This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Memphis Grizzlies at Minnesota Timberwolves: The Grizzlies are in the top half in the league in defending against every position, while being number one in least points allowed. They are very good on the boards and are playing a Timberwolves team that isn't particularly good in any category and coming of a loss to a short-handed Bulls team that was without Derrick Rose and Pau Gasol.
Detroit Pistons at Washington Wizards: The Wizards have lost six in a row, scoring over 90 points just twice in that time and once not even surpassing 80 points scored. The Pistons have been playing reasonably well and are one of the NBA's best rebounding teams, but they're coming off a double-overtime loss to the Knicks on Friday. Nights like that are hard on morale and harder on bodies. The out-of-sync Wizards will play a tired Pistons squad, none of which points to a particularly high-scoring affair.
Offenses to Use
San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns: The Spurs are coming off a win Friday, and the Suns give up a lot of points. It's a fairly simple equation: teams unanimously score more when they play the Phoenix Suns. The game has the highest over/under of the night, and deservedly so.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: none
Second game of a back-to-back: Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards, Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Brooklyn Nets, San Antonio Spurs, Milwaukee Bucks, Utah Jazz
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Point Guard
Goran Dragic, PG, MIA ($6,400): Dragic has quickly established himself as a go-to player for Miami. Two of his last three games have featured 20-plus point performances, including one that also included double-digit assists. He'll get all the minutes he can handle, and with Miami short-handed due to injuries, he will be leaned on heavily Saturday.
Other suggestions: Langston Galloway ($5,200) NY vs. TOR; Deron Williams ($6,400) BKN at DAL; Michael Carter-Williams ($7,000) MIL at UTA
Shooting Guard
Courtney Lee, SG, MEM ($3,200): He's been the beneficiary of Vince Carter's absence, so Lee would be of lesser value if Carter plays Saturday. With Carter out, Lee has been consistently getting thirty minutes while shooting the ball with very good accuracy. When Lee gets enough time on the court, and a few rebounds and assists go his way, he's well worth the near-minimum price.
Other suggestions: Tim Hardaway ($4,100) NY vs. TOR
Small Forward
Richard Jefferson, SF, DAL ($3,500): The veteran has benefited from Chandler Parsons sitting out lately. In the three games with Parsons out, Jefferson is averaging over 30 minutes and 10 points per contest. He has potential in the rebounding department, too, and should continue to start with Parsons out.
Other suggestions: Kawhi Leonard ($7,000) SA at PHO
Power Forward
Andrea Bargnani, PF, NY ($3,800): Nothing about the Knicks has been solid this season, but Bargnani appears to have fallen into being the team's go-to man on offense. His minutes and production have been ever increasing, and it's recommended to jump on the bandwagon while the price is still so low.
Other suggestions: Louis Amundson ($3,200) NY vs. TOR; Derrick Favors ($7,400) UTA vs. MIL
Center
Brook Lopez, C, BKN ($6,400): He's still coming off the bench in Brooklyn, but Lopez is the premier paint presence for the Nets. He produced a double-double in just 22 minutes against the Rockets on Friday. Expect him to get back to his more typical 30-plus minutes on the second night of the back-to-back set.
Other suggestions: Rudy Gobert ($6,500) UTA vs. MIL; Alex Len ($5,400) PHO vs. SA
INJURY REPORT
Out
Thabo Sefolosha (calf)
Mirza Teletovic (blood clots)
Chandler Parsons (ankle)
Brandon Jennings (out)
Chris Bosh (lungs)
Josh McRoberts (knee)
Jabari Parker (knee)
Shabazz Muhammad (finger)
Anthony Bennett (ankle)
Robbie Hummel (hand)
Jrue Holiday (leg)
Carmelo Anthony (knee)
Alec Burks (shoulder)
Game-Time Decision
Bojan Bogdanovic (ankle)
Tyson Chandler (hip)
Amar'e Stoudemire (rest)
Vince Carter (foot)
O.J. Mayo (hamstring)
Kevin Garnett (rest)
Jose Calderon (Achilles)
Bradley Beal (leg)
Paul Pierce (knee)
Kris Humphries (hamstring)
