This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Golden State Warriors vs. Philadelphia 76ers: Over the past 10 games, the Warriors' defense has stepped up to an elite level and has held opponents to an average of 96.8 points, which is behind only Indiana, Chicago, and Memphis' season averages. They're also ranked fourth in defensive rating over the past 10 games, trailing only Memphis, Indiana, and Washington. On the other hand, the 76ers' offense has been a disaster lately. Over their past 10 games, the 76ers are dead last in offensive rating, over three points worse than the second worst team. They're playing Golden State just one day after being blown out 123-78 by the Clippers, despite taking 100 shots in the game, and have lost six straight including nine of their past 10 games.
Offenses to Use
Houston Rockets at Minnesota Timberwolves: The Rockets' offense has been clicking lately, averaging 107.1 points over their past 10 games, and ranking seventh in offensive rating. They've won eight of their past 10 games and are averaging just under 113 points in those eight wins. The Rockets are facing off against a Timberwolves team ranked 20th in defensive rating in their past 10 games, and the Timberwolves may be without Kevin Love, Nikola Pekovic, and Kevin Martin.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: None.
Second game of a back-to-back: Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers.
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
If you've never played on DraftKings.com before, we recommend reading our Daily Fantasy Basketball 101: How to Win on DraftKings strategy article.
Point Guard
Jeremy Lin, HOU (at MIN), PG/SG ($6,500): Lin has been playing very well lately, with his last few games highlighted by his first career triple double. In his past four games, Lin has averaged 15.5 points on 53.2 percent shooting, 5.3 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.5 steals in 30.4 minutes. His shooting percentages, steals, and high rebound numbers for his position make him a great steal at his current value.
Other options: Brandon Knight, MIL (vs. BOS), PG/SG ($6,500), Tony Parker, SAS (at DET), PG ($6,900)
Shooting Guard
Randy Foye, DEN (at IND), PG/SG ($6,500): Like Lin, Foye has been a very good all-around player as of late and is averaging 19.2 points on 44.3 percent shooting, 4.5 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.2 blocks. Out of all players eligible at the shooting guard position, only Stephen Curry and DeMar DeRozan are averaging more fantasy points on DraftKings over the past 10 days, and Foye is a much cheaper option than either of them. Although Foye and the Nuggets will be playing against the Pacers, it's worth noting that the Pacers' defensive rating over their past 10 games is nearly five points worse than their season total and that Denver's tendency to spread their shooting among their players could mean cold shooting for one or two players could easily result in more shots than normal for Foye if Wilson Chandler and Ty Lawson (who is doubtful Monday), two of Denver's top offensive threats, struggle against Indiana's defense and the Nuggets need to look elsewhere for scoring.
Other options: DeMar DeRozan, TOR (vs. NOR), SG/SF ($8,100)
Small Forward
Jeff Green, BOS (at MIL), SG/SF ($6,700): While he's struggled with his shot for the past few games, Green will have the benefit of going up against one of the worst defensive teams in the league in the Milwaukee Bucks. Over his past four games, Green has averaged 19.8 points on 37.5 percent shooting, 4.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.5 threes per game. Over the past 10 games, the Bucks rank 29th in defensive rating and are only worse than the Utah Jazz. Even though Green hasn't shot too well lately, Monday's game could be a great opportunity to snap out of his slump and start to turn things around.
Other options: Lance Stephenson, IND (vs. DEN), SG/SF ($6,300)
Power Forward
David West, IND (vs. DEN), PF ($6,900): West has been scoring very well lately, averaging 19.0 points on 58.0 percent shooting to go with 7.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 blocks in his past five games. He's shot below 50 percent from the field just twice in his past six games, and his average of 19 points in his past five games is well above his season average of 13.5 points. Kenneth Faried and J.J. Hickson aren't exactly defensive specialists, so it shouldn't be too hard for West to continue his hot shooting Monday against the Nuggets.
Other options: Chandler Parsons, HOU (at MIN), SF/PF ($6,900)
Center
Jared Sullinger, BOS (at MIL), PF/C ($7,400): There are definitely some bigger names available for Monday, but Sullinger has been great lately and actually has the highest fantasy points average for centers on DraftKings over the past 10 days other than Kevin Love and his ridiculous 32 points and 17 rebounds per game. For his past four games, Sullinger has averaged 23.8 points on 52 percent shooting, 13.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.5 blocks. Like his teammate Jeff Green, Sullinger will have the benefit of playing against the team with the worst record in the league, the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks' troubled defense likely won't be the group to stop Sullinger's run of double-doubles and good shooting, and Sullinger should continue to play well and post good scoring and rebounding numbers as long as he gets the 35 minutes a game he's been getting lately.
Other options: J.J. Hickson, DEN (at IND), PF/C ($6,500), Andre Drummond, DET (vs. SAS), C ($8,200)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Nate Robinson (achilles) is out for the season.
Rajon Rondo (knee) will not play Monday.
Kevin Martin (thumb) fractured his thumb Friday and is out indefinitely.
Nikola Pekovic (ankle) is unlikely to play before the All-star break.
O.J. Mayo (illness) hopes to return before the All-star break.
Game-Time Decision
Ty Lawson (rib) is doubtful for Monday's game.
Andrew Bogut (shoulder) was a late scratch for Saturday's game.
Kevin Love (quad) did not play Saturday.
Ekpe Udoh (ankle) did not play Saturday.
Tiago Splitter (calf) was ruled out for Saturday's game.
Marco Belinelli (back) did not play Saturday.
David Lee (shoulder) did not play Saturday. Ersan Ilyasova (back) is questionable for Monday.
Luke Ridnour (back) is questionable for Monday.
Larry Sanders (head) is questionable for Monday.
