DFSGhost 
This week’s NBA slates have been determined by injuries. Plenty of key players have been missing for their respective teams, and tonight is no different. 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.
Milwaukee Bucks @ Miami Heat (OTB)
Milwaukee Bucks (OTB)
The Bucks are on the second half of a back-to-back and there will be injury news to follow. Khris Middleton resumed basketball activities this week, but his timetable to return has yet to be determined. Moreover, Grayson Allen left and did not return to last night’s game versus the Hawks. Thus, there will be plenty of value around Giannis Antetokounmpo. Should the two-time NBA MVP suit up, he’s a strong candidate to lead the slate in scoring. Moreover, Jrue Holiday will be a key part of the offense once again. Pat Connaughton, Bobby Portis, Brook Lopez, and Jevon Carter will all be in for significant minutes should both Middleton and Allen miss this game.
Miami Heat (OTB)
For what seems to be the first time in franchise history, the Heat are ahead of the game with their injury report. While Bam Adebayo is probable to play, both Kyle Lowry and Tyler Herro have already been ruled out, in addition to Caleb Martin. The likely return of Adeabyo will shift Orlando Robinson to the bench, but there will still be plenty of value in this backcourt. Max Strus and Gabe Vincent will be in for a heavy workload alongside Jimmy Butler and company. Moreover, Victor Oladipo takes over the bench unit as its primary scorer. There are different directions to take with this rotation on a small NBA slate, but exposure to the Heat is a must.
Boston Celtics @ Brooklyn Nets (+3.5)
Boston Celtics (-3.5)
Another team on the second half of a back-to-back is Boston. Last night, we saw both Marcus Smart and Robert Williams III be ruled out with injuries, but their statuses for tonight remain unclear at the time of writing. Whether the duo returns to the lineup or not is irrelevant to the importance that both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have to this offense on a nightly basis. Over their last 12 games, Brown and Tatum have combined for 61.1 points per game. Moreover, the two lead the team in usage rate at 33.2% and 33.8%, respectively. On a small NBA slate with plenty of value, this game has the star power to fill the rest of lineups.
Brooklyn Nets (+3.5)
Kevin Durant has been having quite the season, He has averaged 29.7/6.7/5.3 while being an NBA MVP candidate, leading the Nets to #2 seed in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately, an MCL injury is set to sideline KD for approximately one month. It could not come at a worse time, as the Nets are the hottest team in the league right now. However, this will create ample opportunity for Kyrie Irving on offense. On the season, Irving has averaged 26/4.9/4.7 on 48.8% shooting through a 29.1% usage rate, resulting in 1.18 fantasy points per minute. However, with KD off the court, Irving sees his usage rate climb to a whopping 36.3% and his fantasy points per minute increases to 1.35. The stage is set for Kyrie to take the reigns of this offense once again.
Honorable Mentions:
- Oklahoma City Thunder @ Philadelphia 76ers (-9.5)
- Charlotte Hornets @ Toronto Raptors (-7.5)
- Dallas Mavericks @ Los Angeles Lakers (OTB)
- Cleveland Cavaliers @ Portland Trail Blazers (+2.5)
You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord
