This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
Team Analysis
Defense to Avoid
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Brooklyn Nets
The Jazz and the Grizzlies are both in the conversation for toughest defenses due to their quality and slow pace that they play. However, the Jazz are on the road in the second game of a back-to-back while Memphis has had a day to rest and is at home. The Nets are not a strong offensive team anyway (they were held to 75 points on 40.3 percent shooting by the Spurs on Friday night), they are in the second night of a back-to-back and their best offensive player, Brook Lopez, will have to contend with former Defensive Player of the Year Marc Gasol.
Offense to Use
Phoenix Suns at Portland Trail Blazers
The Trail Blazers gave up 110 points to these same Suns on Friday even with the Suns throttled down in the second half due to the blowout. The Blazers are likely to play better at home, but that just means the game might be more competitive and the Suns get to play their main guys more. The Trail Blazers don't project to be a good defensive team, but instead one that might try to outscore their opponents, which works right to the Suns' offensive favor.
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First game: None
Second game: Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards
Point Guard
Ish Smith vs. GSW ($4,500): Smith was a late addition for the Pelicans just before the season started, but he has taken over. With their entire backcourt struggling with injury, there was an opening for a young lead guard to blossom. Eric Gordon has been strong, but Smith has come out of nowhere to grab his share of the action. Smith is averaging 12.0 points, 8.5 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 2.5 turnovers per game through the first two, which includes a road game against the very Warriors team that Smith will be playing against at home on Saturday.
Other suggestions:C.J. McCollum vs. PHX ($6,600), George Hill vs. UTA ($6,000)
Shooting Guard
Eric Gordon vs. GSW ($5,300): As mentioned above, the Pelicans are decimated by injuries in their backcourt and need lead guards to take over. Gordon is the most talented healthy guard on the roster, averaging 17.0 points, 3.5 assists, 3.0 boards, 2.5 3-pointers and a steal over the first two games.
Other suggestions:Bradley Beal vs. NYK ($6,200), Eric Bledsoe at POR ($7,300)
Small Forward
Otto Porter vs. NYK ($4,800): I'm tempted to put Paul George here, as he is more of a sure thing despite the high price tag. Porter is the riskier play, especially after he had a bit of a clunker Friday, but he is getting big minutes and has a strong all around game (eight boards, seven points, five assists and two steals in his opener). He also will be facing the Knicks on Saturday, another weak defense that can be exploited.
Other suggestions:Paul George vs. IND ($8,100), Rodney Hood at IND ($3,900)
Power Forward
Kristaps Porzingis at WAS ($4,500): I came really close to putting Kyle O'Quinn in this space, as he's had back-to-back near 30-fantasy-point games with nearly identical production. But role-wise, Porzingis is just the surer thing at a price point that isn't much higher. Porzingis has looked very comfortable in his first two games and faces a Wizards team that doesn't have the length to bother his shot nor a big man mobile enough to stay with him on the perimeter.
Other suggestions:Kyle O'Quinn at WAS ($3,700), Blake Griffin vs. SAC ($9,500), Anthony Davis vs. GSW ($10,400)
Center
Ian Mahinmi vs. UTA ($3,900): Mahinmi is a risk, but he's had consecutive strong games at a very low price. I started to pick him up before his last game, and kicked myself when I didn't, and taking a chance with a sub-$4,000 player or two gives you the flexibility to go for higher priced players at other positions.
Other suggestions:Rudy Gobert at IND ($7,100), DeMarcus Cousins at LAC ($10,000)
Injury Report
Out
Andrew Bogut (concussion)
Tyreke Evans (knee)
Norris Cole (ankle)
Willie Reed (thumb)
Chris McCullough (knee)
Quincy Pondexter (knee)
Jarell Martin (foot)
Kevon Looney (hip)
Game-Time Decision
Gerald Henderson (hip)
Cliff Alexander (knee)
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (limping)
Luke Babbitt (hamstring)
Omer Asik (calf)
Louis Amundson (back)
Arron Afflalo (hamstring)
Kevin Seraphin (knee)
