This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Clippers: The Clippers were the best offense in the league by measure of offensive rating, but they now face one of the toughest games they will play in recent memory. In a crucial Game 5, the defending champions will bring their A-game to avoid going down 2-3. That means that despite all their "studliness" the Clippers have to be downgraded a bit, but the Spurs shouldn't stop you from using the Clippers entirely.
Offenses to Use
Dallas Mavericks at Houston Rockets: It feels like the Mavericks have truly found their flow since jettisoning Rajon Rondo. They continue to have a few players that are producing well despite their lower prices, and with only two games on the slate, that can be the difference in fielding a good roster.
First game of a back-to-back: None
Second game of a back-to-back: None
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Point Guard
J.J. Barea, PG, DAL ($6,100): The decision at point guard comes down to Barea vs. Chris Paul, and Barea is over $3,000 cheaper. He's been wildly productive this series, and while I don't expect a repeat performance of Game 4's 42 DraftKings points breakout, I do think he'll get enough minutes in a fantasy-friendly game to put up around 30 DraftKings points.
Other suggestions: Chris Paul (vs. SA)
Shooting Guard
Monta Ellis, SG, DAL ($7,800): Ellis has been the key figure in Dallas' resurgence without Rajon Rondo. In two games without his backcourt counterpart, Ellis has put up a total of 100 DraftKings points. He's still priced on the fringe of an elite option, but it's clear that he will have more than enough opportunity to put up big stats for Dallas.
Other suggestions: James Harden (vs. DAL), Danny Green (at LAC)
Small Forward
Matt Barnes, SF, LAC ($3,900): If you don't want to spend on Kawhi Leonard, Barnes is a solid fall-back option. He's hurting with a shoulder injury but will play in Game 5, which makes him worth taking a flier on at this price. Barnes is fully capable of putting up 25 DraftKings points without scoring much, especially since he'll be playing all the minutes he can handle Tuesday.
Other suggestions: Kawhi Leonard (at LAC), Al-Farouq Aminu (at HOU)
Power Forward
Blake Griffin, PF, LAC ($10,000): Griffin has been a force in his first-round series, dropping at least 50 DraftKings points in every game he's played his full compliment of minutes. It should be no different now that he's back at home, where he's put up at least 60 DraftKings points in two tries this postseason.
Other suggestions: Tim Duncan (at LAC), Boris Diaw (at LAC)
Center
Tyson Chandler, C, DAL ($6,800): Chandler exploded in Game 4 for 34 DraftKings points but actually saw his price drop for this set of contests. He's my pick over DeAndre Jordan and Dwight Howard because he simply doesn't cost all that much and has just about as much upside in this game.
Other suggestions: Dwight Howard (vs. DAL)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Rajon Rondo (back)
K.J. McDaniels (wrist)
Game-Time Decision
Jordan Hamilton (concussion)
