This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Utah Jazz at Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets are banged up, and outside of a decent offensive performance against the defensively challenged Suns, Denver has been a disappointing offense to invest in. The Jazz are a very good defensive team when Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors are on the floor, and with so many teams available Friday, I prefer to look elsewhere for value.
Offenses to Use
Washington Wizards at Philadelphia 76ers: The Wizards have not been good lately, but a matchup with the 76ers is the NBA version of a cure-all. With John Wall, among other key players, on the downward trend in terms of price, this could be a nice chance to invest when the price is low.
First game of a back-to-back:: Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards, Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Brooklyn Nets, San Antonio Spurs, Milwaukee Bucks, Utah Jazz
Second game of a back-to-back: Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
If you've never played on DraftKings.com before, we recommend reading our Daily Fantasy Basketball 101: How to Win on DraftKings strategy article.
Point Guard
Isaiah Canaan, PG, PHI ($3,700): Shopping for a point guard on a budget? There's not one with more opportunity at this price than Canaan. He's not providing huge point totals, and the 76ers rotation is subject to change at any time, but in a game that puts priority on opportunity, it's hard to find a better filler option.
Other suggestions: Russell Westbrook (at POR), John Wall (at PHI)
Shooting Guard
Jimmy Butler, SG, CHI ($7,900): The thought is that Butler should see his scoring opportunities increase with Derrick Rose sidelined, and there's really no better launching pad for that than a date with the Timberwolves. He certainly hasn't produced like he did earlier in the season, but this could be an opportunity to get an elite option at a lower price tag.
Other suggestions: Elijah Millsap (at DEN), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (vs. NY)
Small Forward
Nicolas Batum, SF, POR ($5,500): There's no doubt that this has been a forgettable season for Batum, but he's suddenly put it together for the last two games. He's posted over 35 DraftKings points in his past two outings, and in what looks to be a high-scoring affair against the Thunder, he's an option with upside on Friday.
Other suggestions: LeBron James (at IND), Tony Allen (vs. LAC)
Power Forward
Derrick Favors, PF, UTA ($7,400): Playing bigs against Denver is never a bad choice, and Favors' lower price make it all the more intriguing. He's posted over 30 DraftKings points in his last three contests, and has been a fairly consistent option as of late.
Other suggestions: Terrence Jones (vs. BKN), Cody Zeller (at BOS)
Center
Al Jefferson, C, CHA ($7,500): If playing your bigs against Denver is a good idea, then playing bigs against Boston is a fantastic one. There's no question Jefferson is a stud on Friday, and he's primed for a big performance as his team is in a game with playoff implications. He had 49.5 DraftKings points in his lone game versus Boston this season.
Other suggestions: Marcin Gortat (at PHI)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Kemba Walker (knee)
Jrue Holiday (leg)
Derrick Rose (knee)
Darren Collison (hip)
Nick Young (knee)
Kevin Durant (foot)
Paul George (leg)
Anthony Davis (shoulder)
Blake Griffin (elbow)
Ryan Anderson (knee)
Dwight Howard (knee)
Jusuf Nurkic (ankle)
Kelly Olynyk (ankle)
Steven Adams (arm)
Game-Time Decision
Patrick Beverley (illness)
Jose Calderon (Achilles)
James Harden (ankle)
Bradley Beal (leg)
Bojan Bogdanovic (ankle)
Paul Pierce (leg)
Kenneth Faried (thigh)
Kris Humphries (hamstring)
DeMarcus Cousins (ankle/hip) is doubtful.
