This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Minnesota Timberwolves at Utah Jazz: Since the All-Star break, which basically cemented Rudy Gobert as the starting center, the Jazz are the best defensive team in the NBA with a 91.1 defensive rating. At home, that defensive rating dips down to 89.6, and the Timberwolves have the eighth worst offensive rating in road games over that same span. Beware of the Jazz.
Offenses to Use
Memphis Grizzlies at New York Knicks: In a mostly tough slate of games from a fantasy standpoint, the Grizzlies find themselves with an absolute cupcake with the Knicks. The only problem that anyone should have when drafting Grizzlies is a possible playing time concern if there's blowout, but most players should get theirs against the soft New York defense.
First game of a back-to-back: Golden State Warriors
Second game of a back-to-back: Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Charlotte Hornets, Minnesota Timberwolves
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Point Guard
Stephen Curry, PG, GS ($9,700): Between injuries and tough matchups, the point guard position is shaky after the top-tier. For Monday, Curry is far and away the best, safest option and should be deployed in all lineups that can afford him. He dropped 50 DraftKings points against the Wizards in their last matchup.
Other suggestions: Aaron Brooks (vs. CHA), Evan Turner (at BKN)
Shooting Guard
Bojan Bogdanovic, SG, BKN ($3,700): As with the point guards, the shooting guard position is rather ugly, so if you don't roll with James Harden, taking a flier on a cheap guy isn't a bad strategy. If you go that route, Bogdanovic is an option, as he's still cheap but has been playing more and playing well. He's averaging nearly 23 DraftKings points per game over his last five.
Other suggestions: James Harden (at IND), Bradley Beal (at GS)
Small Forward
Jeff Green, SF, MEM ($5,700): The Grizzlies have the best matchup on the board, which gives Green some value despite his relatively high price for his role. He's only averaging 25 DraftKings points over his last six games, but he's a pretty safe pick and could end up having a big game if he's allowed to play his normal compliment of minutes versus New York. Green is more valuable if Courtney Lee (hand) sits out another game.
Other suggestions: Tony Allen (at NY), Paul Pierce (at GS)
Power Forward
Jae Crowder, PF, BOS ($5,000): Crowder has carved out a nice role for himself with the Celtics and is averaging around 27 minutes in his last five games. The matchup with the Nets is a good one, and with a relatively low price, Crowder could be a nice lower-end option for those looking to trim salary at power forward.
Other suggestions: Taj Gibson (vs. CHA), Pau Gasol (vs. CHA)
Center
Brook Lopez, C, BKN ($6,500): Lopez has been playing good basketball, including a massive 68.5 DraftKings points performance in the triple-overtime game versus Milwaukee. He is finally playing a solid amount of minutes to feel good about deploying him, and he should take advantage of a bad Celtics front line.
Other suggestions: Al Jefferson (at CHI)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Derrick Rose (knee)
Isaiah Thomas (back)
Paul George (leg)
Terrence Jones (lung)
Anthony Bennett (ankle)
Game-Time Decision
Ricky Rubio (ankle)
Alexey Shved (rib)
Jimmy Butler (elbow)
Klay Thompson (ankle)
Rodney Stuckey (calf)
Tim Hardaway Jr. (wrist)
Courtney Lee (hand)
Kevin Garnett (knee)
Cody Zeller (shoulder)
Dwight Howard (knee) is doubtful.
Nikola Pekovic (ankle)
Justin Hamilton (illness)
