This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Defense to Avoid:
Detroit Pistons vs. Los Angeles Lakers
The Pistons remain one of the top defenses in the NBA, with the seventh-best defensive rating (101.4 points per 100 possessions) and they also play a slow pace of 95.4 possessions per game (ninth in league). But specifically for the Lakers, the Pistons are a tough matchup because they specialize in defending the positions that are the Lakers' offensive strengths. The Pistons are eighth in the league in limiting fantasy points to opposing point guards (practically, Jordan Clarkson), seventh against opposing small forwards (Kobe Bryant), and seventh against power forwards (Julius Randle). D'Angelo Russell and Roy Hibbert have better positional matchups, but neither are heavy enough offensive players to be relied upon to take advantage of a mismatch.
Offenses to Use:
Detroit Pistons vs Los Angeles Lakers
Different question, same answer. The Lakers remain one of the worst defenses in the NBA, with the third-worst defensive rating (108.9 points per 100 possessions) and they play an average pace of 96.8 possessions per game (17th). But specifically for the Pistons, the Lakers are a wonderful matchup because they are horrible at defending the positions that are the Pistons' offensive strengths. The Lakers are 26th in the league in limiting production to opposing point guards (Reggie Jackson), 28th against small forwards (Marcus Morris) and 29th against centers (Andre Drummond).
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First game: Mavericks, Pistons, Lakers, Suns, Wizards
Second game: Warriors, Kings
Point Guard
Reggie Jackson, DET vs. LAL ($7,700): As mentioned above, Jackson has an excellent matchup against a Lakers defense that is 26th in the league in limiting production of opposing point guards. Jackson has scored over 23 points in three straight games, including a monster effort earlier this week of 31 points, eight assists, five boards and two steals Monday against the Rockets, and an even bigger explosion of 34 points, 16 assists and three boards Wednesday against the Suns.
Other suggestions:Mike Conley, MEM vs. PHO ($6,700), Brandon Knight, PHO at MEM ($7,800)
Shooting Guard
Bradley Beal, WAS vs DAL ($7,200): Beal was in the midst of a breakout season through the first few weeks of the season before injuring his shoulder, then he had some inconsistent games as he worked his way back. However, he has now scored more than 40 fantasy points in three of the last four games, including 58.25 Friday. On Sunday, he faces a Mavericks defense that struggles defending the wing (24th against opposing shooting guards).
Other suggestions:Klay Thompson, GS at BKN ($6,300), Dion Waiters, OKC vs. SAC ($4,200)
Small Forward
Marcus Morris, DET vs. LAL ($6,400): Morris was the second Piston advocated above, and the numbers hold true. He's playing well himself (24 points and 14 rebounds Wednesday and 23 points, four boards and three assists Friday) and he's facing a Lakers defense that struggles to defend small forwards.
Other suggestions:Omri Casspi , SAC at OKC ($4,700), Stanley Johnson, DET vs. LAL ($4,200)
Power Forward
Serge Ibaka, OKC vs. SAC ($6,100): This was the most difficult pick on the board, as Draymond Green is the more obvious choice. The only reason Green isn't in this spot is because he's the second highest-priced power forward and the highest priced center is endorsed below. Ibaka has the fifth-highest fantasy scoring average among power forwards Sunday at 28.9 fantasy points per game, but he has the seventh-highest salary. He also has the best matchup, against a Kings defense that is 27th in the NBA in fantasy points allowed to power forwards.
Other suggestions:Draymond Green, GS at BKN ($8,000), Thaddeus Young, BKN vs. GS ($6,900)
Center
Andre Drummond, DET vs. LAL ($9,300): Drummond is the highest priced center on the board, but based on his level of play and his matchup, he is worth the price. Drummond has scored over 50 fantasy points in three of his last four games and four of his last six. And he's facing a Lakers defense that is 29th in the NBA at defending centers. The main risk is a potential blowout which would limit his minutes, though that is unlikely.
Other suggestions:Alex Len (If Tyson Chandler sits again), PHO at MEM ($4,300), Zaza Pachulia, DAL vs. WAS ($6,300)
Injury Report
Out
Andrea Bargnani, BKN (hamstring)
J.J. Barea, DAL (ankle)
Brandon Jennings, DET (Achilles)
Jodie Meeks, DET (foot)
Harrison Barnes, GS (ankle)
Brandan Wright, MEM (knee)
Willie Cauley-Stein, SAC (finger)
Alan Anderson, WAS (ankle)
Marcin Gortat, WAS (personal)
Game-Time Decision
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, BKN (ankle)
Andrew Bogut, GS (back)
Tyson Chandler, PHO (hamstring)
Nene Hilario, WAS (calf)
Kris Humphries, WAS (ankle)
Drew Gooden, WAS (calf)
