This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Cleveland Cavaliers at Boston Celtics: The Cavaliers are locked in at the second seed slot in the Eastern Conference, so there is really nothing to play for in this game for them. There's a possibility they rest their key guys, and if that's the case the Celtics are a team to avoid. In most scenarios increased opportunity is good, but with low upside options like Matthew Dellavedova being the beneficiaries, I'll pass.
Offenses to Use
Sacramento Kings at Denver Nuggets: Both of these teams are bad at defense, so the points should come quite freely. The Kings may carry more value though, because they have several new starters who carry small price tags. With DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay officially out for the year, their replacements have a chance to outperform their cost due to increased opportunity.
First game of a back-to-back:: Houston Rockets, Charlotte Hornets, Detroit Pistons, Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, New Orleans Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, Denver Nuggets
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
Michael Carter-Williams, PG, MIL ($6,600): Over his last five games, MCW has averaged 38 DraftKings points, and he has played 34 minutes per game. With numbers like those, his pricing is an undervaluation. The Nets aren't a fantastic defensive team, and Carter-Williams could end up outperforming his price tag yet again.
Other suggestions: Jordan Clarkson (vs. DAL), Ray McCallum
Shooting Guard
Jabari Brown, SG, LAL ($3,800): Brown gets another recommendation as a fill-in at the shooting guard position after posting a huge game against the Timberwolves in his last time out. The Mavericks should be a tougher matchup, but Brown needs just about 20 DraftKings points to make value.
Other suggestions: Monta Ellis (at LAL), Randy Foye (vs. SAC)
Small Forward
Omri Casspi, SF, SAC ($5,200): With Rudy Gay (concussion) out for the season, Casspi should get all the time he can handle. He's playing well, averaging 29 DraftKings points over his last six games, and will get a chance to square off against a poor Denver defense. His price isn't phenomenal, but he should perform well enough to allow you to trim cap at this position.
Other suggestions: Danilo Gallinari (vs. SAC), Kawhi Leonard (vs. PHX)
Power Forward
Greg Monroe, PF, DET ($7,400): Monroe has played two games since his return to the lineup and has outperformed his valuation in both contests. He's averaging 41 DraftKings points since his return, but his price is still at an affordable rate for an elite option. He plays the Hornets on Sunday, who he's averaged nearly 44 DraftKings points against this season.
Other suggestions: Anthony Davis (at HOU), Jason Thompson (at DEN)
Center
Aron Baynes, C, SA ($3,500): Baynes is another repeat recommendation, but his utility in limited minutes has been fantastic down the stretch. He's averaging 20 DraftKings points in a mere 15 minutes per game against the Suns this season, and he should be in line for more than that with Tiago Splitter (calf) declared out yet again on Sunday.
Other suggestions: Enes Kanter (at IND)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Darren Collison (hip)
Brandon Knight (ankle)
Wayne Ellington (shoulder)
Alan Anderson (ankle)
Thabo Sefolosha (leg)
Rudy Gay (concussion)
Tiago Splitter (calf)
Game-Time Decision
John Wall (rest)
Kyrie Irving (hip)
Jeremy Lin (knee)
Rajon Rondo (rest)
C.J. Watson (elbow)
Jameer Nelson (hip)
Gerald Green (back)
Iman Shumpert (quad)
Chandler Parsons (knee)
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (ankle)
Dante Cunningham (knee)
Anthony Davis (throat)
Al Jefferson (knee)
