This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers have been the third-best per-possession defense during these playoffs. That's impressive, but not nearly as impressive as their opponent, the Bulls, who rank first in per-possession defense, and lead the third-place Cavs by nearly 10 percent - a giant margin. With Kevin Love (shoulder) out, the Bulls have fewer perimeter threats to defend, which plays to their defensive strengths. In Game 1, they held the Cavs to only 92 points, and 27 percent three-point shooting.
Offenses to Use
Los Angeles Clippers at Houston Rockets
Among the eight remaining playoff teams, the Rockets and Clippers rank fourth and fifth, respectively, in offensive efficiency, exactly middle of the pack. Defensively, on the other hand, they rank last and second to last. They also rank fastest and second-fastest in pace among postseason teams. While the Bulls-Cavaliers game is likely to be a slow-paced defensive slog, the Clippers-Rockets is likely to be a fast, high-scoring affair.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: None
Second game of a back-to-back: None
Point Guard
Austin Rivers, LAC at HOU, PG, ($2,200): There is no better bargain than someone priced as an end-of-the-bench option but seeing near starter-level minutes. This is where Rivers finds himself Wednesday, with Chris Paul (hamstring) listed as doubtful. After averaging only 14 minutes per game during the first-round series against the Spurs, Rivers stepped in for Paul in Game 1 and logged 17 points, three assists, four steals and 31.25 fantasy points in 28 minutes.
Other suggestions: Pablo Prigioni, HOU (vs LAC), PG, ($2,500)
Shooting Guard
Jamal Crawford, LAC at HOU, ($4,500): With Paul likely out, Crawford becomes the Clippers' go-to guard. He's a strong scorer, and as described above, this game is a great matchup for offensively-minded players.
Other suggestions: Jimmy Butler, CHI (at CLE), SG, ($8,700)
Small Forward
LeBron James, CLE vs CHI, ($11,200), SF, ($3,400): My friends and I are Celtics fans. Before the Cavaliers-Celtics series, a buddy was trying to argue that the Celtics might have a chance. My response was simply, "but you remember Game 6." There was no further explanation needed, and no reason to discuss the matter further. LeBron James knows how, and when, he has to hone in and win a game, no matter what. This is not an elimination game, nor is it the 2012 Eastern conference finals. But the Cavaliers cannot afford to lose two home games and fall into an 0-2 hole in the series. Look for James to be a decisive factor Wednesday.
Other suggestions: Matt Barnes, LAC (at HOU), SF, ($4,400)
Power Forward
Pau Gasol, CHI at CLE, ($8,400): Gasol was one of the most consistently profitable DraftKings performers during the regular season, and that trend has continued into the playoffs. Furthermore, while Gasol is a strong option, after him, the power-forward position looks sparse.
Other suggestions: Blake Griffin, LAC (at HOU), PF, ($10,300)
Center
Timofey Mozgov, CLE vs CHI, ($5,500): Mozgov is probably not the best value available at center, as DeAndre Jordan and Dwight Howard both look better. He also faces a tough matchup against a talented Bulls frontcourt. But Mozgov gets the nod here because of his good-enough production at a mid-range price. There are very few desirable options at any position in the $4,000-$6,000 price range Wednesday, but those players are absolutely critical to constructing a lineup that fits under the salary cap. More exciting options may be available at center, but Mozgov is good enough, and fills an important strategic void.
Other suggestions: DeAndre Jordan, LAC (at HOU), C, ($7,700); Dwight Howard, HOU (vs LAC), C, ($8,200)
INJURY REPORT
Out
JR Smith (suspension)
Patrick Beverley (wrist)
KJ McDaniels (wrist)
Game-Time Decision
Jordan Hamilton (concussion) is day-to-day.
Chris Paul (hamstring) is doubtful.
