DFSGhost 
There are multiple ways to play different NBA slates tonight. Since the schedule will be roughly 12 hours long from beginning to end, there are showdowns, a main slate, and a late slate available. 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.
Golden State Warriors @ Washington Wizards (+3.5)
Golden State Warriors (-3.5)
The Warriors are on the second half of a back-to-back, therefore this can be a lengthly injury report. Klay Thompson has already been ruled out, while the statuses of Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Andrew Wiggins need to be monitored. Curry has struggled in his three games since returning from an injury, but Jordan Poole has thrived. Over his last nine games, Poole has averaged 25.7/3.9/5 on 43.7% shooting. Moreover, he has scored 20 or more points in each of those nine appearances. In the absence of Thompson, Poole will be able to run the offense while Curry is on the bench, while flourishing as a secondary ball handler with Curry on the court. On a small NBA slate, Poole is one of the best targets in the mid range of the pricing grid.
Washington Wizards (+3.5)
Exposure to this offense is contingent on the status of Bradley Beal. The face of the Wizards franchise has made a single appearance in the team’s last eight games before leaving early after aggravating his hamstring injury. While many players have stepped up in different fashions, one that has struggled has been Kristaps Porzingis. KP has a mere two double-doubles over his last five games, but he has scored 20 or more points in four of those appearances. On a small NBA slate, the top of the pricing grid is a true premium, and there may not be anyone to consider once this game tips off.
Toronto Raptors @ New York Knicks (-3.5)
Toronto Raptors (+3.5)
Many rumours continue to swirl around the core players of this rotation. OG Anunoby is by far the most coveted wing on the trade block, while Gary Trent Jr. and Fred VanVleet could garner interest before the trade deadline. Nonetheless, the Raptors have won three of their last four and are still making a playoff push. Should VanVleet miss this game because of a lower-back injury, Scottie Barnes instantly becomes one of the most popular players on the NBA slate. Moreover, amidst the turmoil of a disappointing season, Pascal Siakam continues to thrive. Leading the team with a 28.5% usage rate, Siakam has averaged 25.7/8.2/6.4 on 47.8% shooting this season. He leads the team in scoring, rebounding, and assists, making him one of the most intriguing options at the top of the pricing grid of this NBA slate.
New York Knicks (-3.5)
Jalen Brunson was one of the most popular headliners of this past offseason. Leaving Dallas for the Big Apple was a surprise to no one, but his contract certainly was. However, Brunson has taken over this offense, along with Julius Randle. Over his last eight games, Brunson has scored 20 or more points in every appearance. Moreover, he has averaged 32.4/5.6/5.7 on 52.3% shooting during that span, leading the team in scoring and field goal attempts. Toronto’s zone defense is always a polarizing one to face, but Brunson and Randle will be relied upon to log heavy minutes in a tightly-contested affair. Brunson makes for one of the better options in the mid range of the pricing grid of this NBA slate, similarly to Jordan Poole.
New Orleans Pelicans @ Cleveland Cavaliers (-6.5)
New Orleans Pelicans (+6.5)
Despite missing two key players in Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans still hold the #3 seed in the Western Conference. Tonight, they face the #2 defense in the NBA and will be in tough to matchup versus a frontcourt of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. However, this is one of the most competitive game environments on the slate. CJ McCollum continues to run the offense but lacks point/dollar upside on this slate. Another tough matchup will be Jonas Valanciunas versus Mobley and Allen, but his minutes will be plentiful given the size of the Cavaliers. Lastly, do not overlook the important of Jose Alvarado, should Herbert Jones miss this game. If the latter is ruled out, Alvarado will draw the daunting task of guarding Donovan Mitchell.
Cleveland Cavaliers (-6.5)
This is one of the most rounded teams in the NBA. The Cavaliers boast a tremendous balance between offense and defense. Tonight will be yet another test for a team that has Championship hopes. In a matchup versus the Pelicans, the wings will flourish. However, this offense is not tailored to its wings, rather, its backcourt and frontcourt duos. Jarrett Allen has been phenomenal on both ends of the court this season and is in a great matchup. Over his last two games, Allen has averaged 21.5/9/4 on 70.4% shooting. New Orleans allows nearly 50 points in the paint per game, and Allen will be featured early and often to attack Jonas Valanciunas on the inside.
Honorable Mentions:
- Miami Heat @ Atlanta Hawks (+1.5)
- Utah Jazz @ Minnesota Timberwolves (-2.5)
You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord
