This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Defense to Avoid:
Utah Jazz at Minnesota Timberwolves
The Jazz have a stifling defense, especially when Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors are healthy and playing (which they are right now). In addition, the Timberwolves are on the second night of a back-to-back and just finished a grueling double-overtime thriller Friday. While the Wolves have young legs, even they may be tired Saturday.
Offense to Use:
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers' defense has struggled all season and their best defender, Nerlens Noel, is dealing with injury and may not be able to play. The only thing that might limit the Trail Blazers is if the game is a blowout, but the 76ers have a knack for keeping games close enough for big fantasy production.
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First game: Pacers, 76ers
Second game: Hawks, Hornets, Pistons, Bucks, Timberwolves, Magic, Suns, Spurs, Raptors
Daily Player Recommendations
Point Guard
Isaiah Thomas, BOS at PHO ($7,700): Thomas has averaged 38.4 fantasy points per game over his last five and has an excellent matchup against a Suns defense that is allowing the most fantasy points per game to point guards this season.
Other suggestions: Derrick Rose, CHI at ORL ($6,000); Elfrid Payton, ORL vs. CHI ($5,400); Tim Frazier, NOP vs. TOR ($4,000); Patty Mills, SA at OKC ($3,500); Damian Lillard, POR vs. PHI ($9,300)
Shooting Guard
C.J. McCollum, POR vs. PHI ($6,900): McCollum has averaged 36.1 fantasy points per game over his last five, and is facing a 76ers defense that struggles guarding every position.
Other suggestions: Khris Middleton, MIL vs. CHA ($6,500); Devin Booker, PHO vs. BOS ($6,400); Danny Green, SAS at OKC ($3,800)
Small Forward
Tobias Harris, DET vs. ATL ($6,000): Harris has been good for about 30 fantasy points per game over his last six outings, and on Saturday faces a Hawks defense that is 27th in the NBA against small forwards.
Other suggestions: P.J. Tucker PHO vs BOS ($4,700); Kyle Anderson, SAS at OKC ($3,300); Jonathon Simmons, SAS at OKC ($3,000)
Power Forward
Jon Leuer, PHO vs. BOS ($4,500): Leuer disappointed a bit Friday (seven points, four rebounds in 16 minutes because of foul trouble), but he averaged 40 fantasy points per game in his two prior games. He is still in line for extra minutes with Tyson Chandler dealing with a back injury, and the Celtics are undersized up front.
Other suggestions: Kevin Love, CLE at NYK ($6700); David West, SAS at OKC ($3,300); Derrick Favors, UTA at MIN ($6,900); Boris Diaw, SAS at OKC ($3,100)
Center
Alexis Ajinca, NOP vs. TOR ($3,500): Ajinca got the start Thursday against the Pacers and responded with 22 points and nine rebounds in 36 minutes. The Pelicans are decimated up front, so Ajinca has the opportunity to carve out a niche for himself at a low price.
Other suggestions: Mason Plumlee, POR vs.PHI ($5,000); Andre Drummond, DET vs. ATL ($7,700); Al Horford, ATL at DET ($6,700)
Injury Report
Out
Jae Crowder, BOS (ankle)
E'Twaun Moore, CHI (hamstring)
Jodie Meeks, DET (foot)
Greivis Vasquez, MIL (ankle)
Kevin Garnett, MIN (knee)
Nikola Pekovic, MIN (Achilles)
Norris Cole, NO (back)
Ryan Anderson, NO (groin)
Kyle Singler, OKC (back)
Ersan Ilyasova, ORL (collarbone)
Nikola Vucevic, ORL (groin)
Tyson Chandler, PHO (back)
Tony Parker, SAS (rest)
Manu Ginobili, SAS (rest)
Kawhi Leonard, SAS (rest)
LaMarcus Aldridge, SAS (rest)
Tim Duncan, SAS (rest)
Terrence Ross, TOR (hand)
DeMarre Carroll, TOR (knee)
Alec Burks, UTA (ankle)
Game-Time Decision
Pau Gasol, CHI (knee)
Jrue Holiday, NO (toe)
Lance Thomas, NY (knee)
Victor Oladipo, ORL (wrist)
Nerlens Noel, PHI (knee)
Brandon Knight, PHO (illness)
