DFSGhost 
As has been the theme of the week, tonight’s NBA slate is riddled with injuries. However, plenty of elite game environments remain. 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.
Atlanta Hawks @ Indiana Pacers (+3.5)
Atlanta Hawks (-3.5)
The lone bright spot of the Pacers in their own end of the court has been their on-ball defense. However, this changes drastically with Tyrese Haliburton ruled out for the next two weeks. Trae Young missed last game with an illness, but is off the injury report. Wednesday night was a prime example of how this offense can struggle without the face of their franchise. Not only does Young lead the team with a 33.6% usage rate, but he also leads the team in both scoring and assists as well. Despite swirling rumors around the team, Young has been excellent this NBA season, averaging 27.5/2.9/9.8 on 42.2% shooting.
Indiana Pacers (+3.5)
As mentioned above, Tyrese Haliburton will be out for at least two weeks with a sprained elbow. Thus, there is ample opportunity for others on the offensive side of the ball. While TJ McConnell and Andrew Nembhard figure to share the rock on the starting unit, interest should also lie in Indiana’s shooters. While Atlanta has good on-ball defense thanks to Dejounte Murray, Trae Young has been abysmal on defense with a 117.7 rating. Thus, Buddy Hield and Bennedict Mathurin cannot be overlooked on this NBA slate. Hield leads the league in three-pointers this season with 165 makes. Moreover, he has averaged 18.3 points while shooting 42.7% from behind the arc. Meanwhile, Mathurin continues to lead the Pacers in usage at 25.8% and figures to play a crucial role in this offense in the absence of Haliburton.
Denver Nuggets @ Los Angeles Clippers (-1.5)
Denver Nuggets (+1.5)
Nikola Jokic was a surprising addition to the Nuggets injury report. Known as one of the most durable players in the NBA over recent years, the back-to-back MVP will dictate exposure to this offense. Should he evidently play, he is in a prime spot to lead the slate in scoring. The Clippers currently rank 19th in points allowed in the paint and 24th versus true centers. Moreover, Jokic has averaged 25.5/12.3/11 over his last 13 games, recording a whopping seven triple-doubles along the way. If Jokic is ruled out, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon will lead the starting unit, while Bones Hyland becomes an intriguing play off the bench.
Los Angeles Clippers (-1.5)
Kawhi Leonard is no longer mispriced on NBA DFS sites. Tonight, in the absence of Paul George, Leonard will once again lead the charge for the Clippers. However, there are other targets in this offense as well. Norman Powell and Terance Mann both continue to log heavy minutes over veterans John Wall and Reggie Jackson. Moreover, Powell has now scored in double digits in each of his last four appearances. During that span, Powell has averaged 18.8/3.5/1.8 on 50% shooting, including 20 or more points in two of his last four outings. If you cannot play Leonard, don’t hesitate to get exposure to this offense in other ways.
Houston Rockets @ Sacramento Kings (-10.5)
Houston Rockets (+10.5)
A rematch of Wednesday’s contest is highlighted for the second time in three days. A key difference, however, is that Kevin Porter Jr. has been ruled out for tonight’s game. Thus, both Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun are elite targets on this NBA slate. On the season, Green leads the team with a 28.1% usage rate and has posted 0.98 fantasy points per minute. However, with KPJ off the court, Green’s output increases to 1.07 fantasy points per minute and a 32.4% usage rate. Moreover, Sengun continues to be ignored by the field. He was highlighted in Wednesday’s article, which you can find here. The sophomore came through with the first triple-double of his career, posting a 10/10/10 scoring line on 55.56% shooting.
Sacramento Kings (-10.5)
Another NBA slate featuring the Kings is another day to play Sabonis or Fox. However, both have been featured countless times over the years. Kevin Huerter was scratched on Wednesday because of an illness and he did not practice yesterday. Should Huerter be ruled out for tonight’s game, both Malik Monk and Terence Davis will play larger roles on offense against one of, if not the worst defense in the NBA. However, make no mistake about it, Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox are the prime targets here.
Honorable Mentions:
- Golden State Warriors @ San Antonio Spurs (OTB)
- Phoenix Suns @ Minnesota Timberwolves (-3.5)
- Oklahoma City Thunder @ Chicago Bulls (-4.5)
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