DFSGhost 
There are only five games on the schedule tonight, but there sure is plenty of firepower. Headlining the main slate is a rematch of last year’s NBA Finals, while Chicago and Detroit face off in an afternoon game overseas. 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.
Golden State Warriors @ Boston Celtics (-5.5)
Golden State Warriors (+5.5)
This is the second time these teams face one another since the NBA Finals. The matchup in December was no letdown, seeing the Warriors take a 123-107 victory at home. Tonight, this game will be overlooked because of interest in other studs at the top of the pricing grid. As popular as Damian Lillard will be because of his recent play, Steph Curry makes for an excellent pivot in tournaments. Since returning from injury, Curry struggled mightily over his first three games back. He averaged a mere 19.7/5/3.3 on 44.9% shooting, hitting only 31.3% of his three-pointers. However, on the second half of a back-to-back and in his fourth game returning, Curry exploded for 41/7/2 versus the Wizards.
Boston Celtics (-5.5)
Should Jaylen Brown miss this game with a groin injury, Jayson Tatum instantly becomes one of the best studs on the NBA slate. On the season, Tatum has averaged 31.1/8.3/4.3 through a 32.9% usage rate. This has resulted in Tatum posting 1.41 fantasy points per minute. However, with Brown off the court, Tatum sees his usage rate increase to 35.8% and his output increases slightly to 1.43 fantasy points per minute. Brown did practice on Wednesday, meaning he in likely to suit up. Thus, both Marcus Smart and Robert Williams III make for good plays in a competitive game environment. The former will be on the court in all clutch moments, while the latter has logged 27 or more minutes in three straight games since having his minutes restriction lifted.
Toronto Raptors @ Minnesota Timberwolves (+3.5)
Toronto Raptors (-3.5)
If the NBA slate is starving for value on the pricing grid, then two Raptors will be the primary path to success. Having the luxury of running a tight rotation thanks to players with incredible length, Coach Nick Nurse focuses on seven players on a nightly basis. Thus, two of Fred VanVleet, Scottie Barnes, and Gary Trent Jr. fit the scenario of a balanced lineup structure. VanVleet has been lights out in the last two games, posting 30+ points in back-to-back appearances. Meanwhile, Trent Jr. has been logging serious minutes and scoring in bunches as well. Barnes is the unicorn of the roster, playing and guarding positions one through five. If value is needed on this slate, Precious Achiuwa continues to be the first player off the bench and carries a relatively safe floor.
Minnesota Timberwolves (+3.5)
Exposure to this offense depends on two key injury statuses: Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert. The latter was ruled out of Wednesday’s game with a groin injury, while the former continues to deal with a recurring hip soreness. Should Gobert be ruled out once again, Naz Reid will be a staple for NBA lineups tonight. Reid carries a 23% usage rate and 1.14 fantasy points per minute this season. However, in four starts this season, he has averaged 20.3/8 this season through a 25.4% usage rate. Moreover, D’Angelo Russell and Jaylen Nowell are in line for big roles tonight, only if Edwards be ruled out.
Honorable Mentions:
- Brooklyn Nets @ Phoenix Suns (OTB)
- Philadelphia 76ers @ Portland Trail Blazers (+2.5)
You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord
