This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Defense to Avoid:
Utah Jazz at Atlanta Hawks
The Jazz are one of the best defenses in the NBA when their starting frontline of Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors are both healthy. They were the No. 1 defense earlier this week, before Gobert was injured, but in the two games that he sat out this week the Jazz's defensive rating has slid to fifth-best (98.2 points per 100 possessions). Assuming Gobert is able to go on Sunday, the Jazz should once again be that stifling defense that hurts their opponents' fantasy outlooks. Plus, since the Jazz play at the second slowest pace in the NBA at 93 possessions per game, it's just really difficult to put up big numbers against them.
Offenses to Use:
New York Knicks vs. New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans and Lakers have competed for the title of worst defense in the NBA, but with Anthony Davis (hip) out, the Pelicans are the now the call. The Pelicans defensive rating has fallen to 111.6 points per 100 possessions, almost two points worse than the 76ers, the second-worst defense in the NBA. They also play at a pace of 99.5 possessions per game (fifth-fastest in the NBA) and allow a league-worst 53.6 percent EFG. The Knicks, playing at home, should be set up to put up big numbers.
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First game: Celtics, Lakers, Grizzlies, Thunder, Trail Blazers
Second game: Pistons
Point Guard
Zach LaVine vs. MEM ($4,700): This assumes that Ricky Rubio sits again with his hamstring injury. If Rubio does play, downgrade LaVine and go with one of the other suggestions below. There are some huge, high-priced producers in the later games Sunday that are almost too obvious (e.g. Kyle Lowry averaging more than 45 FPts in last three games, Rajon Rondo averaging more than 55 FPts in last four and Russell Westbrook averaging over 60 FPts in his last three). I endorse any of those guys. But for a more budget-friendly option, LaVine has been strong with Rubio out, averaging more than 40 FPts in games against the Hornets and the Pacers, surrounding a weaker 18-point effort against the stout perimeter defense of the Warriors. The Grizzlies are 19th in fantasy points allowed to point guards, making it a decent opportunity for LaVine.
Other suggestions:Rajon Rondo vs. TOR ($8,500), Kyle Lowry at SAC ($8,200)
Shooting Guard
Eric Gordon at NY ($6,300): Gordon has stepped up the most in the absence of Anthony Davis, averaging 28 points with four treys, three boards, two assists and 1.5 steals per game since the big man went down. Assuming Davis sits again, Gordon should continue to have the green light to fire away against the Knicks.
Other suggestions:Alec Burks at ATL ($5,300), Andrew Wiggins vs. MEM ($6,400)
Small Forward
Jae Crowder at OKC ($5,300): It's not often that you see a wing in this space for his defensive contributions, but Crowder has at least two steals in every game this season and has either four or five steals in each of his past four games. As a result of stockpiling the high-point value steals, Crowder is averaging 31 FPts/G over his last four outings, which is good value for his price tag.
Other suggestions:Carmelo Anthony vs. NO ($8,100), Marcus Morris at LAL ($6,500)
Power Forward
Zach Randolph at MIN ($6,200): Simply, Randolph's slow start to the season has him underpriced. He is averaging 34.3 FPts per game over his last six, which when paired with his history and stature should lift his price tag in the near future. Enjoy being able to get a consistent, just-below-front-end star for such a modest price.
Other suggestions:Jared Sullinger at OKC ($5,700), Kristaps Porzingis vs NO ($5,800)
Center
Marc Gasol at MIN ($6,900): Like Randolph, Gasol's slow start has resulted in a falling salary on DraftKings. He entered the season with a price of $8,300, but his slow start got his price down below $7K. However, Gasol has found his form this week, averaging about 43.5 FPts in his last two games.
Other suggestions:Al Horford vs. UTA ($7,100), Karl-Anthony Towns vs. MEM ($7,400)
Injury Report
Out
Avery Bradley, BOS (calf)
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, CHA (shoulder)
Brandon Jennings, DET (Achilles)
Jodie Meeks, DET (foot)
Brandan Wright, MEM (knee)
Nikola Pekovic, MIN (Achilles)
Tyreke Evans, NO (knee)
Norris Cole, NO (ankle)
Quincy Pondexter, NO (knee)
Anthony Davis, NO (hip)
Kendrick Perkins, NO (chest)
Kevin Durant, OKC (hamstring)
Meyers Leonard, POR (shoulder)
Darren Collison, SAC (hamstring)
Terrence Ross, TOR (thumb/wrist)
Rodney Hood, UTA (foot)
Game-Time Decision
Jeff Teague, ATL (ankle)
Cody Zeller, CHA (ankle)
Ricky Rubio, MIN (hamstring)
Rudy Gay, SAC (illness)
Rudy Gobert, UTA (ankle)
