DFSGhost 
Numerous teams take the floor tonight with concerns to be addressed. Injuries are plentiful to begin the NBA season, shifting slates at the blink of an eye. Tonight, some back-to-backs are at the forefront of the player pool, while two elite game environments make for excellent pivots in tournaments. It’s a Mojito Monday edition of the Gems – let’s ride.
On a large NBA slate, injury report updates are likely to be lengthly and frequent throughout the day. Thus, 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.
Houston Rockets @ Orlando Magic (-4.5)
Houston Rockets (+4.5)
The rebuilding Rockets continue to be a bargain on NBA slates. Despite the offense running through their backcourt tandem, my priority here is Alperen Sengun. Averaging over 1.3 DK points per minute, Sengun is amongst the most productive players on a per minute basis. Facing an Orlando Magic frontcourt that allows nearly 50 points in the paint per game, Sengun is far and away one of the best targets in the mid range of the pricing grid.
Orlando Magic (-4.5)
With Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony, Gary Harris, Jonathan Isaac and Mo Wagner all on the shelf, this is one of the thinnest rotations in the NBA. Impressive is his rookie campaign thus far, Paolo Banchero leads his team with a 29.6% usage rate while posting a 22.9/8.5/3.6 scoring line on 45.8% shooting. However, his point/dollar upside is limited on such a large slate. Thus, I’ll be turning to the wings once again in Franz Wagner and/or Bol Bol. The two carry usage rates of 24.2% and 15.4% in the last five games, respectively. In that stretch, since Bol Bol has entered the starting lineup, the two have combined for 32.2 points per game. Against a Rockets team that ranks 28th in the league versus wings, the two have phenomenal matchups in an elite game environment.
Washington Wizards @ Charlotte Hornets (-3)
Washington Wizards (+3)
With the Wizards on the second half of a back-to-back, their injury report can dictate the NBA slate. Already without Bradley Beal, who is in healthy and safety protocols, the Wizards offense have one of, if not the best situation on the slate. Now, with Beal likely out for a second straight game, usage gets more condensed and there are two primary benefactors. The duo of Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle Kuzma are both in advantageous situations in their respective matchups. The former lines up on Mason Plumlee, who carries a defensive rating of 110.4, while the Hornets frontcourt collectively ranks 29th in the league versus opposing big men. Meanwhile, the latter has a favorable matchup of his own; Kelly Oubre Jr. shifts to the ‘3’ with Terry Rozier back in the lineup, while having a defensive rating of 111.2 on the season.
Charlotte Hornets (-3)
Making his return to the lineup last game after a lengthly absence, Terry Rozier picked up right where he left off. Despite the losing effort against Brooklyn, Rozier led the team in usage, minutes played, scoring, and field goal attempts. Taking 24 shots on the night, Rozier took a whopping 14 from behind the arc, shooting 37.5% from the field and 42.9% from deep. With the Wizards ranking last in the NBA in opponent three-point field goal percentage allowed, Rozier will have the green light to take as many shots as it takes to get the win and makes for an excellent pivot to a guard mentioned below.
Toronto Raptors @ Chicago Bulls (-3.5)
Toronto Raptors (+3.5)
The reason the two games above highlighted targets in the mid range of the player pool is because the field will flock in this direction. With Pascal Siakam (groin) is slated to miss the next two weeks, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, and Scottie Barnes will be popular on every NBA slate featuring the Raptors. Tonight, Toronto takes on Chicago on the second half of a back-to-back, where the trio will be tasked with heavy minutes once again. There is simply no need for an explanation as to why all three are in play, but they will be some of the most rostered players in the field. Moreover, Coach Nick Nurse refuses to go deep into his rotation, whether it’s a regular season game in November or Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Thus, add Christian Koloko to the players whom will garner the interest of the field.
Chicago Bulls (-3.5)
With Zach Lavine (knee) missing last night’s game, his status for tonight will dictate interest in the Bulls roster. Truth be told, while both Nikola Vucevic and DeMar DeRozan will see increased looks on offense should Lavine sit once again, I don’t think I’ll get there on such a large NBA slate. Thus, should Lavine miss a second straight game, I’ll turn to the Chicago rotation pieces in Caruso, Green, Williams, and Dragic. Again, this is only if not only Lavine is out, but Coby White (quad) as well. Check Discord for updates.
Honorable Mentions:
- Sacramento Kings @ Golden State Warriors (-7.5)
- LA Lakers @ Utah Jazz (-3)
You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord
