DFSGhost 
On small NBA slates, lineup construction and contest selection are crucial. There have already been a few key injuries to alter the landscape of the field, and more are surely to come. It’s a Mojito Monday 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.
Detroit Pistons @ Charlotte Hornets (-6.5)
Detroit Pistons (+6.5)
While this game does not have the star power of others, it will be crucial to lineup construction on this NBA slate. The Pistons hold two of the most important injuries to monitor: Bojan Bogdanovic and Isaiah Stewart. The two have been labeled as questionable, and this rotation is riddled with value if one or both end up missing this game. In the absence of Bogdanovic, the trio of Jaden Ivey, Killian Hayes, and Hamidou Diallo will see more offensive looks. Moreover, if Stewart misses this game, the duo of Marvin Bagley and James Wiseman will be two of the best plays in the field versus a dreaded Charlotte frontcourt.
Charlotte Hornets (-6.5)
While most will presumably flock to the best star on this NBA slate in the next game, pairing him with LaMelo Ball is awfully intriguing. Detroit currently ranks 29th in the league versus primary ball handlers and Ball has been terrific lately. Over his last six games, Ball has posted 20 or more points in four appearances. Moreover, he has averaged 25.2/8.8/11.3 on 42.9% shooting during that span, while attempting over 11 three-pointers per night.
Boston Celtics @ New York Knicks (+4.5)
Boston Celtics (-4.5)
There is no way around playing Jayson Tatum tonight. He is awfully placed on the pricing grid in the absence of Jaylen Brown (personal), who is set to miss this game at MSG. On the season, Tatum leads the team with a 33% usage rate and 1.40 fantasy points per minute. However, with Brown off the court, Tatum carries an increased 35.5% usage rate and relatively similar production. The point/dollar upside is big versus a Knicks team that ranks 27th in the NBA to ball-handling wings.
New York Knicks (+4.5)
While the duo of Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson will lead this offense, the gem of this offense comes off the bench. Since the acquisition of Josh Hart from Portland, many figured that one of RJ Barrett or Immanuel Quickley would suffer in a lack of playing time. However, the latter has simply been terrific. Over his last seven games, Quickly has scored in double digits in every one of them. Moreover, he has averaged 14.7/42.6 on 52.8% shooting during that span, while logging over 27 minutes per contest.
Honorable Mentions:
- Miami Heat @ Philadelphia 76ers (-6.5)
- Orlando Magic @ New Orleans Pelicans (-4.5)
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