This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
DAILY ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid:
San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
This is difficult because there's no telling which players will be rested this close to the end of the season. So, for now the pick is the best defense on the board, which is also the best defense in the league. The Spurs have been stifling all season, and their subs have played enough minutes that their D should remain strong even if the starters sit.
Offenses to Use:
Miami Heat at Detroit Pistons
This is an unusual pick because both defenses are solid and the Heat are very good. However, both of these teams are some of the only ones with something left to play for. There is playoff seeding on the line, and the Heat are vying for home-court advantage, so this is a meaningful game. As such, there's a better chance that the main players are on the court and going all out than in other games.
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First game: Pistons, Pacers, Clippers, Grizzlies, Heat, 76ers, Spurs, Raptors
Second game: Thunder
DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Point Guard
Jerian Grant, NY at IND ($4,200): Grant has been starting in place of Jose Calderon, and he's settled into a nice groove, averaging 17.5 points, 4.0 boards, 3.5 assists and 2.0 steals in 34 minutes per game over his last two.
Other suggestions: Reggie Jackson, DET vs MIA ($6,400); Goran Dragic, MIA at DET ($6,700)
Shooting Guard
Dwyane Wade, MIA at DET ($6,300): Wade is the best shooting guard on the board with something to play for. DeMar DeRozan would have been the pick against a terrible 76ers defense, but there's a chance that he sits. Wade has been managing his time of late, but if he plays he should produce.
Other suggestions: Josh Richardson, MIA at DET ($3,800); DeMar DeRozan, TOR vs. PHI ($7,200)
Small Forward
Matt Barnes, MEM at LAC ($5400): Barnes is one of the primary producers on the Grizzlies now, averaging 18.8 points, 8.5 boards and 3.0 assists in 39 minutes per game over his last four. On Tuesday, he has a matc-up against his former team, which could be added motivation.
Other suggestions: Marcus Morris, DET vs. MIA ($5,100); Kawhi Leonard, SA vs. OKC ($8,200)
Power Forward
Nerlens Noel, PHI at TOR ($6,200): Noel has returned from injury, and is back up to full speed. In his last two games he has two double-doubles, averaging 17.5 points, 11.5 boards, 2.5 steals, 1.5 blocks and 1.5 assists in 38 minutes per outing.
Other suggestions: Myles Turner, IND vs. NY ($4,400); David West, SA vs. OKC ($4,100)
Center
Hassan Whiteside, MIA at DET ($8,700): Whiteside has been a beast of late, averaging 30.1 fantasy points per game over his last six, including 43.3 in his last outing.
Other suggestions: Andre Drummond, DET vs. MIA ($7,400); Ian Mahinmi, IND vs. NY ($4,500)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Jodie Meeks, DET (foot)
Brandan Wright, MEM (knee)
Tyler Johnson, MIA (shoulder)
Chris Bosh, MIA (blood clots)
Mitch McGary, OKC (personal)
Hollis Thompson, PHI (sickness)
Game-Time Decision
Paul George, IND (rest)
Paul Pierce, LAC (knee)
Tony Allen, MEM (hamstring)
Justise Winslow, MIA (ankle)
Jose Calderon, NY (quad)
Carl Landry, PHI (back)
Boris Diaw, SA (hip)
Tim Duncan, SA (rest)
Luis Scola, TOR (knee, rest)
