This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses To Avoid
Washington Wizards at Orlando Magic
The Wizards were kryptonite to many offenses last year, constantly bogging down the pace and frustrating their opponents with solid defenders at virtually every position on the floor. Washington held opponents to a paltry .433 field goal percentage last season, tops in the Eastern Conference and second only to Golden State league-wide. The Wizards also benefit from having defensive stalwart Bradley Beal available right from the opener this season, and he should pay immediate dividends by shadowing Victor Oladipo on Wednesday. Additionally, with the possibility that Elfrid Payton (hamstring) and Tobias Harris (illness) are not at full strength even if they take the court, the Wizards appear to be in a prime position to kick off the new season with a strong defensive effort.
Offenses To Use
Houston Rockets vs. Denver Nuggets
The Rockets are at home and draw the 27th-ranked defense from last season to kick things off in the new campaign. The Nuggets allowed a robust 105 points per game, third-worst in the NBA. They also find themselves without rim protector Jusuf Nurkic (knee), and the Nuggets' permeable front court undeniably suffers without his presence. Although the Rockets come in short-handed due to the absence of Dwight Howard (back, suspension), new addition Ty Lawson further strengthens an already high-octane offense that became proficient at playing without Howard for a substantial portion of last season.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Memphis Grizzlies, Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers
Second game of a back-to-back: Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons, Cleveland Cavaliers, New Orleans Pelicans
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Point Guard
Chris Paul, PG, LAC ($9,400): Paul should primarily draw the lackluster defense of Rajon Rondo in Rondo's first start in a Kings uniform, and the former figures to benefit in virtually every category. Rondo allowed a robust 58.1 percent success rate on field goals attempted against him last year, after yielding an eye-popping 73.5 percent the season before. Rondo is also a textbook example of a pass-first point guard whose utmost priority is to feed his teammates on offense, taking some pressure off Paul defensively and allowing him to hone in further on potential scoring opportunities when the Clippers have the ball. Paul also appears fully recovered from a fractured left index finger suffered early in the preseason and appears primed for a typical stat-sheet-stuffing performance.
Russell Westbrook, PG, OKC ($9,900): Westbrook enjoyed an outstanding preseason, averaging 17.8 points in just over 25 minutes per game, tallying both double-double and triple-double efforts. Although the Spurs are generally a stout defensive team overall, Westbrook is clearly a special, matchup-proof talent that also figures to draw the defense of Tony Parker at least part of the time during Wednesday's contest. Parker was frequently exploited last year by younger and quicker point guards, and there may not be a more difficult matchup for him at this stage of his career than the electric OKC point guard. Westbrook also averaged 22.3 points in 29 minutes per game in three contests last season and has a prime opportunity to make a statement in the season opener.
Other options:Damian Lillard vs. NO ($8,900); John Wall at ORL ($9,000); Goran Dragic vs. CHA ($6,600)
Shooting Guard
James Harden, SG, HOU ($10,100): As undeniably prolific as Harden is when everyone on the Rockets is healthy, he seemed to take it up several notches last season when teammate Dwight Howard was off the court. That's the case in the opener, with Howard serving a suspension and also recovering from some recent back trouble. Harden does have a more offensive-minded backcourt mate in Ty Lawson this season, but he is the unquestioned linchpin of the Rockets' offensive game plan every time he is on the court. Although he figures to draw the defensive-minded Gary Harris a large part of the time in the opener, the Nuggets are still the team that Harden torched for 35.8 points per game over four outings last season, his third highest average against any team last season.
Other suggestions: Jimmy Butler at BKN ($7,600); Dwyane Wade vs. CHA ($6,700)
Small Forward
Carmelo Anthony, SF, NY ($8,600): Anthony demonstrated during the preseason that he is fully recovered from his February knee surgery, averaging 14.4 points in just over 24 minutes per game. His shooting appears to be honed in heading into the regular season, and he draws the 24th-ranked defense against small forwards last season. Veteran Arron Afflalo was brought in over the offseason partly to help Anthony shoulder some of the offensive load, but he is currently sidelined for multiple weeks. This leaves Anthony with the bulk of the heavy lifting on offense once again, something that certainly bodes well for his shooting attempts and minutes on the court.
Other suggestions: Andrew Wiggins at LAL ($6,300), Rudy Gay vs. LAC ($7,700), Paul George at TOR ($8,000)
Power Forward
Anthony Davis, PF, NOP ($10,400): What would have been a marquee matchup between Davis and LaMarcus Aldridge in years past now sets up as an advantageous scenario Davis, who might be particularly salty after largely being contained in the opener against a stout Golden State defense. Davis enjoyed an outstanding preseason, finishing second in scoring at 23.5 points per game. This included an impressive 53.8 percent from beyond the arc, reflecting Davis' previously-stated commitment to increasing his aggressiveness from long-range this season. With his ability to already stuff the stat sheet in every other category, increased opportunity and proficiency from three-point range sends Davis' already sky-high fantasy prospects through the roof.
Other suggestions: Pau Gasol at BKN ($8,900), Chris Bosh vs. CHA ($7,300)
Center
Rudy Gobert, C, UTA ($7,300): While he undeniably had his struggles early in the preseason, Gobert put together a solid finish and now draws the lowest-ranked team against opposing centers last season. One of Gobert's primary strengths, rebounding, could be on prominent display in the opener in his head-to-head matchup against Andre Drummond, primarily on the defensive glass. The Stifle Tower is also usually good for multiple stuffs per contest as one of the elite rim protectors in the NBA. His scoring is certainly a work in progress, but Gobert will receive a healthy heaping of minutes, providing him with ample opportunity to pile up some offensive numbers to complement his typically strong performances in other areas of the stat sheet.
Other suggestions: Marcin Gortat at ORL ($6,300); Tyson Chandler vs. DAL ($5,900)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Alan Anderson (ankle) underwent surgery to remove bone chips Oct. 13 and has not yet resumed practicing.
Mike Dunleavy (lower back) is not expected to return until mid-December at the earliest.
Jarrett Jack (hamstring) did not practice Tuesday and has already been confirmed out for Wednesday's opener.
Robert Covington (knee) has an MCL sprain that is expected to keep him out anywhere from one to three weeks.
Tony Wroten (knee) has just resumed some one-on-one activity off to the side during Sixers' practices but is still not expected back before December.
Trevor Booker (suspension) will miss the opener after taking a swing at Lakers center Roy Hibbert in their Oct. 20 preseason contest.
Brandon Jennings (Achilles) resumed non-contact team drills Tuesday but is still several weeks away from a return.
Kyrie Irving (kneecap) does not yet have a firm timetable for return.
Iman Shumpert (wrist) is now wearing a splint after shedding his cast, but is still not expected back until mid-December.
Wilson Chandler (hip) will miss Wednesday's opener with his strained right hip and is considered day-to-day after that point.
Dwight Howard (back, suspension) has practiced at full speed and should be set to return to the court Oct. 30 following his suspension.
Donatas Motiejunas (back) remains without a firm timetable for return.
O.J. Mayo (hamstring) has been ruled out of Wednesday's opener.
Jabari Parker (knee) does not yet have a definitive return date but has not suffered any setbacks in his recovery from ACL surgery.
Giannis Antetotokounmpo will serve a one-game suspension Wednesday.
Chandler Parsons (knee) will not play in Wednesday's opener after resuming full practices just last week.
JaVale McGee (leg) has been ruled out for Wednesday's opener and it is unclear when he will be ready to return.
Norris Cole (ankle) is still recovering from a high ankle sprain and may miss the first month of the season.
Tyreke Evans (knee) is not expected back until mid-December.
Omer Asik (calf) should be close to a return according to the early October timetable of three-to-four weeks, but there has been no indication of any definitive date yet.
Quincy Pondexter (knee) isn't expected back until some point in November.
Luke Babbitt (hamstring) missed the last three games of the preseason and Tuesday' s opener, and he does not have a definitive timetable for return.
Gerald Henderson (hip) has resumed practicing but has no definitive timetable for return from offseason hip debridement surgery.
Nikola Pekovic (Achilles)
Game-Time Decision
Martell Webster (hip) missed the entire preseason but practiced fully Tuesday and could play Wednesday.
Nene Hilario (calf) did not play in the Wizards' final four preseason games but hasn't been ruled out for Wednesday.
Elfrid Payton (hamstring) practiced in full Tuesday and is expected to start Wednesday barring any setbacks.
Tobias Harris (illness) practiced Tuesday and is expected to start Wednesday.
Jason Smith (ankle) tweaked his ankle in Monday's practice and is questionable to play.
Jeremy Lamb (ankle) is considered doubtful to play Wednesday after sitting out the Hornets' final two preseason games.
Troy Daniels (hamstring) is considered doubtful to play Wednesday after already missing a week with his hamstring strain.
Amar'e Stoudemire (knee) returned to practice Tuesday after sitting out the previous two sessions, and could suit up Wednesday.
Luol Deng (hip) sat out the Heat's final preseason contest against the Pelicans on Oct. 23 but should be able to play Wednesday.
Markiel Brown (oblique) sat out the entire preseason but has been taking part in practice and could potentially be ready to play Wednesday.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (upper respiratory) came out of an Oct. 19 preseason contest with the respiratory problem but has an opportunity to play in the opener after having had more than a week to recover.
Andrea Bargnani (hamstring) resumed contact practices Oct. 22 after missing the entire preseason, and has a chance to be active for the opener Wednesday.
Monta Ellis (upper respiratory infection) sat out the Pacers' preseason finale Oct. 22 but is expected to play Wednesday.
Myles Turner (ankle) is officially questionable for Wednesday's opener after hurting his ankle at some point over the last couple of practices. He apparently shapes up as a true game-time decision.
Nik Stauskas (tibia) is officially questionable for Wednesday after missing the entire preseason and is expected to be on a minutes restriction if he does play
Anthony Tolliver (personal) is likely to miss the Pistons' second game Wednesday following the birth of his daughter early this morning.
Emmanuel Mudiay (hamstring) resumed practicing Monday and is expected to play Wednesday.
Randy Foye (hamstring) returned to practice Saturday after missing two weeks during the preseason with his injury. He is expected to be available off the bench Wednesday.
Ty Lawson (back) was removed from the Rockets' preseason finale Oct. 23 after experiencing back tightness but is expected to be available for Wednesday's opener.
Arron Afflalo (hamstring) is considered doubtful for Wednesday's opener and the veteran guard has actually stated that it could be several weeks before he can return to the court.
Rudy Gay (personal) may be available for Wednesday's opener after having been away from the team since Monday due to the birth of his child.
Al-Farooq Aminu (hamstring) is expected to be ready for Wednesday's opener versus the Pelicans.
Maurice Harkless (ankle) practiced in full Monday and is expected to be available for Wednesday's opener versus the Pelicans.
Jordan Clarkson (shoulder) practiced Tuesday and is expected to start Wednesday's opener.
Larry Nance, Jr. (knee) is considered doubtful for Wednesday's opener due to the tendinitis that has been plaguing his right knee.
Alexis Ajinca (hamstring) has been practicing and could return to the court in Wednesday's game versus Portland.
Jrue Holiday (leg) received the night off in the opener but is expected to play in Wednesday's game versus Portland.
