This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defense to Avoid:
Chicago Bulls vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
This category is incredibly tough because it's so close to the end of the season. Team motivations, especially for those that already secured their playoff spots, could fluctuate wildly. The Bulls earn this spot for being an okay defensive team that is playing for their postseason lives, while the Cavs are a good defense that has absolutely nothing left to play for. Though no absences have been announced yet, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Cavs rest any of their players on any given day, which could further help the Bulls' defense.
Offense to Use:
Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Both of these teams are lottery-bound, bad defensive units with a bunch of value players that are producing regularly. There could be a lot of points scored, on both sides, in this game.
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First game: Warriors
Second game: Celtics, Grizzlies, Pelicans
DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Point Guard
Tim Frazier, NO vs. PHO ($5,200): Frazier is a consistent producer these days, averaging 36.5 fantasy points per game over his last six, and he now faces the worst point guard defense in the NBA.
Other suggestions: Seth Curry, SAC vs OKC ($4,100); Toney Douglas, NO vs PHO ($5,600)
Shooting Guard
Jimmy Butler, CHI vs CLE ($7,300): Butler is playing for his season on Saturday, as a Bulls loss guarantees that they miss the playoffs. His price is lower than his upside, and even against a Cavs defense that is tough on paper, he makes a viable play with the chance for big numbers.
Other suggestions: Devin Booker, PHO at NO ($6,900); Zach LaVine, MIN at POR ($5,700)
Small Forward
Luke Babbitt, NO vs PHO ($5,300): Babbit, like Frazier, has settled into a very consistent, productive groove for the Pelicans. In his last four games he has scored between 27.75 and 33.00 fantasy points, and in the one before that he popped for 46 fantasy points. As mentioned a few times now, the Suns defense is awful, so he is set up for another solid game.
Other suggestions: Mirza Teletovic, PHO at NO ($5,300); P.J. Tucker, PHO at NO ($5,100)
Power Forward
DeMarcus Cousins, SAC vs OKC ($10,300): The only question with Cousins is whether or not he will play. In the last 10 games in which he's played, Cousins has gone over 50 fantasy points six times, including three games over 60. His worst game in the stretch was 46.5 fantasy points. Cousins has sat a lot recently for "rest," but this is a home game, and if he plays he should be explosive.
Other suggestions: Nemanja Bjelica, MIN at POR ($3,400); Nikola Mirotic, CHI vs CLE ($5,500)
Center
Karl-Anthony Towns, MIN at POR ($8,800): This spot could have very easily gone to Tyson Chandler, who is a consistent threat for nearly 40 fantasy points and is playing in that Suns/Pelicans game. But Towns is finishing off one of the better rookie seasons in recent memory, and he's finishing it strong. He has scored over 40 fantasy points six times in the last 10 games, including three over 50, and he has a great chance to put up the best upside at the position Saturday.
Other suggestions: Tyson Chandler, PHO at NO ($5,300); Al Horford, ATL vs. BOS ($6,300)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Kent Bazemore, ATL (knee)
Mo Williams, CLE (knee)
Brandan Wright, MEM (knee)
Kevin Garnett, MIN (knee)
Nikola Pekovic, MIN (Achilles)
Ryan Anderson, NO (sports hernia)
Game-Time Decision
Kent Bazemore, ATL (knee)
Taj Gibson, CHI (ribs)
E'Twaun Moore, CHI (hamstring)
Norris Cole, NO (back)
Marco Belinelli, SAC (foot)
Omri Casspi, SAC (hamstring)
