This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
It's the last night of the season, and most teams' fates are already sealed. Before games start, be sure to double-check who is playing and who is resting.
Also, don't forget to pay Uncle Sam (or to file for an extension) – today is tax day.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Indiana Pacers at Memphis Grizzlies: The Pacers scored only 81 points through four quarters Tuesday. Their game against the Wizards required two overtime periods before the Pacers emerged victorious. Indiana is a mediocre offense when rested, and the extra fatigue should only make things harder on them Wednesday. The Wizards and the Grizzlies are similarly ranked defenses - both rank among the top third of the league, and the Wizards are better over the past 10 games, but the Grizzlies have been better over the past 15.
Offenses to Use
Detroit Pistons at New York Knicks: With a Knicks loss and a Timberwolves win Wednesday, the Knicks would claim the title of 2014-15 Tankapalooza champions. But a Knicks win and a 76ers loss would drop the Knicks all the way to third. The Pistons, on the other hand, gain nothing by losing. The Pistons have a talented core, a good coach, and lots of reasons for long-term optimism – and optimistic teams tend to like winning. Even without all those external factors, the Pistons are the better team by far, and they are facing a very bad defense.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: None
Second game of a back-to-back: Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Point Guard
Russell Westbrook, OKC (at MIN), PG, ($12,000): On the last night of the regular season, it seems appropriate to acknowledge Westbrook's incredible run these past months. Does this 2014-15 superhuman's origin story start with his record-setting* All-Star Game MVP performance, or with his three consecutive triple-doubles less than two weeks later? After nine triple-doubles and nine 35-point games in the second half of the season, he still found a way to set a new career-high in points Sunday as he continues to find ways to outdo himself. The Thunder need a win (and a Pelicans loss) to make the playoffs. A must-win game, combined with the possibility that this is Westbrook's last game of the season, sounds like a recipe for one more wild night.
Some more crazy Westbrook statistics, all post-All-Star break:
He's averaged 31.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 10 assists, and 2.0 steals. He's averaging a shocking 63.1 fantasy points per game, most in the league. Second place, James Harden, is averaging 50.4.
* Most points in a half, with 27 in the first half.
Other suggestions: Brian Roberts, CHA (at TOR), PG, $3,500); Michael Carter-Williams, MIL (vs BOS), PG, ($6,800)
Shooting Guard
Jimmy Butler, CHI (vs ATL), SG, ($7,400): The Bulls' playoff seeding is still in question. Since the Bulls still have something to play for, they can be counted on to be a bit more predictable than a team like the Hawks, who might rest some players Wednesday. Butler was one of the most productive players on DraftKings all season, and he faces a favorable matchup for the last game of the regular season.
Other suggestions: Lou Williams, TOR (vs CHA), SG, ($5,700)
Small Forward
Omri Casspi, SAC (at LAL), SF, ($5,600): Casspi has played at least 30 minutes in every game in April. He has made great use of those minutes, scoring 40 fantasy points in three of his last five. The Kings are still undermanned due to injuries, so Casspi's expanded role seems safe for one last night.
Other suggestions: Giannis Antetokoumpo, MIL (vs BOS), SF, ($6,400); Andrew Wiggins, MIN (vs OKC), SF, ($7,000)
Power Forward
Greg Monroe, DET (at NY), PF, ($7,400): This might be Monroe's last game as a Piston, and the Knicks are rumored to be a likely landing spot for Monroe this summer. This is Monroe's last chance to audition for a big offseason payday. Monroe is averaging more than 1.1 fantasy points per minute played over his last four games, a very strong figure.
Other suggestions: Pau Gasol, CHI (vs ATL), PF, ($8,500)
Center
Roy Hibbert, IND (at MEM), C, ($5,000): The matchup is frightening, and I'm worried about fatigue after Tuesday's double-overtime game. But I like the price for Hibbert in a must-win game for the Pacers, and I love Hibbert's recent productivity. He's recorded three double-doubles in his past four games, with double-digit rebounds in all four.
Other suggestions: Tyler Zeller, BOS (at MIL), C, ($4,200); Marcin Gortat, WAS (at CLE), C, ($6,500)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Mike Scott (back)
Avery Bradley (quadriceps)
Kirk Hinrich (knee)
PJ Hairston (knee)
Al Jefferson (knee)
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (ankle)
Cody Zeller (shoulder)
Lance Stephenson (toe)
Devin Harris (toe)
Chandler Parsons (knee)
Spencer Dinwiddie (ankle)
Tayshaun Prince (rest)
Chris Copeland (elbow)
Tony Allen (hamstring)
Jose Calderon (Achilles)
Alexey Shved (ribs)
Serge Ibaka (knee)
Evan Fournier (hip)
Devyn Marble (eye)
Arron Afflalo (shoulder)
Nicolas Batum (knee)
C.J. McCollum (ankle)
Dorell Wright (hand)
Darren Collison (hip)
Matt Bonner (calf)
Gordon Hayward (Achilles)
Garrett Temple (hamstring)
Game-Time Decision
Pero Antic (illness) is questionable.
Paul Millsap (shoulder) is questionable.
Dennis Schroder (rest) is a game-time decision.
Alan Anderson (ankle) is questionable.
Joakim Noah (hamsting) is doubtful.
Kyrie Irving (hip) is a game-time decision.
Monta Ellis (rest) is a game-time decision.
Dirk Nowitzki (rest) is a game-time decision.
Darrell Arthur (calf) is unlikely to play Wednesday.
Danilo Gallinari (rest) is a game-time decision.
Ty Lawson (rest) is a game-time decision.
Jameer Nelson (hip) is a game-time decision.
Dwight Howard (rest) is a game-time decision.
C.J. Watson (elbow) is unlikely to play Wednesday after missing Tuesday's game.
Jordan Clarkson (ankle) is questionable.
Wesley Johnson (ankle) is doubtful.
Mike Conley (foot) is unlikely to play Wednesday.
Marc Gasol (ankle) is questionable.
Jared Dudley (rest) is a game-time decision.
Chase Budinger (ankle) is questionable.
Justin Hamilton (hamstring) is questionable.
Kevin Martin (illness) is a game-time decision.
Jrue Holiday (lower leg) is questionable.
Andrea Bargnani (illness) is a game-time decision.
Travis Wear (back) is day-to-day.
Luke Ridnour (personal) is a game-time decision.
Nerlens Noel (ankle) will not play Wednesday.
Jason Richardson (knee) is a game-time decision.
Ish Smith (groin) is questionable.
LaMarcus Aldridge (foot) is probable.
Chris Kaman (back) is questionable.
Omri Casspi (illness) is questionable.
DeMar DeRozan (groin) expects to play Wednesday.
Trey Burke (back) is probable.
Derrick Favors (rest) is a game-time decision.
Nene Hilario (ankle) is questionable after missing Tuesday's game.
