This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Brooklyn Nets at Toronto Raptors: The Nets come into Sunday's Game 7 having held the Raptors to 95 points per contest thus far in the series. Deron Williams and company have been able to do this by limiting the Raptors to just 43.5 percent shooting from the field. Additionally, the lack of meaningful playoff experience that resides in Toronto still poses problems for their young team, even though they've denied it all series long. The veteran leadership of Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett should be an added bonus as the Nets hope to move into round two with a win Sunday.
Offenses to Use
Dallas Mavericks at San Antonio Spurs: With only two games on the schedule for Sunday, there's not a clear cut offensive juggernaut to choose from. That being said, the Mavericks have surprised us all by tallying at least 100 points during four of their six games played in the series. Monta Ellis has been a reliable source for points throughout the matchup, and Dirk Nowitzki seems to finally be rounding into form over the past two games. The Mavericks are poised to knock off the one-seeded Spurs as they head into Game 7, having averaged 102 points per contest thus far.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: None
Second game of a back-to-back: None
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
Deron Williams, PG, BKN ($7,600): Williams had one of the worst statistical regular seasons of his career, but he's been able to redeem himself during the playoffs. He'll face the Raptors in Game 7 having averaged 17.5 points, 2.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.2 blocks per game in the postseason. His ability to record more than just points and assists makes him an option to be considered at this reasonable price.
Other suggestions: Tony Parker, PG, SAN ($7,500)
Shooting Guard
Manu Ginobili, SG/SF, SAN ($7,000): Ginobili may have had a lackluster Game 6, but his play during the rest of the series makes him a hard option to pass on for Sunday's Game 7. The series goes back to San Antonio where the Spurs should get a beneficial home-court advantage that should bode well for the likes of Ginobili. Even with a disappointing Game 6, Ginobili has averaged 28.0 minutes on the court in the postseason to go along with 17.3 points, 2.0 three-pointers, 3.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.2 blocks per contest.
Other suggestions: Monta Ellis, PG/SG, SAN ($8,000)
Small Forward
Joe Johnson, SG/SF, BKN ($7,300): Johnson has been a major reason why the Nets have managed to fight their way into a Game 7 on Sunday. Over the past six contests, he's averaged 21.2 points, 1.3 three-pointers, 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.5 steals and 0.3 blocks. He's taken on the role of leading scorer for the Nets and will likely get a good amount of touches Sunday. This opportunity and his sensible price tag make him a feasible option at the small forward slot.
Other suggestions: Kawhi Leonard, SG/SF, SAN ($6,800)
Power Forward
Paul Pierce, SF/PF, BKN ($6,200): With only two games Sunday, there's something left to be desired at the power forward slot. Even so, Pierce is an enticing option who comes in at an attractive price. There are hardly more qualified players to be competing in a Game 7, and this is backed by the 14.0 points, 1.5 three-pointers made, 4.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.5 blocks that he's averaged over the first six contests against the Raptors in the first round.
Other suggestions: Tim Duncan, PF/C, SAN ($8,300)
Center
Tiago Splitter, C, SAN ($7,000): Splitter has come out strong throughout the first six games of the Spurs' series with the Mavericks. It's hard to imagine that changing when Game 7 takes place on Sunday. Over the last three contests, the big man has averaged 15.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.0 steal in 30 minutes per game. Those averages far surpass what he put up in the regular season, which is a good indication that coach Gregg Popovich has given Splitter more opportunities to amass production.
Other suggestions: Dirk Nowitzki, PF/C, DAL ($8,400)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Brook Lopez (ankle) is out for the season.
Game-Time Decision
Deron Williams tweaked his left ankle in Game 6.
Jose Calderon suffered a broken nose in Game 6 but remained in the game.
Landry Fields (back) remained on the bench yet again for Friday's Game 6.
