DFSGhost 
For those that enjoy narratives in fantasy sports, this is one of the best slates of the year. Yesterday, the final list for the NBA All-Star game was released and there are notable omissions. Luckily, some of those players are taking the court tonight. It’s a Fajita Friday 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.
Sacramento Kings @ Indiana Pacers (+3.5)
Sacramento Kings (-3.5)
These two teams will be linked for quite some time, as two players dealt for one another are entering their respective primes. For the Kings, Domantas Sabonis earned a well-deserved All-Star nod last night. Leading the NBA in total rebounds and rebounds per game, he has been a force in his first full season with the organization. Tonight, he takes on his former team without De’Aaron Fox, who is out due to personal reasons. On the season, Sabonis carries a 20.9% usage rate and has posted 1.34 fantasy points per minute. With Fox off the court, Sabonis gets little to no increase, but a matchup versus an Indiana frontcourt that ranks 26th in the NBA versus true centers.
Indiana Pacers (+3.5)
The Pacers are on the second half of a back-to-back, meaning there could be additional names added to their final injury report. Last night, Tyrese Haliburton returned after missing a month of action, posting 26/2/12 against the Lakers. Should he be deemed fit to play tonight, he makes for an excellent tournament play. However, do not overlook Buddy Hield. In his last two games, Hield has seen a decrease in shot attempts and will handle the ball less with Haliburton back. However, Hield leads the NBA in three-pointers made this season and is in a matchup versus a Kings defense that ranks last in the league versus wings.
Charlotte Hornets @ Detroit Pistons (-1.5)
Charlotte Hornets (+1.5)
The secondary player at the top of the pricing grid alongside Domantas Sabonis is contingent on LaMelo Ball’s availability tonight. The Hornets have nothing to play for except a higher chance in the NBA Draft lottery, and Ball has dealt with his fair share of injuries this season. The team is on the second half of a back-to-back and Ball was ejected from last night’s game. Nonetheless, this is a terrific spot for one of the most entertaining players in the league. Over his last four games, Ball has averaged 20/9/8 on a mere 35.5% shooting. Moreover, a matchup versus a Pistons defense that ranks 29th in the league versus primary ball handlers sets the stage for Ball to flirt with a triple-double. Look for updates in Discord should he be ruled out.
Detroit Pistons (-1.5)
Until the Pistons make trades to contending teams, their rotation is not friendly for fantasy purposes. Bojan Bogdanovic continues to have an excellent season, with the backcourt carousel of Ivey, Hayes, and Burks limits upside. All four are in an excellent game environment versus a Hornets team that ranks 7th in the NBA in pace and 27th in defensive rating. They will be a steady source of production, but Jalen Duren is the primary target here. Taking over for Isaiah Stewart in the paint, Duren has seen 20 or more minutes in seven of his last eight appearances. Moreover, he has averaged 12.9/9.3/1 during that span, collecting over a steal and block, respectively, per game. The Hornets have been dreadful in the paint once again this season, ranking last in the NBA to opposing centers.
Honorable Mentions:
- Portland Trail Blazers @ Washington Wizards (-4.5)
- Toronto Raptors @ Houston Rockets (+5.5)
You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord
