DFSGhost 
There are a ton of good matchups on the NBA schedule tonight. Unfortunately for fans, many stars of the game have already been ruled out. However, this makes this slate interesting for fantasy purposes. It’s a Fajita Friday 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.
Brooklyn Nets @ New Orleans Pelicans (+4.5)
Brooklyn Nets (-4.5)
No NBA team is on a better run than the Nets. Before losing to the Bulls the other night, Brooklyn had strung together 12 wins in a row and are now 12-1 in their last 13 games. During that stretch, the duo of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving have been phenomenal. The two lead the team in usage rate at 32.1% and 30.9%, respectively. Moreover, they have combined for 59 points per game. With Zion Williamson out for the Pelicans, Kevin Durant has a tremendous matchup versus the Pelicans’ wings. However, Kyrie Irving has scored 20 or more points in 11 of the team’s last 13 games, averaging 28.9/6.1/5.1 on 52.9% shooting. The two will combine for a ton of shots tonight, and either one makes for a great play.
New Orleans Pelicans (+4.5)
In the absence of both Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans duo of CJ McCollum and Jonas Valanciunas will be two of the most rostered players on the NBA slate. However, expectations need to be tempered. The Nets are no longer a team that can be easily beat in their own half of the court. Over the last ten games, they have the third-best defensive rating in the league. Moreover, they are now a top-10 defense in the NBA. Despite the interior presences of Nic Claxton and Ben Simmons, Valanciunas has the higher upside between he and his teammate. Over his last six games, Valanciunas has four double-doubles and has averaged 12.7/11.2/1.8 on 44.9% shooting.
Washington Wizards @ Oklahoma City Thunder (-1.5)
Washington Wizards (+1.5)
This game will be overlooked on a large NBA slate and it really should not be. Not only is it one of the best game environments, but a key injury to Bradley Beal opens up this Washington rotation. The Thunder currently rank 26th in the NBA against true centers, and we want to exploit their interior defense. On the season, Kristaps Porzingis has a 27.5% usage rate and 1.28 fantasy points per minute. However, with Beal off the court, these increase to a 29.8% usage rate and 1.34 fantasy points per minute. If you are reluctant to commit to KP at the top of the pricing grid, Daniel Gafford makes for an intriguing tournament play, as does Rui Hachimura, only if Gafford (elbow) misses this game.
Oklahoma City Thunder (-1.5)
By now, everyone should know just how good Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been playing this season. He is far and away the top talent and fantasy player on a rebuilding Thunder team. However, similarly to Porzingis, there are other options if the salary is worrisome. In the absence of two frontcourt players, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Aleksej Pokusevski, the field has been searching for a replacement big man. However, it has been Josh Giddey that has reaped the benefits. Not only is he the leading rebounder on the team, but he has seen an increase in both scoring and usage rate. Over his last four games, Giddey has three 20-point efforts. Moreover, he has averaged 20.5/7.3/3.5 on 53.2% shooting, seeing a notable increase in shot attempts over his season average.
Los Angeles Clippers @ Minnesota Timberwolves (OTB)
Los Angeles Clippers (OTB)
I wanted to touch on this game because the Clippers are on the second half of a back-to-back. At the time of writing, Paul George is questionable for their game against the Nuggets. Moreover, Kawhi Leonard is a rest candidate on the second half of a back-to-back, as is John Wall, Nic Batum, and Marcus Morris. If the dominos fall with a lengthly injury report, this will be the spot for the majority of the value on a large NBA slate. Look for updates in Discord.
Minnesota Timberwolves (OTB)
There is no greater disappointment in the NBA than the Timberwolves. Despite the acquisition of Rudy Gobert in the offseason, Minnesota is actually performing worse on both ends of the court this season. However, with Karl-Anthony Towns still nursing a calf injury, there are many touches to go around on offense. Anthony Edwards will continue to lead the charge, however the Clippers boast two of the best defenders in the league in Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. Should both end up sitting, Edwards carries much more upside. Elsewhere, Rudy Gobert has been the primary cause for concern over this roster. However, with a friendly matchup against a Clippers defense that ranks 22nd against centers and 18th in points allowed in the paint, he makes for an intriguing pivot to a popular Jonas Valanciunas.
Honorable Mentions:
- Chicago Bulls @ Philadelphia 76ers (-4.5)
- New York Knicks @ Toronto Raptors (-3.5)
- Atlanta Hawks @ Los Angeles Lakers (+1.5)
You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord
