DFSGhost 
Only eight teams take the court tonight but there is plenty of intrigue. Not only have multiple stars been ruled out, but NBA teams are dealing with a plethora of injuries. It’s a Taco Tuesday edition of the Gems – let’s ride.
There has already been plenty to notice on injury reports. Moreover, key players may be unavailable in addition to those already ruled out. Thus, 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 @ Philadelphia 76ers
Brooklyn Nets
With how shorthanded the 76ers are tonight, I will not be playing Kevin Durant nor Kyrie Irving. Rather, it is the return of Ben Simmons to Philadelphia that peaks my interest. Now, this can go one of two ways. Either he makes a statement or flops. At the time of writing, I’m leaning toward the former. In his last two games, Simmons has a modest usage rate of 18.3% but has been efficient at the center position. Averaging 18.5/10.5/6 on 89.5% shooting, his field goal attempts have been low, but are right near the basket. In the absence of Joel Embiid, it is Ben Simmons that has the most to prove tonight in a phenomenal individual matchup.
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers rotation will be the most popular on the NBA slate. Not only does James Harden remain out with a foot injury, but Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey have also been ruled out. Thus, the offense will belong to Tobias Harris, De’Anthony Melton, and Shake Milton. Moreover, PJ Tucker and Georges Niang are looking at heavy minutes in the frontcourt. Although he figures to be one of, if not the most rostered player on the slate, it will be hard to avoid Shake Milton tonight. Over his last two games, Milton has a 25.5% usage rate. Moreover, he has posted a 21/4.5/4 scoring line on 59.3% shooting, including 44.4% from deep.
Sacramento Kings @ Memphis Grizzlies
Sacramento Kings
November has been awfully kind to the Sacramento Kings. Not only are they currently 9-6 and holding down the 5th seed in the Western Conference, but they have been one of the best teams in the NBA lately. This month, the Kings are first in offensive rating and points per game, second in net rating and assists per game, and have the third best record in the league. Recently, De’Aaron Fox has been named Player of the Week and the Kings are now riding a six-game winning streak. Over that span, Fox has a team-leading 26.9% usage rate, resulting in a 24/4/8.7 scoring line on 57.7% shooting. With the Grizzlies ranked 22nd in defensive efficiency and struggling to contain primary ball handlers, Fox has a legitimate shot at leading the slate in scoring.
Memphis Grizzlies
With Ja Morant listed as doubtful tonight, both he and Desmond Bane figure to be on the sidelines. Thus, the offense will fall to Tyus Jones, John Konchar, Dillon Brooks, and Jaren Jackson Jr. However, due to recency bias in their latest game, the latter figures to be overlooked. In a mere two appearances this season after returning from a severe foot injury, Jackson Jr. has been efficient. Both of his games played came with Desmond Bane out of the lineup, but Ja Morant was playing. The reason I mention this is because, with Morant leading the team in usage rate in those games, Jackson Jr. is in line to do so tonight. In only 25 minutes per game, JJJ has posted a 16/9 scoring line on 33.33% shooting. Against a Sacramento defense that ranks 27th in the NBA in defensive efficiency, the Grizzlies are in a great spot tonight.
Detroit Pistons @ Denver Nuggets
Detroit Pistons
Another team dealing with multiple injuries is the rebuilding Pistons. Cade Cunningham remains out with a leg injury, while both Isaiah Stewart (toe) and Saddiq Bey (ankle) have also been ruled out for tonight. The duo of Jaden Ivey and Bojan Bogdanovic will lead the offense in the starting lineup, while Jalen Duren and Alec Burks will lead the bench unit. The former duo figures to be much more popular, but do not overlook the latter. In back-to-back games, both Duren and Burks have eclipsed 20 minutes. As a result, the have combined for 31.5 points per game. Moreover, despite not starting, Burks leads the team in usage rate over the last two games, while Duren leads the team in rebounds. On a small NBA slate, this game screams value.
Denver Nuggets
If you have played any NBA slate as of late, you already know the drill. The Nuggets have listed both Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray as doubtful tonight, meaning the team is not expecting either star to make a return to the lineup. Additionally, Jeff Green has been ruled out, while Aaron Gordon is at jeopardy of missing a fourth consecutive game. Thus, the Nuggets rotation will be on interest, should any combination of these players miss tonight’s game. No need to overthink this one: Bones Hyland, Bruce Brown, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, DeAndre Jordan, and Michael Porter Jr. should be in your player pool.
Honorable Mention:
- Los Angeles Lakers @ Phoenix Suns
You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord
