This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Thursday brings an abbreviated three-game slate that happens to be replete with some of the game's elite. With the likes of Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Blake Griffin and DeMarcus Cousins all in play, it's becomes particularly important to choose wisely when spending up. With that in mind, I try to navigate the available options to suggest a solid mix of top-level and mid-tier plays, along with one low-cost alternative that could pay dividends and open up some cap room.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defense To Avoid:
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Milwaukee Bucks
The Cavs come in as the fifth-ranked defense in the NBA, allowing 96.4 points per game, which closely parallels the Bucks' mediocre average of 96.6 points per game on offense. Milwaukee has scored fewer than 100 points in five out of the last seven games, including an 86-point effort in Tuesday's loss to the Wizards. Meanwhile, Cleveland is at home and LeBron James and company are likely to have some retribution on their mind after a 108-105 double overtime loss last Saturday to this same Bucks squad.
Offense To Use:
Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Clippers
On a short slate, the Warriors stand out even more than usual as the offense to hone in on. To begin with, they are the most prolific unit in the NBA, averaging a robust 114.2 points per contest. They also happen to draw a generous opponent in the Clippers, who come into Thursday's showdown surrendering an average of 104.2 points per game, ranking them 23rd out of 30 teams in that category. Furthermore, the Clippers gave up 112 points to Golden State in their Nov. 5 meeting with defensive ace Chris Paul available to shadow Steph Curry, a luxury they'll likely be without Thursday due to Paul's groin injury.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First Game: Clippers, Warriors
Second game: Kings
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Point Guard
Stephen Curry at LAC ($10,800): Curry is self-explanatory, but we'll elaborate a bit on why he stands out even more than usual Thursday. As noted above, the reigning league MVP is likely to steer clear of Chris Paul's defense, leaving him with Austin Rivers as a primary defender. Curry has seemingly taken his vastly impressive game up a notch this season and is hitting three-pointers at a blistering clip. He also happened to enjoy his best night, percentage-wise, from beyond the arc so far this season in the Warriors' previous meeting against the Clippers, draining 64 percent from long range in that game. With a dearth of choices at the position Thursday, Curry heads right to the top of the list despite the hefty price tag.
Jerryd Bayless at CLE ($4,800): For those wishing to go a much more cost-effective route at point guard and spend up elsewhere, Bayless checks in as the bargain of the night. He is averaging 24.7 DK points per game and receiving a healthy dose of minutes.
Other options:Rajon Rondo at MIA ($8,700); Michael Carter-Williams at CLE ($6,000); Goran Dragic vs. SAC ($5,200)
Shooting Guard
Jamal Crawford at GSW ($4,600): This recommendation is based on J.J. Redick missing Thursday's game with his back injury, which appears likely as of writing. The shooting guard position doesn't offer much of a selection Thursday, and the Clippers veteran appears to be the best combination of price and potential. Crawford showed that he's still more than able to light up the scoreboard and stuff the stat sheet, like last Saturday versus the Pistons when he had 37 points, eight assists and six rebounds for 58.5 fantasy points. While it might be too much to expect the same level of production, Crawford is certainly capable of putting together a performance that will pay off or exceed his modest $4,600 price.
Other options:Dwyane Wade vs. SAC ($6,400); Klay Thompson at LAC ($6,300)
Small Forward
Rudy Gay at MIA ($6,900): Any time LeBron James is on the slate, the perennial All-Star is naturally worthy of consideration. However, James requires a $10,100 investment that may not fit everyone's budget, so we present Gay for a second consecutive night as a cost-effective alternative at a tricky position. The Kings veteran somewhat underperformed fantasy-wise Wednesday versus the Hawks, but still mustered 29 fantasy points. Meanwhile, he draws a Heat defense Thursday that surrenders the ninth-most points on average to small forwards this season, despite the presence of Luol Deng. Gay's ceiling may be somewhat capped any time DeMarcus Cousins is healthy, but a price tag under $7,000 makes him an alternative to James.
Other options:LeBron James vs. MIL ($10,100), Giannis Antetokounmpo at CLE ($7,200)
Power Forward
Kevin Love vs. MIL ($8,000):DeMarcus Cousins and Blake Griffin are both available in Thursday's slate, but you likely don't need me to point out they are always great plays. However, for a significant cost savings, Love becomes a terrific alternative on a three-game schedule. Love appears to be miles ahead in his mastery of Cleveland's offensive system than he was at this time last season. He also tallied 49 fantasy points versus this same Bucks squad in their meeting last Saturday, a game that helped play a part in Milwaukee's current league-worst ranking in average points surrendered to opposing power forwards (26.2). Love has also been over 50 fantasy points twice this season, demonstrating that he's capable of an explosion.
Other options:DeMarcus Cousins at MIA ($10,300); Blake Griffin vs. GSW ($9,600); Draymond Green at LAC ($7,400); Chris Bosh vs. SAC ($7,300)
Center
Hassan Whiteside vs. SAC ($8,400): There aren't too many inspiring options at the five on Thursday, but luckily Whiteside comes to the forefront as a clear-cut top choice. The Heat center is fresh off a 62-fantasy-point night against the Timberwolves on Tuesday when he had an absurd 10 blocks to go along with 22 points and 14 rebounds. He draws a Kings squad Thursday that has struggled to defend centers all season long, yielding an average of 22 points and 14.2 rebounds to the position nightly. Whiteside seems like a near-certainty for double-digit boards each night and a handful of blocks at a minimum, giving him a high floor even when he posts modest scoring totals. While he's not cheap, he stands out as a cut above the other potential selections.
Other options:Greg Monroe at CLE ($7,600); DeAndre Jordan vs GSW ($7,500); Andrew Bogut at LAC ($5,000); Timofey Mozgov vs MIL ($4,000)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Kyrie Irving (knee)
Iman Shumpert (wrist)
Game-Time Decision
Amar'e Stoudemire (knee)
O.J. Mayo (hamstring)
Jabari Parker (foot)
Shaun Livingston (hip)
Chris Paul (groin)
J.J. Redick (back)
