DFSGhost 
This last week in the NBA resembles April basketball. Rotations have been depleted because of health and safety protocols, injuries, and load management. Tonight, multiple key players have already been ruled out, while others will surely join them by lock. It’s a Mojito Monday edition of the Gems – let’s ride.
Lately, injury reports are lengthly. Tonight, there are many stars missing in action with others questionable to play. 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.
New York Knicks @ OKC Thunder (-3)
New York Knicks (+3)
Things are not looking good for the Knicks. Despite being 8-9, this team looks to be in shambles on both sides of the ball. Now, on the second half of a back-to-back, they’re 3-point underdogs to the rebuilding Thunder. Despite their lack of success, this team has a ton of fantasy appeal tonight. No one is priced out of range, and the rotation’s inconsistent minutes makes for a high-risk, high-reward scenario. The duo of Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle figure to be relied upon heavily tonight. The Thunder currently rank 27th in the NBA versus big men, while Brunson gets a friendly matchup versus a backcourt that struggles to guard primary ball handlers. Moreover, with the inconsistent play of Isaiah Hartenstein and the return from injury of Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks will go smaller with Randle at the ‘5’, resulting in more minutes of Immanuel Quickley alongside Brunson.
OKC Thunder (-3)
Riddled with injuries, the Thunder are a rotation of interest on tonight’s NBA slate. With Tre Mann, Darius Bazley, and Aleksej Pokusevski all out, there is plenty to like in an elite game environment. First, the duo of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey are both firmly in play. Averaging 1.44 and 1.1 points per minute, respectively, the young backcourt offer immense upside against a Knicks defense that ranks 24th in the NBA. However, I also want to highlight Jeremiah Robinson-Earl. In the absences of both Bazley and Pokusevski, the young center will see the bulk of the minutes at the ‘5’. Moreover, he is averaging 16.54/8.27/1.44 per 36 minutes. If you cannot get exposure in the form of SGA or Giddey, there are multiple value options you should be considering.
Miami Heat @ Minnesota Timberwolves (-7)
Miami Heat (+7)
This is an injury report worth monitoring. In the last week, the Heat have been decimated with absences, requiring players on two-way contracts to meet the minimum eight players per game. Thus, Miami’s rotation will be a focal point until they get back to full health. Jimmy Butler remains out, while Gabe Vincent and Tyler Herro both missed last night’s game. Should this still be the case, a player to consider is Duncan Robinson. While both Kyle Lowry and Bam Adebayo will have higher usage rates and more looks on offense, their respective matchups are far from ideal. Minnesota currently ranks 23rd in the NBA in three-point percentage allowed and 29th in three-pointers made per game. With Robinson being one of the best pure shooters in the league, his ceiling is worth a look considering he is close to minimum salary.
Minnesota Timberwolves (-7)
Exposure to this offense will be tricky, but it’s a good spot. With Miami playing on a short rotation, Minnesota will be forced to tighten up their own. Thus, the trio of Towns, Gobert, and Edwards are enticing. Gobert has massive point/dollar upside, but his limited touches on offense keeps his production intact. Karl-Anthony Towns can put up a 30-point double-double at any given time, but his floor is simply too low. Consequently, Anthony Edwards is the priority. Sporting a team-leading 31.3% usage rate over his last two games, Edwards has posted a 30/6.5/5.5 scoring line on 46.3% shooting. Additionally, he has shot 39.1% from deep while taking 23 three-point attempts in the last two games. With Miami ranked 21st in the NBA in three-point percentage allowed and 28th in three-pointers made per game, Edwards has the potential to break the slate.
Honorable Mentions:
- Atlanta Hawks @ Cleveland Cavaliers (-2.5)
- Orlando Magic @ Indiana Pacers (-6.5)
- Portland Trail Blazers @ Milwaukee Bucks (-8.5)
You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord
