This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Houston Rockets vs. Detroit Pistons: The Rockets have quietly become one of the stronger defensive teams in the NBA this season. They have a defensive rating that is second-best in the NBA at 99.1, and what's even more impressive is that they post that rating while playing with a pace of 98.6. While the Rockets can push the tempo, they are shutting down opponents, which is bad news for Detroit, as they own the eighth-worst offensive rating in the NBA, averaging 100.7 points per 100 possessions.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Atlanta Hawks: The Hawks have won 18 straight games, and they've done it with a combination of great offense, as well as a strong defensive effort every night. Atlanta is tied for fourth-best in the NBA for their defensive rating, as they allow 99.7 points per 100 possessions. On Saturday, they draw the 76ers, who come in with the worst offensive rating by exactly 6.6 points. Philadelphia averages 91.4 points per 100 possessions, while the next closest team is the Charlotte Hornets, who average 98 points. Just to add on, the Hawks are also the best team in the NBA in terms of points allowed, as they give up an average of 96.3 points per game.
Offenses to Use
Dallas Mavericks vs. Orlando Magic: The addition of Rajon Rondo hasn't slowed Dallas down one bit, as the Mavericks have the second-best offensive rating in the NBA, averaging 110 points per 100 possessions. Monta Ellis, Dirk Nowitzki and company have led the Mavericks to becoming one of the top offensive teams in the league, as they average 107.2 points per game, which ranks them third overall. Dallas gets a great matchup as well, as the Magic rank as the seventh-worst team in the league in defensive rating at 105.5 points allowed per 100 possessions.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: Time to throw some love towards LeBron James and company, as the Cavaliers have been strong on offense this year. They rank seventh in offensive rating, averaging 106.7 points per 100 possessions. The decision to target the Cavaliers on Saturday can be pointed more towards the fact that the Timberwolves are the worst team in the NBA in defensive rating, allowing 109.4 points per 100 possessions. Minnesota doesn't strike much fear into opponents from a defensive perspective, as they allow 107 points per game, ranking them 30th in the NBA.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: None
Second game of a back-to-back: Philadelphia 76ers, Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors, Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Jeff Teague, PG, ATL ($7,700): On a night with many high-dollar point guards, Teague is at nice median when it comes to cost. His matchup against the 76ers is pure gold, as Philadelphia has allowed an average of 51.4 fantasy points per game to opposing point guards. Teague failed to top 30 fantasy points on DraftKings just twice in his last 10 games, and he's coming off of a 13-point, eight-assist, seven-rebound night in Friday's win over the Trail Blazers.
Other suggestions: Kyrie Irving (at MIN), Rajon Rondo (at ORL), Elfrid Payton (vs. DAL)
Shooting Guard
Kevin Martin, SG, MIN ($4,600): This is right in the midst of a money-saving opportunity on Martin. He's returning from his wrist injury, and this will be his third game back. He came off the bench in his first two games, but scored 21 and 19 points, while seeing 29 and 30 minutes of action. The minutes aren't an issue, and he's getting up plenty of shots (18 in both games) to make him more than worth the $4,600 price tag. He also gets a strong matchup on paper against the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have allowed 47.3 fantasy points to opposing shooting guards this season.
Other suggestions: James Harden (at DET), Rodney Stuckey (vs. SAC), Kyle Korver (vs. PHI)
Small Forward
LeBron James, SF, CLE ($10,800): With all of the savings potential you'll find on Saturday, if you can fit King James into the lineup then make sure to do so. Not only is he a 50+ point fantasy machine, but he gets to take on the Timberwolves, who are the worst team in the NBA against opposing small forwards. The Timberwolves allow an average of 41.5 fantasy points to small forwards, setting James up with a very nice matchup.
Other suggestions: Rudy Gay (at IND), Kawhi Leonard (vs. LAC), Khris Middleton (vs. POR)
Power Forward
Paul Millsap, PF, ATL ($8,300): Compared to other power forwards on DraftKings, Millsap isn't terribly overpriced. His production is impressive, though, and he had a three-game stretch against the Thunder, Timberwolves and Nets where he topped 43.75 fantasy points in each game. He didn't slow down much on Friday night against the Trail Blazers either, scoring 21 points with eight rebounds. He's up against the 76ers and their 45.7 fantasy points allowed per game on average to opposing power forwards, which ranks them as the third-worst in the NBA.
Other suggestions: Kevin Love (at MIN), Zach Randolph (vs. OKC), Dirk Nowitzki (at ORL)
Center
Roy Hibbert, C, IND ($5,600): Hibbert is not only a good option on Saturday due to his matchup, but his cost makes him even more appealing. He's scored 36.5, 26.75 and 30.75 fantasy points on DraftKings in his last three games and draws a matchup against the Sacramento Kings, who allow 48.2 fantasy points per game on average to opposing big men. Hibbert's matchup is appealing, but his cost allows the potential to fit players like James into your lineups.
Other suggestions: DeAndre Jordan (at SAS), Al Horford (vs. PHI), Tyson Chandler (at ORL)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Dwight Howard (knee)
Kemba Walker (knee)
Ricky Rubio (ankle)
Aaron Gordon (foot)
Alec Burks (shoulder)
Robin Lopez (hand)
Larry Sanders (suspended)
Game-Time Decision
Kevin Durant (toe)
Chandler Parsons (illness)
Tobias Harris (knee)
Mike Conley (wrist)
DeMarre Carroll (soreness)
Dion Waiters (ankle)
Mo Williams (ankle)
Zaza Pachulia (calf)
Jonas Valanciunas (ankle)
Ersan Ilyasova (groin)
Nene Hilario
