This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Oklahoma City Thunder at Denver Nuggets: Over their last five games, the Nuggets have the worst offensive rating in the league with an awful 88.4 mark. The Thunder aren't playing lights-out defensively, but until further notice it's best to avoid making major investments in Denver players. The Nuggets haven't scored more than 100 points in regulation since January 17th against the Timberwolves.
Offenses to Use
Los Angeles Clippers at Dallas Mavericks: These are two of the best teams in the league offensively and will meet in what looks to be a sure-fire shootout. The Mavericks have plenty of reliable options to choose from on Monday, while the Clippers find themselves immensely short-handed and will offer up a few riskier options that won't come with a giant price tag.
First game of a back-to-back:: Brooklyn Nets, Denver Nuggets
Second game of a back-to-back: Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Orlando Magic, San Antonio Spurs
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Chris Paul, PG, LAC ($9,100): With Blake Griffin out, most of the offensive onus will fall on Paul. If he's going to be asked to score more, his fantasy value will see a nice boost, and he's looking like one of the best options at point guard on Monday.
Other suggestions: J.J. Barea (vs. LAC), Brandon Knight (vs. BKN)
Shooting Guard
Manu Ginobili, SG, SA ($4,600): The shooting guard pool is not the greatest on Monday, and Ginobili represents a high-upside option with relatively low cost. The Spurs guard has averaged 25.6 points over his last four games and dropped 41.3 DraftKings points in his only other meeting against Indiana this season.
Other suggestions: Monta Ellis (vs. LAC), Kyle Korver (at MIN)
Small Forward
Kevin Durant, SF, OKC ($10,000): Durant's price tag isn't cheap, and you'll need about 50 DraftKings points from him at his current salary. Still, he's coming at a discount from his usual price, has a good matchup, and is in a position where his team must secure a win. Durant is shaping up to be a very good play Monday, as he usually is.
Other suggestions: Kawhi Leonard (at IND), DeMare Carroll (at MIN)
Power Forward
Serge Ibaka, PF, OKC ($6,600): Ibaka is a fairly good option on most nights and will benefit from playing a Denver team that ranks at the bottom of the league in rebound percentage over their last five games. The return of Kendrick Perkins won't exactly help matters, but Ibaka remains a solid play regardless.
Other suggestions: David Lee (at PHI), Chris Bosh (vs. NY)
Center
Spencer Hawes, C, LAC ($3,000): Hawes drew the start in Griffin's absence, and while he didn't have a huge game, he did more than enough to justify plugging him into lineups at the minimum price. He should continue to see extended minutes and is a fantastic option given how little he costs.
Other suggestions: Tyson Chandler (vs. LAC)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Jrue Holiday (ankle)
Rajon Rondo (face)
J.J. Redick (back)
Dwyane Wade (hamstring)
Blake Griffin (elbow)
Larry Sanders (suspension)
Steven Adams (hand)
Game-Time Decision
Michael Carter-Williams (foot)
Ricky Rubio (rest)
Bradley Beal (toe)
Joe Ingles (back)
Carmelo Anthony (rest)
Anthony Davis (shoulder)
Hassan Whiteside (ankle)
