This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Defense to Avoid:
Miami Heat at Toronto Raptors
The Spurs are the best defense in the NBA and they play on Saturday, but they are facing the high-powered Thunder offense. The Raptors are also solid on offense, but they aren't the Thunder. Thus, they could have some trouble with a Heat defense that ranks first in the NBA against point guards (Kyle Lowry), fourth against shooting guards (DeMar DeRozan), 27th against small forwards, first against power forwards and 10th against centers.
Offense to Use:
Denver Nuggets vs. Washington Wizards
The Wizards aren't the worst defense on the board, but they aren't great either. Meanwhile, they are facing a Nuggets team with several productive, under-priced players. The Nuggets are at home so they have the altitude advantage, and the Wizards are on the second night of a back-to-back.
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First game: Hawks, Pacers, Bucks
Second game: Hornets, Pistons, Warriors, Rockets, Grizzlies, Heat, Pelicans, Thunder, Magic, 76ers, Trail Blazers, Wizards
Daily Player Recommendations
Point Guard
Emmanuel Mudiay, DEN vs WAS ($6,800): Mudiay has reached his level of late, averaging 40.5 fantasy points per game over his last five, and he has a solid Saturday matchup against the Wizards.
Other suggestions: Kemba Walker, CHA vs. HOU ($8,600); Damian Lillard, POR vs. ORL ($9,800)
Shooting Guard
Devin Booker, PHO at GSW ($6,100): Booker is averaging 43 fantasy points per game over his last three, and the Warriors are allowing the most fantasy points per game to shooting guards this season.
Other suggestions: Gary Harris, DEN vs. WAS ($5,100); Evan Fournier, ORL at POR ($6,100)
Small Forward
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL vs NOP ($8,700): Antetokounmpo has been playing as well as anyone in the league of late, averaging 52.5 fantasy points per game over his last five.
Other suggestions: Harrison Barnes, GSW vs. PHO ($4,400); Tobias Harris, DET at PHI ($6,200)
Power Forward
JaMychal Green, MEM at ATL ($6,000): Green is one of the few healthy players on the Grizzlies at this point, and he has taken advantage of his added opportunity, averaging 43 fantasy points per game over his last three. He has a plus matchup Saturday against a Hawks defense that has struggled against power forwards.
Other suggestions: Anthony Davis, NO at MIL ($9800), Aaron Gordon, ORL at POR ($7000)
Center
Nikola Jokic, DEN vs. WAS ($6,400): Jokic has scored at least 38.5 fantasy points in four straight games, with double-doubles in three of the four and a 20-point, nine-rebound effort in the other.
Other suggestions: Andre Drummond, DET at PHI ($7,900); Greg Monroe, MIL vs NOP ($6,200)
Injury Report
Out
Spencer Hawes, CHA (back)
Danilo Gallinari, DEN (ankle)
Spencer Dinwiddie, DET (ankle)
Jodie Meeks, DET (foot)
Festus Ezeli, GS (knee)
Mike Conley, MEM (Achilles)
Brandan Wright, MEM (knee)
Tyler Johnson, MIA (shoulder)
Chris Bosh, MIA (blood clots)
Greivis Vasquez, MIL (knee)
John Henson, MIL (back)
Alexis Ajinca, NO (chest)
Andre Roberson, OKC (ankle)
Dion Waiters, OKC (personal)
Elfrid Payton, ORL (elbow)
Nikola Vucevic, ORL (groin)
Robert Covington, PHI (head)
Jahlil Okafor, PHI (knee, season)
DeMarre Carroll, TOR (knee)
Bradley Beal, WAS (pelvis)
Game-Time Decision
Mike Scott, ATL (personal)
Andre Iguodala, GS (hamstring)
Andrew Goudelock, HOU (coach decision)
Terrence Jones, HOU (illness)
Vince Carter, MEM (leg)
Zach Randolph, MEM (knee)
Chris Andersen, MEM (shoulder)
Norris Cole, NO (back)
Jerami Grant, PHI (head)
Richaun Holmes, PHI (Achilles)
