DFSGhost 
With only two days remaining before the NBA All-Star weekend, expect a number of players to be ruled out. Moreover, many teams look to climb the standings, while others remain focused on getting healthier. 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.
San Antonio Spurs @ Charlotte Hornets (-5.5)
San Antonio Spurs (+5.5)
As the Spurs look to the NBA Draft, many of their players will be sitting games out. Tonight, Tre Jones has been ruled out for the sixth time over the team’s last seven games. Thus, Devonte’ Graham makes for an intriguing play in tournaments. Since arriving in San Antonio, Graham has logged 24 or more minutes in each game. Moreover, he has averaged 17.3/2/5 and is attempting over ten three-pointers per night. With the Hornets ranking 6th in pace and 25th in defensive rating, continue to ride the wave of attacking their game environments.
Charlotte Hornets (-5.5)
LaMelo Ball was highlighted in Monday’s article as an excellent play for NBA tournaments. Not only did he come through with little to no people rostering him, but he actually led the slate in scoring. Over his last three games, Ball has averaged 24/8/12.3 on 47.4% shooting. Moreover, the Spurs rank 28th in the league versus primary ball handlers, while being last in defensive rating.
Miami Heat @ Brooklyn Nets (+1.5)
Miami Heat (-1.5)
With Tyler Herro ruled out for a second straight game, look for the trio of Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Max Strus to be popular. Miami figures to be on a tight rotation once again, as Victor Oladipo, Kyle Lowry, and Nikola Jovic remain out. Jimmy Butler has been having a mediocre regular season, but is one of the best playoff performers in recent years. Moreover, he has scored 20 or more points in four of his last five appearances, averaging 23.8/6.8/5.8. While his point/dollar upside is limited given his place on the pricing grid, he figures to be a staple in balanced lineup construction tonight.
Brooklyn Nets (+1.5)
Newly arrived Spencer Dinwiddie has shifted the landscape of the Nets’ offense. Not only is he second on the team in usage rate since being traded, but he also has the highest scoring average and most assists. However, this rotation lacks appeal on such a large NBA slate. There is no need to force exposure here given the depth that Brooklyn now has.
Houston Rockets @ Oklahoma City Thunder (-9.5)
Houston Rockets (+9.5)
Kevin Porter Jr. remains out for the Rockets, meaning Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun will continue to lead this offense. Both players have taken significant leaps this season, but Green has tremendous upside with the sheer volume he has on a nightly basis. Over his last four games, Green has scored 27 or more points in three appearances, averaging 27/3.3/3.3 on 42.7% shooting. Moreover, he has taken over 20 field goal attempts per night during that stretch, leading the team by a significant margin. With such a high usage rate, Green is one of the best plays in the mid range of this NBA slate.
Oklahoma City Thunder (-9.5)
While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander takes a backseat to LaMelo Ball on this NBA slate, rostering the two together with Jalen Green is a tremendous start to a loaded backcourt. Soon to make his All-Star debut, the face of the Thunder franchise has been having a tremendous season. He is currently fifth in league scoring, averaging 30.9 points per game. Moreover, he has averaged 32/4.6/6.1 on 51.5% shooting over his last ten games. Houston currently ranks last in the league versus primary ball handlers, while having a 28th-ranked defense.
Honorable Mentions:
- Chicago Bulls @ Indiana Pacers (OTB)
- New York Knicks @ Atlanta Hawks (-2.5)
- New Orleans Pelicans @ Los Angeles Lakers (-3.5)
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