This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Denver Nuggets at Detroit Pistons: The Pistons are average (at best) on defense right now, so this is more about the Nuggets' performance than Detroit's. Over their last five contests, the Nuggets have an offensive rating of 91.8 (last in the NBA) and are also last in true shooting percentage and rebound percentage. Right now, this team isn't scoring points or rebounding, and people are rightfully questioning whether the Nuggets have quit on their coach. It's best to stay away from this situation for now.
Offenses to Use
Los Angeles Lakers at Orlando Magic: The Magic, who just fired their coach, have the worst defensive rating over their last five games. This could open up some opportunity for what's left of the Lakers roster and ultimately translates to value for fantasy purposes. Don't rely on them to carry your lineup, but low-priced Lakers players could certainly help propel you up the standings Friday.
First game of a back-to-back: New Orleans Pelicans, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Utah Jazz
Second game of a back-to-back: Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Rusell Westbrook, PG, OKC ($10,900): If Kevin Durant sits out yet again, Westbrook enters must-play territory. If Durant doesn't sit out, Russ is probably pretty close anyways regardless of his price. He's averaging 50 DraftKings points over his last five games and is capable of massive performances no matter who is in the lineup alongside him. It helps that the Thunder will be playing in a game with big implications.
Other suggestions: Jordan Clarkson (at ORL), Michael Carter-Williams (at BOS)
Shooting Guard
O.J. Mayo, SG, MIL ($4,500): Mayo has been fairly consistent over his last 10 games, and other than a bad performance against the Raptors, he has been scoring 20+ DraftKings points per contest. That's really all you need from him at this price, and he's worth considering if you want to trim salary at the shooting guard slot.
Other suggestions: Tyreke Evans (at OKC), Klay Thompson (at ATL)
Small Forward
Josh Smith, SF, HOU ($5,800): The Rockets could continue to rely more on Smith with Dwight Howard out, which could translate to some big fantasy performances. While he can't shoot, Smith is still capable of putting up 30+ DraftKings points with extended minutes, and there are plenty of more rebounds available with Howard on the pine.
Other suggestions: Jerami Grant (at BOS), Tony Allen (at MIN)
Power Forward
Lou Amundson, PF, NYK ($4,200): Amundson has been a nice value play since gaining traction with the Knicks, and he's averaging 25 DraftKings points over his last four games. If he hits 20 DraftKings points, he's done his job, and he has a nice matchup against Brooklyn on Friday, making him a good player to round out your lineups.
Other suggestions: Robert Covington (vs. BOS), Greg Monroe (vs. DEN)
Center
Jusuf Nurkic, C, DEN ($4,500): Nurkic is one of the only usable fantasy assets on the Nuggets right now, and he is looking at a matchup against a Pistons team that has let up some huge games to opposing centers. If he can stay away from foul trouble, he should have a good game en route to making value.
Other suggestions: Hassan Whiteside (at SA), DeAndre Jordan (at TOR)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Jrue Holiday (leg)
Tony Wroten (knee)
Dwyane Wade (hamstring)
J.J. Redick (back)
Dwight Howard (knee)
Jordan Hill (hip)
Larry Sanders (suspension)
Ian Mahinmi (ankle)
Game-Time Decision
Mo Williams (hip)
Mario Chalmers (shin)
Zach LaVine (ankle) is probable.
Jameer Nelson (Achilles)
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Achilles)
Kevin Durant (toe)
Tayshaun Prince (hip)
Amar'e Stoudemire (ankle)
Ersan Ilyasova (groin)
Cole Aldrich (leg)
Zaza Pachulia (calf)
Tiago Splitter (illness)
