This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Los Angeles Lakers at Golden State Warriors: Currently, not many players from the Lakers are usable for fantasy, but against the best defense in the league? Forget about it. The fact that this game will be held on the Warriors' court, and the Lakers are on the second night of a back-to-back with nothing to play for is more reason to not target any players from this Los Angeles squad.
Offenses to Use
Atlanta Hawks at Sacramento Kings: The Kings have been letting up a lot of points, including totals of over 100 in their last two contests against Philadelphia and Washington. The Hawks are obviously a capable offense and make for the perfect addition when filling out your lineups on Monday.
First game of a back-to-back: Memphis Grizzlies, Charlotte Hornets
Second game of a back-to-back: Los Angeles Lakers, Atlanta Hawks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Portland Trail Blazers, Toronto Raptors
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Point Guard
Goran Dragic, PG, MIA ($6,300): Dragic is a fantasy asset worth using since being shipped to Miami, and he is averaging 33.4 DraftKings points over his last four games. The matchup with Cleveland will demand he is an offensive producer, and makes him an appealing buy on Monday.
Other suggestions: Russell Westbrook (at DAL), Stephen Curry (vs. LAL)
Shooting Guard
Henry Walker, SG, MIA ($3,500): The artist formerly known as Bill Walker has been playing well for the Heat and has posted back-to-back games above 20 DraftKings points. As with teammate Goran Dragic, Walker finds himself in a nice fantasy matchup with the Cavaliers, and at his price, he's a nice buy.
Other suggestions: J.R. Smith (at MIA), Kent Bazemore (at SAC)
Small Forward
Jerami Grant, SF, PHI ($3,400): If you're looking to punt the small forward spot on Monday, Grant is not a bad option. He gets a good matchup against Boston, and the guy ahead of him (Luc Richard Mbah a Moute) is dealing with a variety of injuries. He's not going to go off most likely but is worth a roll of the dice if you don't want to spend at this position.
Other suggestions: LeBron James (at MIA), Chandler Parsons (vs. OKC)
Power Forward
Zach Randolph, PF, MEM ($7,000): Rest is certainly a possibility for Randolph, but if he plays, he's a great option. He scored 40+ DraftKings points in his prior game against the Nuggets and is primed to have a big night against a more competent Denver squad if he's allowed to play his full minutes.
Other suggestions: Nerlens Noel (at BOS), Jae Crowder (vs. PHI)
Center
Enes Kanter, C, OKC ($6,100): Kanter isn't the cheapest center by any means, but his upside is great on the Thunder with Kevin Durant sidelined. While Russell Westbrook tears up the NBA, Kanter is a key facet to the OKC attack offensively, and could easily have a massive performance here. He's benefited from Serge Ibaka missing the last two games with knee soreness, so if Iblocka is out Monday, Kanter should be legit.
Other suggestions: Tyler Zeller (vs. PHI)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Nick Young (knee)
Kevin Durant (foot)
Paul George (leg)
Game-Time Decision
Ricky Rubio (ankle)
Isaiah Thomas (back)
Mike Conley (ankle)
Darren Collison (hip)
Kyle Korver (nose)
Gary Neal (illness)
Rudy Gay (knee)
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (multiple injuries)
Al-Farouq Aminu (shoulder)
Serge Ibaka (knee)
Nene Hilario (personal)
Cody Zeller (shoulder)
Kevin Garnett (knee)
Al Jefferson (calf)
Nikola Pekovic (ankle)
