This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Indiana Pacers at Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizzlies are the slowest offensive team in the league in terms of pace, averaging just 92.28 possessions per game. They've allowed just 84.7 points per game to opponents over their last three contests and have been playing efficient defense all season long. Meanwhile, the Pacers continue to play aggressive defense, leading the league with a 95.4 defensive rating. With eight games on Saturday's slate, consider other matchups more suitable for daily fantasy production.
Offenses to Use
San Antonio Spurs at Golden State Warriors: The Spurs are in the midst of a 12-game winning streak, and they've been producing excellently throughout. Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, and Kawhi Leonard have been putting up efficient numbers, and it appears they'll continue to play until the Spurs lock up the top seed in the West. The Warriors have also demonstrated offensive consistency throughout recent games, averaging 110.1 points over their last seven wins. Consider Saturday's matchup in California a high-energy game that will produce golden fantasy lines.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic
Second game of a back-to-back: Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, New Orleans Pelicans, Philadelphia 76ers, San Antonio Spurs
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
D.J. Augustin, CHI (vs. PHI), PG ($4,300): Saturday's games have high-end point guards facing tough matchups, and it may be wise to spend less at the one in daily games. Augustin has been a pleasant surprise this season, averaging 12.2 points, 4.3 assists, and 1.8 three-pointers made per game, and he's been producing consistently throughout the year. He put up 20 points and four three-pointers against the Sixers on Wednesday, and he'll have another chance at putting up a solid line Saturday. Consider Augustin a low-cost, medium-reward player for daily contests.
Other suggestions: Tony Parker (at GSW), PG ($6,800), Mario Chalmers (at NOP), PG ($4,900), Patrick Beverley (at CLE), PG/SG ($4,800)
Shooting Guard
James Anderson, PHI (at CHI), SG/SF ($3,800): Anderson (thigh) returned to action Friday after a two-game absence, and his recent poor performances due to injury have brought down his price tag to an affordable level. He had been averaging 16.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 3.4 three-pointers made in five games prior to his injury, and he may get a chance to return to those figures with Tony Wroten (ankle) on the pine. He was logging minutes in the mid-30's, and he certainly will have upside to produce more than what his price tag indicates. Consider Anderson a budget option for Saturday's games.
Other suggestions: James Harden (at CLE), SG/SF ($9,400), Dwyane Wade (at NOP), PG/SG ($7,200), Manu Ginobili (at GSW), SG/SF ($5,200)
Small Forward
Chandler Parsons, HOU (at CLE), SF/PF ($6,800): Parsons finally broke out of his slump Thursday against the Timberwolves, posting 19 points (8-15 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 1-1 FT), nine rebounds, five assists, and two steals in 34 minutes of action. He's been producing well this season, and he'll be worth his price tag Saturday against the Cavaliers, who may be missing out on Luol Deng (ankle) once again. Consider Parsons a worthy mid-priced option at the three.
Other suggestions: Josh Smith (at LAC), SF/PF ($7,800), Tobias Harris (at UTA), SF/PF ($6,400), Jimmy Butler (vs. PHI), SG/SF ($6,000)
Power Forward
Greg Monroe, DET (at LAC), PF/C ($7,800): I figured everyone caught on with Thaddeus Young's strong play of late, so I decided to shift my focus today on Monroe instead. Like Young, he's been playing extremely well over the last four games, averaging 17.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.8 blocks during that span. Despite his recent foul trouble playing at the center position, Monroe should adjust well back into the power forward spot with Andre Drummond returning to action. The Clippers give up 21.4 points (tied for sixth-worst), 11.2 rebounds (fourth-worst), and 3.5 assists (fourth-worst) per game to opposing eligible power forwards, and Monroe should be able to put up a solid night if he can avoid foul trouble against Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.
Other suggestions: Blake Griffin (vs. DET), PF/C ($10,000), Thaddeus Young (at PHI), SF/PF ($7,800), Josh McRoberts (vs. POR), PF/C ($4,500)
Center
Spencer Hawes, CLE (vs. HOU), PF/C ($6,900): Hawes has been performing well even with Anderson Varejao back in the lineup, as he's averaging 17.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.6 three-pointers made per game over the last five contests. Strangely enough, he hasn't been blocking shots as often as we would hope, but he's still contributing numbers worth his price tag. He had been above $7,000 for a couple weeks, but it appears the price setters have settled with a lower number. With Dwight Howard (ankle) apparently having a "50-50" chance on playing Saturday, Hawes would be a good choice to deploy.
Other suggestions: Anthony Davis (vs. MIA), PF/C ($10,300), Al Jefferson (vs. POR), PF/C ($8,900), Chris Bosh (at NOP), PF/C ($6,700)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Kyrie Irving (biceps) is out for two weeks.
Andrew Bynum (knee) is out indefinitely.
Andre Iguodala (knee) is out Saturday.
J.J. Redick (back) hopes to return soon but won't play Saturday.
Game-Time Decision
LaMarcus Aldridge (back) hasn't been ruled out for Saturday but is doubtful to play.
Dwight Howard (ankle) is a game-time decision Saturday.
Luol Deng (ankle) is a game-time decision Saturday.
Dwyane Wade (soreness) is a game-time decision Saturday.
Marc Gasol (ankle) with be evaluated Saturday and is questionable to play.
Jameer Nelson (knee) is a game-time decision Saturday.
Jamal Crawford (calf) is expected to play Saturday.
Darren Collison (illness) is expected to play Saturday.
