DFS & Sports Betting Tools, Exclusive Content, and Expert Chat
GET STARTED TODAY
 
DFS & Sports Betting Tools, Exclusive Content, and Expert Chat
GET STARTED TODAY
 
Home / Golden State Warriors / Page 3
Tag:

Golden State Warriors

There are many elite game environments and plenty of stars on this NBA slate. Unfortunately, some have already been ruled out and will be missing in action. Injuries have derailed slates over the last few weeks, and tonight is no different. It’s a Wet Wednesday edition of the Gems – let’s ride.

A single injury can alter an NBA slate. As has been the theme of the past few weeks, there hasn’t just been one, but many major injuries to monitor. 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.

Philadelphia 76ers @ Charlotte Hornets (-4.5)

Philadelphia 76ers (+4.5)

I wrote up Shake Milton for yesterday’s NBA and the same applies on the second half of a back-to-back: “Although he figures to be one of, if not the most rostered player on the slate, it will be hard to avoid Shake Milton tonight. Over his last two games, Milton has a 25.5% usage rate. Moreover, he has posted a 21/4.5/4 scoring line on 59.3% shooting, including 44.4% from deep.” With Joel Embiid, James Harden, and Tyrese Maxey still out for the 76ers, Milton is as close to a free square as it gets.

Charlotte Hornets (-4.5)

In the absence of LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier will carry this offense. However, with stronger intrigue for other guards on the NBA slate, I cannot find a spot for him in my NBA lineups. Thus, I’ll be looking at Kelly Oubre Jr. and PJ Washington. Now, you don’t have to force exposure to this offense. Rather, the two make for low rostered plays to get different. In their last two games since Ball reaggravated his injury, it is Oubre Jr., not Rozier, who leads the team in usage rate at 27.8%. Moreover, Oubre Jr. has posted a remarkable 28.5 points per game on 53.7% shooting in his last two appearances. Not only has Oubre Jr. been outperforming Rozier, but it is PJ Washington, not Rozier, who is second on the team in scoring in their last two. With the 76ers being forced to roll out a small lineup in the absence of Embiid, Washington will have ample opportunity in the paint.

Sacramento Kings @ Atlanta Hawks (-6.5)

Sacramento Kings (+6.5)

If you are looking for a back and forth between two elite offenses, this is the game for you. Turning heads in November, the Kings have been one of, if not the best team in the NBA lately. Not only do they currently have the #1 ranked offense, but they have a formidable duo in De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis complemented with elite shooting. If you have been following over the past few years, you already know how I feel about both Fox and Sabonis. Rather than writing them both up once again, I’ll emphasize what Kevin Huerter brings to this offense. Sporting an 18.6% usage rate on the season, Huerter has posted a 16.6/2.9/3.5 scoring line on 50% shooting. Moreover, he has the seventh best three-point shooting percentage in the NBA at 49.5%. A tough matchup looms on the perimeter, but this offense is scorching.

Atlanta Hawks (-6.5)

Despite the Hawks cooling off after starting their season with a 4-1 record, Trae Young has been heating up. For the eighth consecutive contest, Young posted 20 or more points versus the Cavaliers. During that span, Young has a team-leading 33.3% usage rate and has posted a 25.9/3/9.6 scoring line on 42.1% shooting. While the Kings have greatly improved their team defense, they can still be beaten by primary ball handlers, allowing over 26 points and 8 assists per 36 minutes. Enter Young, who is one of the best to do it in today’s NBA.

Los Angeles Clippers @ Golden State Warriors (-6.5)

Los Angeles Clippers (+6.5)

Lengthly injuries is once again costing the Clippers. It only gets worse, as both Kawhi Leonard (ankle) and Paul George (hamstring) are set to miss tonight’s game. As a result, this is going to be one of the most interesting rotations on the NBA slate. There are different ways to get exposure here, depending on how the rest of your lineup shakes out. Reggie Jackson and Ivica Zubac figure to carry the bulk of the offensive looks in the starting lineup. The two are both averaging approximately 33 minutes per game over their last three. Moreover, Jackson has posted a 23.3/3/3.7 scoring line on 58.1% shooting during that span, while Zubac has the better matchup of the two with Golden State ranked 26th versus centers. If you want scoring power off the bench, both John Wall and Norman Powell are elite options on the slate as well.

Golden State Warriors (-6.5)

Amidst early season troubles, the Warriors seem to have their groove on offense. With the majority of their starters having rested last game, Golden State figures to be back at full strength tonight. Thus, there is a lot of firepower here between two Western Conference title contenders. In a matchup against the Clippers, the Splash Brothers will once again be at the focal point of the offense. Klay Thompson is coming off a season-high 41 points, making 10 of 13 three-pointers against the Rockets. Moreover, Steph Curry made seven three-pointers of his own, posting a 33/6/15 scoring line on 55% shooting. Sporting a 31.2% usage rate on the season, Curry has been posting better numbers than his unanimous MVP season, making him one of the best plays on the NBA slate.

Honorable Mentions:

  • Portland Trail Blazers @ Cleveland Cavaliers (-8.5)
  • Brooklyn Nets @ Toronto Raptors (-1.5)
  • New Orleans Pelicans @ San Antonio Spurs (+6.5)

You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

It wouldn’t be a Friday in the NBA without one of, if not the league’s best player being ruled out 24 hours in advance of the slate. Moreover, injuries to other stars have created new dynamics in offenses around the league, shifting the fantasy landscape. Tonight, there are many spots that are intriguing to us. It’s a Fajita Friday edition of the Gems – let’s ride.

Multiple stars have already been ruled out for tonight. Moreover, there are some question marks surrounding the availability of others that can alter the slate in a drastic way. 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.

Toronto Raptors @ OKC Thunder (+5.5)

Toronto Raptors (-5.5)

With Pascal Siakam (adductor) having missed the last three games, Fred VanVleet has found his touch on offense. Leading the team with a 28.1% usage rate during that span, FVV has dropped 30 or more points in two of three appearances, while also posting a 27-point effort. Lining up against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is no easy feat, but VanVleet has carried this offense to two wins in their last three games without Siakam. He’ll be popular for cash games, while also making for a safe floor, high ceiling option in tournaments on this NBA slate.

OKC Thunder (+5.5)

The only real interest I have in this offense is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. If you’re into narratives, which are surely part of the fun in NBA DFS, how about the Canadian playing his hometown team while rumors circle about his potential desire to play for them? Nonetheless, SGA has been performing at an all-star caliber this season. Leading the team with a 32.1% usage rate, Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged a whopping 31.6 PPG on 53.7% shooting, good for fifth in the NBA scoring race. The matchup is far from ideal against Toronto’s stingy defense, so don’t force this one if you have more preferable spots.

Milwaukee Bucks @ San Antonio Spurs (+1)

Milwaukee Bucks (-1)

Welcome to the value of the NBA slate. Both Giannis Antetokounmpo (ankle) and Jrue Holiday (ankle) join Khris Middleton (wrist) on the sidelines tonight. Thus, the field will likely flock to Jevon Carter, who is fresh off a 36/4/12 game against OKC. Carter led the team in usage rate (32.4%) and field goal attempts (15), but he will be one of the most rostered players in the field. If you’re playing Carter or a combination of Grayson Allen, Bobby Portis, Brook Lopez, or Marjon Beauchamp, be sure to get different elsewhere in your lineups.

San Antonio Spurs (+1)

Even with Giannis Antetokounmpo missing from the lineup, the presence of Brook Lopez on the interior still concerns me regarding the Spurs frontcourt. Thus, I have interest in going back to the well with Keldon Johnson or Devin Vassell on this NBA slate. The two have phenomenal matchups on the wing with the Bucks’ injuries. Moreover, the way Gregg Popovich has staggered their minutes makes their fantasy appeal all that much greater. Vassell comes off mid way through the first quarter and checks back in with 3-4 bench players, making him the preferred target of the two due to dominant usage at the beginning of the second and fourth quarters. Having scored 20 or more points in 6 of 8 appearances this season, Vassell ranks second on the team behind Johnson in both usage and scoring, shooting 46.2% from the field and 45.2% from deep.

Sacramento Kings @ Los Angeles Lakers (+3)

Sacramento Kings (-3)

For those that enjoy the late night hammer on NBA slates, tonight is your night. There are plenty of good games after opening tipoff, and this is certainly one of them. Make no mistake about it, I love both De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis in this spot, but I want to highlight another player as well. What Malik Monk has been doing off the bench in Sacramento has gone under-appreciated. Having scored in double digits across his last four games, Monk is heating up as one of the first players off the bench in this offense. During that span, Monk has seen an increase in minutes, logging over 27 per contest. Moreover, he has posted an 18/2.3/5.3 scoring line on 50% shooting, including 44% from behind the arc. Facing his former team tonight, Monk will have the green light to shoot a ton.

Los Angeles Lakers (+3)

With LeBron James slated to miss the next two games for the Lakers, things will get even more interesting in Los Angeles. Since moving to the bench, Russell Westbrook has looked rejuvenated. During that stretch, he is second on the team in usage rate behind LeBron, while posting an 18.6/5.1/7.1 scoring line on 49.5% shooting, including a much-improved 42.9% from deep. With both of these teams sitting inside the top 10 in the NBA in pace, including the Lakers leading the league, this one will play fast and in transition. Not only is that the type of game environment where Westbrook has carved out a Hall of Fame career, but he also has a great matchup versus a Kings defense that ranks 22nd versus primary ball handlers.

Honorable Mentions:

  • Minnesota Timberwolves @ Memphis Grizzlies (-5)
  • Cleveland Cavaliers @ Golden State Warriors (-2)

You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Tonight makes for an interesting NBA slate. With only four teams in action, the majority of the field will want to go a similar direction. Multiple elite talents, young stars in the making, and two mismatches on paper will have this be our craziest slate of the season thus far. It’s a Thirsty Thursday edition of the Gems – let’s ride.

With only two games on the schedule tonight, a single injury or lineup change can shift the NBA slate drastically. 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.

Golden State Warriors @ Orlando Magic (+8)

Golden State Warriors (-8)

Rather than diving into individual statistics, I’ll be discussing different strategies surrounding all four teams on this NBA slate. Beginning with the Warriors, it’s simple: are you playing Steph Curry or not? You certainly cannot go wrong here with the reigning Finals MVP, as he is clearly producing in all facets of the game. However, should you fade him, you’ll need exposure to this offense in the form of Andrew Wiggins, Klay Thompson, or Jordan Poole. Wiggins posted 20+ points for the first time in his last five games the other night, while Poole has been inconsistent with the number of looks he gets. Meanwhile, Thompson has logged 30 or more minutes in back-to-back appearances, attempting 19 three-pointers along the way. Obviously, Curry is the clear top dog here for me, followed by Poole, Thompson, and Wiggins, in that order.

Orlando Magic (+8)

The Magic will dictate this NBA slate. Given the numerous options they provide us in the mid range, there are a few possibilities to entertain. The first is with Wendell Carter Jr. The reason I mention him first is because he is the logical pivot to Nikola Jokic at the center position. By no means is he expected to match his counterpart’s output, but WCJ offers more flexibility with your build. Second, the duo of Franz Wagner and Bol Bol. While the latter has been a focal point in previous articles and remains to be rostered at a much lower rate than he should, this is a matchup where he could find himself lagging behind in transition. While I’ll still entertain the possibility of playing Bol, I’ll be taking a long look at Wagner, who has assumed the responsibility of being one of the primary ball handlers with Cole Anthony and Markelle Fultz sidelined. Paolo Banchero is the odd man out for me here, but I won’t fault you for prioritizing him given his safe floor.

Denver Nuggets @ OKC Thunder (+6)

Denver Nuggets (-6)

With Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray back in the lineup, I’m taking a stance on fading Nikola Jokic tonight. While the back-to-back NBA MVP can surely lead any slate in scoring, he caps the upside of your lineup structure. Thus, I’ll be turning to the two secondary options on offense. MPJ has scored 15 or more points in every game this season, making his way back to form. Meanwhile, Murray can be an x-factor on this slate. The former Kentucky Wildcat logged 30 minutes for the first time this season in his last game and took a season-high 21 shots. With the Thunder on a thin rotation, this can be a primary spot for the two to continue to get shots up in a winnable game, without Jokic having to carry them on offense.

OKC Thunder (+6)

If you’re not playing Curry tonight, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the stud you want. While he is likely to be the least popular option of the three options at the top of the pricing grid, SGA offers just as much upside as anyone right now. Additionally, the field will flock to the value on the OKC side of things, leaving SGA as the odd man out. The frontcourt of Robinson-Earl, Pokusevski, Jalen Williams, and Bazley all figure to be in consideration. Be sure to check our projections to see where they rank leading up to lock.

NBA DFS stud rankings based on lineup structure:

  1. Steph Curry
  2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
  3. Nikola Jokic

NBA DFS scenarios based on lineup structure:

  1. If fading Jokic, look to Murray and/or Porter Jr.
  2. If fading Curry, look to the trio of Poole, Thompson, Wiggins
  3. Orlando mid range targets listed above
  4. OKC value options

You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

After a big NBA slate yesterday, we’re back with eight teams in action tonight. Two of these game environments stand out above the rest, while the other two feature both injury news to follow and many star players. It’s a Thirsty Thursday edition of the Gems – let’s ride.

On smaller NBA slates, a single injury or minutes restriction can alter the outlook. In order to keep up, be sure to use our proprietary NBA projections and cheat sheet to build your lineups. Moreover, join the conversation in the Win Daily Discord to get the insight you need from both subscribers and staff.

Dallas Mavericks @ Brooklyn Nets (-1)

Dallas Mavericks (+1)

This NBA slate is loaded with elite options at the guard position, and it starts with Luka Doncic at the very top. Currently sitting 19th in the league against primary ball handlers, the Nets perimeter defense will get all it can handle with Doncic tonight. The MVP candidate comes into this game sporting a league-high 41.3% usage rate while posting a phenomenal 34.7/9/7.7 scoring line on 50% shooting. While he is far and away the most expensive player on the slate, no one carries the upside that Doncic does. We’ll need some value to make this work with a smaller player pool, so be sure to keep up with the news.

Brooklyn Nets (-1)

While Kyrie Irving is another example of an elite play at the guard position, there’s another Brooklyn Net that catches me eye. No, it is not Kevin Durant, as he does not fit my lineup structure at the time of writing. Rather, it will be Nic Claxton. I wrote him up on Monday and he came through with a 16/7 scoring line despite the early foul trouble. Claxton seems to have cemented his role, not only in the starting lineup, but throughout the game’s entirety. Logging 33 and 34 minutes in back-to-back contests, Claxton has now scored 13 or more points in all three games this season, recording two double-doubles in the process. With the Mavericks sitting 20th in the NBA in points allowed in the paint per game, Claxton makes for a good midrange target in tournaments tonight.

LA Clippers @ OKC Thunder (+6.5)

LA Clippers (-6.5)

Despite Kawhi Leonard (knee) missing tonight’s game, the Clippers are planning to have Paul George (illness) back in the lineup. Thus, there is limited exposure I want here. Should George play in this one, one of few players I’d have interest in would be Ivica Zubac. While his minutes will fluctuate, Zubac will see extended run tonight in the absence of Marcus Morris Sr. (personal) from the lineup. Even with two games where he saw 24 or less minutes, Zubac has averaged 11.8 rebounds per game and gets to go up against a Thunder frontcourt that is seriously undermanned. With veterans Robert Covington, Nic Batum, and John Wall all being eased back into game shape, Zubac will be the main benefactor from the ball movement of this Clippers offense.

OKC Thunder (+6.5)

As if we didn’t have enough elite options at the guard position on this slate, cue Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. However, I’ll save you the trouble because I prefer the players discussed below. Rather, I’ll get my exposure to this Thunder offense in the form of SGA’s supporting cast. In the absence of Josh Giddey (ankle), yet another player from Monday’s article will be at the forefront of my focus. Tre Mann, despite SGA being active, looked tremendous on the offensive side of the ball. Pouring in 25 points on 41.7% shooting, Mann was no slouch next to the All-NBA talent. Rather, it was indeed Mann who led the team in shots, not SGA, while also sporting a 27.6% usage rate to SGA’s 29%. The two both logged 36 minutes, combining for 58 of the team’s 108 points in a landslide victory versus these same Clippers.

Memphis Grizzlies @ Sacramento Kings (+5)

Memphis Grizzlies (-5)

Although the guard position began with a Luka Doncic discussion, Ja Morant isn’t far off. Playing in the best game environment on a small NBA slate, Morant looks to take advantage of a turnover prone Sacramento offense. While the player below thrives in a fast-paced setting, so does Morant. His capability to push the pace and get the basket with ease will be on full display tonight. Now four games into the season, Morant has scored 20 or more points in every one, while posting a 35.3/4.3/7 scoring line on 54.8% shooting through a 35.9% usage rate.

Sacramento Kings (+5)

I surely hope he goes overlooked because of other guards on this slate because I’d love nothing more than to stack De’Aaron Fox with Ja Morant. My darkhorse for Most Improved Player of the Year, Fox finished last season on a torrid pace and has picked up right where he left off. Now three games into the campaign, Fox has scored 26 or more points in all three outings, including two 30-point performances. He sneakily has a 33.8% usage rate on the season, while posting a remarkable 31.7/5.7/7 scoring line on 59.4% shooting. While his counterpart, Ja Morant, makes for a great option on offense, he is a terrible defender. Thus, I plan on picking on Morant and his 122.6 net defensive rating with Fox.

Honorable Mention:

  • Miami Heat @ Golden State Warriors (-7)

You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Back to a short NBA slate after plenty of teams were in action last night. Injury news awaits us, while a handful of players will be popular in the majority of lineups. Some situations are unavoidable given the injury news, while others may impact the slate closer to lock. It’s a Taco Tuesday edition of the Gems – let’s ride.

The NBA is unlike any other sport from a DFS perspective, but with our proprietary NBA projections and cheat sheet to build your lineups, you’re right where you need to be to succeed. Be sure to join the Win Daily Discord to get the insight you need to win.

Dallas Mavericks @ New Orleans Pelicans

Dallas Mavericks (-5.5)

There is no debate about Luka Doncic being the player with the most upside on this NBA slate. Leading the league in usage rate, Doncic has gotten off to a terrific start this season. Through two games, Doncic has posted back-to-back 30-point efforts on a 33.5/8/8 scoring line. Not only is he taking 23 field goal attempts per contest, but he is also averaging nearly ten 3PA. Shooting a remarkable 47.8% from the field, the volume has not affected his efficiency whatsoever. If you were with us last season, you know how much I love to play primary ball handlers versus the Pelicans. In three games this season, New Orleans has allowed Terry Rozier to drop 23/8/11 only to allow Jordan Clarkson to score 18 points on an inefficient 7-for-19 shooting. With Doncic being much more gifted offensively, the Pelicans are in trouble on the perimeter.

New Orleans Pelicans (+5.5)

With Brandon Ingram (concussion) out for tonight’s game, the trio of McCollum, Williamson, and Valanciunas are firmly in play. However, key news awaits us as Zion (hip) is listed as questionable after leaving last game after a scary fall on a dunk attempt. Should the Pelicans proceed with caution and rest him, it will be all systems go on Valanciunas and McCollum, but should all three play, my favorite is in the backcourt. Leading the team in both minutes played and scoring, McCollum will see an increase in assist rate tonight in the absence of Ingram, and potentially Williamson. The offense will shift from less isolation and ball movement will be key, playing right into McCollum’s hands for a great NBA DFS output.

LA Clippers @ OKC Thunder (+10)

LA Clippers (-10)

With both Paul George (illness) and Marcus Morris Sr. (personal) ruled out for tonight’s game, plenty of touches are available on offense. Under normal circumstances, Kawhi Leonard would be a stone cold lock on an NBA slate like this with George out, but the former’s minutes are still being monitored. Thus, John Wall and Norman Powell share the spotlight in my Clippers writeup. The former has carried a 32.3% usage rate through two games this season, leading the team. Flashing scoring upside off the bench, Wall gets a cakewalk of a matchup with both Gilgeous-Alexander and Giddey out tonight for the Thunder. On the other hand, Powell has struggled to find his shot thus far. Buying low on a high volume player is the goal here; his 25.9% from the field will turn the field away, but I Iove the spot for the Clippers wing.

OKC Thunder (+10)

Early in the NBA season, this rotation is as thin as it gets and we need to take advantage. The Thunder have already announced that both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (hip) and Josh Giddey (ankle) will be out tonight. While Lugentz Dort makes for a great play, the majority of the field will flock in his direction. However, my attention draws to a former Florida Gator. Tre Mann is now in his second season and will thrive in situations like this with the ball in his hands. He carries massive offensive upside and can create his own shot; a skill that is rare in young players. In a much larger sample size last season than the current one, with both SGA and Giddey off the floor, Mann saw a drastic increase in usage rate, from 22% to 28%, while also seeing his fantasy points per minute (FPPM) increase from 0.8 to 0.93.

Golden State Warriors @ Phoenix Suns (-2.5)

Golden State Warriors (+2.5)

This game will largely go overlooked on tonight’s NBA slate. Despite three straight 30-point games to open with season, I can’t imagine the field rostering Steph Curry over Luka Doncic. However, with a true shooting of 66.1%, good for sixth in the league and second amongst guards, you know Curry can lead any slate in scoring with his 3-point shot. If you’re not going with Curry and insist on getting exposure to this game, there are two routes you can take. Either ride a hot hand in Andrew Wiggins, who gets an awfully tough matchup versus Mikal Bridges, or pick on Deandre Ayton in the paint with Kevon Looney or James Wiseman. My level of exposure to this game remains to be seen with pending injury news leading up to lock.

Phoenix Suns (-2.5)

With the Pelicans offense being a priority for me, I’m likely to pass on Devin Booker. However, depending on how injury news breaks, Chris Paul may find himself in my NBA lineups if the value is there to support it. After a rough season debut, CP3 improved his play over the last two games. Sitting seventh in the league in assist rate is no surprise to one of the best point guards to ever do it, but his scoring this late in his career is a cause for concern. While Paul will control the offensive flow, should this game be tight do the stretch, it will certainly be Booker taking shots over CP3.

Honorable Mention:

  • Detroit Pistons @ Washington Wizards (-5)

You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

It’s finally time – the NBA season has arrived. After an offseason filled with player movement, intriguing storylines, and turmoil amongst some of the league’s best teams, the quest for an NBA championship begins tonight. Opening Day in the NBA is one of the biggest nights of the season, and tonight’s marquee matchups certainly aren’t short of storylines.

If it is your first NBA season with us, you’re in for a lot of content. Including both written and video, articles will be posted daily Monday through Friday, while shows will be aired across all platforms. The daily articles will provide an insight into the slate; identifying the right game environments are imperative to success, along with individual players and matchups. Our analysis is unlike any other, and you are given all the information you need. Amongst that is our list of tools available. Our infamous proprietary NBA projections, a cheat sheet, and content in both written and video formats are key to success. You will not only hear myself talk about the projections a ton, but the members as well. I firmly believe we have the best NBA projections across the industry, and now, so do you.

Tonight, LeBron and AD take on the defending Champions on their ring night, while Joel Embiid and the 76ers take on Jayson Tatum and the Celtics. We have to get creative to get to the top of the leaderboards on any two-game NBA slate, and that is exactly what we will do. For the first time this season: it’s a Taco Tuesday edition of the Gems – let’s ride.

Philadelphia 76ers @ Boston Celtics (-3.5)

Despite having two of the best rosters in the Eastern Conference last season, both the 76ers and Celtics still had overhauls to their respective rotations. These two teams have some of the best stars in the NBA, but their benches needed reinforcements. The Celtics brought in Danilo Gallinari, only to likely lose him for the season to a torn ACL. Later, Boston replaced Gallinari’s spot in the rotation by signing Blake Griffin. However, the most notable addition came in the form of a true ball handler: Malcolm Brogdon. The former Virginia standout will not only alleviate pressure off of Tatum, Brown, and Smart, but also provide the Celtics with a formidable backcourt defense in closeout minutes.

On the flipside, Philadelphia made moves of their own. In are P.J. Tucker, De’Anthony Melton, and Montrezl Harrell, while Danny Green has been traded to the Grizzlies. Harrell will remain a defensive liability, but provides offensive upside to a bench unit operating without Embiid. Moreover, Tucker brings grit and defensive stability, alleviating pressure on Tobias Harris. Lastly, Melton gives the 76ers another ball handler to lead the bench unit, giving more freedom to Harden and Maxey in the starting 5.

Boston Celtics (-3.5)

Pacing the Celtics once again this NBA season is none other than Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The formidable duo led the team in scoring at 26.9 and 23.6 PPG, respectively. They were also the lone players to register usage rates over 23%, leading the team at 32% and 30.4%, respectively. While Tatum has done well in this matchup in the past, the addition of P.J. Tucker complicates things on an NBA slate where DFS studs are plentiful. If you are looking to get three studs in your lineups, Brown would likely be the third, but I personally cannot get there with comfort.

Thus, I’ll be turning to the Celtics bench for exposure to this offense. I already discussed Malcolm Brogdon in the section above, and he’s certainly in play on this opening NBA slate. In the absence of Robert Williams III, expect Boston to go smaller to avoid burning out veterans Blake Griffin and Al Horford. With an anticipated closing lineup of Brogdon, Smart, Brown, Tatum, and Horford, Brogdon has opportunity right away with the potential for a 20/5/5 game. As I alluded to above, Robert Williams III is out for the next 6-8 weeks. As a result, Grant Williams and Al Horford will see an increase in minutes in the frontcourt. However, smaller lineups will benefit Malcolm Brogdon and Derrick White.

Philadelphia 76ers (+3.5)

The core of the 76ers is back and they have the reinforcements to make a serious run at an NBA championship this season. MVP candidate Joel Embiid is fresh off a scoring title, where he posted 30.6 PPG on a 50/37/81 split. Not only did he lead the league in scoring, but Embiid also paced his peers in usage rate. Eclipsing 37% last season, right ahead of Luka Doncic, Embiid is primed for another stellar campaign. Tonight, in a matchup where NBA All-Defensive counterpart Robert Williams III is absent, my NBA lineups start with The Process.

A glaring misprice on this NBA slate, Tyrese Maxey will be one of the most rostered players in the field. Entering his third year in the league, Maxey has quickly become a fan favorite in the City of Brotherly Love. In his sophomore season, Maxey saw his minutes increase by 20 per night, logging over 35 minutes per contest. Acting as a secondary ball handler to James Harden, the upside is there for him to capitalize on offense while his backcourt teammate draws coverage from reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Marcus Smart. By locking in Joel Embiid and needing his DFS ceiling, my 76ers exposure ends with these two, but can’t fault you for looking at Harden, Harris, and Melton.

LA Lakers @ Golden State Warriors (-6.5)

LeBron James versus Steph Curry on Opening Day is exactly what NBA fans are excited about. This game certainly won’t be short on star power, and we are in for a treat after the Warriors dynasty celebrates yet another ring ceremony. However, once the game tips off, all eyes will be on the new-look Lakers. Patrick Beverley was acquired from the Utah Jazz after being trading from the Timberwolves, who acquired Rudy Gobert. Kendrick Nunn is healthy, and Anthony Davis looks to regain his former All-NBA form. The news surrounding Russell Westbrook will be ongoing throughout the season, but the real question mark surrounding this team is on the wing. LA brought in Lonnie Walker IV and Juan Toscano-Anderson to support Austin Reaves, but is it enough? They still lack perimeter shooting, but never count LeBron James and Anthony Davis out of a championship run.

The Warriors roster largely remains intact, at least on paper. Drama surrounding Draymond Green and Jordan Poole stole the headlines, but the Warriors look poised to make another deep playoff run. The core of Curry, Thompson, Green, Poole, and Wiggins are all returning, while key rotation player Kevon Looney was resigned. A healthy James Wiseman could be an x-factor for Golden State, and the players they lost this offseason were quickly replaced. Gone are Gary Payton II and Otto Porter Jr., ceding their roster spots to Donte DiVincenzo and JaMychal Green. While the growth of both Moody and Kuminga are at the forefront of the Warriors future, this roster remains elite.

LA Lakers (+6.5)

The first question surrounding our Lakers exposure on tonight’s NBA slate is what to do with Anthony Davis. Assuming most flock to LeBron James for a mere increase in salary, AD could provide serious leverage over the field. At a mere $8,500 on DraftKings, Davis has the ceiling to be able to be an x-factor. While there is always injury concern, the upside is huge and he must be considered. LeBron James is chasing history this season, being 1,325 points away from the all-time scoring record. If that wasn’t enough motivation on Opening Day, how about having to watch Curry get his fourth ring in his home arena? The narratives are fun to follow, but truthfully, James is fresh off a season where he scored over 30 PPG on a 32.3% usage rate, playing over 37 minutes per night, making him an elite DFS play on a nightly basis.

The Lakers backcourt will presumably be a spot of value on this NBA slate. With Dennis Schroder now being out for the next 3-4 weeks, both Kendrick Nunn and Patrick Beverley will garner interest, especially with the former being minimum price on DraftKings. In his last full season in 2020-2021, Nunn averaged 14.6/3.2/2.6 for the Heat and has been flashing upside throughout preseason hoops. Beverley brings a tenacity to the Lakers perimeter defense and will certainly shadow Curry as much as possible, but the offensive upside remains capped while sharing the floor with James and Davis.

Golden State Warriors (-6.5)

It’s the first NBA slate of the season and we already have injury news. Coach Steve Kerr has reportedly expressed concern over the starting unit’s conditioning. Thus, they are likely to remain capped at 30 minutes, if they hit that mark at all. This rotation will be spread around in the early stages of the season, especially considering how short their offseasons have been.

Klay Thompson remains cautious with his rehab from multiple knee injuries, while Draymond Green and Steph Curry have been notorious for slow starts on Opening Day. Moreover, look for Kerr to get the youngsters involved early on. Kuminga, Moody, and Wiseman figure to be in his plans, while veterans fill out the rotation. Thus, I will likely be turning to the newly signed duo of Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins. The former was a 6th Man of the Year candidate last year, enjoying a breakout campaign. Poole sported a whopping 26% usage rate off the bench, putting up 18.5 PPG on 14 shots per night. Meanwhile, Wiggins thrived in the NBA Playoffs, but remains a modest option on offense. If you’re looking for upside, he may not be your best target, but he does provide a safe floor to round our your lineups.

You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Cash with Flash Best Bets is now on video and Flash has issued a 30 Day Cash with Flash Sports Handicapping Challenge. Cash with Flash picked the Milwaukee Bucks to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers by five points and that is exactly what Milwaukee did. The Flash is now 7-3 after eleven days of the Cash with Flash 30 Day Sports Handicapping Challenge. 

What is the Cash with Flash 30 Day Sports Handicapping Challenge? Flash shared the details in the first video of this series and everything that you need to know is in the video below.

-
00:00
00:00
Update Required Flash plugin
-
00:00
00:00