DFSGhost 
Last night’s interesting matchups were overshadowed by trade deadline eve. The Lakers sent Russell Westbrook and a first round pick to the Jazz, while Utah managed to get both a coveted first round pick and lose Mike Conley’s hefty contract. Today, the trade deadline is at 3pm EST, meaning many players on this NBA slate could be affected. It’s a Thirsty Thursday 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.
Phoenix Suns @ Atlanta Hawks (+1.5)
Phoenix Suns (-1.5)
Devin Booker returned to the lineup for the first time since Christmas Day after recovering from a groin injury, but has been ruled out for tonight. Thus, Chris Paul makes for an excellent play on this NBA slate. Despite a decline from his usual self, CP3 is still averaging 13.6/4.3/8.7 on 43.2% shooting this season. Moreover, he has posted 1.13 fantasy points per minute through a 19.1% usage rate. However, with Booker off the floor, Paul sees slight improvements. Through a 21.9% usage rate, CP3 posts 1.16 points per minute. Atlanta ranks 12th in the NBA versus pick-and-roll offenses, giving up 17.6 points per game to the play type.
Atlanta Hawks (+1.5)
If the Lakers’ studs are both available, then Trae Young gets the nod for me at the top of the pricing grid, barring enough value to fit Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, should LeBron James sit tonight’s game after breaking the NBA all-time scoring record, Anthony Davis takes precedence over Young. Nonetheless, Young will be tasked with leading this offense tonight, as he does regularly. Over his last eight games, Young has scored 20 or more points in seven appearances. Moreover, he has posted ten or more assists in six of his last eight. During that span, Young has averaged 25/3.1/10.8 on 44.7% shooting.
Chicago Bulls @ Brooklyn Nets (OTB)
Chicago Bulls (OTB)
DeMar DeRozan missed the team’s last game with a hip injury and is listed as questionable for tonight. Should he be ruled out once again, the duo if Nikola Vucevic and Zach Lavine make for interesting pieces to NBA lineups. The Bulls are in a similar position as the Raptors heading into the trade deadline in the sense that they have players the league is interested in, and this core simply has not worked. Keep an eye on this injury report leading up to lock, as it could shake the slate up drastically, should players get traded before the deadline.
Brooklyn Nets (OTB)
All eyes will be on Cam Thomas tonight. The sophomore became the league’s youngest player to record 40 or more points in three straight outings at only 21 years old. Moreover, Thomas has averaged 44.7/4.7/3.7 on 56% shooting during his last three outings through a whopping 42.1% usage rate. However, tread with caution on this NBA slate. Both Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith are expected to make their debuts with the team. While the latter will not remove from Thomas’ potential, Dinwiddie will surely takeover as the primary ball handler. Make no mistake about it, Thomas still makes for an excellent play in balanced lineups, but he is much riskier than previous slates given the arrival of Dinwiddie.
Honorable Mentions:
- Denver Nuggets @ Orlando Magic (OTB)
- Milwaukee Bucks @ Los Angeles Lakers (+4.5)
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