DFSGhost 
After a big NBA slate yesterday, we’re back with eight teams in action tonight. Two of these game environments stand out above the rest, while the other two feature both injury news to follow and many star players. It’s a Thirsty Thursday edition of the Gems – let’s ride.
On smaller NBA slates, a single injury or minutes restriction can alter the outlook. In order to keep up, be sure to use our proprietary NBA projections and cheat sheet to build your lineups. Moreover, join the conversation in the Win Daily Discord to get the insight you need from both subscribers and staff.
Dallas Mavericks @ Brooklyn Nets (-1)
Dallas Mavericks (+1)
This NBA slate is loaded with elite options at the guard position, and it starts with Luka Doncic at the very top. Currently sitting 19th in the league against primary ball handlers, the Nets perimeter defense will get all it can handle with Doncic tonight. The MVP candidate comes into this game sporting a league-high 41.3% usage rate while posting a phenomenal 34.7/9/7.7 scoring line on 50% shooting. While he is far and away the most expensive player on the slate, no one carries the upside that Doncic does. We’ll need some value to make this work with a smaller player pool, so be sure to keep up with the news.
Brooklyn Nets (-1)
While Kyrie Irving is another example of an elite play at the guard position, there’s another Brooklyn Net that catches me eye. No, it is not Kevin Durant, as he does not fit my lineup structure at the time of writing. Rather, it will be Nic Claxton. I wrote him up on Monday and he came through with a 16/7 scoring line despite the early foul trouble. Claxton seems to have cemented his role, not only in the starting lineup, but throughout the game’s entirety. Logging 33 and 34 minutes in back-to-back contests, Claxton has now scored 13 or more points in all three games this season, recording two double-doubles in the process. With the Mavericks sitting 20th in the NBA in points allowed in the paint per game, Claxton makes for a good midrange target in tournaments tonight.
LA Clippers @ OKC Thunder (+6.5)
LA Clippers (-6.5)
Despite Kawhi Leonard (knee) missing tonight’s game, the Clippers are planning to have Paul George (illness) back in the lineup. Thus, there is limited exposure I want here. Should George play in this one, one of few players I’d have interest in would be Ivica Zubac. While his minutes will fluctuate, Zubac will see extended run tonight in the absence of Marcus Morris Sr. (personal) from the lineup. Even with two games where he saw 24 or less minutes, Zubac has averaged 11.8 rebounds per game and gets to go up against a Thunder frontcourt that is seriously undermanned. With veterans Robert Covington, Nic Batum, and John Wall all being eased back into game shape, Zubac will be the main benefactor from the ball movement of this Clippers offense.
OKC Thunder (+6.5)
As if we didn’t have enough elite options at the guard position on this slate, cue Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. However, I’ll save you the trouble because I prefer the players discussed below. Rather, I’ll get my exposure to this Thunder offense in the form of SGA’s supporting cast. In the absence of Josh Giddey (ankle), yet another player from Monday’s article will be at the forefront of my focus. Tre Mann, despite SGA being active, looked tremendous on the offensive side of the ball. Pouring in 25 points on 41.7% shooting, Mann was no slouch next to the All-NBA talent. Rather, it was indeed Mann who led the team in shots, not SGA, while also sporting a 27.6% usage rate to SGA’s 29%. The two both logged 36 minutes, combining for 58 of the team’s 108 points in a landslide victory versus these same Clippers.
Memphis Grizzlies @ Sacramento Kings (+5)
Memphis Grizzlies (-5)
Although the guard position began with a Luka Doncic discussion, Ja Morant isn’t far off. Playing in the best game environment on a small NBA slate, Morant looks to take advantage of a turnover prone Sacramento offense. While the player below thrives in a fast-paced setting, so does Morant. His capability to push the pace and get the basket with ease will be on full display tonight. Now four games into the season, Morant has scored 20 or more points in every one, while posting a 35.3/4.3/7 scoring line on 54.8% shooting through a 35.9% usage rate.
Sacramento Kings (+5)
I surely hope he goes overlooked because of other guards on this slate because I’d love nothing more than to stack De’Aaron Fox with Ja Morant. My darkhorse for Most Improved Player of the Year, Fox finished last season on a torrid pace and has picked up right where he left off. Now three games into the campaign, Fox has scored 26 or more points in all three outings, including two 30-point performances. He sneakily has a 33.8% usage rate on the season, while posting a remarkable 31.7/5.7/7 scoring line on 59.4% shooting. While his counterpart, Ja Morant, makes for a great option on offense, he is a terrible defender. Thus, I plan on picking on Morant and his 122.6 net defensive rating with Fox.
Honorable Mention:
- Miami Heat @ Golden State Warriors (-7)
You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord
