This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
Team Analysis
Defense to Avoid:
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons
I would be crazy to advise you to avoid the Atlanta Hawks defense against a somewhat struggling Warriors squad on the road, right? Of course, so the matchup that makes the most sense is obviously the Pistons on the road against the Cavs. Cleveland has held two straight opponents to under 100 points and this game should have one of the lower over/under totals prior to tip. The Pistons aren't a team that thrives in the paint, which plays to the Cavaliers' strength of defending the perimeter and wings.
Offense to Use:
Boston Celtics at Minnesota Timberwolves
The thing I love about the Celtics is the way they like to spread things around. To some, this may be a bad thing, but if you're considering stacking a lineup, the Celtics are a decent option against a light T-Wolves defense. Nobody on Boston's roster is going to break the bank in DraftKings, so going with a stack of Isaiah Thomas ($7,800), Avery Bradley ($5,200) and Jae Crowder ($5,700) would still give you plenty of flexibility when constructing your lineup.
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First game: none
Second game: Celtics, Cavaliers, Pistons, Pacers, Lakers, Suns, Raptors
Daily Player Recommendations
Point Guard
Michael Carter-Williams, MIL vs. LAL ($6,000): MCW is the chalk play at point guard Monday. The Lakers haven't been able to defend the PG position all season, allowing 50 DraftKings points per game to opposing floor generals. Normally I'd opt for higher priced point guards like Steph Curry, Chris Paul and Kyrie Irving, but all of them have question marks Monday, be it injuries or matchups. Carter-Williams is a perfect cash-game play, having scored at least 30 fantasy points in three of his past four games.
Other suggestions: Kyle Lowry, TOR at NY ($8,300); Dennis Schroder, ATL vs. GS ($5,500)
Shooting Guard
Kyle Korver, ATL vs. GS ($4,400): There are a lot of "irrational confidence" guys at shooting guard Monday, but the one with the longest track record is easily Korver, who has scored 20 or more fantasy points in five straight games and should be able to find the back of the net from distance at least three times in this contest. He's a solid tournament play and has shown an improved floor of late, which absolves a bit of the risk. The Warriors should push the Hawks' pace up and force them to take more shots than usual.
Other suggestions: J.J. Redick, LAC vs. PHO ($4,900); J.R. Smith, CLE vs. DET ($5,300)
Small Forward
Jae Crowder, BOS at MIN ($5,700): Crowder was mentioned in the above stack for plenty of reasons, one being his consistency. He's averaging nearly 30 fantasy points per game this season, but has seen his price plummet after a rough patch. Well, Crowder appears to be over that rough patch considering he's posted 20 or more fantasy points in four straight games. He's an incredibly safe pick for cash games and makes for a decent stacking partner in tournaments.
Other suggestions: Shabazz Muhammad, MIN vs. BOS ($4,100); Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL vs. LAL ($7,100)
Power Forward
Jabari Parker, MIL vs. LAL ($5,900): It always smart to go with the players who are trending up. Parker's salary has jumped $700 since Friday, so I'd say he's definitely trending in the right direction. He's set new career high in points in each of his last two games while combining for 89.5 fantasy points. If that doesn't sell you, the Bucks are eight-point favorites in a game with an over/under around 208. The Lakers should help bump Parker's salary up even more.
Other suggestions: Draymond Green, GS at ATL ($8,900); Tristan Thompson, CLE vs. DET ($5,500)
Center
Hassan Whiteside, MIA vs. IND ($7,400): With Chris Bosh out of the lineup Saturday, Whiteside had 25 points and 23 rebounds in 29 minutes off the bench. Expect Whiteside to return to the starting lineup and build off this performance in a game where the Heat may be without their top two scoring options. Whiteside -- along with Luol Deng -- should see a nice boost on the offensive end while also getting a few more opportunities for rebounds. Chances are the matchup and price won't scare too many owners away, but that doesn't mean Whiteside should be faded in tournaments.
Other suggestions: Karl-Anthony Towns, MIN vs. BOS ($8,500); DeAndre Jordan, LAC vs. PHO ($7,600)
Injury Report
Out
Blake Griffin, LAC (hand)
Chris Bosh, MIA (calf)
Brandon Knight, PHO (groin)
Kelly Olynyk, BOS (shoulder)
Festus Ezeli, GSW (knee)
Rodney Stuckey, IND (ankle)
DeMarre Carroll, TOR (knee)
Austin Rivers, LAC (hand)
Tyler Johnson, MIA (shoulder)
Jerryd Bayless, MIL (knee)
Greivis Vasquez, MIL (ankle)
Game-Time Decision
Chris Paul, LAC (thigh)
Kyrie Irving, CLE (illness)
Dwyane Wade, MIA (knee)
Tyson Chandler, PHO (shoulder)
Iman Shumpert, CLE (shoulder)
C.J. Miles, IND (calf)
Channing Frye, CLE (trade)
Andrew Bogut, GSW (achilles)
Kevin Garnett, MIN (knee)
Nemanja Bjelica, MIN (foot)
Marcus Thornton, DET (trade)
Donatas Motiejunas, DET (back/trade)
