Despite there being only fives games on the NBA schedule, there is no shortage of fire power. Marquee matchups between some of the league’s best dominate the headlines. It’s a Taco Tuesday edition of the Gems – let’s ride.
As we saw last night, injuries to key players alter your lineups 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.
Memphis Grizzlies @ New Orleans Pelicans (-4.5)
Memphis Grizzlies (+4.5)
With Desmond Bane (toe) doubtful to play tonight, Ja Morant will get as many offensive looks as he can handle. Due to an ankle injury, Morant missed Sunday’s game versus the Wizards, but the face of the franchise is set to make his return tonight. Leading the team with a 36% usage rate, Morant has posted a remarkable 28.8/6/7 scoring line on 48% shooting, including 41% from deep. Facing a Pelicans team that struggles versus primary ball handlers, Morant offers immense upside at the top of the pricing grid on this NBA slate.
New Orleans Pelicans (-4.5)
Since the acquisition of CJ McCollum last season, the Pelicans’ offense is as potent as ever. Ranking 9th in the NBA in offensive rating, there is a flurry of options here on any given night. However, this makes it tough to get exposure to key contributors in fantasy. I won’t force any exposure here, but as one of the elite game environments on a small slate, it is a favorable scenario. Thus, Brandon Ingram will certainly be in my player pool. Over his last five games, Ingram ranks second on the team in usage with a 26.3% rate, only behind Zion at 26.4%. Over the same span, Ingram has averaged over 20 points per game while shooting an efficient 44.6% from the field. With Bane doubtful to play tonight, Ingram will have a great matchup as the primary off ball options for the Pelicans.
New York Knicks @ Utah Jazz (-4)
New York Knicks (+4)
Having seen the Knicks allowed a whopping 145 points to the Thunder on the weekend, this game will likely draw attention on a small NBA slate. With Tom Thibodeau being as inconsistent as ever with his rotations, no player’s minutes are safe, other than Julius Randle. Unfortunately, he has a safe floor in fantasy, but carries a lower ceiling than the ideal for a player of his magnitude. Thus, don’t force any exposure here. Should you want to take a shot on a risky player for tournaments, there are many options here, including Cam Reddish and Jalen Brunson.
Utah Jazz (-4)
One of the most surprising teams in the NBA this season is none other than the Utah Jazz. This group of players seem determined to beat the preseason odds, and they’re currently doing so with a 10-5 record in the Western Conference. While Lauri Markkanen seems to be reaching the potential he was deemed to have at the time of his draft, I want to highlight Malik Beasley and his production as of late. Logging 29 or more minutes in four of his last five appearances, Beasley has now scored in double digits in five straight. Sporting an 18.1% usage rate during that span, Beasley has posted a 15.2/4.4/1.4 scoring line on 49.2% shooting, including 46.5% from behind the arc on a whopping 8.6 attempts per game.
Brooklyn Nets @ Sacramento Kings (-2)
Brooklyn Nets (+2)
Kevin Durant joins Luka Doncic and Ja Morant as the best options on this NBA slate. However, while you already know what Durant is capable of, there are other intriguing options on this offense. Listed as probable after missing Sunday’s game, Seth Curry will likely make his return to the lineup tonight. In his two games prior to Sunday, Curry posted a 22.5/3/2.5 scoring line on 57.1% shooting through a 26.9% usage rate. The Kings rank 26th in the NBA in defensive rating and struggle versus combo guards, making Curry an elite option in one of the best game environments on the slate.
Sacramento Kings (-2)
If you are looking to build a balanced lineup on tonight’s NBA slate rather than with a stud or two at the top of the pricing grid, look no further than De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. The two have been on a tear since Sabonis was acquired in the Tyrese Haliburton deal last season. Over their last six games, Fox and Sabonis lead the team in usage rates at 29.4% and 25%, respectively. Moreover, the two have combined for 49.2 points per game, scoring 20 or more points each in four of five appearances. Brooklyn’s defense has improved over their last 5 games, but Nic Claxton still lacks the skillset to defend Domantas Sabonis on the inside, while De’Aaron Fox will dominate the Nets’ backcourt.
Honorable Mentions:
- Los Angeles Clippers @ Dallas Mavericks (-6.5)
- San Antonio Spurs @ Portland Trail Blazers (-7)
You can find me on Twitter @BetsByGhost and in the Win Daily Discord
