Daily Games Cheat Sheet: Thursday

Written by

Updated on January 22, 2015 4:16AM EST

TEAM ANALYSIS

Defenses to Avoid
Utah Jazz at Milwaukee Bucks: The Bucks have a defensive efficiency rating of 89.3 over their last five games, which ranks second in the NBA behind Charlotte. Over that same span, the Jazz have an offensive efficiency rating of 91.9, which sits only above Philadelphia. Throw in the fact it's the second game of a back-to-back on the road, and it's not looking like the most promising situation for fantasy use if you're in the market for players from Utah's roster.

Offenses to Use
Boston Celtics at Portland Trail Blazers: LaMarcus Aldridge is out, which should open up some fantasy utility for a few nicely priced options on the Blazers roster. Thomas Robinson, Chris Kaman, Wesley Matthews, and even the struggling Nicolas Batum are all candidates for added value on Thursday's shorter slate due to the extra rebounds and shots that will be available. The matchup is nice too; the Celtics are last in the league in defensive rating over their last five games with a 114.8 mark.

First game of a back-to-back: San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics
Second game of a back-to-back: Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers, Brooklyn Nets

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
Marcus Smart, PG, BOS ($4,400): Smart is a candidate as a possible value pick on Thursday as the Celtics take on the shorthanded Trail Blazers. Over his last five games, Smart has been averaging 25 DraftKings points, and is trending upward following the absolute gutting of the Celtics roster. That 25 DraftKings points mark represents excellent value, and he certainly could score more than that if he continues his current trend.

Other suggestions: Damian Lillard (vs. BOS), Derrick Rose (vs. SA)

Shooting Guard
Manu Ginobili, SG, SA ($5,200): The shooting guard pool is a tough one on Thursday, but Ginobili is a player who is moderately priced and playing consistently enough now to warrant consideration. Over his last five games, he's averaging 28.8 DraftKings points, and in what looks like a competitive matchup with the Bulls on deck, he should be utilized by his coach. Of course, the veteran resting on the first night of a back-to-back is a possibility, so check the pregame lineups to confirm he suits up prior to tipoff.

Other suggestions: Wesley Matthews (vs. BOS), Evan Turner (at POR)

Small Forward
Kawhi Leonard, SF, SA ($7,800): In his three games back from injury, Leonard has scored at least 30 DraftKings points in each contest, highlighted by his 48.25 DraftKings point performance against the Nuggets on Tuesday. He will get a chance to take on a Bulls team that ranks seventh-worst in the NBA in rebounding percentage over their last five games, and second-worst in defensive rating over that same timeframe.

Other suggestions: Nicolas Batum (vs. BOS), Dorell Wright (vs. BOS)

Power Forward
Ersan Ilyasova, PF, MIL ($3,700): Reports are that Ilyasova will be in the starting lineup Thursday, and if that's the case, he's a candidate to have some value well beyond his price point. When he's played enough minutes, he's posted 20+ DraftKings points consistently, and it seems as though he's in line to do so again on Thursday against the Jazz. Despite coach Jason Kidd's sometimes crazy rotations, Ilyasova is a good play for the money.

Other suggestions: Tim Duncan (at CHI), Blake Griffin (vs. BKN)

Center
Chris Kaman, C, POR ($4,400): With Aldridge out of the picture, Kaman becomes the Trail Blazers' biggest threat in the post, and is poised to take advantage of it against a team that bigs have feasted on this year. He was aggressive against Phoenix, and he should see enough minutes and touches to make himself valuable once again versus Boston.

Other suggestions: DeAndre Jordan (vs. BKN)

INJURY REPORT

Out
Deron Williams (rib)
Marco Belinelli (groin)
LaMarcus Aldridge (thumb)
Robin Lopez (hand)
Larry Sanders (suspension)
Joel Freeland (shoulder)

Game-Time Decision
Mike Dunleavy (ankle)
Joakim Noah (ankle) is doubtful.

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire.