This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Brooklyn Nets at Washington Wizards: The Nets are on a seven-game losing streak, during which they have failed to crack 100 points scored. They are fifth-worst in the league in offensive rating over their last five games, and their coach has nominated "not making shots" as the team's identity. The Wizards haven't been outstanding defensively as of late, but this is probably the wrong place to look for extra value.
Offenses to Use
Atlanta Hawks at Toronto Raptors: The Hawks are the NBA's hottest team, due in part to their efficient and effect offensive play during their eye-opening run. The Raptors are potent offensively, but seem to have forgotten how to defend the opposition this season. This game points to a competitive battle, and the Hawks play a more team-oriented game, giving them more value to spread around.
First game of a back-to-back: Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers, Memphis Grizzlies, Washington Wizards, Brooklyn Nets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings
Second game of a back-to-back: Cleveland Cavaliers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers,
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Trey Burke, PG, UTA ($5,500): Since Alec Burks' season-ending injury, Burke has become a consistent DraftKings option at the point guard position. He has put totals up around the 25 DraftKings points mark with the occasional foray into much higher territory, and a matchup with the Lakers lends itself to big games. He's worth investing in as a solid player with high upside.
Other suggestions: Ty Lawson (at DAL), Mario Chalmers (at SAC)
Shooting Guard
Tyreke Evans, SG, NO ($7,900): Evans drew the start when Jrue Holiday missed the last game, and if he misses again on Friday versus Philadelphia, Evans should be strongly considered. He has the ability to put up triple-double numbers, and if the ball is going to be in his hands against the 76ers, he should rack up stats en route to a big DraftKings performance.
Other suggestions: Victor Oladipo (vs. MEM), Eric Gordon (at PHI)
Small Forward
Draymond Green, SF, GS ($8,100): It must be something about the matchup with Oklahoma City, but Green has averaged 41.9 DraftKings points in his three games versus the Thunder this year. If you're targeting a player like Kevin Durant or LeBron James for your roster, consider Green as an option that could have similar success with a savings of over $2,000.
Other suggestions: Andrew Wiggins (at PHX), Harrison Barnes (at OKC)
Power Forward
Derrick Favors, PF, UTA ($7,900): Aside from a game where he was limited to 18 minutes against the Rockets, Favors has been money as of late. Here, he gets a matchup against the Lakers, and will look to post another game with around 40 DraftKings points. Doing so would make him an extremely valuable addition to any roster given his pricing.
Other suggestions: Pau Gasol (at BOS), Zach Randolph (at ORL)
Center
Alex Len, C, PHX ($4,600): Len isn't always dependable, but lately he's been an excellent value. He's hit over 20 DraftKings points in his last four games, including a pair of 30+ DraftKings points contests, so he's certainly trending in the right direction. If he gets the minutes, he could end up being one of the better values on Friday.
Other suggestions: DeAndre Jordan (vs. CLE), DeMarcus Cousins (vs. MIA)
INJURY REPORT
Out
George Hill (groin)
Shabazz Muhammad (abdomen)
Deron Williams (ribs)
Marco Belinelli (groin)
Randy Foye (quad)
Tobias Harris (ankle)
Mike Dunleavy (ankle)
Robin Lopez (hand)
Nikola Pekovic (ankle)
Game-Time Decision
Ricky Rubio (ankle) is close to a return to the court, and should be considered day-to-day.
Mike Conley (ankle) is questionable.
Rajon Rondo (Achilles) is questionable.
Jrue Holiday (ankle) is questionable.
Tony Wroten (knee) is questionable.
Dwyane Wade (hamstring) is questionable.
Kevin Martin (wrist) should be considered doubtful on Friday.
Rudy Gay (knee) is doubtful.
Kawhi Leonard (hand) is probable.
Tony Allen (hamstring) is probable.
Anthony Davis (toe) is questionable.
Robert Covington (shoulder) is questionable.
Carl Landry (wrist) is questionable.
Joakim Noah (ankle) is questionable.
Tyson Chandler (ankle) is questionable.
