This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Portland Trail Blazers at Memphis Grizzlies: No team scored fewer points in a Game 1 than the Trail Blazers, who were held to only 86 points. During Game 1s, the Blazers ranked worst among the 16 playoff teams in field goal percentage, recorded the third fewest assists, and attempted the fifth fewest free throws. The game was not even as close as the final 14-point margin, since the Blazers entered the fourth quarter trailing by 24. Wednesday represents an opportunity for the Blazers to regroup and try to put forward a more competitive effort, but there is no evidence to give daily gamers confidence that the results will be significantly different.
Offenses to Use
San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Clippers: Picking on Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is always dicey, but the Clippers' Game 1 performance is tough to ignore. They managed to shoot 51 percent from the field and ranked in the top quarter of playoff teams for made threes and attempted free throws. The Clippers' offense was clicking, and they showed an ability to produce even against elite competition. Gamers should stay cautious, however. The Spurs ended the regular season playing excellent defense, and be especially wary of wings who will have to face Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green.
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
Point Guard
Dennis Schroder, ATL (vs BKN), PG, ($4,100):Jeff Teague's return to healthy status played a major role in dropping Schroder's salary nearly $1,000 over the past week. Despite Teague's recovery, however, Schroder has continued to average significant minutes while filling an important role off the bench.
Other suggestions: Chris Paul, LAC (vs SA), PG, ($9,900)
Shooting Guard
Kyle Korver, ATL (vs BKN), SG, ($5,400): 21 points, seven rebounds, five threes, and 41 DraftKings points on Sunday caused Korver's Wednesday salary to spike. While he's no longer an excellent bargain, that Game 1 box score shows how valuable Korver can be, and he figures to remain a critical part of the Hawks game plan moving forward.
Other suggestions: Courtney Lee, MEM (vs POR), SG, ($3,700)
Small Forward
Jeff Green, MEM (vs POR), SF, ($5,000): The price for Green on Wednesday is about as fair as possible. That's a good thing for a weak position with few standout options. Green has consistently tallied DraftKings scores in the low 20s for weeks.
Other suggestions: DeMarre Carroll, ATL (vs BKN), SF, ($6,200); Kawhi Leonard, SA (at LAC), SF, ($8,600)
Power Forward
LaMarcus Aldridge, POR (at MEM), PF, ($9,100): The Trail Blazers struggled Sunday, but playoff-LaMarcus Aldridge appears to have returned. Last season, Aldridge posted eight double-doubles in 11 playoff appearances. He had two 40-point games and two more 30-point games. During a five-game stretch in last year's playoffs, he swatted 16 shots. Aldridge knows how to step it up for the playoffs, and his Game 1 stat line of 32 points, 14 rebounds, and four blocks are a reminder of his incredible abilities.
Other suggestions: Tim Duncan, SA (at LAC), PF, ($7,700)
Center
Aron Baynes, SA (at LAC), C, ($3,300): Baynes hasn't produced as much as I usually look for to justify inclusion here, but I'm intrigued by his low price and steady workload. Baynes saw 20 minutes Sunday, and after his steadily increasing workloads throughout the season, that figure does not feel like a fluke. He barely did enough with that time to warrant mention here, but the upside is high, the risk-level low, and he should have plenty of opportunities.
Other suggestions: DeAndre Jordan, LAC (vs SA), C, ($8,400)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Dorell Wright (hand)
Game-Time Decision
Al Horford (finger) is expected to play Wednesday.
Darius Morris (illness) is a game-time decision.
Mirza Teletovic (chest) is probable.
Mike Conley (foot) is probable.
Arron Afflalo (shoulder) is questionable.
Tony Parker (ankle) is expected to play Wednesday.
Tiago Splitter (calf) is expected to play Wednesday.
