This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Defense to Avoid:
Indiana Pacers at Miami Heat
The Heat were on the road Sunday against the Wizards, so having to face the Pacers on the second half of a back-to-back isn't ideal. Indiana has held opponents to under 90 points in three of their last five games and Miami has plenty of veteran players who are known to struggle when playing two games in two days (Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Luol Deng). The Pacers played with a lot of edge in Saturday's win over the Pistons and chances are they'll carry that momentum into a game against a team close to them in the standings.
Offense to Use:
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Sacramento Kings
The Thunder are the safer offense to pick in this matchup, though both are solid options. The Kings play at a high pace and just dropped 142 points on the Suns. Kevin Durant has been a beast during the Thunder's four-game winning streak and the amount of transition opportunities for Russell Westbrook will make him another prime target. With so much scoring to go around, there will be ample shot attempts for guys like Dion Waiters, Enes Kanter and Anthony Morrow.
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First game: Kings, Warriors, Bucks
Second game: Heat, Trail Blazers, Raptors
Daily Player Recommendations
Point Guard
Rajon Rondo, SAC at OKC ($8,400): Westbrook is the highest priced player at $10,700, so going with the much cheaper Rondo in a game where he should challenge for a triple-double is the smarter play. Rondo has scored over 35 fantasy points in four of his past five games and probably would have made it five straight had he stayed out of foul trouble against the Warriors last Thursday. Point guard is a position that you'll want to pay up for in most lineups, particularly in cash games, and Rondo fits the bill Monday.
Other suggestions: Kyrie Irving, CLE vs. TOR ($6,000); Trey Burke, UTA vs. HOU ($4,900)
Shooting Guard
Evan Turner, BOS at BKN ($5,100): After Avery Bradley went down with a hip injury in Saturday's loss to the Nets, Turner came off the bench and played 37 minutes. He only managed to score 24.75 fantasy points, but the huge boost in playing time makes him a super value play Monday considering Bradley has already been ruled out. It also helps that Brooklyn will be without starting point guard Jarrett Jack (torn ACL), so Turner should get a nice matchup with the Nets playing a short lineup.
Other suggestions: Klay Thompson, GSW vs. CHA ($7,800); Rodney Hood, UTA vs. HOU ($5,500); Dion Waiters, OKC vs. SAC ($3,600)
Small Forward
Shabazz Muhammad, MIN at PHI ($3,400): Durant is probably the way to go at small forward, but if you're looking for the risk-reward play, Muhammad has scored in double figures in back-to-back games while logging a total of 49 minutes off the bench. The T-Wolves' offense should be rolling Monday against the 76ers, which will provide Muhammad with plenty of opportunities.
Other suggestions: Paul George, IND vs. MIA ($8,900); Jae Crowder, BOS at BKN ($6,200)
Power Forward
Clint Capela, HOU at UTA ($5,500): There are a ton of incredible matchups for power forwards Monday, so if you're looking for a chalk play, there are plenty. If you're looking to go against the grain, Capela figures to play a big role again with Donatas Motiejunas sidelined with a back injury. Capela has averaged 26.3 minutes per game over his past six and makes for a good tournament play considering the matchup.
Other suggestions: DeMarcus Cousins, SAC at OKC ($10,100); Trevor Booker, UTA vs. HOU ($4,700); LaMarcus Aldridge, SAS vs. MIL ($6,700)
Center
Jeff Withey, UTA vs. HOU ($4,300):Derrick Favors has been dealing with back spasms for five games, which has opened the door for Withey, who has really taken advantage of the minutes boost. Withey is averaging 25.1 minutes and 28.1 fantasy points per game over his past six. Sure, there's a chance Favors returns Monday, but even if he does he will likely be eased back in, which could allow Withey to play at least 20 minutes again.
Other suggestions: Enes Kanter, OKC vs. SAC ($5,000); Brook Lopez, BKN vs. BOS ($7,500)
Injury Report
Out
Avery Bradley, BOS (hip)
Jarrett Jack, BKN (torn ACL)
Al Jefferson, CHA (knee)
Alec Burks, UTA (ankle)
Harrison Barnes, GSW (ankle)
Brandon Rush, GSW (hamstring)
Kevon Looney, GSW (hip)
Donatas Motiejunas, HOU (back)
Josh McRoberts, MIA (knee)
Tony Parker, SA (hip)
Game-Time Decision
Derrick Favors, UTA (back)
Stephen Curry, GSW (shin)
Damian Lillard, POR (foot)
Elfrid Payton, ORL (ankle)
Festus Ezeli, GSW (toe)
Leandro Barbosa, GSW (shoulder)
Nicolas Batum, CHA (toe)
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL (tooth)
Hollis Thompson, PHI (eye)
