This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Portland Trail Blazers at Memphis Grizzlies: Since the All-Star break, the Grizzlies rank fourth in defensive rating at home. They will take on an absolutely battered Trail Blazers team that will rely heavily on LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard. That formula doesn't scream fantasy utility from a team standpoint, and even less so when you consider they are taking on a slow-paced Grizzlies squad that will grind this game out.
Offenses to Use
Boston Celtics at Cleveland Cavaliers: After being perfectly rested and prepared for their first-round series, there may not be a better time to utilize the Cavaliers' offense than LeBron James' first playoff game back in Cleveland. They've got a great complement of stars and fairly priced role players to use as they take on a Celtics squad that can't protect the rim.
First game of a back-to-back:: None
Second game of a back-to-back:None
Point Guard
Kyrie Irving, CLE vs. BOS ($7,700): Due to the coaching staff gearing their players up for the postseason, Irving has posted a few duds in a row due to his relative lack of playing time. That won't be the case in his first-ever playoff game, and he's priced fairly well against a team that can't protect the rim. Of the top-end options, he's probably got the best chance of going off.
Other suggestions: Tony Parker, SAS at LAC ($5,500), Damian Lillard, POR at MEM ($7,900)
Shooting Guard
Kyle Korver, ATL vs. BKN ($4,600): Korver is an excellent option for those who don't want to spend at the shooting guard slot, and even better on a day with a short slate of games. He's averaging 25 DraftKings points against the Nets this season, which would make for a solid buy Sunday.
Other suggestions: J.R. Smith, CLE vs. BOS ($5,000), Manu Ginobili, SAS at LAC ($4,100)
Small Forward
Kawhi Leonard, SAS at LAC ($8,400): Small forward really boils down to LeBron James or Leonard, and the latter will cost $1,200 less. Leonard has averaged 37 DraftKings points against the Clippers this season, which isn't a great value for what you are paying for him, but he should hit a solid total; something that can't be said for many of the options at small forward Sunday.
Other suggestions: DeMarre Carroll, ATL vs. BKN ($5,600), LeBron James, CLE vs. BOS ($10,600)
Power Forward
Thaddeus Young, BKN at ATL ($5,700):Young has had success against the Hawks, averaging almost 35 DraftKings points per game against them this season. His recent performance hasn't been as great (26 DKPPG over his last five), but his price and history against Atlanta make him a potentially great value.
Other suggestions: Tim Duncan, SAS at LAC ($7,400), Kevin Love, CLE vs. BOS ($7,200)
Center
Marc Gasol, MEM vs. POR ($7,500): Gasol has been fantastic against the Trail Blazers this season, averaging 40 DraftKings points in four games against them. His price tag is fair enough, and he's one of the better priced elite options on the board at his position.
Other suggestions: Al Horford, ATL vs. BKN ($7,100)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Thabo Sefolosha (ankle)
Game-Time Decision
Mike Conley (foot)
C.J. McCollum (ankle) is probable.
Austin Rivers (illness)
Darius Morris (illness)
Arron Afflalo (shoulder) is doubtful.
Alan Anderson (ankle)
Nicolas Batum (knee) is probable.
Jeff Green (back)
Tony Allen (hamstring) is probable.
Alonzo Gee (foot)
Paul Millsap (shoulder)
Matt Bonner (calf)
Tiago Splitter (calf)
Chris Kaman (back) is probable.
