DFSGhost 
There are plenty of good matchups on a small NBA schedule tonight. Some teams are on the second half of a back-to-back, while others are crawling to the All-Star break hoping to get healthy. 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.
Detroit Pistons @ Brooklyn Nets (-8.5)
Detroit Pistons (+8.5)
Lately, Jalen Duren has been a force on both ends of the court. The rookie was shockingly dealt from the Knicks/Hornets on draft day in a three-team trade, but the Pistons have been reaping the benefits. Over his last five games, Duren has averaged 13.6/11.6/1 on 71.8% shooting. Moreover, he has collected three double-doubles in those five appearances, seeing 20 minutes or more in four of five. The Nets rank 6th in the NBA in points allowed in the paint per game, but their bench is overmatched versus Duren, who is likely to come out of the starting lineup with the return of Isaiah Stewart looming.
Brooklyn Nets (-8.5)
The Nets are on the second half of a back-to-back and facing an underwhelming opponent. Thus, there is a chance that key players sit this one out. Should Kyrie Irving be one to miss this game, the NBA slate will be turned upside down. Make sure to monitor this injury report throughout the day.
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Houston Rockets (+7.5)
Cleveland Cavaliers (-7.5)
Donovan Mitchell is set to miss multiple games with a groin injury, making the Cavaliers enticing on this NBA slate. Beginning with Darius Garland, the starting unit will thrive against a Rockets defense that ranks 28th in the defensive rating. On the season, Garland has a 27.4% usage rate, resulting in 1.10 fantasy points per minute. However, with Mitchell off the court, Garland sees an increase to 1.24 fantasy points per minute through a 29.8% usage rate. Caris LeVert will see more opportunity on the offense end, while both Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley see more action in the paint with Mitchell out.
Houston Rockets (+7.5)
The Rockets are on the second half of a back-to-back and may rest a few players. Eric Gordon has been the subject of many trade rumors and could get the night off, while Jabari Smith Jr. returned to the lineup after a two-game absence against the Wizards. Thus, the duo of Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun will continue leading the offense. However, there will also be more opportunity for the likes of KJ Martin and Tari Eason, should both Gordon and Smith Jr. miss this game. Another injury report to monitor, but a crucial one to this NBA slate.
Honorable Mentions:
- Chicago Bulls @ Charlotte Hornets (+5.5)
- Dallas Mavericks @ Phoenix Suns (+1.5)
You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord
