This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Defense to Avoid:
Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics
The Heat get the Celtics on a back-to-back at home after limiting the Knicks to just 78 points Friday. Boston doesn't have an imposing frontcourt, so expect another dominating performance from Hassan Whiteside down low. Miami should be able to contain the guard duo of Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley as both are pretty streaky when it comes to scoring. If the Heat don't convince you, take your pick of either the Bulls or Spurs, who play each other in Chicago in what should be a very low-scoring affair. The undefeated Warriors against a poor Jazz offense is also a chalk play.
Offense to Use:
Dallas Mavericks at Sacramento Kings
The Kings are one of the worst defensive teams in the league, but also sport one of the fastest-paced offenses, so this game should see a lot of points, indicated by its over/under of 214. The Mavs are slightly favored and offer plenty of value plays with the roster featuring low-priced former all-stars. If you want to go even further into the bargain bin, the Nuggets take on the Bucks, who are pretty good at making opposing offenses look like the 2010 Suns.
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First game: Trail Blazers, Mavericks
Second game: Celtics, Pistons, Rockets, Clippers, Bucks
Daily Player Recommendations
Point Guard
Reggie Jackson, DET vs. HOU ($7,000): With both teams playing Sunday, this contest figures to be pretty sloppy on the defensive side of the ball. Jackson didn't have an inspiring shooting performance Sunday, but has a shot at redemption with a great matchup against the Rockets. He's done a nice job cleaning the glass lately and as long as his shot falls at a higher rate, Jackson will have no problem reaching a nice fantasy-point total.
Other suggestions:Deron Williams, DAL at SAC ($6,100); Jerryd Bayless, MIL vs. DEN ($4,900)
Shooting Guard
Wesley Matthews, DAL at SAC ($4,400): Matthews has struggled from distance this season, but that hasn't been the case for shooting guards playing the Kings. Sacramento is allowing opponents to make 9.5 three-point shots per game and are the perfect remedy for Matthews' shooting woes. He isn't going to provide much in other categories, but you're primarily paying for threes and should expect a healthy amount out of Matthews on Monday.
Other suggestions:James Harden, HOU at DET ($10,300); Kyle Korver, ATL vs. OKC ($4,400)
Small Forward
Kevin Durant, OKC at ATL ($9,900): The Durantula has looked pretty deadly the past two games, scoring at least 30 points with a healthy amount of rebounds to go along with five assists and three blocks in each contest. It isn't likely Russell Westbrook's struggles continue, but if they do, Durant will be in the driver's seat again. He's averaging 54.4 fantasy points per game his last 10, and while Durant is more of a cash-game play, that doesn't mean you should fade him entirely in tournaments.
Other suggestions:Rudy Gay, SAC vs. DAL ($7,200); Justise Winslow, MIA vs. BOS ($4,000)
Power Forward
Quincy Acy, SAC vs. DAL ($3,000):DeMarcus Cousins (back) missed Saturday's game against the Warriors and if he doesn't play Monday, it could mean a longer look for Acy. Over 15 minutes against Golden State, Acy managed to score nine points and pull down seven rebounds. If those minutes were to increase to say, the 20-25 range, there's a chance Acy could post a double-double against the Mavericks and be one of Monday's top value plays.
Other suggestions:Kenneth Faried, DEN at MIL ($5,800); Dirk Nowitzki, DAL at SAC ($6,400)
Center
Tim Duncan, SAS at CHI ($6,000): Somehow Duncan managed to rip down 18 rebounds against the Hawks on Saturday. Would it be crazy for him to eclipse that number against the worst rebounding team in the league? Probably not, but for the very affordable price, he could make a pretty decent pick at center. Pau Gasol won't be an easy out, but Duncan is savvy enough to score on him.
Other suggestions:DeAndre Jordan, LAC vs. POR ($7,100); Willie Cauley-Stein, SAC vs. DAL ($3,500)
Injury Report
Out
Tiago Splitter, ATL (hip)
Marcus Smart, BOS (leg)
Aaron Brooks, CHI (hamstring)
Mike Dunleavy, CHI (back)
J.J. Barea, DAL (ankle)
Gary Harris, DEN (concussion)
Wilson Chandler, DEN (hip)
Jusuf Nurkic, DEN (knee)
Brandon Jennings, DET (achilles)
Jodie Meeks, DET (foot)
Harrison Barnes, GSW (ankle)
Donatas Motiejunas, HOU (back)
Greivis Vasquez, MIL (ankle)
Chris Kaman, POR (ankle)
Caron Butler, SAC (knee)
Game-Time Decision
DeMarcus Cousins, SAC (back)
Trey Burke, UTA (back)
Rodney Hood, UTA (back)
Kirk Hinrich, CHI (hip)
Doug McDermott, CHI (illness)
Spencer Dinwiddie, DET (knee)
Luol Deng, MIA (hamstring)
Amar'e Stoudemire, MIA (illness)
Chris Andersen, MIA (illness)
