DFSGhost 
There are plenty of stars in tonight’s NBA action and just as much injury news to follow. Some key players have already been ruled out, while others’ confirmed availability, or lack thereof, can truly change the way your lineup looks when the slate locks. It’s a Mojito Monday edition of the Gems – let’s ride.
The availability of many crucial players tonight can shift the slate in a heartbeat. To name a few, the statuses of Chris Paul, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tyler Herro, and Jalen Green can alter lineups drastically. Moreover, OKC and Golden State are on the second halves of their back-to-backs, while Los Angeles and San Antonio are on the front end of theirs. 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.
Toronto Raptors @ Detroit Pistons (+4.5)
Toronto Raptors (-4.5)
With both Fred VanVleet (illness) and Pascal Siakam (adductor) out for tonight’s game, the Raptors will be popular. The main contributors, Scottie Barnes and OG Anunoby, are both going to carry the bulk of offensive touches, in addition to Gary Trent Jr. Moreover, there are pieces to this offense in all areas of the pricing grid. Thad Young and Otto Porter Jr. will likely garner interest if they start, as will Chris Boucher off the bench. Meanwhile, Malachi Flynn, Dalano Banton, and Juancho Hernangomez will round out the rotation off the bench. While preferences will depend on the DFS player, there is no way you can avoid this offense altogether on tonight’s NBA slate – it’s up to you to determine how you get exposure to it with the rest of your lineup.
Detroit Pistons (+4.5)
With Cade Cunningham (leg) out for tonight, plenty of offensive looks open up for others. Jaden Ivey has been the primary benefactor with Cunningham out of the lineup for two games this season. Ivey has seen an uptick in usage rate from 22.6% to 28% in this scenario, which leads the team. Moreover, Ivey has been far more efficient when assuming the role of the primary ball handler with Cunningham out rather than playing off the ball, seeing a 22% increase in three-point percentage. Other interest in this offense can come in the form of Saddiq Bey, Bojan Bogdanovic, or Isaiah Stewart, but do not overlook the upside of Killian Hayes and Alec Burks, should Cory Joseph (hip) be ruled out.
Atlanta Hawks @ Milwaukee Bucks (-4.5)
Atlanta Hawks (+4.5)
In what should be one of, if not the best game on the NBA slate, sparks will fly between two heavyweights in the Eastern Conference. If you are looking for a 1-2 punch with two studs at the top of the pricing grid, this is where you want to be. With Giannis likely making his return to the lineup tonight, the Bucks get the reinforcements they need to keep this one competitive.
Trae Young has more scoring upside and dominates the first unit, while Dejounte Murray excels on the glass and an elite combination of scoring and passing. Tonight, with Jrue Holiday out, the Bucks’ perimeter defense takes a hit. Thus, I’ll be turning to Trae Young as the primary ball handler. Leading the team with a 35.4% usage rate, notably 10% higher than Murray, Trae Young has a sizeable advantage over Jevon Carter. Additionally, Young not only sits 10th in the NBA in scoring, but also ranks 3rd in assists per game. Averaging 27.3/2.3/9.3 over his last four games, Young carries a low floor due to his lack of efficiency at times. However, the same scenario demonstrates an unmatched volume, in an offense he dominates, that is in the best game environment on the slate.
Milwaukee Bucks (-4.5)
While Jrue Holiday (ankle) has been ruled out for a third consecutive game, Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to make his return to the lineup. Should the perennial MVP candidate be without a minutes limit, it will be hard to ignore his upside. Carrying a 37.5% usage rate into tonight’s game, Giannis has posted a 31.8/12.2/5.3 scoring line on 54.2% shooting. While Atlanta ranking 23rd in the NBA in points allowed in the paint, Giannis is set to return in a tremendous game environment.
Honorable Mentions:
- Charlotte Hornets @ Orlando Magic (-1)
- Los Angeles Clippers @ Houston Rockets (+5.5)
- San Antonio Spurs @ Golden State Warriors (-8)
You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord
