DFSGhost 
Elite game environments and head-to-head matchups amongst some of the league’s best headlines tonight’s NBA slate. Some teams are playing on short rotations, while others scramble to find new rotations to avoid falling in the standings. It’s a Wet Wednesday edition of the Gems – let’s ride.
There have already been multiple players ruled out ahead of tonight’s slate with more to come. 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.
Atlanta Hawks @ Orlando Magic (+5.5)
Atlanta Hawks (-5.5)
If you think Orlando can keep this game relatively close, than Trae Young is someone to monitor at the top of the pricing grid. The Magic currently rank 25th in the NBA versus primary ball handlers and have poor perimeter defenders. Before failing to miss the 20-point mark in his last game, Young has scored 20 or more in eleven straight. Moreover, he leads the team in usage rate, scoring, assists, and field goal attempts per game. It’s a hefty price to pay and by no means necessary, but the ceiling is there in an elite game environment.
Orlando Magic (+5.5)
Many players in this rotation are out, while a few make their return after long absences. Wendell Carter Jr., Jalen Suggs, and Chuma Okeke are all out, while Mo Bamba is questionable. Meanwhile, Markelle Fultz and Cole Anthony will be on minutes limits in their first action in quite some time. The key player to monitor here is Mo Bamba. Should he be ruled out, Bol Bol shifts to the power forward spot in a phenomenal matchup against John Collins. His scoring output has been inconsistent, but with 10 or more points in three of his last five games, he makes for an intriguing tournament play given all the injuries to this roster.
San Antonio Spurs @ OKC Thunder (-5.5)
San Antonio Spurs (+5.5)
One of the best spots for value on the entire NBA slate. Both Jakob Poeltl and Jeremy Sochan have been ruled out for this game, leaving plenty of opportunity in the frontcourt. Additionally, Keita Bates-Diop is listed as questionable, as is Josh Richardson. Should the two miss this game as well, plenty of minutes will be there for Zach Collins, Charles Bassey, and Doug McDermott. Since returning to the lineup, Collins has posted an 8/7.5/1 scoring line on 50% shooting, while McDermott has averaged 15 points per game in those two games.
OKC Thunder (-5.5)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (ankle) is currently questionable to play. Should he miss this game, Josh Giddey will be one of the most popular plays on the NBA slate and rightfully so. The Spurs currently rank 27th against combo guards. Moreover, Giddey has tremendous upside on the glass with the Spurs frontcourt missing two of the best rebounders. The only interest I have in this offense is if Gilgeous-Alexander misses this game, so keep an eye on the final injury report.
Toronto Raptors @ New Orleans Pelicans (-2.5)
Toronto Raptors (+2.5)
With Pascal Siakam making his return to the lineup, do not feel forced to get exposure to this offense. However, if there is a spot for OG Anunoby to make his mark, it’s in this matchup. The Pelicans currently rank 29th in the NBA versus wings. Moreover, Anunoby has scored 20 or more points in four of his last five games, posting a 24/5.6/3.2 scoring line on 50% shooting. The usage rate will always fall behind Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam, but Anunoby has the best matchup of the three.
New Orleans Pelicans (-2.5)
With Brandon Ingram (toe) ruled out for a second straight game, the value is there once again with the Pelicans on this NBA slate. CJ McCollum (health and safety protocols) has been cleared to play, but his conditioning may not be there after missing three games. Thus, it looks as though Zion Williamson is set to lead the offense once again. Moreover, the backcourt will pick up the slack in the absence of Ingram and potentially McCollum. Jose Alvarado is set to see heavy minutes in this one once again, while Dyson Daniels makes for an intriguing option off the bench should McClollum sit out.
Honorable Mentions:
- Indiana Pacers @ Sacramento Kings (-4.5)
- Portland Trail Blazers @ Los Angeles Lakers (-5.5)
You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord
