This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Defense to Avoid:
San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Spurs haven't lost a game at home (17-0) and they're not only the best defensive team in the league this season, but they may have one of the best defenses in NBA history. San Antonio has held three straight opponents to under 90 points and the last time these two teams met, the T-Wolves only managed to score 83. Practically 20 percent of Minnesota's offense is provided by Andrew Wiggins (20.8 points per game), who will be shadowed by Kawhi Leonard all night, so don't expect much of a fight from Minnesota on Monday.
Offense to Use:
Golden State Warriors vs. Sacramento Kings
Sure, the Warriors are another very chalky play Monday, but why get cute and try to aim for more of a contrarian play? The Kings are in action Sunday against the Trail Blazers and will have to travel southwest to take on the best team in the league, a task which is never easy no matter when and where the game is. The last time the Dubs played the Kings at home, they put up 120 points and spread the scoring around with six players in double figures. The Kings are allowing the highest field-goal percentage (62.2) to opponents from within five feet of the rim while allowing the third-highest percentage (38.3) from beyond the arc, so look for big games from Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson.
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First game: Hawks, Heat, Cavaliers, Bucks
Second game: Lakers, Kings
Daily Player Recommendations
Point Guard
Goran Dragic, MIA vs. BKN ($5,500): Dragic is fresh off one of his best games of the season, scoring a season-high 22 points on 9-of-16 shooting from the field. He's been averaging nearly 30 fantasy points per game over the last five despite up-and-down scoring production, so his cheap salary makes him very appealing if he's going to continue to shoot like he did against the Magic on Saturday. The Nets have allowed opponents to score more than 100 points in eight straight games, so as long as Dragic gets sufficient playing time, he should have no problem hitting value in tournaments.
Other suggestions: Kemba Walker, CHA vs. LAL ($7,300); Matthew Dellavedova, CLE at PHO ($4,800)
Shooting Guard
Jimmy Butler, CHI vs. TOR ($7,500): For the price, there aren't many shooting guards more valuable than Butler. He isn't going to consistently score more than 30 points per game, but he will undoubtedly chip in plenty of boards, assists and steals to make up for it. Butler is averaging just a hair over 40 fantasy points per game over his last six, and while the Raptors are a decent defensive team, they shouldn't limit him too much.
Other suggestions: Klay Thompson, GSW vs. SAC ($7,300); J.J. Redick, LAC at WAS ($5,100)
Small Forward
Paul Pierce, LAC at WAS ($3,500): The Truth turned back the clock Saturday with 20 points and five 3-pointers in 27 minutes against the Jazz, a line which translated into 31.75 fantasy points. With Blake Griffin sidelined, Pierce should see some additional playing time as the Clippers will need to make up for the scoring void. It also helps that the Clippers are playing one of Pierce's former teams, the Wizards, so expect him to elevate his game a bit in D.C. Pierce will be heavily owned in most contests, considering his likely uptick in usage and low price, but that shouldn't deter you from inserting him into your lineups for pretty much any contest.
Other suggestions: Gordon Hayward, UTA vs. PHI ($7,200); Chandler Parsons, DAL vs. MIL ($5,200)
Power Forward
Chris Bosh, MIA vs. BKN ($7,100): Over his past four games, Bosh has been extremely productive in DraftKings contests, averaging 43 fantasy points per game. He's posted back-to-back double-doubles and gets a nice matchup against a sub-par Nets defense that allows opponents to shoot 42.9 percent (fourth highest in the NBA) from 5-ft to 9-ft out, which is right in Bosh's sweet spot. The veteran power forward is also taking a lot of three-pointers, hitting 10-of-30 attempts in his past six games.
Other suggestions: Draymond Green, GSW vs. SAC ($9,300); Nerlens Noel, PHI at UTA ($5,600)
Center
Marcin Gortat, WAS vs. LAC ($7,100): Gortat has been a stud this season and his price has gradually increased over the last month, but it is still incredibly affordable. The Clippers -- as pretty much everyone knows -- are playing without Blake Griffin, which should make life easier for Gortat down in the post. He doesn't always produce double-doubles, but he will have a better shot of reaching those marks against the Clips, who rank in the lower half of the league in rebounding. As long as the Wizards are mired by injuries in their front court, ride Gortat in your cash-game lineups.
Other suggestions: Jeff Withey, UTA vs. PHI ($3,300); Bismack Biyombo, TOR at CHI ($5,500)
Injury Report
Out
Joakim Noah, CHI (shoulder)
Blake Griffin, LAC (quad)
Eric Bledsoe, PHO (knee)
Leandro Barbosa, GSW (shoulder)
Alec Burks, UTA (ankle)
Game-Time Decision
Kobe Bryant, LAL (knee)
Jahlil Okafor, PHI (knee)
Derrick Favors, UTA (back)
Nicolas Batum, CHA (hand)
Marvin Williams, CHA (neck)
Spencer Hawes, CHA (back)
Gary Neal, WAS (quad)
Deron Williams, DAL (hamstring)
Harrison Barnes, GSW (ankle)
Rodney Stuckey, IND (ankle)
Austin Rivers, LAC (ankle)
Richaun Holmes, PHI (knee)
Tyler Johnson, MIA (shoulder)
Jerryd Bayless, MIL (ankle)
John Henson, MIL (back)
