This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Miami Heat at Charlotte Bobcats: The Bobcats are down 3-0 against the defending champion Miami Heat, and their offense has struggled against Miami's defense, which should continue Monday in Game 4. The Bobcats are averaging 90 points per game through the first three games of the series and only scored 85 points in Game 3 on their home court. The Heat have the best defensive rating in the playoffs and won the first three games by an average of over 9.0 points per game. Unless the Bobcats can find a way to stand up against Miami's defense, their season looks like it could end Monday.
Offenses to Use
Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs: While the Spurs had a great defense during the regular season, they've struggled in the playoffs against the Mavericks. The Mavericks have the fourth-best offensive rating in the playoffs and enter Monday up 2-1 against the Spurs while looking to take a 3-1 series lead on their home court. Even though the series has only lasted for three games so far, it seems a good bet that the Mavericks will continue their good offense, particularly with how they've done in Games 2 and 3.
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
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
Tony Parker, SAS (at DAL), PG ($6,800): Parker gives fantasy owners a good value for his potential and comes as a cheaper option than other star point guards suiting up Monday night, such as Jeff Teague, Kemba Walker, and even Dwyane Wade and Monta Ellis who are both point guard eligible. Parker has shot 50 percent or better in each of the three games of the Spurs' playoff series against the Mavericks and has had two solid fantasy games. With the Spurs down 2-1 in their playoff series and playing Game 4 on the road, it will likely take a big game from Parker for the Spurs to avoid going down 3-1.
Other options: George Hill, IND (at ATL), PG/SG ($5,000)
Shooting Guard
Manu Ginobili, SAS (at DAL), SG/SF ($5,900): Even though Ginobili is coming off the bench for the Spurs, he's been playing very well against the Mavericks so far. Ginobili is averaging 18.7 points on 47.2 percent shooting, including a blistering 50 percent on three-pointers to go along with 4.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. Like Parker, Ginobili will need to have a big game to keep the Spurs from going down 3-1 in the first round of the playoffs. He might not produce as much as Paul George or Monta Ellis, but he comes at a great price and could end up being a real bargain.
Other options: Lance Stephenson, IND (at ATL), SG/SF ($6,000), Monta Ellis, DAL (vs. SAS), PG/SG ($7,400)
Small Forward
Shawn Marion, DAL (vs. SAS), SF/PF ($5,500): After struggling in Game 1, Marion has had two nice games in the Mavericks' victories in Games 2 and 3. He's a nice source of production in multiple categories, including points, rebounds, and steals, plus a couple assists. He's had two games in which he struggled with his shot, which could be a result of Kawhi Leonard's defense, but Marion can still provide some value outside of scoring. At the price he's going for, Marion could be a good value.
Other options: Kawhi Leonard, SAS (at DAL), SG/SF ($6.600)
Power Forward
Paul Millsap, ATL (vs. IND), PF/C ($8,300): Millsap has been great in the first four games of the Hawks' series against the Pacers, and even though he comes at a steep price, he's likely the best big-man option other than LeBron James. Millsap is averaging 21.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.5 blocks in 35 minutes per game. He adds to his value with three-point shooting. The Pacers defense has been great all season long, but Millsap seems to have their number, and other than Jeff Teague, should be the Hawks' best fantasy option throughout the rest of the series.
Other options: Josh McRoberts, CHA (vs. MIA), PF/C ($5,200), David West, IND (at ATL), PF ($6,600)
Center
Josh McRoberts, CHA (vs. MIA), PF/C ($5,200): With the Bobcats on the verge of seeing their season end on Monday against the Heat, McRoberts offers an intriguing option who can produce even against the Heat's defense. McRoberts is averaging 12.0 points on 48 percent shooting, 5.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.0 steals per game in the series. He is also averaging more than two three-pointers on a blistering 58.3-percent shooting from downtown and has been an efficient option against the Heat this series. His assist numbers have been down, which is limiting his fantasy production a bit, but McRoberts remains a good all-around producer.
Other options: Chris Bosh, MIA (at CHA), PF/C ($6,100)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Andrew Bynum (knee) will not play in the Pacers' first-round series.
Game-Time Decision
Michael Beasley (ankle) practiced Sunday but is still questionable for Monday's game.
