This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Memphis Grizzlies at Phoenix Suns: The Grizzlies are posting a defensive rating of 86.4 over their last five games, including holding the Thunder to 74 points on Saturday. The Suns can certainly cause problems for any defense, but their offensive rating had dipped below 100 over their last five games, a cause for concern. The Suns are definitely still usable, but they certainly do not have a favorable situation.
Offenses to Use
Atlanta Hawks at New Orleans Pelicans: Over their last five games, the Hawks are second in the NBA in offensive rating, whereas the Pelicans are a middle-of-the-road defense over that same span. The Hawks have a variety of options at prices that aren't outrageous, making their players worth considering as they continue their dominance of the NBA.
First game of a back-to-back: Philadelphia 76ers,
Second game of a back-to-back: None
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Michael Carter-Williams, PG, PHI ($7,900): As far as elite point guard options go, few have the game-to-game upside of Carter-Williams. He comes at an excellent value here, and despite a slight issue with his ankle from last game, he should be a good play even against the resurgent defense of Cleveland. MCW has averaged 41.3 DraftKings points over his last six games.
Other suggestions: Chris Paul (at BKN), Brandon Knight (at TOR)
Shooting Guard
Kevin Martin, SG, MIN ($5,100): Since his return from injury, Martin hasn't exactly erupted for a massive DraftKings performance. However, he is taking about 18 shots per game, and in his last contest, he played 37 minutes. The opportunity is there, and at this low of a price, it's worth gambling on a player with a high ceiling and fairly safe floor.
Other suggestions: Kyle Korver (at NO), Monta Ellis (vs. MIN)
Small Forward
Khris Middleton, SF, MIL ($5,300): After the top options, the small forward position is rather uninspiring, but Middleton is an option for those not enamored with spending a big chunk of change on the high priced guys. He's averaging 26.3 DraftKings points over his last six games, and the matchup against Toronto isn't terrible.
Other suggestions: Kevin Durant (vs. ORL), LeBron James (vs. PHI)
Power Forward
Paul Millsap, PF, ATL ($8,200): Over his last six games, Millsap is averaging 40.2 DraftKings points. In what should be a competitive game, grabbing a player capable of putting up a variety of stats, and churning out a big DraftKings total makes sense given his pricing on Monday.
Other suggestions: Zach Randolph (at PHX), John Henson (at TOR)
Center
Timofey Mozgov, C, CLE ($5,000): Mozgov has settled into a nice groove, averaging 25.4 DraftKings points over his last seven games. Against an underwhelming Philadelphia frontcourt, he will have enough opportunity to grab a double-double, making him a solid option to fill your center slot on Monday.
Other suggestions: Marc Gasol (at PHX), Al Horford (at NO)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Kemba Walker (knee)
Jrue Holiday (ankle)
Rajon Rondo (head)
Tony Wroten (knee)
Vince Carter (foot)
Larry Sanders (suspension)
Game-Time Decision
Mo Williams (hip)
Ricky Rubio (ankle)
Deron Williams (ribs)
Zach LaVine (ankle)
Victor Oladipo (Achilles)
Joe Johnson (personal)
Dion Waiters (ankle)
Chandler Parsons (illness)
DeMarre Carroll (soreness)
Anthony Davis (groin)
Ersan Ilyasova (groin)
Jonas Valanciunas (ankle)
Zaza Pachulia (calf)
