DFSGhost 
After last night’s NBA slate was turned on its head with many stars ruled out, expect more of the same tonight. Key players are already on their respective team’s injury reports, while others will surely join them. It’s a Taco Tuesday edition of the Gems – let’s ride.
Be sure to use our proprietary NBA projections and cheat sheet to build your lineups as the news rolls in. Moreover, join the conversation in the Win Daily Discord to get the insight you need from both subscribers and staff.
Utah Jazz @ Dallas Mavericks (-6.5)
Utah Jazz (+6.5)
This NBA slate will have plenty of value but the Jazz rotation will go overlooked. In the absence of Collin Sexton, there is amply opportunity for both Kris Dunn and Ochai Agbaji to thrive. Yes, Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson will lead the charge on offense, but the two will get plenty of action in a thin rotation. Since signing a 10-day contract, Kris Dunn has been phenomenal. The former Providence standout has averaged 13/3.4/4.2 on 54.9% shooting in five appearances, while being the first man off the bench. Moreover, a standout 3-and-D wings in this year’s NBA Draft, Agbaji is finally getting the opportunity he deserves. Over his last seven appearances, he has averaged 28.4 minutes per game. Moreover, this has resulted in a 11.7/2.4/1.6 scoring line, where he has scored in double digits in four of seven appearances.
Dallas Mavericks (-6.5)
While Luka Doncic does not have to be the one taking the final shot anymore, this backcourt duo is awfully enticing on this NBA slate. Make no mistake about it, Doncic has the clear ceiling between the two, given his edge in rebounding and passing the ball. However, Kyrie Irving has quietly been dominant in his short stint with the Mavericks. Over his nine appearances with the team, he ranks third in usage rate at 27.5% and second in scoring with 27.4 points per game. Moreover, he has averaged 27.4/5/7 on a ridiculous 52/41/92 shooting split, which places him in the elusive 50/40/90 club. This matchup is also great for Irving, as Utah struggles mightily off the ball, ranking 25th in net defensive rating versus secondary ball handlers.
Memphis Grizzlies @ Los Angeles Lakers (-2.5)
Memphis Grizzlies (+2.5)
Despite the return of Dillon Brooks after serving his one-game suspension, the Grizzlies are missing many key players tonight. Ja Morant remains out of the lineup, as do both Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke in the frontcourt. While he no longer at the very bottom of the pricing grid, no NBA lineup construction should begin without Tyus Jones. Coming off a 25/3/12 game against the Clippers, Jones has been phenomenal in ten starts this season. During those appearances, he has averaged 19.4/3.5/8.1 on 53.1% shooting. The Lakers rank 28th in the NBA versus primary ball handlers, setting the stage for Jones to be a focal point of lineups once again.
Los Angeles Lakers (-2.5)
There is a lot of uncertainty at the top of the pricing grid. However, this NBA slate adds a second candidate, in addition to Luka Doncic, at the very top: Anthony Davis. While his rebounding numbers have been taking a dip for multiple years in a row, AD is still an elite scorer and interior defender. Against a Memphis frontcourt that will be without both Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke, Davis will be able to dominate the paint on both ends of the floor. Coming off back-to-back 30-point efforts, where he averaged 38.5/6.5/4 across 35 minutes per game, Davis will lead the charge once again for the Lakers.
Honorable Mentions:
- Washington Wizards @ Detroit Pistons (+6.5)
- Brooklyn Nets @ Houston Rockets (+7.5)
- Golden State Warriors @ Oklahoma City Thunder (+4.5)
You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord
