DFSGhost 
There are plenty of intriguing storylines for tonight’s NBA slate. A multitude of players have already been ruled out, while others seem to be on the wrong side of their questionable tags. It’s a Fajita Friday edition of the Gems – let’s ride.
Multiple players are currently listed on their team’s respective injury report. With eleven games on the schedule tonight, those lists will only grow. 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.
Indiana Pacers @ Houston Rockets (+5)
Indiana Pacers (-5)
If I didn’t like the studs in the game below this one as much as I do, I’d be all over Tyrese Haliburton. In summary, this is a dream spot for the Pacers’ plethora of guards. The Rockets rank 28th in the NBA in defensive rating, 29th versus primary ball handlers, and 29th versus off-ball guards. This bodes well for the trio of Haliburton, Hield, and Mathurin. While it’s a good spot for all three, I want to also highlight Myles Turner. Sporting a 21.8% usage rate on the season, Turner has posted an 18.1/8.9/1.6 scoring line on 52.9% shooting. Moreover, Turner has posted four straight double-doubles. During that span, he has averaged 22.5/10.8/1.5 on 59.6% shooting through a 22.5% usage rate. Whether it comes in the form of the three guards or Turner, you need exposure to this Pacers offense in one of the best game environments on the slate.
Houston Rockets (+5)
This is a great game environment for the mid range of the pricing grid. With the Pacers ranked 25th in defensive rating, I’m going right to the Rockets’ backcourt duo in Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green. Now, the former is listed as questionable, so be sure to keep an eye on that leading up to lock. However, both are firmly in play, should they both suit up. Green leads the team in usage rate at 27.1%, while Porter Jr. slots in second with a 26.4% rate of his own. They have combined for over 40 points per game this season while taking over 33 shots per night. Indiana currently ranks 22nd in the NBA versus primary ball handlers, while ranking in 27th versus off-ball guards. Moreover, the Pacers rank 29th in opposing three-point percentage allowed and 25th in three-pointers made per game, allowing 13.4 per game.
OKC Thunder @ Memphis Grizzlies (-6)
OKC Thunder (+6)
Tied for third in league scoring, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the best players in the league right now. Averaging a career-high 32.3 points per game, SGA has scored 37 or more points in four of his last five games. Moreover, he has posted a 35/4.4/6.2 scoring line on 56% shooting while carrying a 34.7% usage rate. Facing a Memphis defense that sits 19th in defensive efficiency and 23rd versus primary ball handlers, SGA is one of the best plays on the NBA slate.
Memphis Grizzlies (-6)
If you are looking for a back and forth between two of the league’s best young talents, look no further. Ja Morant played excellent in a losing effort to the Pelicans the other night. Despite the team only being able to muster 102 points, Morant posted a 36/8/4 scoring line on 48.1% shooting. Moreover, he led the team with a whopping 40.7% usage rate and finished +5 on the night. With the Thunder ranked third in the NBA in pace, this game environment is right up the alley of Morant.
Denver Nuggets @ Dallas Mavericks (-6.5)
Denver Nuggets (+6.5)
This is far from an elite game environment. However, with Jamal Murray (health and safety protocols) joining Nikola Jokic (health and safety protocols) on the sidelines, the Nuggets will be the most popular rotation on the NBA slate. Michael Porter Jr. instantly becomes the primary shot taker, but his efficiency has been lackluster, shooting 30% or worse from the field in three of his last four games. Thus, the duo of Bruce Brown and Bones Hyland are more intriguing. The former has scored in double digits in three straight games, posting a 13.3/9/5 scoring line on 45.5% shooting. Moreover, Hyland reentered the lineup last game and finished second on the team in usage rate, only behind Murray. Hyland posted a 21/7/2 scoring line on 46.5% shooting, including five three-pointers made on ten attempts. Considering the Mavericks are last in the league in pace and fifth in defensive rating, do not go overboard on the Nuggets.
Dallas Mavericks (-6.5)
Despite the absences of key members to the Nuggets rotation, Vegas still has this game staying close. Thus, Luka Doncic is firmly in play. Leading the NBA with a 38.3% usage rate, Doncic has been on a record-breaking pace to begin the season. Doncic has posted a remarkable 34.4/8.8/7.8 scoring line on 49.7% shooting. Moreover, he has 30 or more points in 11 of 13 appearances this year. I’ll never encourage the prediction of blowouts, and while this may seem like one on paper, the Mavericks have losses against the Wizards, Magic, and Thunder this year, while having a narrow margin of victory of 8.38 points in eight wins.
Honorable Mentions:
- Boston Celtics @ New Orleans Pelicans (+3)
- New York Knicks @ Golden State Warriors (-6.5)
You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord
