DFSGhost 
While multiple NBA stars will be missing in action tonight, there are plenty of elite matchups featuring some of the league’s best. It’s a Wet Wednesday 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 @ Houston Rockets (+2.5)
Los Angeles Lakers (-2.5)
With both LeBron James and Anthony Davis out tonight, it will be up to the new-look Lakers to come away with a win versus a rebuilding Rockets team. While this is a mismatch at first glance, the small-ball Lakers lineup tonight plays right into Houston’s hands. Both Jarred Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura will man the paint, while D’Angelo Russell, Dennis Schroder, Austin Reaves, and Malik Beasley will need to carry the scoring opportunities. This rotation will be one of, if not the most popular rotation on the NBA slate. Thus, be wary of being overexposed here, as many of these players, most notably the last four mentioned, all need to score to contribute in a fantasy basketball setting.
Houston Rockets (+2.5)
As mentioned above, the Lakers lineup tonight plays right into Houston’s hands. Despite being 29th in defensive rating, the Rockets play at an elite pace when facing smaller lineups. Thus, this is a great spot for both Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. The former continues to lead the team in both usage rate and scoring, while having 20 or more points in four of his last five appearances. Moreover, he has averaged 25.2/3.2/3.4 on 40.6% shooting during that span. With the Lakers sitting 28th in the NBA against primary ball handlers, Green is the Rocket to play tonight. However, should Alperen Sengun (groin) miss this game, Jabari Smith Jr. quickly climbs the rankings in tonight’s player pool. Averaging 24.7/11/2.7 over his last three, the 6’10” Smith Jr. will cause problems for Vanderbilt and Hachimura in the paint.
Golden State Warriors @ Los Angeles Clippers (-3.5)
Golden State Warriors (+3.5)
When looking at the top of the pricing grid on this NBA slate, the player that stands out the most is Steph Curry. Long beholds the matchup the fantasy community should be chasing: primary ball handlers versus the Clippers. With how tight the Western Conference is right now, every game counts for the Warriors. With Andrew Wiggins still out of this lineup, Curry figures to see as many shots as he can handle. The Clippers sit 27th in the NBA versus primary ball handlers, while also allowing over 12 three-pointers per night.
Los Angeles Clippers (-3.5)
With no Andrew Wiggins to guard Kawhi Leonard tonight, Draymond Green will be tasked with guarding one of the league’s best. While Green has proven to be a hall-of-fame defensive talent, this Clippers offense has too much switchability for Kawhi not to find himself open in the midrange versus Donte DiVincenzo. Leonard has now scored 20 or more points in seven straight appearances, averaging 31/6.9/3 on a ridiculous 57.4/58.3/88.9 shooting split during that span. Pairing the two best players in this game is an elite strategy on an NBA slate with many stars missing at the top of the pricing grid.
Honorable Mentions:
- Sacramento Kings @ Chicago Bulls (+1.5)
- Dallas Mavericks @ San Antonio Spurs (+5.5)
You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord
