This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Atlanta Hawks at Indiana Pacers: The Pacers' poor play of late isn't news to anyone, as they've been treading through sloppy performances night in and night out for the past month. Quite the opposite from earlier in the season, the Pacers have been producing weak fantasy lines from almost all positions, and would be safe to stay away from in daily games. Still, despite the fact that they haven't clicked as well offensively, their defense still holds a shade of resemblance from their strong play early on, making their opponents tough buys as well. The Hawks have lost seven of their last nine contests and are shaky investments for Sunday's slate.
Offenses to Use
Dallas Mavericks at Sacramento Kings: Dirk Nowitzki has been producing some inspired fantasy lines over the final stretch of the regular season, hoping to lock a playoff spot for the Mavericks. Through the course of the run, unheralded players such as Samuel Dalembert, Vince Carter, and Brandan Wright have been producing well, and could be worth considering for daily budget play. The Kings have given up 106.1 points per 100 possessions to opponents this season, and the Mavericks will have a good chance at filling up the box score Sunday night.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: None
Second game of a back-to-back: None
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
Aaron Brooks, DEN (at HOU), PG ($4,700): In light of the news that Ty Lawson (ankle) suffered "the worst sprain" of his career, there's a good chance he'll sit out for a stretch of games, making Brooks the primary beneficiary of minutes. Brooks is averaging 13.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.2 three-pointers made as a starter this season, and he'll have the opportunity to put up a similar line Sunday. With a price tag of $4,700, consider Brooks a worthy investment with high upside.
Other suggestions: Ray McCallum (vs. DAL), PG ($5,300), Reggie Jackson (at PHX), PG/SG ($5,300), Patty Mills (vs. MEM), PG ($4,300)
Shooting Guard
Brian Roberts, NOP (at POR), PG/SG ($3,800): Roberts hasn't been the most consistent player on the Pelicans, but he's getting the necessary minutes required to produce solid fantasy lines. He put together a string of strong performances during the second half of March but lost his rhythm after a two-game absence due to a knee injury and hasn't fully gotten back into his groove yet. Still, he's coming off a solid performance Friday where he posted 18 points, two rebounds, six assists, and three three-pointers. With Eric Gordon (knee) expected to miss another game Sunday, consider Roberts' extremely cheap price tag a discount worth taking up.
Other suggestions: Gerald Green (vs. OKC), SG/SF ($5,300), Alec Burks (at GSW), PG/SG ($4,600), Anthony Morrow (at POR), SG/SF ($4,000)
Small Forward
Draymond Green, GSW (vs. UTA), SF ($5,100): Green is averaging 8.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.8 blocks, and 1.0 three-pointers over the last five games. He's seen his production increase with both David Lee (hamstring) and Andrew Bogut (pelvis) riding the pine, and Green should continue to see that opportunity for Sunday's game. The Jazz have been among the worst defenses this season, and Green's price tag isn't too much to gamble on.
Other suggestions: Shawn Marion (at SAC), SF/PF ($5,400), P.J. Tucker (vs. OKC), SG/SF ($4,500), DeMarre Carroll (at IND), SF/PF ($4,400)
Power Forward
Terrence Jones, HOU (at DEN), SF/PF ($4,800): The dynamic sophomore is once again priced low, thanks to an illness that limited him to just two points and eight rebounds in a span of three games. He managed to come out of his slump Friday against the Thunder, posting 16 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks in 33 minutes of action. We've seen Jones wax and wane with his explosions of hot-and-cold play, and there's a chance the former is brewing. It's a gamble, but a repeat performance against the Nuggets, who Jones torched for 14 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and three blocks in their previous meeting, would be a valid reason to deploy him.
Other suggestions: Jordan Hill (at LAC), PF/C ($5,300), Marreese Speights (vs. UTA), PF/C ($4,300), Amar'e Stoudemire (at MIA), PF/C ($4,200)
Center
Jermaine O'Neal, GSW (vs. UTA), C ($3,900): It's a wonder how the veteran is still producing this late in his career. Apart from a four-minute dud Wednesday (where coach Mark Jackson decided to rest the center), O'Neal has averaged 12.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.0 blocks over his last four games. With David Lee (hamstring) and Andrew Bogut (pelvis) both questionable to play Sunday, O'Neal should have the opportunity to play 20-plus minutes and produce a solid fantasy line. Be sure to check RotoWire's updated Daily Lineups page before tipoff to confirm O'Neal will start, as his $3,900 price tag may be hard to pass up for Sunday's contests.
Other suggestions: Omer Asik (vs. DEN), PF/C ($5,500), Samuel Dalembert (at SAC), PF/C ($4,700), Timofey Mozgov (at HOU), C ($4,600)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Dwight Howard (ankle) will not play Sunday.
Patrick Beverley (knee) will not play Sunday.
Pau Gasol (vertigo) may be done for the season.
Chris Kaman (calf) will not play Sunday.
Steve Nash (ankle) will not play Sunday.
Jamal Crawford (calf) could be out until the playoffs.
Game-Time Decision
Anthony Davis (back) is expected to play Sunday.
Eric Gordon (knee) is questionable to play Sunday.
Russell Westbrook (knee) is expected to play Sunday.
Carmelo Anthony (shoulder) is expected to play Sunday.
Isaiah Thomas (quadriceps) is questionable to play Sunday.
Dwyane Wade (hamstring) is a game-time decision Sunday.
Ty Lawson (ankle) is highly doubtful to play Sunday.
Wilson Chandler (groin) is highly doubtful to play Sunday.
David Lee (hamstring) is highly doubtful to play Sunday.
Andrew Bogut (pelvis) is highly doubtful to play Sunday.
Nick Young (ankle) is expected to play Sunday.
Manu Ginobili (rest) is a game-time decision Sunday.
