DFSGhost 
With only two games on yesterday’s NBA schedule, today is filled with great spots and individual talent. It’s a Fajita Friday edition of the Gems – let’s ride.
One thing I want to clarify based on the questions I have received over the past few years is that I will never list a player under the $5,000 price tag simply because I use the projection model to identify all targets in this range and below. While there are often plenty of options that I like at $5,000 and less, since I often find myself with not only one – but multiple – in my NBA DFS lineups, you all have access to the very model I use to make my own selections, so when asking yourself: “Should I use player X or player Y?”, make sure to check the model because that is how I make all of my own decisions and I truly ride or die by it on a daily basis.
Before running to the DraftKings, FanDuel, or Yahoo lobby to construct your NBA DFS lineup after reading this article, please make sure to utilize the abundance of tools we have at Win Daily:
Indiana Pacers @ OKC Thunder
Another NBA slate where we need to be taking advantage of a depleted Pacers rotation. While Domantas Sabonis has been upgraded to questionable for this one after participating in practice on Thursday, Indiana is still without Myles Turner, Malcolm Brogdon, and TJ McConnell. Although Caris LeVert is coming off a foul-troubled performance, he remains a key focus for us, as he takes over the Pacers offense as the primary ball handler. Otherwise, should Sabonis remain out for this one, Goga Bitadze would get the bulk of the minutes at the ‘5’ versus an OKC team that ranks 25th in the NBA in rebounding.
On the flip side of this game, it should be no surprise that my main target is none other than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who continues to be on an impressive run. Having scored 20 or more points in seven of his last eight, SGA has sported a 32.8% usage rate during that stretch, posting a 27.8/5.4/7.3 scoring line on 48.4% shooting. Taking on an Indiana defense that is 24th in the NBA versus opposing primary ball handlers with Malcolm Brogdon out of the lineup, there is no slowing SGA down tonight.
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Phoenix Suns
The Timberwolves are on the second half of a back-to-back after a loss to the Warriors, and while the status of Patrick Beverley remains up in the air, we know where the offensive production comes from: Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, and D’Angelo Russell. However, the latter left last night’s game with a shin injury and did not return, so should DLo be ruled out of this one, we can turn to Jaylen Nowell as a value play for this NBA slate, especially if Beverley misses once again.
With the number of injuries the Suns have right now, both of these rotations are going to be tight and we need exposure to them. On the Phoenix side of the ball, they will once again be without Deandre Ayton, Jae Crowder, Cam Payne, and JaVale McGee, whereby Chris Paul and Devin Booker will be playing north of 36 minutes each again tonight, making them elite plays on an NBA slate where they face a Minnesota team that ranks 4th in pace. To round out the rotation, Bismack Biyombo, Cam Johnson, and Mikal Bridges will all see a ton of minutes, as the starting 5 will carry the Suns in this one. Don’t overthink it.
Honorable Mentions:
- Boston Celtics @ Atlanta Hawks
- LA Lakers @ Charlotte Hornets
- Portland Trail Blazers @ Houston Rockets
You can find us on Twitter @DFS_Ghost and @Bucn4life
