DFSGhost 
Only ten NBA teams take the court tonight but there is plenty of intrigue. Some of the league’s best will face off against one another, while a few short rotations may steal the show. It’s a Taco Tuesday edition of the Gems – let’s ride.
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.
Phoenix Suns @ Houston Rockets (+5.5)
Phoenix Suns (-5.5)
Devin Booker is set to miss a second straight game with a hamstring injury. Thus, both Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton will be priorities on this NBA slate. Both have massive point/dollar upside in their respective matchups. With Booker off the floor, Paul will get to run the pick-and-roll even more than usual. Thus, Ayton is a primary benefactor on the inside. Moreover, the Houston Rockets are last against primary ball handlers. Additionally, they rank last in pick-and-roll defense with a league-worst 52.3% effective field goal percentage allowed. No individual statistics needed for this duo; it’s a dream matchup.
Houston Rockets (+5.5)
If you are getting exposure to the Rockets on this NBA slate, duplicate your lineup and make one with Kevin Porter Jr. and another with Jalen Green. However, if choosing between the two, I prefer the latter. On the season, Green leads the Rockets with a 28% usage rate and has averaged 21.6/4/3.8 on 41.8% shooting. Moreover, he has taken 17 or more attempts from the field in his last five games. The efficiency can always be a cause for concern, but there is no doubting his volume tonight.
New Orleans Pelicans @ Utah Jazz (+1.5)
New Orleans Pelicans (-1.5)
The Pelicans are still missing Brandon Ingram but this team is on an absolute tear right now. Not only are the one of the hottest teams in the NBA, but Zion Williamson has been turning heads. Over his last six games, Williamson has scored 25 or more points in each one. Moreover, he has averaged 31.2/9.3/4.8 on 68% shooting during that span through a 29.8% usage rate. With the Pelicans rolling smaller lineups and using Zion at the ‘5’, he’ll get the bulk of minutes in a favorable matchup. Utah currently ranks 28th in the league against centers and last in points allowed in the paint per game.
Utah Jazz (+1.5)
The return of Lauri Markkanen to the lineup removes the upside from multiple Jazz. Throughout their last three games, the Jazz have been without multiple players. Tonight, Collin Sexton remains out, but the bulk of this roster is healthy. Thus, it will be interesting to see what the Jazz do with Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Over his last three appearances, NAW has seen a massive jump in minutes and offensive opportunity. Logging over 31 minutes per contest in that span, NAW has averaged 16.3/4.7/3.3 on 58.6% shooting, including 55.6% from deep on six attempts per night. Presumably, he should get the start with both Mike Conley and Malik Beasley coming off the bench, but look for updates in Discord. There is a lot to love about this offense in a competitive game environment on tonight’s NBA slate.
Honorable Mentions:
- Sacramento Kings @ Philadelphia 76ers (-5.5)
- Golden State Warriors @ Milwaukee Bucks (-4.5)
- Boston Celtics @ Los Angeles Lakers (+3.5)
You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord
