This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Atlanta Hawks at Philadelphia 76ers: The Hawks have won eight games in a row, and during that streak they have the sixth-best defensive efficiency rating in the NBA with a 96.7 mark. During that same span, the 76ers have been the second-worst team by measure of offensive efficiency rating, posting a 89.6 mark that is only "bested" by the Carmelo-less New York Knicks. In their last matchup with the 76ers, the Hawks held Philadelphia to 79 points.
Offenses to Use
Minnesota Timberwolves at Indiana Pacers: The Pacers are typically not a high-octane offense, so they can get overlooked for fantasy purposes. On Tuesday they will face off with a Timberwolves team that has been the second-worst defense in the league over the last five contests. With plenty of options at reasonable prices, now could be the time to add Pacers to your lineups.
First game of a back-to-back: Miami Heat, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, San Antonio Spurs, Washington Wizards, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks
Second game of a back-to-back: None
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
Mo Williams, PG, MIN ($5,400): Nobody is mistaking Williams for an elite point guard, but on DraftKings he can be quite useful. He's a moderately priced point guard that, at least most of the time, plays minutes in the 30's, and can score and hand out assists. Over his last five games, he's averaged 32.9 DraftKings points per game, and if he gets up around that number, he would be an excellent value.
Other suggestions: Kyrie Irving (at PHX), Patty Mills (at WAS)
Shooting Guard
Kyle Korver, SG, ATL ($5,000): A matchup with the 76ers is enough to propel any player into consideration for daily fantasy, and that is exactly what Korver has in front of him here. He is dependant of scoring from deep in order to rack up big DraftKings totals, but occasionally branches out for some nice rebounding and overall defensive games to make himself a great play considering his pricing tier. In his last matchup against Philadelphia, Korver scored 32 DraftKings points on the strength of 17 points (5-7 3Pt).
Other suggestions: Dwyane Wade (at LAL), Ben McLemore (vs. DAL)
Small Forward
C.J. Miles, SF, IND ($4,900): Miles is coming off a game versus Philadelphia in which he played only four minutes due to an eye abrasion, but claims that he will be good-to-go versus the Timberwolves. His teammate, Rodney Stuckey, is dealing with an illness that could leave Miles in line to start if he is indeed ready to play. He can be a sniper from the outside, and Minnesota ranks third-worst in the NBA in three-point field goal defense. His last time versus Minnesota, Miles erupted for 37.5 DraftKings points and can be a cheaper option for users looking for cap flexibility.
Other suggestions: Solomon Hill (vs. MIN), Wesley Johnson (vs. MIA)
Power Forward
David West, PF, IND ($6,400): West is coming off his best game of the season, and while it's unlikely the team leans so heavily on him again Tuesday, he is getting another great matchup. The Timberwolves are awful defensively, and if West is getting his shot to fall, there is little reason to believe he won't post a solid DraftKings point total. His mid-level pricing is makes him a solid buy that could turn into an excellent one due to matchup.
Other suggestions: Nerlens Noel (vs. ATL), Dirk Nowitzki (at SAC)
Center
Hassan Whiteside, C, MIA ($5,700): Whiteside has been white-hot as of late, and is worth a gamble on Tuesday with a plus matchup against the Lakers. He's been gaining steam (and minutes) over his last four games in which he's averaged 23.4 minutes to go with 35.1 DraftKings points. He'll come down to earth a bit from Sunday's demolition of the Clippers, but is still a nice play against the Lakers.
Other suggestions: DeMarcus Cousins (vs. DAL), Alex Len (vs. CLE)
INJURY REPORT
Out
George Hill (groin)
Kawhi Leonard (hand)
Shabazz Muhammad (abdomen)
Festus Ezeli (ankle)
Game-Time Decision
Ricky Rubio (ankle) is close to a return to the court, and should be considered day-to-day.
Kobe Bryant (rest) should be considered questionable to play Tuesday.
Manu Ginobili (back) is questionable.
Rodney Stuckey (illness) is questionable.
Kevin Martin (wrist) is listed as doubtful.
Marco Belinelli (groin) is questionable.
LeBron James (knee, back) has an outside chance of playing Tuesday, but is questionable.
C.J. Miles (eye) said he intends to play Tuesday.
Shawn Marion (hip) is questionable.
Hollis Thompson (illness) will be available to play Tuesday.
Derrick Favors (leg) is questionable.
Gorgui Dieng (illness) is questionable.
Nikola Pekovic (ankle, wrist) is doubtful.
