This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Milwaukee Bucks at Memphis Grizzlies: The best defense in the NBA is a safe bet to avoid almost every night, and the young Bucks are no exception to this rule.
Offenses to Use
New York Knicks at Golden State Warriors: The best offense, and arguably best team in the NBA, hosts one of the worst in the Knicks. The Warriors rested nearly their entire starting lineup Friday, and on Steph Curry's birthday they will look to step up to the plate and validate their place as best team in the league.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: none
Second game of a back-to-back: Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, 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
Stephen Curry, GS vs NYK ($9,600): "So you say its your birthday?" Players show up with big statistical lines on their birthday. The only concern for Curry tonight is that his side will be up so big in the fourth quarter he'll receive an early ovation.
Other suggestions: Deron Williams ($5,800) BKN at PHI; John Wall ($8,500) WAS vs SAC
Shooting Guard
Bradley Beal, WAS vs SAC ($5,700): Beal is still not 100 percent, but he's relatively cheap and gets a very favorable matchup with the Kings. It'll be as good a chance as any to get back to the big numbers he was putting up prior to his injury.
Other suggestions: Rodney Stuckey ($6,700) IND at BOS; Klay Thompson ($7,100) GS vs NY
Small Forward
Omri Casspi, SAC at WAS ($3,200): Casspi looks likely to fill in for the injured Rudy Gay* on Saturday night, and even with an unfavorable matchup against the Wizards, Casspi is a good look at this price.
Other suggestions: Luc Richard Mbah a Moute ($5,000) PHI vs BKN
*game-time-decision
Power Forward
Nerlens Noel, PHI vs BKN ($6,800): Noel's rise continues. He's able to rack up stats in every category and is cementing himself as a star in Philadelphia. Double-digit rebounds in five consecutive games, double-digit points in three of his last four, and bounties of blocks and steals have made Noel an across-the-board threat every night. Nothing the Nets put forward will slow the talented "rookie" down.
Other suggestions: Draymond Green ($7,200) GS vs NY
Center
Andrew Bogut, GS vs NYK ($4,500): After a night off, Bogut will return to action Saturday night against the Knicks. The price is low as Bogut's minutes are always a risk, but he is very productive in the time he sees on the court.
Other suggestions: Brook Lopez ($6,700) BKN at PHI; Roy Hibbert ($4,200) IND vs BOS
INJURY REPORT
Out
Isaiah Thomas (back)
Jared Sullinger (foot)
Sergey Karasev (knee)
Mirza Teletovic (chest)
Brandon Jennings (Achilles)
Donald Sloan (toe)
Paul George (leg)
Jabari Parker (knee)
Damien Inglis (foot)
Jose Calderon (Achilles)
Carmelo Anthony (knee)
Tony Wroten (knee)
Joel Embiid (foot)
Darren Collison (hip)
Eric Moreland (shoulder)
Alec Burks (shoulder)
Garrett Temple (hamstring)
Kris Humphries (groin)
Game-Time Decision
Alan Anderson (back)
Mike Conley (ankle)
Jon Leuer (back)
Jerryd Bayless (ankle)
O.J. Mayo (hamstring)
Quincy Acy (personal)
Rudy Gay (knee)
Ryan Hollins (back)
Rudy Gobert (ankle)
Nene Hilario (personal)
