This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Memphis Grizzlies at Golden State Warriors: Pick which team you think will win this game. Avoid the other. And consider avoiding both. I picked the Warriors to win, but a strong argument can be made for either team. The Grizzlies-Warriors are averaging 93.4 points per team per game during this series. The Hawks and the Wizards, meanwhile, are averaging 101.2. And while most fantasy points come from scoring, the supplemental categories have been scarcer in this Warriors-Grizzlies series as well. The Hawks-Wizards are combining for 87.3 rebounds and 49.3 assists per game, while the Warriors-Grizzlies are only totaling 84.3 and 43.
Offenses to Use
Washington Wizards at Atlanta Hawks: While the Wizards have remained competitive despite John Wall's (wrist) absence, the Hawks have been the better team, fantasy-wise. During the second round of the playoffs, the Hawks have ranked first in assists per game, second in points per game, and they commit the second-fewest turnovers per game. As a team, the Hawks are scoring more DraftKings fantasy points during the secound round of the playoffs than any of the other three teams in action Wednesday.
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
Point Guard
Dennis Schroder, ATL (vs WAS), PG, ($4,300): As mentioned above, the Hawks are tallying more assists per game during this round than any other team. While the Hawks ranked second in the league in assists per game during the regular season, they are dishing two extra dimes per game during this series. This is probably, at least in part, a result of John Wall's absence. Schroder is a fair price whether or not Wall plays, but Wall is a strong defender, and Hawks guards will have an easier time with him out.
Other suggestions: Ramon Sessions, WAS (at ATL), PG, ($5,300); Jeff Teague, ATL (vs WAS), PG, ($7,300)
Shooting Guard
Courtney Lee, MEM (at GS), SG, ($4,800): There is a lot to be said for predictability, and Lee has been relatively predictable. He has played at least 30 minutes in eight of nine playoff games and played 29 minutes in the ninth game. Lee totaled between 24-30 fantasy points in six of his last eight games. If you are looking for a low-risk, low-reward play at shooting guard, Lee is the ideal candidate.
Other suggestions: Bradley Beal, WAS (at ATL), SG, ($8,200)
Small Forward
Otto Porter, WAS (at ATL), SF, ($5,800): Remember "Otto Porter, lottery pick bust"? He's been replaced by "Otto Porter, key playoff contributor." During the playoffs, Porter has totalled at least 30 DraftKings points more times than any other available small forward on Wednesday who's not named DeMarre Carroll.
Other suggestions: Paul Pierce, WAS (at ATL), SF, ($5,500)
Power Forward
Zach Randolph, MEM (at GS), PF, ($7,600): Randolph has been coming up a few rebounds shy of the nightly double-double fantasy gamers have come to expect from him during his career. But that's my main complaint, since everything else is coming up Randolph. After all, though he is missing the double-doubles, he is still averaging 18.5 points and 8.75 rebounds during this series.
Other suggestions: Draymond Green, GS (vs MEM), PF, ($8,000)
Center
Marc Gasol, MEM (at GS), C, ($8,300): There's no need to get fancy at center Wednesday. An unusual number of cheap or mid-priced players are available at most other positions. At center, though, the falloff in production after the top few players appears steep. Take advantage of the savings on the guards and wings, and splurge on a great center. Gasol is averaging 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game against the Warriors.
Other suggestions: None.
INJURY REPORT
Out
Marreese Speights (calf)
Game-Time Decision
DeMarre Carroll (hip) is day-to-day.
Ognjen Kuzmic (ankle)
Tony Allen (hamstring)
John Wall (wrist)
