DFSGhost 
Following the theme of the new year, there are numerous studs already ruled out for tonight’s NBA slate. However, there are marquee names nearing their returns, while others look to step up in their teammates’ absences. 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.
Detroit Pistons @ Philadelphia 76ers (-9.5)
Detroit Pistons (+9.5)
In the absence of Bojan Bogdanovic, the Pistons offense will be searching for answers. There will be plenty of shots to go around, with a few benefactors. Killian Hayes continues to lead the charge in a surprisingly deep backcourt. While Philadelphia leads the NBA in defensive rating versus primary ball handlers, Hayes figures to be in for a ton of work tonight. Over his last three games, Hayes has logged 35 minutes per night, averaging 17.7/3/8.7 on 51.2% shooting. Moreover, Hamidou Diallo, Saddiq Bey, and Alec Burks make for intriguing options with Bogdanovic out. If Joel Embiid remains out for Philadelphia, Isaiah Stewart has a tremendous matchup versus Montrezl Harrell.
Philadelphia 76ers (-9.5)
Exposure to the 76ers offense in contingent on the availability of Joel Embiid. Should the face of the franchise return to the lineup after missing the last three games, both he and James Harden will be able to roll this offense efficiently versus the Pistons. However, if Embiid sits out another game, James Harden figures to be one of the more popular options on the NBA slate. Detroit currently ranks 29th in the NBA versus primary ball handlers, struggling mightily since Cade Cunningham went down with a season-ending injury. Over his last eight games, Harden has scored 20 or more points in seven appearances. Moreover, he has averaged 23.1/6.1/11.9 on 41.6% shooting during that span. Harden is only in consideration should Embiid miss this game.
Phoenix Suns @ Golden State Warriors (-4.5)
Phoenix Suns (+4.5)
No team in the NBA has as depleted of a rotation as the Suns. Tonight, they will be without Devin Booker, Chris Pauk, Cam Johnson, and Cam Payne. Moreover, Deandre Ayton, Landry Shamet, and Torrey Craig are all listed as questionable to play. This is not a question about statistics, per minute fantasy output, usage rate, or anything else. Rather, the Suns that do find themselves suiting up will be popular solely because there will be so few of them. Both Damion Lee and Duane Washington Jr. will see a ton of minutes in the backcourt, with the latter being a must play in all formats.
Golden State Warriors (-4.5)
Depending on how the Suns injury report shakes out, the Warriors will approach the game accordingly. Steph Curry is nearing a return from a shoulder injury, while Andrew Wiggins returned to the lineup the other night after missing 15 games. Golden State needs to get their best players back into rhythm, while prioritizing their long term health. One player that has been routinely in NBA lineups for our team has been Anthony Lamb. In the absence of Jonathan Kuminga, Lamb has been tremendous off the Warriors bench. Over his last three games, Lamb has logged over 31 minutes per night. Moreover, he has scored 17 or more points in each appearance, averaging 20/5.7/3.3 on 53.7% shooting, including 40% from behind the arc on 3.3 three-pointers made per game.
Dallas Mavericks @ Los Angeles Clippers (-2.5)
Dallas Mavericks (+2.5)
It’s forever been a matchup to pick on: primary ball handlers versus the Clippers. This season is no different than in years past, with Los Angeles ranked 26th in the NBA against the player type. On the other side of the ball, there’s a pretty good ball handler in Luka Doncic that the Clippers have to deal with. Leading the league with a 38.5% usage rate, Doncic has averaged 34/8.8/8.7 on 49.9% shooting this season. It’s a challenge in its own to get Doncic into NBA lineups on all fantasy sites, but his upside is like no other player in the league.
Los Angeles Clippers (-2.5)
In the absence of Paul George, Kawhi Leonard will be a must play on this NBA slate. On the season, Leonard has averaged 17.3/5.9/3.8 on 46.4% shooting through a 25.9% usage rate. However, he has been limited in both playing time and games played. With his teammate off the floor this season, Kawhi sees bumps in both output and usage rate. The former increases from 1.14 fantasy points per minute to 1.25 fantasy points per minute, while the latter jumps from 25.9% to 29.2%, leading the team. Not only does he have a high ceiling in an elite game environment, but his safe floor makes him one of the best targets of the slate.
Honorable Mentions:
- Charlotte Hornets @ Toronto Raptors (-7.5)
- Cleveland Cavaliers @ Utah Jazz (-3.5)
You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord
