This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Defense to Avoid
Los Angeles Clippers at Timberwolves: The Clippers have by far the best defensive rating in the NBA, and an alarming tendency to blow teams out. While it is really difficult to predict a blowout in advance, and the Clippers are also on the second night of a back-to-back, their stalwart defense on its own could be enough to slow down the Timberwolves.
Offenses to Use:
Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers vs. each other. The Pacers have the fourth-worst defense in the NBA and are on the second night of a back-to-back in which they lost an overtime battle to the lowly 76ers in game one, making the Celtics a good play. Meanwhile, the Celtics have by-far the worst defensive rating in the NBA this season, making the Pacers a good play as well.
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First game: Nuggets, Lakers, Timberwolves, Suns
Second game: Celtics, Pistons, Pacers, Clippers, Knicks, 76ers, Spurs, Raptors, Jazz, Wizards
DraftKings.com Player Recommendations
Guard
Premium:
James Harden, HOU vs. SA ($11,300): Harden is a walking high-volume triple-double these days, and showed that earlier this week in San Antonio where he notched a 24-point, 15-assist, 12-rebound triple-double against the Spurs. Harden is averaging more than 64 fantasy points over his last four games.
Moderate
Tyler Johnson, MIA vs. UTA ($5,600): Johnson is a consistent producer for the Heat off the bench, but starter Goran Dragic bruised his ankle in his last outing and is questionable for Saturday. If he sits, Johnson should get an even larger than usual opportunity to produce on Saturday, against an admittedly tough Jazz defense.
Affordable
Tyus Jones, MIN vs. LAC ($3,800): This is a risky recommendation because Kris Dunn is still the nominal starter at point guard, and Ricky Rubio is only listed as questionable for Saturday with his elbow injury. If Rubio returns, all bets are off. But with Dunn, even though he has started the last two games it has been Jones who has been the primary point guard with averages of 31.5 minutes, 11 points, six assists, 4.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals in the last two games.
Forward
Premium
Anthony Davis, NO vs. LAL ($11,500): Davis off a day of rest, at home, projects to absurd. The Lakers don't have anyone who can match both his length and versatility, and over his last three game he is averaging 33 points while totaling 29 rebounds, nine blocks and four steals.
Moderate
Jabari Parker, MIL vs. MEM ($6,200): Parker has stepped into a primary role for the Bucks in the last week, averaging 23.8 points, 7.5 boards and 2.3 combined blocks and steals over his last four games. He is coming off of a monster 33 points, 9 rebounds effort against the Bucks.
Affordable
Terrence Jones, NO vs. LAL ($4,700): Jones is a bit of a risk because his role isn't set, but when he gets minutes he tends to produce. He played 34 minutes in the Pelicans' first victory on Thursday, scoring 10 points with seven boards and a blocked shot. He has played solid minutes in three of his last four games, and is averaging 12 points, 6.3 boards, 2.3 blocks and 1.3 steals in those three games.
Center
Premium
Andre Drummond, DET at DEN ($7,500): Drummond faced this same Nuggets team last Saturday and exploded for 20 rebounds, 19 points and three blocks in a blowout win. It is a bit harder for big men to run up-and-down the court in the Mile-High City, so consider that, but otherwise it is an excellent match-up for Drummond.
Moderate
Marcin Gortat, WAS at CHI ($6,300): Gortat has scored no less than 29.5 fantasy points in each of his last six outings, and on Saturday faces a Bulls team that ranks 27th at limiting production to opposing centers.
Affordable
Alex Len, PHO vs. BKN ($4,400): This pick is contingent on Len getting another start due to Tyson Chandler's personal absence, so if Chandler returns all bets are off. But Len exploded for 16 points, 14 boards and four combined steals and blocks in 37 minutes in his last outing against Andre Drummond and the Pistons. The Nets also have a big center that Len would match up well against.
