DFSGhost 
Only six teams are in action tonight. However, there are plenty of NBA stars facing off against one another, while a few others have already been ruled out. It’s a Taco Tuesday edition of the Gems – let’s ride.
With only three games on tonight’s schedule, a single injury can alter the look of lineups. 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 @ Detroit Pistons (+3.5)
New York Knicks (-3.5)
Despite what the Pistons final injury report looks like, the Knicks have an intriguing player in the midrange of the pricing grid. With 27 or more points in four straight games, including 30 or more in his last three, Jalen Brunson is carrying this offense. Through his last four appearances, Brunson has posted a 30.8/3.3/6.3 scoring line on 51.8% shooting through a team-leading 31.3% usage rate. The Pistons currently rank 27th in the NBA against primary ball handlers and have the league’s 29th ranked defense.
Detroit Pistons (+3.5)
There won’t be a confirmation on how to get exposure to the Pistons until their final injury report is released. With four of five starters currently listed as questionable, including all of whom missed their last game, the Pistons can either be a popular source of value or targets in the midrange. The Knicks currently rank 11th in the NBA in pace and 27th in defensive rating. Thus, this will be a game environment that is far from one to avoid.
Golden State Warriors @ Dallas Mavericks (+1.5)
Golden State Warriors (-1.5)
Obviously, Steph Curry is the primary target on this Warriors offense. Not only is Curry posting better numbers than his unanimous MVP season, but he is leading the team in usage rate and scoring, while being second in rebounds and assists. If you are not getting exposure to the Warriors with Curry, you need to be doing so elsewhere. On their current five-game winning streak, the Warriors support cast have been elite. Both Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins have averaged over 20 points per game on over 50% shooting. Moreover, Draymond Green has averaged 11.3/5/9 while logging 31 or more minutes in every game. The Mavericks are last in the NBA in pace, but the Warriors offense is in another great spot.
Dallas Mavericks (+1.5)
Outside of Luka Doncic, there is little to be excited about when it comes to the Mavericks’ fantasy outlook. Despite being on a four-game losing streak, Doncic has continued to dazzle. The NBA MVP candidate has posted a 28.8/7.3/9.5 scoring line on 53.2% shooting during that span. However, he has little support. Spencer Dinwiddie has a safe floor in this game environment, but other guards take priority of him; he is not a bad play by any means, but lacks upside. Christian Wood is another target given the lack of depth at the center position on this NBA slate. However, with the Warriors playing Green more at the ‘5’, Wood will have a tough time in the paint on both ends of the court. Nonetheless, the Mavericks will shift Dwight Powell to the bench quickly in favor of Christian Wood if they want to stay in this game, making the latter an intriguing target despite the tough matchup.
Los Angeles Clippers @ Portland Trail Blazers (-2.5)
Los Angeles Clippers (+2.5)
With the trio of Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, and John Wall all ruled out for tonight, there is plenty of value on this Clippers offense. Ivica Zubac is fresh off a ridiculous 31/29/3 game and gets a phenomenal matchup against Jusuf Nurkic, making him the popular option at the thin center position. He is in a good spot, but be wary of chasing another big game. Elsewhere, with both Wall and Kennard missing in the backcourt, the trio of Reggie Jackson, Terence Mann, and Norman Powell will get many looks on offense. While all three are volatile given their dependence on their scoring output, Mann has the safer floor of the trio due to his upside on the glass and with his ball handling.
Portland Trail Blazers (-2.5)
Damian Lillard is slated to miss another game with his injury. Thus, Portland should be one of the first rotations you go to on this NBA slate. With Justice Winslow replacing Shaedon Sharpe in the starting lineup, the bench is getting little to no minutes. Joining Winslow are Simons, Hart, Nurkic, and Grant. Of the four, Jerami Grant is the most intriguing. Yes, Anfernee Simons has the higher upside as the primary shooter, but Grant gets a friendly matchup versus a defense that ranks 28th in the NBA versus wings. Over his last five games, Grant has scored in double digits in every one, posting a 25.2/2.8/2.6 scoring line on 45.8% shooting. There should be interest in Nurkic, Simons, and Winslow as well in an overlooked game on a small slate.
You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord
