DFSGhost 
As we approach the last quarter of the NBA season, every game is of importance. Many continue to battle for playoff seeding, while others look to the trade deadline to shape their future. It’s a Taco Tuesday 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.
Los Angeles Lakers @ New York Knicks (-1.5)
Los Angeles Lakers (+1.5)
Having rested both LeBron James and Anthony Davis last night, the expectation is that the Lakers offense will return for this contest. Despite Father Time expecting to catch up to LeBron James, one of, if not the greatest to take an NBA court shows no sign of slowing down. Over his last eight games, LeBron has posted 30 or more points in six appearances. Moreover, he has averaged 35.3/8.8/8 on 52% shooting during that span. The return of Anthony Davis certainly causes concern for James’ fantasy outlook, but if the Lakers truly want to make a run, it will be on the back of The King.
New York Knicks (-1.5)
All eyes will be on Julius Randle in a matchup versus his former team. Despite the Knicks being once again a bubble team in the weaker of the two conferences, Randle has flourished after a rocky start to the season. However, this is a prime matchup for Jalen Brunson. The offseason acquisition made waves with his departure from Dallas, but has lived up to the expectations that come with playing in The Big Apple. Over his ten games, Brunson has posted 20 or more points in eight appearances. Moreover, he has averaged 26.2/3.6/5.1 on 47% shooting during that span. With the Lakers ranked 28th in the NBA versus primary ball handlers, Brunson is primed for a big performance at home.
New Orleans Pelicans @ Denver Nuggets (-8.5)
New Orleans Pelicans (+8.5)
The Pelicans’ rotation comes into this contest rested after both CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram sat out the second half of a back-to-back on Sunday. The two will continue handling the bulk of the offensive opportunities in the absence of Zion Williamson. In two games back since his toe injury, Brandon Ingram has been far from shy with his game. The two-way wing has averaged 17.5/5.5/4.5 which is lower than his expected output, but he has averaged 20 shots per night. Moreover, Ingram has seen his minutes increase in back-to-back games. Ingram carries a higher volatility and ceiling for tournaments, while McCollum offers a safer floor on this NBA slate.
Denver Nuggets (-8.5)
Whenever he takes the court, all eyes are on the back-to-back NBA MVP, Nikola Jokic. The face of the Nuggets franchise has been simply phenomenal again this season, averaging 25.1/10.9/9.9 on 62.9% shooting. Moreover, he leads the league in triple-doubles with 15 across 43 games. However, he limits what the rest of your lineup looks like considering he is near the top of the pricing grid. With Jamal Murray questionable to play due to injury management, value could open up with Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr., and Bruce Brown. Moreover, Bones Hyland is being actively mentioned in potential trades, meaning this rotation is going to tighten up down the stretch of the season. Monitor the injury report and adjust accordingly.
Honorable Mentions:
- Miami Heat @ Cleveland Cavaliers (-4.5)
- Los Angeles Clippers @ Chicago Bulls (+3.5)
- Charlotte Hornets @ Milwaukee Bucks (-10.5)
You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord
