DFSGhost 
With six games on the NBA schedule tonight, there are multiple matchups that will result in offensive fireworks. 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.
Houston Rockets @ Indiana Pacers (-9.5)
Houston Rockets (+9.5)
This game will be a track meet with no defense being played. Houston will be missing Kevin Porter Jr. (thigh) tonight, meaning both Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun will see more offensive looks. The two carry usage rates of 28.4% and 21.6%, respectively, but see increases to 32.8% and 22.4% with Porter Jr. off the court. Moreover, Indiana ranks 26th in the NBA in defensive rating, while being 8th in pace. While the quartet of Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, KJ Martin, and Jae’Sean Tate are viable as well, both Green and/or Sengun make for more intriguing plays in tournaments.
Indiana Pacers (-9.5)
At the top of the pricing grid, most will flock to the next point guard named rather than Tyrese Haliburton. However, with Houston ranking 29th in the NBA in defensive rating and versus primary ball handlers, Haliburton has a tremendous ceiling. Over his last three games, Haliburton has scored 29 or more points in each appearance, with 30 or more in two of three games. Moreover, he has averaged 33.7/4.3/11 on 59.3% shooting during that span.
Golden State Warriors @ Memphis Grizzlies (+2.5)
Golden State Warriors (-2.5)
No one is of more importance at the top of the pricing grid than Steph Curry. As alluded to above, he will be the most popular option in that spot, and rightfully so. The greatest shooter in NBA history is fresh off a 40/6/7 performance, where he made ten three-pointers on sixteen attempts. Moreover, he has taken a total of 43 shots in two appearances since returning from injury, 29 of which came from behind the arc. Memphis remains without Ja Morant, and Tyus Jones is simply no match for Curry’s combination of on-ball and off-ball wizardry. Additionally, Memphis ranks 22nd in the NBA in three-pointers allowed per game, setting the stage for Curry to lead the slate in scoring. Should you start with both he and Haliburton, paired with one of Green or Sengun, this lineup construction allows for ample room for other surrounding pieces.
Memphis Grizzlies (+2.5)
Both Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones figure to be less popular than they have been on other NBA slates recently. The two have climbed the ranks of the pricing grid, making them intriguing tournament plays in an elite game environment. In the absence of Ja Morant, the two have combined for 39 points per game, while having off-setting minutes. While the Warriors struggle with on-ball defense, it is Bane’s minutes in that position that is the more enticing spot of the two players mentioned.
Brooklyn Nets @ Milwaukee Bucks (-12.5)
Brooklyn Nets (+12.5)
The Nets figure to have one of, if not the most popular rotation on this NBA slate. On the front end of a back-to-back, Brooklyn will be without Spencer Dinwiddie, Nicolas Claxton, Cam Johnson, Ben Simmons, and Royce O’Neale. While most will flock to Mikal Bridges, it is Cam Thomas that will seize the most opportunity on the offensive side of the ball. While he takes over as the primary ball handler, Thomas has been electric in this spot before. At the beginning of February, Thomas strung together three straight 40-point efforts while taking 25 shots per night during that stretch.
Milwaukee Bucks (-12.5)
Simply put, there is no need to get exposure to the Bucks’ offense if both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday return to the lineup. The Nets will be no match for Giannis on the inside, but this game will instantly lack competitiveness. However, should both miss a second straight game, the trio of Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis, and Jevon Carter are intriguing options. Wait to see the final injury report before taking any decisions.
Honorable Mentions:
- Charlotte Hornets @ Detroit Pistons (+3.5)
- Utah Jazz @ Orlando Magic (-3.5)
- New York Knicks @ Sacramento Kings (-3.5)
You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord
