DFSGhost 
There are plenty of great matchups tonight in the NBA. Unfortunately, many players continue to be sidelined with injuries. However, many unfamiliar names have stepped up for their respective teams. 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.
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Houston Rockets (+6.5)
Minnesota Timberwolves (-6.5)
In the second matchup between these two teams in only three days, all eyes will be on Anthony Edwards. The former #1 overall draft pick exploded for 44/6/4 on Saturday, making him likely to be one of the popular options on this NBA slate. Over his last seven games, Edwards has scored 20 or more points in six appearances. Moreover, he has averaged 27/5.3/5 during that span, shooting 46.9% from the field. With the Rockets ranked 28th in defensive rating, Edwards is set to continue leading this offense.
Houston Rockets (+6.5)
Should Rudy Gobert miss a fourth consecutive game, Alperen Sengun is an elite target in the mid range of the pricing grid. Over his last eight games, Sengun has logged 28 or more minutes in every appearance. Moreover, he has averaged 19.1/11.1/5.9 during that span, displaying both finishing and playmaking ability. With Gobert on the sidelines, Minnesota has a 115.1 net defensive rating, which would currently rank 25th in the NBA.
Charlotte Hornets @ Utah Jazz (-7.5)
Charlotte Hornets (+7.5)
Exposure to the Hornets is contingent on the availability of LaMelo Ball. After missing Saturday’s game with an ankle injury, Ball has since been upgraded to questionable for this matchup. However, should he eventually be ruled out, Terry Rozier will lead the charge on offense. On the season, Rozier is second on the team with a 26.9% usage rate, producing 1.03 fantasy points per minute. However, with Ball off the court, Rozier sees increases to a usage rate of 30.2% and 1.09 points per minute. The Jazz struggle more off the ball than with primary ball handlers, ranking 27th in the NBA versus the former.
Utah Jazz (-7.5)
Although Kelly Olynyk is nearing a return to the lineup, the future of the Jazz in the paint lies in Walker Kessler. Despite having a low 12.8% usage rate on the year, Kessler has been on the best from the most recent NBA draft class. He not only has three double-doubles over his last four games, but he is also averaging 12.5/12.5/1.8 on nearly 70% shooting during that span. Moreover, despite logging 29 minutes per game, Kessler is fourth in the NBA in blocks, averaging 2.0 per night.
Memphis Grizzlies @ Sacramento Kings (+2.5)
Memphis Grizzlies (-2.5)
Memphis is on the second half of a back-to-back so there could be addition to their injury report throughout the day. Believe it or not, this game features two of the best in the Western Conference, as Sacramento shockingly finds themselves in the third seed. Despite an improved defensive system for the Kings, they lack the ability to close out on wings. Thus, Desmond Bane is the player to watch tonight, alongside Ja Morant. The former has battled injuries this year, but has been performing quite well. He carries a 26.7% usage rate on the season, averaging 21.6 points per game in over 30 minutes per night.
Sacramento Kings (+2.5)
While Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox are both worthy on an NBA All-Star selection, it will be tough to fit one of them in NBA lineups tonight with other priorities. Thus, both Kevin Huerter and Harrison Barnes find themselves as options. The former gets a favorable matchup on the perimeter versus a Memphis defense that ranks 22nd in three-pointers allowed per game. Thus far, Huerter has shot 41.4% from deep, making 2.9 three-pointers per night. Moreover, Barnes has scored 20 or more points in four of his last five appearances. Sporting a 19.1% usage rate during that span, Barnes has averaged 22.8 points per game on 53.2% shooting.
Honorable Mentions:
- Atlanta Hawks @ Chicago Bulls (-1.5)
- San Antonio Spurs @ Portland Trail Blazers (-8.5)
You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord
