howard (doubtful)- knee
Chandler Parsons (questionable)- back
JaVale McGee (questionable)- knee
Jameer Nelson (questionable)- shoulder
Nate Robinson (questionable)- back
