This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Milwaukee Bucks at Chicago Bulls: Both teams are defensively gifted, and one should be hesitant to use either, but the nature of the Bulls having players coming back from injury at the right time opens up a possibility or two. The game figures to be the lowest scoring of the afternoon, and this Bucks team can have some odd delegations of minutes and production that make them very hard to side with against the Bulls.
Offenses to Use
Dallas Mavericks at Houston Rockets: The Rockets are probably the only team in Saturday's action with enough injury problems to have some legitimate underlays. Add in a 30+ minute game by Dwight Howard and a rematch with an instate rival and there's both good value and some very high upside with some studs.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: none
Second game of a back-to-back: none
Point Guard
Stephen Curry, GS ($10,100): His new five-digit price tag isn't anything to rave about, but honestly it was a long time coming. Curry is clutch, and now it's playoff time. He has gotten over 50 FPTs regularly throughout the season, and this matchup favors another such dominant display. New Orleans has some advantages in the paint, so the perimeter and backcourt will be where the Warriors assert their dominance.
Other suggestions: John Wall, WAS at TOR($8,600); Derrick Rose, CHI vs MIL ($6,600)
Shooting Guard
Jason Terry, HOU ($3,200): Terry is the type of player that's tough to come by playoff time, since he's near the minimum price and playable. He's the starting point guard for the top offense on the day, and even with limited upside, he's proven to be worth this price tag with a very solid 21.1 FPTs per game against Dallas this year in four appearances. Corey Brewer is an alternate play if you want to spend more on some upside, but he's also a greater risk. This position may have the most depth on the day.
Other suggestions: Corey Brewer, HOU vs DAL ($4,000); James Harden, HOU vs DAL ($10,500); Jimmy Butler, CHI vs MIL ($7,400); O.J. Mayo, MIL at CHI ($4,000)
Small Forward
Mike Dunleavy, CHI ($4,400): Dunleavy isn't a flawless play, but he is a very cheap player on a very good team, and has the potential to record some very healthy point totals when he's hot from long range. His defensive stats have been up of late, with more rebounds and steals, accumulating to a good play against a Milwaukee squad that has been poor in their defense of the small forward position.
Other suggestions: Trevor Ariza, HOU vs DAL ($6,000); Andre Iguodala, GS vs NO ($4,000)
Power Forward
Anthony Davis, NO ($11,000): There's enough value out there for the Brow to come into play, and his relationship with Golden State this season has been a good one; a very good one. He is averaging over 60 FPTs in two games against the Warriors, and he was dominant down the stretch of the regular season. Golden State plays pretty good defensive, they have had no answer for the Brow.
Other suggestions: Pau Gasol, CHI vs MIL ($8,400); Draymond Green, GS vs NO ($7,200)
Center
Dwight Howard, HOU ($6,800): Howard figures to be one of the more popular plays, if not the most popular play, but it's because he makes way too much sense. His price is nowhere near as high as his upside, and his minutes are now cleared to go beyond 30. He has been reaching value in limited minutes against good defensive opponents as it is, neither one of which applies in this matchup.
Other suggestions: Andrew Bogut, GS vs NO ($5,000)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Garrett Temple (hamstring)
David Lee (back)
Patrick Beverley (wrist)
K.J. McDaniels (wrist)
Game-Time Decision
Nene Hilario (ankle)
Otto Porter (ankle)
Kirk Hinrich (knee)
Taj Gibson (shoulder)
Devin Harris (toe)
Chandler Parsons (knee)
