This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defense to Avoid: Memphis Grizzles vs. Houston Rockets
For my defense to avoid, I always try to fade an offense that most people consider elite. That's just the case here, as the Rockets are playing some of the best offense in the NBA. There are things I don't like about this game for Houston though, as they face a stingy Memphis defense that ranks second in total defense and first in defensive efficiency. What I like even more is the fact that they force their opponents to shoot just 33 percent from three-point range, which is Houston's bread and butter and their offense simply isn't the same unless they're hitting threes. While Harden will likeley get his, it's hard to imagine any other Rockets players reaching 5X value.
Offense to Use: Phoenix Suns vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Many people look at the Suns as a team to use against because of their putrid defense, but their offense is much better than most think. Phoenix actually ranks top-10 in scoring, as they have one of the best backcourts in the leagues. That's what I especially like about this play, as the Sixers' backcourt is no where near the talent of the Suns' backcourt. Not to mention, Philadelphia ranks 22nd in defense efficiency on the road, allowing 106 points per game. Many of the Suns' players come at affordable prices as well, so they should be in for a great performance in a favorable matchup.
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First Game: None
Second Game: Celtics, Clippers, Heat, Lakers, Magic, Nets, Spurs, and Warriors
PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Eric Bledsoe, PHX vs. PHI ($7,600): Let's start our Phoenix stack with their best playmaker. Bledsoe is having the best season of his career and it shows through his impressive numbers. Since Nov. 19, he is averaging 22.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.8 steals per game. That shows just how involved he is, as Bledsoe is leaned on to handle the ball on nearly every possession. The matchup is the icing on the cake, as the Sixers rank 27th in fantasy points allowed to point guards. This is also one of the few times when Phoenix is a favorite, so Bledsoe should be looking at 35-plus minutes in a competitive game.
Devin Booker, PHX vs. PHI ($6,300): Booker is the other obvious choice on the Suns, as he's proven to be one of their most valuable scorers. With players like Booker, it's imperative to know what type of form their in, as their shooting stroke is a huge factor in how they're performing in fantasy. Booker is averaging nearly 40 fantasy points per game over his last four, and he appears to be finding some much needed confidence. The price is the best part, as he's one of the only players below $6,500 who can drop 40 real points and approach 10X value.
Ricky Rubio, MIN vs. SAC ($6,300): Rubio has been playing some great ball recently and this sort of matchup could showcase his impressive skills. Over his last four games, Rubio has not scored fewer than 30 fantasy points, and he's doing that damage without scoring. That may sound concerning, but that makes Rubio extremely reliable and opens up the door for some huge upside. His minutes don't match his price, as he's a guarantee for 35 minutes and could play over 40 if he's performing well. The matchup is intriguing too, with Sacramento traditionally ranking as one of the worst defenses in the league.
LeBron James, CLE vs. BRK ($10,100): One of my rules is to use either Russell Westbrook or James Harden in my lineup when they play, but I'll make an exception here. The main reason for that is the pricing and matchups. Westbrook and Harden both face elite defenses and cost over $2,000 more than James. That's what makes James so usable, as he faces the worst defense in the NBA. The form of James is obviously spectacular as well, as he is averaging over 52 fantasy points per game this season.
Kawhi Leonard, SAN at POR ($7,800): It's impossible to fade the Blazers defense right now, as they rank last in defensive efficiency and are regularly allowing 120 points per game. That should open up the door for Leonard to have a monster game, as he has scored at least 36 fantasy points in nine of his last 10 games. His usage should be up as well, with Tony Parker and Pau Gasol sitting this game out in the second half of a back-to-back.
Robert Covington, PHI at PHX ($5,700): Since returning from injury, Covington has been a different player, averaging nearly 30 fantasy points per game, rarely scoring fewer than 20. The matchup is solid too, as the Suns rank second in pace and 29th in points allowed. That pace number is especially beneficial for a player like Covington, as it opens up the door for more three's and steals, which are his specialties.
Hassan Whiteside, MIA at NOP ($8,900): Whiteside is just as good as any of the elite centers and he's not priced like them. DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis are both at least $1,500 more than Whiteside and they should be looking at similar lines with their matchups. Whiteside's game is easily the best of the three, as the Pelicans allow the third-most fantasy points to centers this season. Whiteside has been unbelievable recently too, as he's averaging over 50 fantasy points per game over his last seven, never scoring fewer than 40 over that span.
Al Horford, BOS vs. OKC ($6,800): Over his last 11 games, Horford is averaging 16.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.9 blocks per game. Those are numbers from an $8,000 player and that makes Horford a great value play. It's his ability to stuff the stat sheet that I like most, as his floor is in the 30-point range, which is nearly 5X value. In addition, this spread is close and the total is high, which should give Horford plenty of usage and a full allotment of minutes.
LaMarcus Aldridge, SAN at POR ($6,400): Much like Leonard, I want to get the only other elite Spurs player. What makes Aldridge even more enticing is the fact that he's playing against his former team. That alone should garner him more shots, but considering the fact that San Antonio will be shorthanded without Gasol and Parker, it should only lead to more usage for Aldridge. If that's not enough incentive, the fact that the Blazers allow the most fantasy points in the league to power forwards should be.
