This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Toronto Raptors at Washington Wizards: The only Raptors player that has been consistent enough to trust is DeMar DeRozan, and there's no reason to believe that will change. Kyle Lowry is hurt, Louis Williams hasn't been able to justify his price, and the rest of the squad is simply too inconsistent. In what could be their final game of the season, anything could happen, but I wouldn't bet on any drastic improvements here.
Offenses to Use
Houston Rockets at Dallas Mavericks: The Mavericks are simply a better offense without Rajon Rondo, and the market hasn't adjusted enough to overprice their players yet. Conveniently, the Mavericks also cannot defend, so Game 4 should be a barnburner as Dallas fights for their playoff lives.
First game of a back-to-back: None
Second game of a back-to-back: None
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Point Guard
John Wall, PG, WAS ($9,100): As easy as it is to ignore the majority of the Eastern Conference all together, Wall is making too much noise to not mention him. He's put up two straight games of 50+ DraftKings points and is still priced fairly well given his production. If his shot falls, he should approach that figure yet again.
Other suggestions: Devin Harris (vs. HOU), J.J. Barea (vs. HOU)
Shooting Guard
Monta Ellis, SG, DAL ($6,800): Those who rolled with Ellis in Game 3 were rewarded with a 57 DraftKings point outburst, and his salary has only been raised by $100. He probably won't hit that total again, but given his reasonable price and ceiling without Rajon Rondo on board, Ellis is a good buy yet again.
Other suggestions: James Harden (at DAL), Danny Green (vs. LAC)
Small Forward
Al-Farouq Aminu, SF, DAL ($4,400): Aminu is never an exciting option, but he's playing enough that he's worth a look at this price. He's put up two straight games of over 25 DraftKings points, and he played a series-high 34 minutes in Game 3. Richard Jefferson is hampered by an injury, so the small forward gig may be all Aminu's on Sunday.
Other suggestions: Kawhi Leonard (vs. LAC), LeBron James (at BOS)
Power Forward
Blake Griffin, PF, LAC ($9,900): I am going to double-down on Griffin here, who unfortunately did not play his normal compliment of minutes in Game 3 due to the lopsided score. Game 4 is do-or-die for the Clippers, so expect Griffin, who was an absolute force in Games 1 and 2, to be a bigger factor Sunday.
Other suggestions: Boris Diaw (vs. LAC), Tim Duncan (vs. LAC), Jae Crowder (vs. CLE)
Center
Dwight Howard, C, HOU ($7,800): It looks like Howard is off his minutes restriction, and he's playing like it's 2012. The Rockets' center has put up 41 points and 38 rebounds combined in his last two games, averaging over 50 DraftKings points in the process. He's a good buy Sunday considering his price hasn't moved at all.
Other suggestions: Marcin Gortat (vs. TOR)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Rajon Rondo (back)
Chandler Parsons (knee)
K.J. McDaniels (wrist)
Game-Time Decision
Raymond Felton (hamstring)
Bradley Beal (knee bruise)
Garrett Temple (hamstring)
Jordan Hamilton (concussion)
Jared Sullinger (tailbone)
