This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defense To Avoid
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Memphis Grizzlies: The Clippers have been lights out on defense all season, holding opponents to a league-best 92.2 points per game and 40.9 field-goal percentage. They also cause the third-most turnovers (16.5) while the Grizzlies check in scoring the fifth-least points (97.5) and with the third-lowest field-goal percentage (42.2). The Clippers already held this same squad to just 88 points in their one previous meeting this season and have also limited their last three home opponents to 95 points or less.
Offense To Use
Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns: You could make a case, as usual, for the Warriors in this spot, and even for the Suns themselves against Denver's less-than-stingy defense. However, the Suns actually give up the most points per game (115.6) and also sport a bottom-10 figure in shooting percentage allowed (46 percent). The Nuggets are scoring a solid 104.1 points per game and should have plenty of offensive opportunities in what will be a fast-paced contest.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Wizards, Knicks, Rockets, Sixers
Second game of a back-to-back: Raptors, Cavs, Hawks
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Stephen Curry GS at TOR ($9,400): Naturally, James Harden ($12,200) and Russell Westbrook ($11,900) always make for fine selections, particularly in what should be an intriguing head-to-head battle Wednesday. However, Curry's selection is largely based on his significantly reduced price compared to those two, coupled with the fact that he brings just as much potential upside on any given night. The two-time MVP has seemingly begun to acclimate to playing alongside fellow superstar Kevin Durant, having scored 51.5 to 68.25 fantasy points in three of his last four games. He also thrived in this matchup last season, averaging 40.5 points, 8.0 assists and 2.0 rebounds on 57.4 percent shooting over two games. The Raptors come in on the second game of a back-to-back after a grueling battle with the defending champion Cavaliers on Tuesday, and surrender 55.3 fantasy points, 26.1 points and 2.6 three-pointers (tied for sixth-most) to point guards.
Eric Bledsoe PHO at DEN ($6,900): Bledsoe takes aim at a Nuggets defense that's surrendered a league-high 61.2 fantasy points to point guards, as well as the third-most points (26.0) and fifth-most assists (9.2). Bledsoe has also posted 31.25 fantasy points or more in all but two games, and no less than 26 fantasy points in any contest. The veteran guard's 148 shot attempts are second only to T.J. Warren on the Suns, essentially assuring his heavy involvement on offense in what should be a high-scoring affair.
Jamal MurrayDEN vs. PHO ($3,700): Speaking of the Nuggets-Suns showdown, Murray checks in as a classic case of a player whose price hasn't caught up with his new role. With Gary Harris now out for the next several weeks with a foot injury, Murray stepped into an increased role against the Blazers on Sunday and compiled 26.25 fantasy points over 28 minutes. He draws another solid matchup against Eric Bledsoe and the Suns, who aren't much better than the Nuggets at limiting point guards. Phoenix has given up the third-most fantasy points (58.6) and most points (28.2) per game to the position, along with the third-most three pointers (2.9). Given his price and starting role, Murray makes for a highly appealing value play.
Kevin Durant GS at TOR ($9,500): Much like his teammate Stephen Curry, Durant checks in slightly underpriced relative to potential upside. He's scored over 50 fantasy points in two of his last three games, and has eclipsed the mark on four other occasions already as well. The Raptors have given up the seventh-most fantasy points (47.2) to small forwards over the last five games and also come in to Wednesday fresh off surrendering a near triple-double to LeBron James on Tuesday in a hard-fought defeat.
Kenneth Faried DEN vs. PHO ($5,500): Faried was terrific in a start at power forward against the Blazers on Sunday, generating 48.0 fantasy points in just 28 minutes on the strength of an 18-point, 14-rebound double-double. He draws a matchup Wednesday that could be ripe for more of the same, considering the Suns have surrendered the third-most fantasy points (54.7), sixth-most points (21.7), fourth-highest field-goal percentage (49.4) and most assists (4.7) to fours in the early going.
Ersan Ilyasova PHI vs. WAS ($4,100): Ilyasova has had a notable offensive impact on the Sixers' second unit, scoring 21.0 to 35.75 fantasy points in five of seven games since arriving in Philadelphia. He's been heavily involved despite coming off the bench, having tallied double-digit shot attempts in his last two games. With a secure minutes allotment in the low 20s at a minimum and a matchup against a Wizards defense that gives up the eighth-most points (21.5), fourth-highest field-goal percentage (49.4) and most three-pointers (2.2) per game to power forwards, Ilyasova's upside relative to price makes him one of the better value plays on the slate.
Anthony Davis NO at ORL ($10,900): Davis is a near-lock in this spot any time he's on the slate, particularly against a Magic defense that's proven highly permeable down low. Orlando checks in as a bottom-10 unit in terms of fantasy points allowed to centers (49.4) and just outside that range against power forwards (47.6). Davis is averaging 56.4 fantasy points per game, and has scored 50.5 to 56.0 fantasy points in five straight.
Marcin Gortat WAS at PHI ($6,400): Gortat's price remains pretty much stuck in neutral, despite the fact he's scored 30.75 to 41.0 fantasy points in six of nine games, and no fewer than 21.75 in any contest. Gortat averaged 16.8 points and 14.3 rebounds in four games against the Sixers last season, with the latter figure representing his highest against any team. With Philadelphia already surrendering the second-most fantasy points (52.4), highest field-goal percentage (60.1) and third-most points (22.6) to centers this season, there's little reason to doubt he could provide more of the same at a very reasonable price Wednesday.
Enes Kanter OKC vs. HOU ($4,600): Kanter always makes for an appealing value play for tournaments, given his perpetually modest price and high upside. The Rockets also check in having given up the third-most fantasy points (55.7) to centers over the last five games, and Kanter has scored 30.25 and 29.25 fantasy points, respectively, in two of his last three games. While he does have an occasional outlier performance that sees him only record single-digit fantasy points from time to time, those usually come on occasions when his playing time is considerably reduced. That shouldn't be the case Wednesday in what should be a competitive and fast-paced battle, giving Kanter a chance for a solid return on a very affordable price.
INJURY REPORT
For the latest news on injured players heading into the games, check out our Injury Updates page.
