DFSGhost 
NBA slates will be turned upside down until the trade deadline. Thus, it is imperative to monitor injury reports, both before and after the slate locks. It’s a Taco Tuesday edition of the Gems – let’s ride.
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Atlanta Hawks @ New Orleans Pelicans (-2.5)
Atlanta Hawks (+2.5)
Trae Young missed the team’s last game but is set to return tonight. Thus, he is one of the most intriguing options on this slate. Over his last seven appearances, Young has scored 20 or more points. Moreover, he has averaged 26.3/3.1/10 on 46.3% shooting. The Pelicans rank second in the NBA versus pick-and-roll offenses, but Trae Young is one of the best in the league to do it and will be counted on to shoulder the load on offense versus a defense that ranks 26th in defensive rating over their last five games.
New Orleans Pelicans (-2.5)
Brandon Ingram missed quite some time for the Pelicans but has come back into the fold. Over his first two games of the month, Ingram has averaged 30.5/7/5.5 on 52.1% shooting. Moreover, he leads the team in field goal attempts during those games, while also leading them in usage rate. Carrying a 36.5% usage rate in this month, Ingram makes for one of the best plays in the mid range of the pricing grid on this NBA slate.
Chicago Bulls @ Memphis Grizzlies (-6.5)
Chicago Bulls (+6.5)
The Bulls are on the second half of a back-to-back and this is a key injury report to monitor. Not only are their players potential rest candidates, but they are also the subject of trade rumors. However, should he suit up, Zach Lavine has a tremendous matchup versus Desmond Bane and is a prime candidate in the mid rage of the pricing grid on this NBA slate. On the season, the latter has a 112.4 net defensive rating, which is second-worst amongst starters. Moreover, Lavine is second in both usage rate and scoring over the team’s last five games, averaging 22.8/6.6/4.2 on 50.6% shooting. The Bulls need to rally wins to make a playoff run, or their Big 3 is doomed to be broken up.
Memphis Grizzlies (-6.5)
The Grizzlies will get both Ja Morant (wrist) and Dillon Brooks (suspension) back in the lineup tonight. We will have to wait for the Bulls’ final injury report to evaluate the potential of this game, but there is plenty to love about the backcourt of Morant and Bane. The two are first and second on the team in usage rate, respectively, while while accounting for 49 points per game. On an NBA slate where value will surely open up, Morant makes too much sense on both sites.
Honorable Mentions
- Phoenix Suns @ Brooklyn Nets (OTB)
- Oklahoma City Thunder @ Los Angeles Lakers (-7.5)
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