This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Sacramento Kings at San Antonio Spurs: The Kings have been a pleasant surprise this season, and much of that success can be placed on the improvement of one DeMarcus Cousins. He should be present in San Antonio, but Darren Collison and Rudy Gay might now, and with the Spurs being far and away the best defensive rated team over the last five games, I am staying away from any player in a Sacramento uniform not under the 'Boogie' moniker.
Offenses to Use
Dallas Mavericks at Toronto Raptors: Two of the top three offensive rated teams over the last five games collide in Toronto, and there is every reason to expect this one to be a shootout. Both teams are rated fairly well on the defensive side of this over their last five games, but are red hot offensively. I have no problem riding the key players from this one, and look for the deeper plays if you take a stars and scrubs approach here.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, Charlotte Hornets, Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks
Second game of a back-to-back: None
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Point Guard
Rajon Rondo, PG, BOS ($7,800): Rondo is one of my favorites because of his multi-category production, and his every night double-double and triple-double capabilities. The Bulls have struggle against opposing point guards as of late, getting shredded by Ty Lawson and Trey Burke in their last two games. The potential here is high, so roll with Rondo at home against the Bulls.
Other suggestions: Donald Sloan (vs. ORL), Devin Harris (at TOR)
Shooting Guard
Kobe Bryant, SG, LAL ($9,200): The price is a bit high on Bryant, who would need to score in range of 45-48 DraftKingss points to meet value here. However, if ever there was a night for the Black Mamba to shine this is it. The Timberwolves are depleted, Bryant is likely starving for a win, and there will be plenty of opportunity for success here. Minnesota is allowing the second-most fantasy points to shooting guards over their last three outings, and Bryant has the ultimate license to dominate touches. Despite the coin needed to grab Kobe, there is a trifecta of opportunity, talent, and matchup present here.
Other suggestions: O.J. Mayo (at DET), Lance Stephenson (vs. GS)
Small Forward
Andrew Wiggins, SF, MIN ($5,000): I haven't been high on Wiggins as a daily fantasy commodity, but at his current price, aligned with the two-game hot streak he's on, a date with the Lakers seems like a good time to plug the rookie in lineups. The Kansas product followed his 48 DraftKings point day against the Kings with a 34 DraftKings point day against Milwaukee. He'll have more opportunity with the plethora of injuries on his team, and he should be able to surpass his valuation of 30 DraftKings points with his multi-category offerings.
Other suggestions: Kawhi Leonard (vs. SAC), Solomon Hill (vs. ORL)
Power Forward
Pau Gasol, PF, CHI ($7,600): Gasol is enjoying a fantastic season, racking up elite fantasy numbers for owners on his new club. He find himself as something of the last man standing in the frontcourt, so he should get plenty of run against a Celtics team that has been shredded by opposing power forwards lately. Gasol needs about 42 DraftKings points to make value, and he should have no problem grabbing that number here.
Other suggestions: Markieff Morris (at DEN), Channing Frye (at IND)
Center
Marc Gasol, C, MEM ($8,700): The 'Year of the Gasol' is not simply about brother Pau; Marc has been phenomenal in his own right. In a clash of elite Western Conference powers, he will surely be aggressive against a team that has ranked dead-last at against the position over the last week of games. In that same time span, Gasol is averaging a double-double of over 26 points and 11 rebounds. He needs around 45 DraftKings points to make value, and it's easy to see him exceeding that target.
Other suggestions: Andre Drummond (at MIL)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Taj Gibson (ankle)
Eric Gordon (shoulder)
Jodie Meeks (back)
David Lee (hamstring)
Russell Westbrook (hand)
Ricky Rubio (ankle)
George Hill (knee)
Marcus Smart (ankle)
Patrick Beverley (hamstring)
Kevin Martin (wrist)
Kevin Durant (foot)
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (foot)
Terrence Jones (leg)
Aaron Gordon (foot)
Game-Time Decision
Brandon Jennings (thumb) has missed two straight games with the injury.
Darren Collison (quad) has missed the past two contests with his injury.
Derrick Rose (hamstring) is questionable to play, despite insisting he did not have a setback.
Isaiah Thomas (ankle) is questionable to go Friday.
Raymond Felton (ankle) is questionable.
Jameer Nelson (back) is questionable.
Mo Williams (illness) will travel with the team on their road trip.
Carmelo Anthony (back) is doubtful.
Rudy Gay (Achilles) hopes to return on Friday.
Danilo Gallinari (knee) left Wednesday's game with soreness and is questionable.
Perry Jones (knee) is day-to-day.
Matt Barnes (calf) is questionable.
David West (ankle) hopes to make his debut Friday.
Andrea Bargnani (calf) remains questionable.
Dwight Howard (knee) is doubtful for Friday.
Roy Hibbert (ankle) is questionable.
Joakim Noah (knee/eye) participated in Thursday's practice fully.
Nikola Pekovic (wrist) is questionable.
