This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Defense to Avoid
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls
The Cavaliers could be in a bit of turmoil because their coach was fired on Friday, but it's more likely that it goes the other way. If the rumors are any indication, the coaching change is one that the players (read: LeBron James) was happy with, which means that the team (especially LeBron) will be playing even harder on Saturday to prove that the Cavs will be fine under the new coach. Plus, the defense is just strong. The Cavs rank fifth in the NBA in limiting production to opposing point guards, 15th against shooting guards, second against small forwards, 11th against power forwards and third against centers. Jimmy Butler has a reasonable matchup, but the other Bulls could be set up to struggle.
Offenses to Use
Milwaukee Bucks vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Every position in this game has a plus matchup on one side or the other. The Pelicans are 23rd in the NBA at limiting production to opposing point guards (Michael Carter-Williams), 17th against opposing shooting guards (Khris Middleton), 15th against opposing small forwards (Giannis Antetokounmpo) and 28th against opposing centers (Greg Monroe). Meanwhile, the Bucks are 29th against opposing small forwards (Dante Cunningham/Alonzo Gee) and 29th against opposing power forwards (Anthony Davis!).
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First game: 76ers
Second game: Hornets, Bulls, Pacers, Lakers, Bucks, Knicks
Daily Player Recommendations
Point Guard
Norris Cole, NOP vs MIL ($4,600): Cole moved into the starting lineup with Eric Gordon injured and responded with 12 points, eight boards and seven assists in 31 minutes. That may not be his average game, but it is in play as long as he's starting, and he's had even better games (such as the 16-point, 12-rebound, four-assist effort in 38 minutes on Jan. 2 against the Mavericks).
Other suggestions: Reggie Jackson, DET at DEN ($7,100); Damian Lillard, POR vs. LAL ($9,200)
Shooting Guard
Lou Williams, LAL at POR ($6,000): Williams had 16 points, four boards and three assists in 32 minutes against the Spurs on Friday to just about match his season average of 25.4 fantasy points per game. On Saturday, he has a much better matchup against a Trail Blazers defense that is 26th in the NBA at defending opposing shooting guards.
Other suggestions: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, DET at DEN ($5800), Monta Ellis, IND at SAC ($6900)
Small Forward
Kent Bazemore, ATL at PHO ($5,400): Bazemore was one of the best values in the league early in the month, and his price got up to $6,500. He slumped for a couple of weeks, but has shown signs of coming out of it over his last few games. He has made 13 of his last 24 shots over the last two games, and he has a plus matchup against a porous Suns defense.
Other suggestions: Marcus Morris, DET at DEN ($5,400); Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL at NOP ($7,400)
Power Forward
Marvin Williams, CHA vs NYK ($4,900): Williams has been playing well of late and has a larger role with Cody Zeller struggling through a shoulder injury. He has scored more than 30 fantasy points in three of his last four games, including 38.5 with a double-double Friday night against the Magic. His opponents on Saturday, the Knicks, are 28th in the NBA in production allowed to opposing power forwards.
Other suggestions: Julius Randle, LAL at POR ($5,600); Ryan Anderson, NOP vs MIL ($5,700)
Center
Karl-Anthony Towns, MIN vs MEM ($7,000): Towns has been playing amazing basketball this week. He had 20 points and 13 boards Tuesday against the Pelicans, then followed that up with 27 points, 17 boards and six blocks Wednesday against the Mavericks. On Saturday, he faces a Grizzlies defense that is 21st in the NBA in production allowed to opposing centers, and that could be further weakened if Marc Gasol is unable to play due to a knee contusion that has him listed as questionable.
Other suggestions: Greg Monroe, Mil at NOP ($7,000); Mason Plumlee, POR vs LAL ($5,200)
Injury Report
Out
Mike Dunleavy, CHI (back)
Joakim Noah, CHI (shoulder, season)
Kirk Hinrich, CHI (quad)
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, CHA (shoulder)
Al Jefferson, CHA (knee)
Nicolas Batum, CHA (toe)
Jodie Meeks, DET (foot)
Rodney Stuckey, IND (foot)
Brandan Wright, MEM (knee)
Greivis Vasquez, MIL (ankle)
Eric Gordon, MEM (finger)
Cleanthony Early, NY (knee)
Ronnie Price, PHO (foot)
Game-Time Decision
Cody Zeller, CHA (shoulder)
Jeremy Lamb, CHA (toe)
Jameer Nelson, DEN (wrist)
Ian Mahinmi, IND (ankle)
George Hill, IND (personal)
Larry Nance, IND (knee)
Marc Gasol, MEM (knee)
Tony Allen, MEM (knee)
O.J. Mayo, MIL (hamstring)
Lance Thomas, NY (knee)
Brandon Knight, PHO (hip)
P.J. Tucker, PHO (chest)
Mirza Teletovic, PHO (ankle)
Markieff Morris, PHO (shoulder)
Jon Leuer, PHO (back)
Rudy Gay, SAC (heel)
