This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defense To Avoid
Dallas Mavericks, vs. Philadelphia 76ers: The Mavs give up the fourth-fewest points per game (100.1) on the season, while also causing the third-most turnovers (14.9). Meanwhile, the Sixers turn the ball over at the highest rate in the league (16.4), and are shooting just 43.9 percent on the road this season. The Mavs have also given up an average of just 88.3 points in their last three home contests, a stretch that includes holding the Cavs to 97 points in their most recent win.
Offense To Use
Golden State Warriors, vs. Charlotte Hornets: The Warriors continue to score the most points per game (118.0) overall, and are even more prolific at home (122.1 points). The Hornets will be playing their fourth game in six nights, with Wednesday's game being their third straight on the West Coast. The Warriors also exploded for 144 points against the Clippers in their most recent home tilt and have scored no less than 121 points in their last four contests at Oracle Arena, overall.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: Hawks, Warriors, Clippers
Second game of a back-to-back: Raptors, Knicks, Pelicans, Nuggets, Hornets, Thunder
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Isaiah Thomas, TOR at BOS ($9,500): Thomas continues to see sky-high usage in Avery Bradley's continued absence, and he's scored between 50.25 and 60.25 fantasy points in five of the last six games. Those returns make him a veritable bargain at several hundred dollars under five figures. He'll draw a solid matchup Wednesday, as despite Kyle Lowry's defensive reputation, the Raptors have allowed 53.9 fantasy points per game to point guards, along with the sixth-most points (24.0) and highest field-goal percentage (47.3) to the position.
Austin Rivers, LAC at PHO ($6,100): With such a large slate Wednesday, there are plenty of appealing options in the mid-tier, including Devin Booker ($7,000), Klay Thompson ($6,800), Dion Waiters ($6,800), Zach LaVine ($6,600), Reggie Jackson ($6,500), Elfrid Payton ($6,400) and Dennis Schroder ($6,300). Rivers checks in as the least expensive option of that bunch, and he has argiably the best matchup. The Suns have given up 55.4 fantasy points per game to point guards, along with the second-most points (25.3) and third-most three-pointers (2.6) per contest. Rivers continues to see extended run in Chris Paul's stead, and although he scored a rather underwhelming 23.5 fantasy points in his Sunday's blowout loss to Golden State, he'd managed 41.5 and 30.0 fantasy points in the two games prior.
Yogi Ferrell, DAL vs. PHI ($4,000): For those needing to go a bit cheaper, Marco Belinelli ($3,800), C.J. Watson ($3,800), Vince Carter ($3,600), Gerald Henderson ($3,600), Jamal Murray ($3,500) and Isaiah Whitehead ($3,500) all make for interesting plays. However, Ferrell, while a tad more expensive, is likely to get another start in place of Deron Williams due to the latter's toe injury. He's already tallied 26.5 and 38.25 fantasy points, respectively, in his first two go-arounds with the first unit, and could be primed for more of the same Wednesday. The Sixers also give up the third-most fantasy points to point guards over the last five games (62.0), along with the fifth-highest field-goal percentage (45.1).
Kevin Durant, GS vs. CHA ($10,000): LeBron James ($10,200) is always viable as well, but Durant checks in at a slight savings and a highly appealing matchup. The Hornets have been increasingly vulnerable to small forwards, and have been a bottom-10 defense against the position over the last five games (46.9 fantasy points per contest). They've also surrendered the eighth-most points (20.5) per game to the position on the season, and Durant is averaging 50.5 fantasy points at Oracle Arena this season.
Gordon Hayward, UTA vs. MIL ($6,600): Harrison Barnes ($6,300), Jae Crowder ($6,200), Serge Ibaka ($6,100), James Johnson ($5,800), Norman Powell ($5,500) and Dirk Nowitzki ($5,000) are also all viable choices that check in less expensive than Hayward, but the Jazz star's price makes him highly appealing in his own right. Hayward has scored 31.75 and 33.0 fantasy points, respectively, over the last two games. He brings plenty of upside – as evidenced most recently by his three games over the 40-fantasy point mark in the last 10 – and has averaged 37.2 fantasy points over 22 home games this season. The Bucks also yield the second-most fantasy points (46.9) and points (22.3) to small forwards, along with the most assists (3.9) and three-pointers (2.9) to the position as well.
Rodney McGruder, MIA vs. ATL ($3,100): McGruder is averaging a solid 25.5 minutes over the last six games, and 26.4 fantasy points over two contests against the Hawks this season. He's scored between 17.75 and 21.75 fantasy points over the last three games, and Atlanta has surrendered the second-most fantasy points (42.0) to shooting guards over the last five games.
Andre Drummond, DET vs. NO ($7,900): Although Karl-Anthony Towns ($10,600) and Anthony Davis ($10,500) sit atop the center pool Wednesday, Drummond may well prove to be the best fantasy point-per-dollar play at the position Wednesday. He's exploded for 54.5 and 69.0 fantasy points in the last two games, averaging 17 shot attempts and 21 rebounds in those contests. The Pelicans have also been a sieve against centers this season, giving up the fourth-most fantasy points (48.5) to the position on the season, the third-most (55.7) over the last five games, and the most rebounds (17.0) per contest as well.
Jonas Valanciunas, TOR at BOS ($5,400): DeMar DeRozan will miss another game Wednesday with his sore ankle, and Valanciunas' usage rate is a solid 19.8 percent with the former off the floor this season. He also posted 36.5 fantasy points against the Pelicans on Tuesday without DeRozan, and has averaged 34.1 fantasy points over two previous games against the Celtics this season.
Kyle O'Quinn, NY at BKN ($3,400): Knicks starter Joakim Noah continues to log very modest minutes totals on most nights, while O'Quinn has been the much more efficient option. He's scored between 26.0 and 32.0 fantasy points in the last three games, while averaging 19.6 minutes in those contests. He's hauled in double-digit rebounds in two of those outings, as well, and will face a Nets defense that's given up the third-most fantasy points (49.0) to centers this season.
INJURY REPORT
For the latest news on injured players heading into the games, check out our Injury Updates page.
