DFSGhost 
Tonight’s NBA slate will be altered by final injury reports. While rebuilding teams have many players ruled out, others are on the second half of a back-to-back. It’s a Wet Wednesday 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.
Chicago Bulls @ Detroit Pistons (+5.5)
Chicago Bulls (-5.5)
The Bulls are on the second half of a back-to-back, meaning this is a key injury report to monitor. Should one of Nikola Vucevic, Zach Lavine, or DeMar DeRozan end up sitting this game, the other two will quickly rise up the player rankings of this NBA slate. However, if all three suit up, Zach Lavine and DeMar DeRozan are the preferred targets. The two have had lackluster seasons, but this Pistons defense ranks 28th in the league. While they were stifled last night versus a stout Raptors defense last night, this Bulls offense will get back on track here.
Detroit Pistons (+5.5)
Injuries continue to riddle the rebuilding Pistons. Isaiah Stewart (hip) has been ruled out once again, while Jalen Duren (ankle) also remains out. However, Detroit should be able to get both Jaden Ivey (personal) and Bojan Bogdanovic (achilles) back in the lineup tonight. While the value remains in the frontcourt in the form of James Wiseman and Marvin Bagley III, their usage rates take a big hit with the returns of their teammates. Moreover, Killian Hayes, Alec Burks, and Hamidou Diallo round out the rotation, all of whom make for intriguing tournament plays in their own right.
Phoenix Suns @ Charlotte Hornets (+9.5)
Phoenix Suns (-9.5)
Kevin Durant is set to make his Suns debut tonight and the NBA will be on watch. The new super team in the league is set to all take the court together for the first time, as Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and Deandre Ayton are all set to suit up. However, this greatly impacts each one of their production in fantasy basketball. Durant is set to lead the charge on offense, as he always has, but both Chris Paul and Devin Booker need the ball in their hands to make a significant contribution to lineups. Thus, this is a wait-and-see approach, despite the excellent matchup.
Charlotte Hornets (+9.5)
One of the most key injuries on this NBA slate is the Hornets’ LaMelo Ball. The face of the franchise has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after fracturing his ankle in Monday’s win over Detroit. However, this creates more opportunity for others. If you think this game stays close, then Terry Rozier is a core piece to lineups. On the season, Rozier has posted 1.04 fantasy points per minute through a 26.6% usage rate. However, with Ball off the court, Rozier has posted 1.11 fantasy points per minute through an increased 30.1% usage rate. Should you go elsewhere in the mid range of the pricing grid over Rozier, Dennis Smith Jr. makes for an excellent pivot while still getting exposure to this offense.
Los Angeles Lakers @ Oklahoma City Thunder (+1.5)
Los Angeles Lakers (-1.5)
At the top of the pricing grid, no one is as important on this NBA slate as Anthony Davis. The Lakers are on the second half of a back-to-back, but essentially need every win they can get in order to make a playoff push. In the absence of LeBron James, AD simply won’t leave the court. After posting 28/19 with five blocks last night, Davis gets a matchup versus an OKC frontcourt that ranks 23rd in the league versus true centers and sits 26th in rebounding percentage.
Oklahoma City Thunder (+1.5)
With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander entering health and safety protocols, he is likely to miss tonight’s game versus the Lakers. Thus, as was mentioned in yesterday’s article, Josh Giddey makes for an excellent play on this NBA slate in the mid range of the pricing grid. While both he and Lu Dort plays a mere 40 minutes combined yesterday, this was because the two combined to be -60 in plus/minus differential. While the Thunder only lost to Sacramento by six points, it was the bench who carried them there. Do not expect a repeat performance here; get exposure to OKC in the form of Giddey, Joe, Dort, and Jalen Williams.
Honorable Mentions:
- Orlando Magic @ Milwaukee Bucks (-8.5)
- New Orleans Pelicans @ Portland Trail Blazers (-2.5)
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