DFSGhost 
Star-studded matchups and teams on the tail end of back-to-backs headline tonight’s action in the NBA. It’s a Thirsty Thursday 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.
Memphis Grizzlies @ Orlando Magic (+6.5)
Memphis Grizzlies (-6.5)
Both of these teams are on the second half of a back-to-back so things will get interesting on the defensive side of the ball. Steven Adams has been dominant on the glass as of late and gets a friendly matchup on both sides of the court. He has three double-doubles in his last four games, averaging 11/19/2.8 on 52.8% shooting. Moreover, the backcourt of Ja Morant and Desmond Bane will be able to work this offense in comfortable fashion, with the latter having a ton of upside on this small NBA slate.
Orlando Magic (+6.5)
The Magic rotations returns to full strength with everyone having served their suspensions. While Bol Bol missed last night’s game as expected, he is a strong candidate to sit once again tonight. Additionally, there are potential rest candidates in Wendell Carter Jr. and Jalen Suggs. There is intrigue to be had despite the tough matchup versus a Grizzlies defense that ranks second in the NBA. Look for updates in Discord once the final injury report comes through.
Utah Jazz @ Houston Rockets (+5.5)
Utah Jazz (-5.5)
This is the best game environment on the NBA slate. Utah comes into tonight having lost a heartbreaker to Sacramento and five straight games, but their offense has been tremendous, averaging 121 points over their last three. Malik Beasley was at the forefront of Tuesday’s article and he came through with 16/6/2 in 30 minutes of play for 33 fantasy points. He is once again in a great spot tonight with Collin Sexton out, as is the trio of Markkenen, Clarkson, and Conley.
Houston Rockets (+5.5)
On the second half of a back-to-back, Eric Gordon is a potential rest candidate for the Rockets. Should he miss this game, the bench gets awfully thin after Tari Eason. It won’t be the first time he’s mentioned and certainly won’t be the last: this is a tremendous spot for Alperen Sengun. On the season, the sophomore is averaging 14.3/8.5/2.6 on 55.1% shooting. With the Jazz ranked 29th in the NBA against centers, Sengun is set to dominate the paint on both ends of the floor.
Honorable Mentions:
- Boston Celtics @ Dallas Mavericks (+2.5)
- Los Angeles Clippers @ Denver Nuggets (-6.5)
You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord
