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New York Knicks

NBA Ghost’s Gems for Eastern Conference Round 1

DFSGhost 2 years ago

written by DFSGhost

The NBA Playoffs are officially under way! Yes, the Play-In tournament got us kicked off a few days ago. But the conventional one through eight matchups begin tonight. The Eastern Conference is much more lopsided than the Western Conference, but there will be many good battles every night.

With the NBA Play-In tournament now over, here is the updated bracket for the Eastern Conference:

The fantasy sports landscape shifts drastically throughout the NBA Playoffs. Rotations are much more condensed, while teams are quick to shorten their bench. As previously mentioned, rotation notes, player breakdowns, analytical advantages, and key x-factors are all discussed below. The x-factor will not be the best player on the team, but rather, someone that will provide an edge in both fantasy sports and on the court in real time.

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.

Milwaukee Bucks (1) vs. Miami Heat (8)

Milwaukee Bucks (-1200 to win series)

Introduction

After being dethroned as Conference Champions and NBA Champions last season, the Bucks bounced back with their most successful regular season since 2018-2019. Moreover, Giannis Antetokounmpo is an MVP candidate, following a career-high 31.1 points per game. This roster is stout on both ends of the court, with their only drawback being clutch shooting down the stretch via shot creation.

Matchup

From a defensive standpoint, Miami has the ability to match up with nearly every NBA roster. However, the Bucks are a different beast. Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the most unguardable players the league has to offer. Moreover, Brook Lopez has been terrific both in the paint and from behind the arc. Factor in Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton, two excellent two-way players, and there is simply too much to contain on a nightly basis. Each player has a respectable defender in front of them, but Miami is most vulnerable on the wing.

Rotation

After winning an NBA Championship only two season ago, Milwaukee is poised for another deep playoff run. Led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, this roster also features quality two-way players in Jrue Holiday and Brook Lopez. Despite missing 49 games this season, Khris Middleton is set to contribute early and often, while Pat Connaughton and Grayson Allen will flank the wings at times. Moreover, Bobby Portis Jr. will be the first big man off the bench, while Jae Crowder and Joe Ingles give Milwaukee veteran options off the bench, if necessary. Jevon Carter may spell Jrue Holiday at times, but don’t count on big minutes at rotations get tighter.

X-Factor

Despite their shortcomings on offense, the Heat’s defensive unit is no joke. Thus, the biggest x-factor in this series will be Brook Lopez. After finishing second in the NBA in blocks per game, Lopez received a nomination for Defensive Player of the Year. Moreover, he had his best shooting season since 2018-2019. In a matchup versus Bam Adebayo, it will be up to Lopez to control the paint on both ends of the court, with the obvious help of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Miami Heat (+750 to win series)

Introduction

It took a game longer than expected, but Miami made the NBA Playoffs. However, this team looks to be one of, if not the worst team remaining. Shockingly enough, they have some quality players where they should not be in this situation, but here they are. Their offense struggled mightily all season long and continued to do so in the Play-In, making their outlook far from optimistic.

Matchup

This is far from a good matchup for the Heat. Milwaukee’s interior defense is one of, if not the best in the NBA. Both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez await in the paint, while Jrue Holiday puts the clamps on the perimeter. Moreover, Miami plays awfully slow and were the lowest scoring team of the year, creating a hard enough situation thanks to their own shortcomings on offense.

Rotation

The Heat will only go as far as Butler, Adebayo, and Herro take them. Elsewhere, look for Max Strus, Kyle Lowry, Kevin Love, and Caleb Martin to see decent run. For some reason, the Heat are insistent on Gabe Vincent starting, but he will continue to have little impact. Other candidates would be Victor Oladipo and Cody Zeller, but their minutes will vary from game to game.

X-Factor

The off-ball guards will be crucial for Miami. Jimmy Butler will have to force Giannis to guard him on the perimeter to create space for his teammates, but he himself is far from elite out there. Moreover, Bam Adebayo will have his hands full with Brook Lopez on the inside, while Jrue Holiday lines up on Tyler Herro. Thus, the duo of Kyle Lowry and Max Strus will have to make every shot count to keep this series close.

Boston Celtics (2) vs. Atlanta Hawks (7)

Boston Celtics (-1200 to win series)

Introduction

Following a disappointing loss in the NBA Finals to the Warriors, Boston came back stronger this season. As a team, Boston won six more games this season than they did last year. Moreover, both Tatum and Brown saw increases in their scoring outputs. This roster is sound from top to bottom, and it will come down to avoiding poor performances when it matters most.

Matchup

No matter which way you look at it, Boston matches up well versus Atlanta. They have multiple elite perimeter defenders to counter the Hawks’ star backcourt, while having formidable defenders on the inside as well. Moreover, a one-two scoring punch of Tatum and Brown is one of the best these NBA Playoffs have to offer. Add in two-way players such as Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon, whose games are tailored to the playoffs and Boston is in for a serious run.

Rotation

Make no mistake about it, the core of a team that won the Eastern Conference has returned from last season. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are coming off terrific seasons and will anchor their team once again. Moreover, Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon are terrific two-way options for another playoff run. Al Horford and Robert Williams III will anchor the paint, while Grant Williams and Derrick White round out the rotation.

X-Factor

The key parts to this Boston rotation will all play important roles in this series. However, assuming both Smart and Brogdon clamp Trae Young, Al Horford and Robert Williams III will be crucial on the inside. Both John Collins and Clint Capela are terrific as the roll man in a pick-and-roll offense. Moreover, Atlanta has shooters on the outside to make Boston pay for defensive mistakes. The interior duo will have to be sharp on the glass and with paint defense, making this a series built for Robert Williams III.

Atlanta Hawks (+750 to win series)

Introduction

After their win in the Play-In, Atlanta dodged a matchup versus Giannis and the Bucks in the opening round. However, things do not get any easier, as Boston are the defending Conference champions and are set on making another deep playoff run. Barring extreme circumstances, Atlanta looks destined for yet another early exit, which could bring massive changes in the offseason.

Matchup

Individual and collective matchups do not favor the Hawks. On the perimeter, Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon will be a problem for Trae Young. Moreover, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will be tough to contain, considering De’Andre Hunter can only guard one of them. Truthfully, Dejounte Murray will have to keep Brown at bay if they want the slightest chance of winning this series, and while it will happen for a game or two, Boston has too big of an edge in all facets of the game.

Rotation

Trae Young and Dejounte Murray lead a star-studded backcourt, surrounded by quality role players. De’Andre Hunter, John Collins, and Clint Capela likely round out the starting unit in this one. Meanwhile, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Saddiq Bey, and Onyeka Okongwu round out the rest of the rotation.

X-Factor

With Trae Young having to deal with one of Marcus Smart or Malcolm Brogdon for every minute that he is on the court, Dejounte Murray will have to step up in a big way. If Atlanta wants to succeed in this series, Young needs to be just as good off the ball as he is with it, and Murray needs to be an exemplary playmaker. The pick-and-roll is just as useful with Murray and it is Young, and the former is an excellent counterpart to the rebounding abilities of Boston’s guards.

Philadelphia 76ers (3) vs. Brooklyn Nets (6)

Philadelphia 76ers (-1000 to win series)

Introduction

It truly is Championship or bust for the 76ers at this point. Not only did they acquire James Harden to flank Joel Embiid, but this roster is built to win now. Aside from Tyrese Maxey, there is no young, promising talent on this team. However, with Boston, Milwaukee, and Cleveland standing in their way, the road to the NBA Finals is as hard as it ever will be for Philadelphia.

Matchup

The matchup for Philadelphia is decent here. Mikal Bridges will be a pain to deal with on the outside, but everything will have to funnel through Joel Embiid in the paint. Nic Claxton is no slouch around the rim, but with the way Embiid gets foul calls in his favor every night, there is a mismatch there. However, where the 76ers could find themselves in trouble is if the surrounding group are not hitting their shots. Assuming Bridges keeps Harden in check, it will be up to Melton, Maxey, and Harris to pitch in on the scoring sheet, something that has held Philadelphia back in the past.

Rotation

Joel Embiid will man the paint for the bulk of the minutes. Moreover, James Harden will have his minutes staggered at times so at least one is on the court at all times, but the two will be featured together a lot. Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey will be the secondary scoring options, while De’Anthony Melton provides a combination of perimeter defense and three-point shooting. Philadelphia also has the luxury of using Jalen McDaniels to spell Harris, while PJ Tucker will be a primary defender throughout the series. Georges Niang and Shake Milton will see minutes as they fit, which won’t be very often.

X-Factor

While the duo of James Harden and Joel Embiid will lead the charge on offense, Tyrese Maxey has the potential to have the biggest impact in this series. Harden will draw coverage from Mikal Bridges, who is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. The pick-and-roll will be utilized a ton here to feature Embiid, but Maxey will find himself with open lanes to the rim off the ball when Embiid kicks to the outside.

Brooklyn Nets (+650 to win series)

Introduction

What was supposed to be a Championship season for the Brooklyn Nets took a turn for the worse. Their Big 3 of James Harden, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving was initially broken up when Harden was dealt for Ben Simmons. However, following multiple occasions of Irving having off-court issues, he was dealt to Dallas, while Durant found himself in Phoenix. However, there is a silver lining to the situation. Brooklyn received who could be the very best, if not one of the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA in Mikal Bridges. While they had a losing record after the trade, Bridges posted 26.1 points per game in 27 appearances for the Nets.

Matchup

This is a tough matchup for Brooklyn but it is certainly winnable. The key will be to switch the right offensive option onto James Harden and for said player to knock down shots when they come. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, not quite. The 76ers now quietly have multiple elite perimeter defenders in De’Anthony Melton and Jalen McDaniels. Meanwhile, while his offensive game is as useless as they come, PJ Tucker will likely get the first chance to guard Mikal Bridges. Lastly, Joel Embiid awaits in the paint, which is self-explanatory.

Rotation

The Nets will be in tough to find the right rotation to match Philadelphia. However, Nic Claxton needs to be out there for every minute that Joel Embiid is. Moreover, Mikal Bridges and Spender Dinwiddie seem poised to carry the bulk of minutes. Both Cam Johnson and Royce O’Neale make for good two-ways options, while the former has far more upside offensively. Lastly, Seth Curry and Joe Harris can provide scoring off the bench, while Dorian Finney-Smith will be needed as a perimeter defender. Two young talents in Cam Thomas and Day’Ron Sharpe await their chance, but it’s unlikely to be here.

X-Factor

Make no mistake about it, the Nets will only go as far as Mikal Bridges can take them. His game is a perfect fit for the NBA Playoffs, but this is reserved for players who are not the top talent on their respective rosters. Thus, Spencer Dinwiddie makes the cut. Not only did he have interesting takes on FanDuel TV recently, but he has a lot to prove. Dinwiddie has been on four teams in the last four years and needs to take control of this offense. The 76ers are exploitable in switches on James Harden, and Dinwiddie will have to find a way to take advantage when opportunities arise.

Cleveland Cavaliers (4) vs. New York Knicks (5)

Cleveland Cavaliers (-200 to win series)

Introduction

After the acquisition of Donovan Mitchell, expectations skyrocketed for this young Cavaliers team. Surrounded by quality veterans, this team is poised to make a deep run in the NBA Playoffs. While their core four are young, the Cavaliers excel on both ends of the court. Not only can they beat you multiple ways offensively, but they have the best defensive unit statistically this season. In what could be a surprise to some, Cleveland are darkhorse Championship contenders.

Matchup

While the Knicks’ defense is far from elite, they are no slouch as a unit either. Collectively, New York finished 19th in defensive rating and 13th in points per game allowed. However, their true strength is on the glass, finishing second in the NBA in rebounding percentage. The Cavaliers match up well though, with both Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen leading the charge. Donovan Mitchell figures to lead the charge here in all facets of the offense. Most notably, New York finished 27th in three-pointers allowed per game.

Rotation

Despite having a star-studded starting lineup, the Cavaliers’ bench is thin. Thus, do not expect a ton of surprising minutes here. The backcourt will feature two of the NBA’s young talent in Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell. Moreover, Cleveland has another young duo in the frontcourt with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. While one of Lamar Stevens or Isaac Okoro will presumably start games on the wing, Caris LeVert will see more minutes than both of them. Rounding out the rotation will be Dean Wade, Ricky Rubio, and Cedi Osman.

X-Factor

While Donovan Mitchell is the real difference-maker, top players will be avoided in this section. It is no knock on Evan Mobley, but he is featured instead of his teammate. Fresh off a nomination for NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Mobley’s versatility will be needed in this series. He will be the primary defender on Julius Randle and provide offensive upside. Moreover, he is a tremendous rebounder for his age. Should the Knicks go small at times with Randle at the ‘5’ in favor of Robinson, Mobley can shift over if Jarrett Allen needs to consequently sub out.

New York Knicks (+170 to win series)

Introduction

In what could have been a disastrous season for New York, the Knicks came out in a good position. While the top teams in the East were clear, finishing ahead of Atlanta, Miami, Chicago, and Miami is quite the achievement. After an offseason of turmoil following the max contract signing of Jalen Brunson, the former Maverick had a career year. Not only did Brunson average 24/3.5/6.2 on 49.1% shooting, but he was the clear leader on the court.

Matchup

This matchup could not be worse for the Knicks. Not only did Cleveland rank first in defensive rating this year, but they also allowed the fewest points per game in the NBA. Moreover, the rank first versus multiple player types. Primary ball handlers, off-ball guards, and scoring centers all struggle mightily versus the Cavaliers.

Rotation

Expect Coach Tom Thibodeau to stick to his roots. Through his career, he has been notorious for having one of the tightest rotations, no matter the time of year. Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle will be key for the Knicks this series. Moreover, a battle in the paint awaits for Mitchell Robinson. Lastly, the trio of Quentin Grimes, RJ Barrett, and Josh Hart will flank the wings. Look for Isaiah Hartenstein and Obi Toppin to pick up limited minutes in a backup role. Meanwhile Immanuel Quickley will continue to come off the bench, but will play clutch minutes and be in the closing lineup.

X-Factor

Playing against one of the best defenses in the NBA makes this section difficult. The Knicks will need both Quentin Grimes and RJ Barrett to step up. While they are far from the flashiest players on offense, they have the best matchup. Lining up against a combination of Isaac Okoro and Caris LeVert is as good as it will get versus Cleveland. However, the true x-factor in this series will be Mitchell Robinson. While the big man has had his limitations, this matchup is right up his alley. Both Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen are forces on both ends of the court, but Robinson will be needed every step of the way for New York.

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

2 years ago 0 comments

NBA DFS for Ghost’s Gems (Mar. 14)

DFSGhost 2 years ago

written by DFSGhost

The race for playoff positioning is quickly heating up. NBA teams continue to jockey for seeding, while others attempt to best their competition for the Play-In round. It’s a Taco Tuesday edition of the Gems – let’s ride.

Brooklyn Nets @ Oklahoma City Thunder (-1.5)

Brooklyn Nets (+1.5)

Since their arrivals in Brooklyn, both Spencer Dinwiddie and Mikal Bridges have made a significant impact. While the Nets no longer have a game-changing superstar, this roster is built with depth and improved ball movement. Over his last five games, Bridges leads the team in both usage rate and scoring. Alongside Dinwiddie, who is second in both scoring and usage rate, Bridges has been able to flourish offensively. Moreover, Nic Claxton gets a friendly matchup against an OKC interior defense that ranks 26th in the NBA to true centers, while being ranked 26th in rebounding percentage.

Oklahoma City Thunder (-1.5)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been removed from the injury report after resting on Sunday night. Since he has sat out the last few back-to-backs for OKC, SGA looks rejuvenated out there. Over his last four games, he has scored 30 or more points in all four appearances. Moreover, he has averaged 36.3/6/4.8 on 52.2% shooting during that span. With many enticing options at the top of the pricing grid on this NBA slate, including Nikola Jokic, Damian Lillard, and Anthony Davis, SGA will likely be less of a priority for the rest of the field, making him an enticing tournament play.

New York Knicks @ Portland Trail Blazers (+2.5)

New York Knicks (-2.5)

Jalen Brunson has missed the last two games for the Knicks and is unlikely to play again tonight. Thus, Julius Randle and Immanuel Quickley will shoulder the load on offense. The former leads the team with a commanding 38.5% usage rate without Brunson this last weekend, averaging 26/8/4 on a mere 33.3% shooting. Moreover, the duo of Quickley and RJ Barrett are awkwardly positioned on the pricing grid tonight, making this game a commitment if choosing to play either one of them. Lastly, Josh Hart has seen his minutes increase since arriving to New York, logging 30 or more minutes in his last six games. During that span, he has averaged a modest 8.7/9/3.7 on 59.3% shooting with little volume.

Portland Trail Blazers (+2.5)

Should Damian Lillard be ruled out tonight with a calf injury, this offense becomes more enticing. The trio of Jerami Grant, Anfernee Simons, and Cam Reddish will all see more offensive opportunity should Lillard be ruled out. This is a tough situation to evaluate considering it is the last game of the NBA slate, but there is tremendous upside here at different positions of the pricing grid.

Honorable Mentions:

Orlando Magic @ San Antonio Spurs (+5.5)
Los Angeles Lakers @ New Orleans Pelicans (-1.5)

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

2 years ago 0 comments

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NBA DFS for Ghost’s Gems (Feb. 27)

DFSGhost 2 years ago

written by DFSGhost

On small NBA slates, lineup construction and contest selection are crucial. There have already been a few key injuries to alter the landscape of the field, and more are surely to come. It’s a Mojito Monday edition of the Gems – let’s ride.

Detroit Pistons @ Charlotte Hornets (-6.5)

Detroit Pistons (+6.5)

While this game does not have the star power of others, it will be crucial to lineup construction on this NBA slate. The Pistons hold two of the most important injuries to monitor: Bojan Bogdanovic and Isaiah Stewart. The two have been labeled as questionable, and this rotation is riddled with value if one or both end up missing this game. In the absence of Bogdanovic, the trio of Jaden Ivey, Killian Hayes, and Hamidou Diallo will see more offensive looks. Moreover, if Stewart misses this game, the duo of Marvin Bagley and James Wiseman will be two of the best plays in the field versus a dreaded Charlotte frontcourt.

Charlotte Hornets (-6.5)

While most will presumably flock to the best star on this NBA slate in the next game, pairing him with LaMelo Ball is awfully intriguing. Detroit currently ranks 29th in the league versus primary ball handlers and Ball has been terrific lately. Over his last six games, Ball has posted 20 or more points in four appearances. Moreover, he has averaged 25.2/8.8/11.3 on 42.9% shooting during that span, while attempting over 11 three-pointers per night.

Boston Celtics @ New York Knicks (+4.5)

Boston Celtics (-4.5)

There is no way around playing Jayson Tatum tonight. He is awfully placed on the pricing grid in the absence of Jaylen Brown (personal), who is set to miss this game at MSG. On the season, Tatum leads the team with a 33% usage rate and 1.40 fantasy points per minute. However, with Brown off the court, Tatum carries an increased 35.5% usage rate and relatively similar production. The point/dollar upside is big versus a Knicks team that ranks 27th in the NBA to ball-handling wings.

New York Knicks (+4.5)

While the duo of Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson will lead this offense, the gem of this offense comes off the bench. Since the acquisition of Josh Hart from Portland, many figured that one of RJ Barrett or Immanuel Quickley would suffer in a lack of playing time. However, the latter has simply been terrific. Over his last seven games, Quickly has scored in double digits in every one of them. Moreover, he has averaged 14.7/42.6 on 52.8% shooting during that span, while logging over 27 minutes per contest.

Honorable Mentions:

Miami Heat @ Philadelphia 76ers (-6.5)
Orlando Magic @ New Orleans Pelicans (-4.5)

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

2 years ago 0 comments

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NBA DFS for Ghost’s Gems (Feb. 24)

DFSGhost 2 years ago

written by DFSGhost

Despite NBA teams having a week off following the All-Star break, there are still numerous players missing in action. While some focus on their playoff push, others have cause for concern. It’s a Fajita Friday edition of the Gems – let’s ride.

New York Knicks @ Washington Wizards (-1.5)

New York Knicks (+1.5)

One of the biggest snubs of this year’s NBA All-Star game was Jalen Brunson. A questionable signing turned into a perfect situation for the Knicks, as they have found their point guard. In ten games before the break, Brunson scored 20 or more points in each one of those appearances. Moreover, he averaged 31.5/4.2/6 on 55.4% shooting during that stretch. The backcourt is riddled with underappreciated talent between Brunson and Immanuel Quickley, while the Knicks suddenly have solid wing depth as well in RJ Barrett and Josh Hart. The latter has been overly efficient since arriving from Portland, shooting 62.1% from the field and 64.3% from behind the arc in three appearances with his new team. While he lacks upside due to limited volume, he is someone that will likely be overplayed on this NBA slate.

Washington Wizards (-1.5)

Bradley Beal did not practice for two consecutive days coming out of the break and is unlikely to play tonight. Thus, Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle Kuzma will shoulder the load on offense. The former plays against the organization that drafted him, while Kuzma is surprisingly still in town following the trade deadline. However, Washington is still holding a spot in the Play-In tournament right now. While the duo are in awkward positions on the pricing grid, the latter has more upside. Kuzma does not see drastic increases in his production with Beal off the court, but does take more shots and handles the rock more frequently. A reluctancy to commit to such a bleak situation would be understandable, so look to Deni Avdija or Delon Wright here.

Miami Heat @ Milwaukee Bucks (-1.5)

Miami Heat (+1.5)

While this is far from an elite game environment, these two teams will be playing on tight rotations. Both organizations have built their rosters around defensive ability, and the two both have top 5 defenses in the NBA. However, Miami is desperate for wins and will need to tighten their rotation down the stretch. In the absence of Kyle Lowry (knee), Tyler Herro will be a key contributor in the backcourt. Moreover, Jimmy Butler will have ample room to dominate this halfcourt offense in the absence of one of, if not the best defender in the league: Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Milwaukee Bucks (-1.5)

As alluded to above, Giannis Antetokounmpo (wrist) injured himself in the last game before the NBA All-Star break and is doubtful to play tonight. Thus, Jrue Holiday, Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton, and Bobby Portis will see an increase in offensive looks. There is no clear advantage in individual matchups between the four, as the Heat bolster one of the best defensive units in the league. However, Khris Middleton will look to regain his form before the playoffs begin, leaving him with the most upside based on sheer volume. Before the break, Middleton scored in double digits across his last six appearances and eight of his last nine. During that stretch, he averaged 16.1/5/3.6 on 48.7% shooting, while taking over 12 field goal attempts per night.

Houston Rockets @ Golden State Warriors (-9.5)

Houston Rockets (+9.5)

In the absence of both Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green, there are a ton of shots available to the remaining Rockets. Alperen Sengun is the key benefactor in this situation, seeing his usage rate increase from 22.1% to 26.4%, with his fantasy points per minute rising from 1.21 to 1.25. However, there are others to consider as well. The trio of KJ Martin, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason make for intriguing plays in tournaments, with Smith Jr. being the least preferable of the three. Look for the trio of Josh Christopher, TyTy Washington Jr., and Daishen Nix to pick up the bulk of the workload in a depleted backcourt.

Golden State Warriors (-9.5)

The Warriors are still missing Andrew Wiggins and Steph Curry for this game. Thus, against the worst defense in the NBA, their remaining offensive players are in a tremendous spot. Both Jordan Poole and Klay Thompson fell on the pricing grid, leaving more room for upside here. However, as stated in yesterday’s breakdown, these are the two you want to focus on. Moreover, Kevon Looney and Draymond Green will be key in shutting down Alperen Sengun. No need to reinvent the wheel here: the key contributors are known and are excellent plays on this slate.

Honorable Mentions:

Cleveland Cavaliers @ Atlanta Hawks (-1.5)
Sacramento Kings @ Los Angeles Clippers (-6.5)

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

2 years ago 0 comments

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NBA DFS for Ghost’s Gems (Jan. 31)

DFSGhost 2 years ago

written by DFSGhost

As we approach the last quarter of the NBA season, every game is of importance. Many continue to battle for playoff seeding, while others look to the trade deadline to shape their future. It’s a Taco Tuesday edition of the Gems – let’s ride.

Los Angeles Lakers @ New York Knicks (-1.5)

Los Angeles Lakers (+1.5)

Having rested both LeBron James and Anthony Davis last night, the expectation is that the Lakers offense will return for this contest. Despite Father Time expecting to catch up to LeBron James, one of, if not the greatest to take an NBA court shows no sign of slowing down. Over his last eight games, LeBron has posted 30 or more points in six appearances. Moreover, he has averaged 35.3/8.8/8 on 52% shooting during that span. The return of Anthony Davis certainly causes concern for James’ fantasy outlook, but if the Lakers truly want to make a run, it will be on the back of The King.

New York Knicks (-1.5)

All eyes will be on Julius Randle in a matchup versus his former team. Despite the Knicks being once again a bubble team in the weaker of the two conferences, Randle has flourished after a rocky start to the season. However, this is a prime matchup for Jalen Brunson. The offseason acquisition made waves with his departure from Dallas, but has lived up to the expectations that come with playing in The Big Apple. Over his ten games, Brunson has posted 20 or more points in eight appearances. Moreover, he has averaged 26.2/3.6/5.1 on 47% shooting during that span. With the Lakers ranked 28th in the NBA versus primary ball handlers, Brunson is primed for a big performance at home.

New Orleans Pelicans @ Denver Nuggets (-8.5)

New Orleans Pelicans (+8.5)

The Pelicans’ rotation comes into this contest rested after both CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram sat out the second half of a back-to-back on Sunday. The two will continue handling the bulk of the offensive opportunities in the absence of Zion Williamson. In two games back since his toe injury, Brandon Ingram has been far from shy with his game. The two-way wing has averaged 17.5/5.5/4.5 which is lower than his expected output, but he has averaged 20 shots per night. Moreover, Ingram has seen his minutes increase in back-to-back games. Ingram carries a higher volatility and ceiling for tournaments, while McCollum offers a safer floor on this NBA slate.

Denver Nuggets (-8.5)

Whenever he takes the court, all eyes are on the back-to-back NBA MVP, Nikola Jokic. The face of the Nuggets franchise has been simply phenomenal again this season, averaging 25.1/10.9/9.9 on 62.9% shooting. Moreover, he leads the league in triple-doubles with 15 across 43 games. However, he limits what the rest of your lineup looks like considering he is near the top of the pricing grid. With Jamal Murray questionable to play due to injury management, value could open up with Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr., and Bruce Brown. Moreover, Bones Hyland is being actively mentioned in potential trades, meaning this rotation is going to tighten up down the stretch of the season. Monitor the injury report and adjust accordingly.

Honorable Mentions:

Miami Heat @ Cleveland Cavaliers (-4.5)
Los Angeles Clippers @ Chicago Bulls (+3.5)
Charlotte Hornets @ Milwaukee Bucks (-10.5)

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

2 years ago 0 comments

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NBA DFS: Ghost’s Gems 01/16/2023

DFSGhost 2 years ago

written by DFSGhost

There are multiple ways to play different NBA slates tonight. Since the schedule will be roughly 12 hours long from beginning to end, there are showdowns, a main slate, and a late slate available. It’s a Mojito Monday edition of the Gems – let’s ride.

Golden State Warriors @ Washington Wizards (+3.5)

Golden State Warriors (-3.5)

The Warriors are on the second half of a back-to-back, therefore this can be a lengthly injury report. Klay Thompson has already been ruled out, while the statuses of Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Andrew Wiggins need to be monitored. Curry has struggled in his three games since returning from an injury, but Jordan Poole has thrived. Over his last nine games, Poole has averaged 25.7/3.9/5 on 43.7% shooting. Moreover, he has scored 20 or more points in each of those nine appearances. In the absence of Thompson, Poole will be able to run the offense while Curry is on the bench, while flourishing as a secondary ball handler with Curry on the court. On a small NBA slate, Poole is one of the best targets in the mid range of the pricing grid.

Washington Wizards (+3.5)

Exposure to this offense is contingent on the status of Bradley Beal. The face of the Wizards franchise has made a single appearance in the team’s last eight games before leaving early after aggravating his hamstring injury. While many players have stepped up in different fashions, one that has struggled has been Kristaps Porzingis. KP has a mere two double-doubles over his last five games, but he has scored 20 or more points in four of those appearances. On a small NBA slate, the top of the pricing grid is a true premium, and there may not be anyone to consider once this game tips off.

Toronto Raptors @ New York Knicks (-3.5)

Toronto Raptors (+3.5)

Many rumours continue to swirl around the core players of this rotation. OG Anunoby is by far the most coveted wing on the trade block, while Gary Trent Jr. and Fred VanVleet could garner interest before the trade deadline. Nonetheless, the Raptors have won three of their last four and are still making a playoff push. Should VanVleet miss this game because of a lower-back injury, Scottie Barnes instantly becomes one of the most popular players on the NBA slate. Moreover, amidst the turmoil of a disappointing season, Pascal Siakam continues to thrive. Leading the team with a 28.5% usage rate, Siakam has averaged 25.7/8.2/6.4 on 47.8% shooting this season. He leads the team in scoring, rebounding, and assists, making him one of the most intriguing options at the top of the pricing grid of this NBA slate.

New York Knicks (-3.5)

Jalen Brunson was one of the most popular headliners of this past offseason. Leaving Dallas for the Big Apple was a surprise to no one, but his contract certainly was. However, Brunson has taken over this offense, along with Julius Randle. Over his last eight games, Brunson has scored 20 or more points in every appearance. Moreover, he has averaged 32.4/5.6/5.7 on 52.3% shooting during that span, leading the team in scoring and field goal attempts. Toronto’s zone defense is always a polarizing one to face, but Brunson and Randle will be relied upon to log heavy minutes in a tightly-contested affair. Brunson makes for one of the better options in the mid range of the pricing grid of this NBA slate, similarly to Jordan Poole.

New Orleans Pelicans @ Cleveland Cavaliers (-6.5)

New Orleans Pelicans (+6.5)

Despite missing two key players in Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans still hold the #3 seed in the Western Conference. Tonight, they face the #2 defense in the NBA and will be in tough to matchup versus a frontcourt of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. However, this is one of the most competitive game environments on the slate. CJ McCollum continues to run the offense but lacks point/dollar upside on this slate. Another tough matchup will be Jonas Valanciunas versus Mobley and Allen, but his minutes will be plentiful given the size of the Cavaliers. Lastly, do not overlook the important of Jose Alvarado, should Herbert Jones miss this game. If the latter is ruled out, Alvarado will draw the daunting task of guarding Donovan Mitchell.

Cleveland Cavaliers (-6.5)

This is one of the most rounded teams in the NBA. The Cavaliers boast a tremendous balance between offense and defense. Tonight will be yet another test for a team that has Championship hopes. In a matchup versus the Pelicans, the wings will flourish. However, this offense is not tailored to its wings, rather, its backcourt and frontcourt duos. Jarrett Allen has been phenomenal on both ends of the court this season and is in a great matchup. Over his last two games, Allen has averaged 21.5/9/4 on 70.4% shooting. New Orleans allows nearly 50 points in the paint per game, and Allen will be featured early and often to attack Jonas Valanciunas on the inside.

Honorable Mentions:

Miami Heat @ Atlanta Hawks (+1.5)
Utah Jazz @ Minnesota Timberwolves (-2.5)

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

2 years ago 0 comments

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NBA DFS: Ghost’s Gems 12/07

DFSGhost 2 years ago

written by DFSGhost

Some teams are on back-to-backs, while a key rotation is sitting out the majority of their starters. The NBA fantasy landscape changes drastically leading up to lock, and tonight will be no different. It’s a Wet Wednesday edition of the Gems – let’s ride.

Atlanta Hawks @ New York Knicks (-1.5)

Atlanta Hawks (+1.5)

Trae Young has been inconsistent on offense lately, but whenever he’s playing in the Garden, you have to take notice. By now, everyone knows the history that lies between Young and the city of New York, dating back to the 2021 NBA Playoffs. Additionally to the narrative, the Knicks currently rank 29th in the NBA to primary ball handlers. Moreover, they rank 28th in three-pointers allowed per game. He’s in a tremendous spot, but can’t fault you for being concerned about his recent output. Should you not go to the top of the pricing grid with Young, do not hesitate to go right back to the well with the trio of AJ Griffin, Jalen Johnson, and Jarrett Culver without both John Collins and De’Andre Hunter still out.

New York Knicks (-1.5)

Tom Thibodeau continues to search for answers in his rotation and cannot find any. Recently, Cam Reddish has fallen out of the rotation, similarly to how Evan Fournier has for quite some time. Thus, there are few options of interest here. The trio of Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson, and RJ Barrett are in for a heavy workload on offense tonight. However, I also want to mention Quentin Grimes and Immanuel Quickley. The Hawks currently rank 27th in the NBA versus off-ball guards. Grimes has a low floor, but has logged 26 or more minutes in eight straight appearances. Meanwhile, Quickley has only seen 20 or more minutes in three of his last five. Don’t force exposure to the Knicks tonight.

Oklahoma City Thunder @ Memphis Grizzlies (-6.5)

Oklahoma City Thunder (+6.5)

If you’re looking for a back and forth between two elite guards, this is the game for you. Over his last seven appearances, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has topped 30 points in every one. Moreover, he has averaged 31.7/5.1/6.1 on 44.4% shooting during that span. While the field will see his lackluster performance against Memphis in their last game, I’m counting on the fact that this keep him rostered at a lower number than he should be. With a certain stud point guard in the next game ruled out, there is arguably to better option at the position on this NBA slate than SGA.

Memphis Grizzlies (-6.5)

Ja Morant has been removed from the injury report, and the Memphis value from their last NBA slate is gone. However, there are different ways to get exposure to this offense in an elite game environment. Morant is the obvious choice, but by doing so, you’re committing the primary contributions of your lineup to a single game. This is more than fine given the studs in this matchup, but if not, use the Memphis frontcourt. With OKC running a much smaller lineup than Memphis, Steven Adams will likely see less than 30 minutes in this game. Thus, things open up for Jaren Jackson Jr., Brandon Clarke, and Santi Aldama. OKC currently ranks 26th in the league versus centers while allowing over 54 points in the paint per game, ranking 27th in the NBA.

Golden State Warriors @ Utah Jazz (+1.5)

Golden State Warriors (-1.5)

The field will flock to this game and rightfully so. Golden State is sitting out three of their five starters with Steph Curry, Andrew Wiggins, and Draymond Green all ruled out. Thus, Jordan Poole instantly becomes the most popular option on the NBA slate. On the season, Poole is sporting a 27.5% usage rate and 1.03 fantasy points per minutes. However, his usage jumps to 32.6% in six starts this season. Moreover, with Curry off the floor, Poole carries a whopping 35.2% usage rate and sees his fantasy points per minute increase to 1.15. Utah currently ranks 20th in the NBA against primary ball handlers, while also sitting 25th in defensive rating.

Utah Jazz (+1.5)

The potential return of Mike Conley complicates a backcourt that is already riddled with talent in Jordan Clarkson, Collin Sexton, and Malik Beasley. However, he will almost certainly be on a minutes limit, if he makes his return. While both Sexton and Beasley are going to see the biggest decrease in volume of the trio, both Jordan Clarkson and Lauri Markkanen will still carry this offense. Golden State has struggled with its perimeter defense this season, most notably versus combo guards. This bodes well for Clarkson, who has scored 20 or more points in eight of his last ten games. Over that span, Clarkson has averaged 22.5/3.6/4.8 on 44.8% shooting, leading the team in usage rate at 28.1%.

Honorable Mentions:

Los Angeles Lakers @ Toronto Raptors (OTB)
Indiana Pacers @ Minnesota Timberwolves (-4.5)

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

2 years ago 0 comments

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NBA DFS: Ghost’s Gems 11/29

DFSGhost 2 years ago

written by 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

2 years ago 0 comments

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NBA DFS: Ghost’s Gems 11/21

DFSGhost 2 years ago

written by DFSGhost

This last week in the NBA resembles April basketball. Rotations have been depleted because of health and safety protocols, injuries, and load management. Tonight, multiple key players have already been ruled out, while others will surely join them by lock. It’s a Mojito Monday edition of the Gems – let’s ride.

Lately, injury reports are lengthly. Tonight, there are many stars missing in action with others questionable to play. 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 @ OKC Thunder (-3)

New York Knicks (+3)

Things are not looking good for the Knicks. Despite being 8-9, this team looks to be in shambles on both sides of the ball. Now, on the second half of a back-to-back, they’re 3-point underdogs to the rebuilding Thunder. Despite their lack of success, this team has a ton of fantasy appeal tonight. No one is priced out of range, and the rotation’s inconsistent minutes makes for a high-risk, high-reward scenario. The duo of Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle figure to be relied upon heavily tonight. The Thunder currently rank 27th in the NBA versus big men, while Brunson gets a friendly matchup versus a backcourt that struggles to guard primary ball handlers. Moreover, with the inconsistent play of Isaiah Hartenstein and the return from injury of Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks will go smaller with Randle at the ‘5’, resulting in more minutes of Immanuel Quickley alongside Brunson.

OKC Thunder (-3)

Riddled with injuries, the Thunder are a rotation of interest on tonight’s NBA slate. With Tre Mann, Darius Bazley, and Aleksej Pokusevski all out, there is plenty to like in an elite game environment. First, the duo of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey are both firmly in play. Averaging 1.44 and 1.1 points per minute, respectively, the young backcourt offer immense upside against a Knicks defense that ranks 24th in the NBA. However, I also want to highlight Jeremiah Robinson-Earl. In the absences of both Bazley and Pokusevski, the young center will see the bulk of the minutes at the ‘5’. Moreover, he is averaging 16.54/8.27/1.44 per 36 minutes. If you cannot get exposure in the form of SGA or Giddey, there are multiple value options you should be considering.

Miami Heat @ Minnesota Timberwolves (-7)

Miami Heat (+7)

This is an injury report worth monitoring. In the last week, the Heat have been decimated with absences, requiring players on two-way contracts to meet the minimum eight players per game. Thus, Miami’s rotation will be a focal point until they get back to full health. Jimmy Butler remains out, while Gabe Vincent and Tyler Herro both missed last night’s game. Should this still be the case, a player to consider is Duncan Robinson. While both Kyle Lowry and Bam Adebayo will have higher usage rates and more looks on offense, their respective matchups are far from ideal. Minnesota currently ranks 23rd in the NBA in three-point percentage allowed and 29th in three-pointers made per game. With Robinson being one of the best pure shooters in the league, his ceiling is worth a look considering he is close to minimum salary.

Minnesota Timberwolves (-7)

Exposure to this offense will be tricky, but it’s a good spot. With Miami playing on a short rotation, Minnesota will be forced to tighten up their own. Thus, the trio of Towns, Gobert, and Edwards are enticing. Gobert has massive point/dollar upside, but his limited touches on offense keeps his production intact. Karl-Anthony Towns can put up a 30-point double-double at any given time, but his floor is simply too low. Consequently, Anthony Edwards is the priority. Sporting a team-leading 31.3% usage rate over his last two games, Edwards has posted a 30/6.5/5.5 scoring line on 46.3% shooting. Additionally, he has shot 39.1% from deep while taking 23 three-point attempts in the last two games. With Miami ranked 21st in the NBA in three-point percentage allowed and 28th in three-pointers made per game, Edwards has the potential to break the slate.

Honorable Mentions:

Atlanta Hawks @ Cleveland Cavaliers (-2.5)
Orlando Magic @ Indiana Pacers (-6.5)
Portland Trail Blazers @ Milwaukee Bucks (-8.5)

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

2 years ago 0 comments

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NBA DFS: Ghost’s Gems 11/16

DFSGhost 2 years ago

written by DFSGhost

Back to a set of full of games tonight in the NBA and there has already been plenty of news. Key players in some of the best game environments have already been ruled out, with surely more to come as we approach lock. It’s a Wet Wednesday edition of the Gems – let’s ride.

As mentioned above, many key players have already been ruled out. Certainly, there will be a flurry of updates to each injury report throughout the day. 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.

Boston Celtics @ Atlanta Hawks (+2)

Boston Celtics (-2)

Make no mistake about it, Jayson Tatum has been playing at an MVP level this season. Since the mid range of the pricing grid tonight will be a priority for most, many stars in elite game environments will be overlooked at the top of the pricing grid. Tatum currently sits 3rd in the NBA in scoring with 31.9 points per game. Moreover, the former Duke Blue Devil has scored 20 or more points in every game this season. Tatum comes into tonight’s matchup sporting a 31.9% usage rate, resulting in a 31.9/7.4/3.9 scoring line on 49.1% shooting. Should Malcolm Brogdon (hamstring) miss a fourth consecutive game, the Celtics are down to what is essentially an 8-man rotation in one of the best game environments on the slate.

Atlanta Hawks (+2)

The Celtics are widely recognized for their talent on the defensive side of the ball. However, the statistics tell another story. Boston currently sits 21st in the NBA in defensive rating and have been struggling to keep teams at bay, allowing 113.5 points per game over their last four. Dejounte Murray is an intriguing target at the top of the pricing grid given the Celtics’ lack of defense versus secondary ball handlers. Moreover, the duo of Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu hold an advantage on the inside over Al Horford. I won’t recommend forcing exposure to this offense, but this is a sneaky game for tournaments that can turn into an offensive spotlight.

Cleveland Cavaliers @ Milwaukee Bucks (-4.5)

Cleveland Cavaliers (+4.5)

The Cavaliers will get reinforcements with Donovan Mitchell (ankle) back in the lineup, but will also be without Jarrett Allen (ankle) against the Bucks. Thus, both Evan Mobley and Kevin Love will see a sizeable bump in playing time. However, the backcourt duo of Garland and Mitchell will continue to carry the 3rd best offense in the NBA. In a matchup against the Bucks, who are the league’s best defensive team, it won’t be easy to put up a ton of points against the likes of Jrue Holiday and Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, Mitchell has now scored 20 or more points in seven straight games, posting a 33.4/4.6/5.4 scoring line on 55.3% shooting. I encourage exposure to this offense either way, whether it comes in the form of Mitchell/Garland or Mobley/Love, but prefer the former, since the latter will be more popular.

Milwaukee Bucks (-4.5)

Since the mid range of the pricing grid offers much intrigue, Giannis Antetokounmpo will not be overly popular. Despite the lofty price tag, Giannis is one of a handful of players that can alter an NBA slate at any time. Sophomore Evan Mobley is already one of the league’s best defenders, but slowing Giannis down tonight will be a challenge like no other. Sporting a 38.6% usage rate on the season, Giannis returned to the lineup last game with a 27/8/4 scoring line in only 31 minutes and now carries a 31.3/11.8/5.2 scoring line on 52.6% shooting into tonight’s matchup.

New York Knicks @ Denver Nuggets (-9)

New York Knicks (+9)

With the Knicks on the second half of a back-to-back, this is one of many injury reports to monitor. Moreover, New York plays five games over a span of seven days, with this being their second of five. Denver ranks 23rd in defensive rating. Thus, I have interest in rostering Jalen Brunson, RJ Barrett, or one of Isaiah Hartenstein or Obi Toppin, depending on what our NBA projections display. The trio find themselves in tremendous matchups against Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and DeAndre Jordan, respectively. Look for updates in Discord to see where we land exactly, but the Knicks are going to be of interest.

Denver Nuggets (-9)

Welcome to the team of choice on this NBA slate. The field will surely flock to the Nuggets offense with Nikola Jokic (health and safety protocols) ruled out, and rightfully so. In addition, Bones Hyland ((health and safety protocols) will miss a third consecutive game, while Aaron Gordon is questionable with an illness as well. The quartet of Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Bruce Brown, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are set to see heavy minutes and offensive looks.

Of the four, Jamal Murray looks to be in for a big night. Sporting a 26.7% usage rate on the season, Murray sees a drastic increase to 38.6% with Jokic off the floor this year in a small sample. Moreover, his fantasy points per minute (FPPG) increases from 1.01 to 1.13 while seeing a notable uptick in scoring and field goal attempts. With the Knicks ranked 26th in the NBA to primary ball handlers, Murray is the preferred target, but the quartet listed above are all in play.

Honorable Mentions:

Indiana Pacers @ Charlotte Hornets (-2.5)
Golden State Warriors @ Phoenix Suns (-1.5)

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

2 years ago 0 comments

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