This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Portland Trail Blazers at Memphis Grizzlies: Simply put, it's almost never a good idea to oppose the Grizzlies. The Trail Blazers are no exception to the rule and will struggle, as most every one does.
Offenses to Use
Phoenix Suns at Houston Rockets: This is a game to play heavily. The Suns should have the clear advantage in the paint while the Rockets have the Beard. Both teams run and score a ton, there will be lots of possessions, and lots of fantasy points to go around.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Suns
Second game of a back-to-back: Indiana Pacers, Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, Portland Trail Blazers, Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors
Point Guard
Patrick Beverley, HOU vs PHO ($4,500): Known more for his defensive play and complementing of Harden, Beverley is able to perform on his own accord. Lately he's been dishing enough dimes and taking enough shots to make him worth his price, especially against the lowly-regarded Suns defense and their high-tempo game.
Other suggestions: Reggie Jackson, DET vs CHI ($6,900) ; George Hill, IND vs BKN ($6,600); Leandro Barbosa, GS vs UTA ($3,000)
Shooting Guard
James Harden, HOU vs PHO ($11,200): The studs of the NBA have been stud-tacular. The Beard will feast on the Suns' defense, stirring the pot over-and-over-and-over. He's surpassed 70 FPTs twice in the past seven games and this looks a good a chance as any to make it three in eight.
Other suggestions: Don't get cute, use Harden. But, if Trevor Ariza doesn't play then Corey Brewer ($5,200) looks like another good Rocket option.
Small Forward
Tony Allen, MEM vs POR ($4,500): Not a lot of love for the small forwards Saturday night, so saving some money is a good choice. Allen has been getting over 30 minutes consistently, and matching his playing time with points and rebounds. The matchup with Portland is a favorable one, and Allen will look to continue his steady bout of good form.
Other suggestions: Andre Iguodala, GS vs UTA ($4,400)
Power Forward
Luis Scola, IND vs BKN ($4,400): Starting power forward David West played just 12 minutes Friday night and is questionable for Saturday's game with the Nets. In his absence, Scola played 31 minutes and posted a healthy stat line leading to 31.25 FPTs. He's proven he's good for over 30 FPTs when he gets the court time, and with a good chance West doesn't go, Scola is an excellent target at this price.
Other suggestions: Brandan Wright, PHO at HOU ($5,000) ; Markieff Morris, PHO at HOU ($6,500); Pau Gasol, CHI at DET ($8,500)
Center
Roy Hibbert, IND vs BKN ($4,500): Center is another position where not too much jumps out on Saturday. Hibbert is cheap and has some upside, and it's always hard to know how many minutes opposing center Brook Lopez will get. Hibbert has been in decent enough form to warrant a look, but I'll readily attest to my hazy standpoint of Saturday's centers. Several teams have big question marks at center, so it's important to land on someone that'll get starter's minutes.
Other suggestions: Brook Lopez, BKN at IND ($6,400); Andre Drummond, DET vs CHI ($7,800)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Paul George (leg)
Derrick Rose (knee)
Danny Granger (knee)
Dwight Howard (knee)
Terrence Jones (ribs)
Kostas Papanikolaou (ankle)
Klay Thompson (ankle)
Game-Time Decision
David West (illness)
Jimmy Butler (elbow)
Greg Monroe (knee)
Marcus Thornton (toe)
Brandon Knight (ankle)
Alex Len (ankle)
Jason Terry (hamstring)
Trevor Ariza (illness)
Jon Leuer (back)
