DFSGhost 
Amongst a plethora of games on the NBA schedule are a few that stand above the rest. Moreover, a few key rotations are on the second half of a back-to-back. Injury reports will be crucial to monitor heading into the late games, as usual. It’s a Fajita Friday 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.
Portland Trail Blazers @ Atlanta Hawks (-6.5)
Portland Trail Blazers (+6.5)
Injuries for the Trail Blazers continue to get worse. While still missing Jusuf Nurkic to a calf injury, Anfernee Simons managed to log a mere 20 minutes before reaggravating his ankle injury after a two-week absence. The two have both been ruled out tonight, meaning this is once again an NBA slate where Damian Lillard will be amongst the most popular options in the field. After scoring 25 points versus Golden State, Lillard returned to form against the Pelicans, dropping an efficient 41 points in 39 minutes. He has now averaged 45.7/5.7/4.3 on 53.1% shooting in three games since the All-Star break, sporting an outrageous 41% usage rate. In the absence of Simons, look for Cam Reddish and Matisse Thybulle to see extended run.
Atlanta Hawks (-6.5)
There are two ways to approach this Hawks offense tonight. The first, being the more clear path to success, is playing both Damian Lillard and Trae Young. However, be aware that, consequently, lineup construction is entirely dependent on this game being the highest scoring affair of the NBA slate. Young has logged three straight 30-point efforts since the All-Star break, averaging 33/2.7/8 through a commanding 40.1% usage rate. Moreover, the second approach is riskier. Both Clint Capela and John Collins have terrific matchups on the inside versus a Portland interior defense that struggles mightily in the paint and on the glass. However, Onyeka Okongwu is a candidate for increased minutes in favor of Capela, should Portland run a smaller lineup down the stretch.
Los Angeles Clippers @ Sacramento Kings (OTB)
Los Angeles Clippers (OTB)
The Clippers are on the second half of a back-to-back and face another potential playoff opponent tonight. However, they are notorious for resting players in these types of situations, primarily Paul George and/or Kawhi Leonard. The former has said to have been on a minutes restriction lately, but his minutes say otherwise. Meanwhile, Leonard has been in and out of the lineup after serious injuries over the years. There is no clear cut way to get exposure here at the time of writing, but this is one of the best spots on the NBA slate for a team that is already missing Ivica Zubac (calf) and Marcus Morris Sr. (elbow).
Sacramento Kings (OTB)
Two of the best individual matchups on this NBA slate belong to the Sacramento Kings. If primary ball handlers versus the Clippers did not entice you enough over the years, the acquisition of Russell Westbrook only makes matters worse for Los Angeles. Enter De’Aaron Fox, who was back at practice yesterday after a wrist injury. In three appearances since the All-Star break, Fox has averaged 35.3/3.7/7.7 on 63.9% shooting. Moreover, Domantas Sabonis gets the matchup that the fantasy community loves: Mason Plumlee. The former Charlotte Hornet was a daily target to pick on, and the league’s leading rebounder will be no match for him.
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Los Angeles Lakers (+1.5)
Minnesota Timberwolves (-1.5)
While this offense is dominated by Anthony Edwards in the absence of Karl-Anthony Towns, both Mike Conley and Jaden McDaniels make for intriguing plays on this NBA slate. Since coming over from Utah, Conley has averaged 8.5/2.7/5.8 on a mere 36.7% shooting. While the numbers certainly do not jump off the page, the game environment is elite: the Lakers rank second in the league in pace, while ranking 27th against combo guards. Moreover, McDaniels has been a focal point of this defense, alongside Rudy Gobert. The former has been efficient on both ends of the court, scoring in double digits in five straight appearances while averaging 15.4/5.2/1.6 on 62.5% shooting during that span.
Los Angeles Lakers (+1.5)
Make no mistake about it, a matchup versus Rudy Gobert does not limit Anthony Davis’ ceiling on this NBA slate. Not only is he a candidate to lead all players in fantasy points scored, but he has a tremendous floor for someone of his position on the pricing grid. Over his last two appearances, AD has averaged 29/17/2 on 53.8% shooting, amassing four blocks per game. After sitting out the second half of a back-to-back the other night, not only is the Lakers star rested, but there is no one more crucial to this team at the moment.
Honorable Mentions:
- Utah Jazz @ Oklahoma City Thunder (+1.5)
- New Orleans Pelicans @ Golden State Warriors (OTB)
You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord
