DFSGhost 
In the second NBA slate of the calendar year, there is plenty of news to follow. Teams are missing key contributors, while others are looking to make moves in the standings as soon as possible. It’s a Mojito Monday 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 @ Charlotte Hornets (+1.5)
Los Angeles Lakers (-1.5)
With Luka Doncic being the presumed favorite at the top of the pricing grid, a notable duo in this game will be overlooked. With the Lakers still awaiting an evaluation on Anthony Davis to resume basketball activities, LeBron James will need to singlehandedly carry this team to a playoff bid. There are no statistics needed for what James brings to an NBA court over a 20-season career. In an elite game environment with both teams ranking in the top 8 in pace and Charlotte being 26th in defensive rating, LeBron has the potential to lead the slate in scoring.
Charlotte Hornets (+1.5)
If you are committing to this game as a whole, then LaMelo Ball is the stud you want to counter LeBron James. Since returning to the lineup, Ball has been the lone reason for their offense. Playing in ten straight games to close out the calendar year, Ball led the team with a 29.6% usage rate. Moreover, he led the team in scoring, assists, and three-pointers made. During that span, Ball averaged 25/6.6/8.2 on 42.6% shooting, including making 4.5 three-pointers per night. With the Lakers being 2nd in the NBA in pace and 29th against primary ball handlers, this game can easily be the highest scoring of the slate, with Ball being the primary benefactor in a favorable matchup.
Chicago Bulls @ Cleveland Cavaliers (-3.5)
Chicago Bulls (+3.5)
With their opponent ranked 29th in pace and 1st in defensive rating, there is little to like about the Bulls offense tonight. However, on such a large NBA slate, this offense will be completely forgotten. The Cavaliers rank 6th in the league against true centers, led by the tandem of Allen and Mobley on the inside. However, whether Mobley plays tonight or not, the Bulls will need big minutes from Nikola Vucevic against a combination of Allen, Love, and potentially Mobley. Despite the tough matchup, Vucevic ended the year on a solid run. In his last three games, Vucevic posted two double-doubles and averaged 15/12.3/2.7 on 46.3% shooting, including four three-pointers attempted per night.
Cleveland Cavaliers (-3.5)
The Cavaliers are one of the most intriguing rotations on this NBA slate. While the game environment is far from elite, the thin rotation is enticing. Darius Garland is currently doubtful to play with a thumb injury, while Evan Mobley missed the team’s last game due to an ankle injury. Should Mobley and Garland both miss this one, there will be ample opportunity for Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, Caris LeVert, Kevin Love, and Cedi Osman. To the benefit of both LeVert and Love, the Bulls rank 28th in three-pointers allowed. Moreover, they rank last in the NBA against stretch-fours, ranking last in three-pointers allowed to the player type. Over their last two games, Love and LeVert have combined for 15 three-point attempts per contest.
Dallas Mavericks @ Houston Rockets (+7.5)
Dallas Mavericks (-7.5)
There is no player in the NBA that finished the year on a stronger run than Luka Doncic. In his last five games, Doncic averaged a 45.6/11.2/10.2 triple-double on 59.8% shooting. Moreover, Doncic scored 30 or more points in each one of those appearances, including three games with 50 or more points and two triple-doubles. Additionally, he had one of the best games in the history of the league, posting a 60/21/10 scoring line against the Knicks. The Rockets also rank last versus primary ball handlers while being 28th in defensive rating. In two games versus Houston this season, Doncic has averaged 42.5/10/11.5 on 54.9% shooting.
Houston Rockets (+7.5)
Exposure to the Rockets offense is dependent on the availability of Alperen Sengun. The sophomore center is listed as questionable after missing their last game of the calendar year with a back injury. Should he be available, Sengun gets a favorable matchup against the revolving door that is the Dallas frontcourt. Where Sengun will flourish in this matchup is with his playmaking. Since Dallas needs to shift their defense to collapse the defensive paint since they lack interior defense in a one-on-one situation, this leaves the perimeter open for kick-out three-point attempts. Alongside Jokic and Sabonis, Sengun is already a top 3 passer in the NBA at the center position. This greatly benefits this offense in the form of Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green.
Honorable Mentions:
- New Orleans Pelicans @ Philadelphia 76ers (-5.5)
- Atlanta Hawks @ Golden State Warriors (OTB)
You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord
