This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Minnesota Timberwolves at Cleveland Cavaliers: This is more gut feeling than any stab at analysis, given that the Cavaliers are not exactly the best defensive team around. However, the Timberwolves are not exactly the best offensive squad right now, and Kevin Love will get his first crack at his former team here. It could mean nothing, but I expect the Cavs to be focused in this one, giving the Timberwolves little hope.
Offenses to Use
Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers: The Warriors boast players at every position that can hurt the Lakers, and the Lakers continue to be extremely bad at defense. The value here is not just limited to the primary contributors, but rather anyone who suits up and plays significant minutes for Golden State; an early holiday gift to all the fantasy players out there.
First game of a back-to-back:: None
Second game of a back-to-back: Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, Denver Nuggets, Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trail Blazers, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Mario Chalmers, PG, MIA ($6,100):Normally $6,100 would be far too much to pay for Chalmers' services, but given the situation, it may be a bargain. He gets to face Philadelphia, probably without Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, so he'll have a nice matchup with a much bigger slice of the scoring pie. Chalmers isn't bashful about taking the lead when asked to, so he could put up numbers against an inferior opponent.
Other suggestions: Russell Westbrook (vs. POR), Stephen Curry (at LAL)
Shooting Guard
Gerald Henderson, SG, CHA ($4,200): Starting for the injured Lance Stephenson, Henderson is a fill-in player that won't hinder your fantasy lineups too much. In his first two starts without Stephenson, Henderson dropped 25 and 28 DraftKings points. He posted just 14 DraftKings points on Monday, but Henderson has a decent matchup (Milwaukee) and will likely receive another start Tuesday.
Other suggestions: Monta Ellis (at PHX), Nick Young (vs. GS)
Small Forward
Draymond Green, SF, GS ($7,400): It's almost impossible to go anywhere else with picks when Green is available as a selection. He's enjoying a phenomenal season, and contributing in all categories imaginable. The matchup against the Lakers is sweet, but his price of $7,400 may be sweeter considering the tear that he's been on as of late.
Other suggestions: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (at MIL), Tobias Harris (vs. BOS)
Power Forward
Kevin Garnett, PF, BKN ($4,000): Garnett has typically been a value on DraftKings this season, because when he plays, he's played well enough to accumulate points and rebounds. The Nuggets have been ripped apart by bigs this season, and at Garnett's price we could be looking at a bargain. Make sure to monitor his status because he tends to get rested every now and again.
Other suggestions: Kevin Love (vs. MIN), Serge Ibaka (vs. POR)
Center
Mason Plumlee, C, BKN ($6,900): Despite nominating Garnett above, I also really like Plumlee for many of the same reasons. The only difference is that Plumlee is playing at a phenomenal level since Brook Lopez went down, and has scored at least 30 DraftKings points for nearly the past two weeks.
Other suggestions: Tyson Chandler (at PHO)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Lance Stephenson (groin)
Randy Foye (quad)
Kawhi Leonard (hand)
Danilo Gallinari (knee)
Andrew Bogut (knee)
Robin Lopez (hand)
JaVale McGee (leg)
Spencer Hawes (knee)
Ricky Rubio (ankle)
Kevin Martin (wrist)
Eric Gordon (shoulder)
John Henson (foot)
Josh McRoberts (leg)
Aaron Gordon (foot)
Nikola Pekovic (ankle)
Game-Time Decision
Deron Williams (calf) is questionable.
Jeff Teague (hamstring) is questionable.
George Hill (quad) is questionable.
Dwyane Wade (knee) is questionable.
Kevin Durant (ankle) is questionable.
LaMarcus Aldridge (illness) is questionable, but sat Monday.
Ersan Ilyasova (face) is hoping to return Tuesday.
Darrell Arthur (leg) sat out Monday, and is questionable.
Chris Bosh (calf) hopes to return Christmas Day.
Brook Lopez (back) is listed as questionable.
