This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Phoenix Suns
In the spirit of New Year's resolutions, I'm going to skip the obvious "defense to avoid" (until you hear otherwise, just assume that you should always be avoiding the Warriors this season). The Suns are reeling; they have lost six straight, and Wednesday's loss to the Spurs was so bad that they were down 20 before the end of the first quarter. Only the 76ers have a worse record over their last 10 games, and over that span, their offense is the fourth-least efficient in the league. Meanwhile, the Thunder offense ranks first during the same period, and it is complemented by a slightly better than average defense. This game shows every indication of turning into an ugly blowout, but even if it stays close, it's hard to envision a scenario where the Suns' starters provide helpful fantasy value.
Offenses to Use
Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Frank Vogel's Pacers are typically known more for their defense, but their offense should grab daily gamers' attention Thursday. By nearly any meaningful metric, the Bucks' defense ranks among the league's bottom third: opponent points, field goal percentage, three point percentage, points per possession and more. The Pacers' offense is barely average, but they play at a fast pace and their opponent is about as favorable as they come.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game: None
Second game: Clippers, Pacers, Suns, Timberwolves, Trail Blazers, Warriors, Jazz
DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Point Guard
Shaun Livingston, GSW at HOU ($3,800): Livingston is a good value at this price point on his normal workload, but the injury to Stephen Curry (leg) should set Livingston up for some extra playing time. He got the starting nod Wednesday, and though he only played 20 minutes, that was in part because the Warriors were down big early, impacting their rotation.
Other suggestions: Russell Westbrook, OKC vs. PHO ($10,600); Ricky Rubio, MIN at DET ($6,500); Raul Neto, UTA vs POR ($3,200)
Shooting Guard
Monta Ellis, IND vs. MIL ($5,700): Ellis had shot better than 50 percent from the field in three straight games before Wednesday. Though he was less efficient for most of Wednesday's game, Ellis made some clutch shots late. And, as discussed above, the Pacers' offense is well-positioned to take advantage of the Bucks' anemic defense.
Other suggestions: Khris Middleton, MIL at IND ($6,400)
Small Forward
Kevin Durant, OKC vs PHO ($10,100): With few desirable options at small forward Thursday, I'll be turning towards Durant and his steady productivity. The only concern about rolling with Durant is the fear that he might see extra rest late if the Thunder starts running away with the game too early.
Other suggestions: Gordon Hayward, UTA vs. POR ($7,500); P.J. Tucker, PHO at OKC ($4,100)
Power Forward
Draymond Green, GSW at HOU ($9,300): How far are we willing to go when talking about Green's fantasy impact? Green is clearly a top-25 fantasy producer, but is he top-15? Top-10? Over his last 10 games, Green has averaged nearly 49 fantasy points per game – that's more than Chris Paul or James Harden during the same period.
Other suggestions: Jon Leuer, PHO at OKC ($5,600); John Henson, MIL at IND ($4,000)
Center
Meyers Leonard, POR at UTA ($4,100): Leonard is finally showing some of the production that analysts were projecting this offseason. After the many major departures from the Blazers' frontcourt, many expected Leonard to step in and provide value across many categories. Though it took him a while to find his groove, he seems to have located it. Over his past three contests, he is averaging 14.3 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and three three-pointers for 28.4 fantasy points per game.
Other suggestions: Karl-Anthony Towns, MIN at DET ($6,800); Cole Aldrich, LAC at NOP ($3,400).
INJURY REPORT
Out
Jodie Meeks, G, DET (foot)
Leandro Barbosa, G, GS (shoulder)
Harrison Barnes, F, GS (ankle)
Stephen Curry, G, GS (leg)
Festus Ezeli, C, GS (toe)
Kevon Looney, F, GS (hip)
Sam Dekker, F, HOU (back)
Jordan Hill, F, IND (mouth)
Blake Griffin, F, LAC (quad)
Damien Inglis, F, MIL (ankle)
Greivis Vasquez, G, MIL (ankle)
Nikola Pekovic, C, MIN (Achilles)
Quincy Pondexter, F, NO (knee)
Ronnie Price, G, PHO (toe)
Alec Burks, G, UTA (ankle)
Rudy Gobert, C, UTA (knee)
Game-Time Decision
Ian Mahinmi, C, IND (knee)
C.J. Miles, G, IND (back)
Damian Lillard, G, POR (foot)
Derrick Favors, F, UTA (back)
