DFSGhost 
Plenty of games on tonight’s NBA slate but a few stand out above the rest. It’s a Wet Wednesday 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.
Golden State Warriors @ Indiana Pacers (OTB)
Golden State Warriors (OTB)
This will be an injury report to monitor throughout the day. While there is no clear path to take as of yet, there will be one once the NBA slate locks, as this is the first one on it. Klay Thompson has sat out back-to-backs this season, and he continues to rehabilitate from multiple ACL injuries. Moreover, Draymond Green is a rest candidate, Andrew Wiggins is out with a groin injury, and Steph Curry looked hobbled by the end of yesterday’s game against the Bucks. Thus, Jordan Poole can be one of the most popular players on the slate, depending on how this one shakes out.
Indiana Pacers (OTB)
Depending on who plays for the Warriors, there are different ways to get exposure to the Pacers in an elite game environment. The Warriors currently lead the NBA in pace, while the Pacers rank 5th. Thus, there will be a ton of offense in this one and getting exposure to both sides is a strong start to any NBA lineup tonight. Tyrese Haliburton has upside in this matchup given that the Warriors rank 23rd against primary ball handlers. Moreover, the duo of Buddy Hield and Myles Turner can do damage in the midrange of the pricing grid.
Portland Trail Blazers @ San Antonio Spurs (+6.5)
Portland Trail Blazers (-6.5)
This is a risky spot for the Trail Blazers. While they are heavily favored, Vegas does not have this as a landslide victory. Thus, be cautious with exposure but feel confident enough to get a piece of this high scoring game. Damian Lillard is the main contributor on offense, but this is a favorable matchup for Anfernee Simons as a tournament play. San Antonio currently ranks last in the NBA against off-ball guards, allowing over 44 fantasy points per game to the player type. Moreover, the Spurs rank last in three-point shooting percentage allowed and 23rd in three-pointers allowed per game. With Simons being one of three players to hoist up over ten three-pointers per night, he has the chance to lead the team in scoring tonight.
San Antonio Spurs (+6.5)
While the trio of Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, and Tre Jones will shoulder the offense once again, there will be value in this Spurs frontcourt. Jakob Poeltl remains out and Zach Collins is listed as doubtful to play. Thus, a combination of Jeremy Sochan, Keita Bates-Diop, Charles Bassey, and Isaiah Roby will see the bulk of minutes in a favorable matchup. Portland currently ranks 26th in the NBA against centers while being 22nd in points allowed in the paint per game. Look for updates in our projections for further direction.
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Los Angeles Clippers (-6.5)
Minnesota Timberwolves (+6.5)
This game brings us back to a duo that won us a ton of money on Monday night. Despite the field loving Anthony Edwards, I preached the upside of Rudy Gobert as a pivot and tonight is the same case. While the Clippers are known to go with smaller lineups, they will have no choice to roll Ivica Zubac for more time, as the Timberwolves simply cannot match the Clippers’ small ball lineup with Towns still out. Thus, Gobert has massive upside in this matchup. The Clippers currently rank 24th in the NBA against true centers. Moreover, Gobert has three double-doubles in his last four games, averaging 19.5/15.8/1.5 on 66% shooting.
Los Angeles Clippers (-6.5)
I preached the upside of Kawhi Leonard in his last matchup and boy did he come through! Not only was he rostered by a mere 5% of the field that night, but Kawhi dropped 47 fantasy points in 29 minutes. Tonight, we’re going right back to the well. While on a “minutes limit”, Leonard has now seen 28 or more minutes in his last four contests. That is more than enough to do significant damage on this NBA slate. The Timberwolves currently rank 28th against wings, struggling mightily with their 3-and-D rotation. In his last contest, Kawhi dropped 25/9/6 on 83.3% shooting and I expect more of the same tonight, even despite an expected dip in efficiency.
Honorable Mentions:
- Sacramento Kings @ Toronto Raptors (-5.5)
- Miami Heat @ Oklahoma City Thunder (+4.5)
You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord
