NBA DFS Preview – First Look (2/4)

We end the NBA week with a loaded nine-game DFS slate around the league. As always, let’s take an early look at the slate but understand that many things can (and will) change, so be sure to keep an eye on news throughout the afternoon.

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NBA Vegas Data for February 4 | NBA DFS First Look

Cleveland Cavaliers @ Charlotte Hornets

CHA -4.5, total: 216.5
Pace: CLE (25th), CHA (2nd)

Situations to monitor:

• Darius Garland will miss his third consecutive game with a back injury. Lauri Markkanen (ankle) will also remain sidelined.
• Gordon Hayward (health and safety protocols) is listed as questionable for Charlotte. 

Boston Celtics @ Detroit Pistons

BOS -7.5, total: 213
Pace: BOS (24th), DET (11th)

Situations to monitor:

• Cade Cunningham missed Thursday’s game with a hip injury and is questionable for Friday. 

Chicago Bulls @ Indiana Pacers

CHI -2.5, total: 231.5
Pace: CHI (15th), IND (18th)

Situations to monitor:

• Domantas Sabonis, Malcolm Brogdon and Myles Turner will remain out for the Pacers. Meanwhile, Isaiah Jackson (ankle) has been ruled out, while Goga Bitadze is questionable.

Atlanta Hawks @ Toronto Raptors

TOR -2, total: 216.5
Pace: ATL (18th), TOR (26th)

Situations to monitor:

• This is the second end of a back-to-back for both teams.

Houston Rockets @ San Antonio Spurs

SAS -3.5, total: 234.5
Pace: HOU (1st), SAS (4th)

Situations to monitor:

• Dejounte Murray and Doug McDermott didn’t play Thursday, while Jakob Poeltl and Jock Landale were ruled out due to concussions. 

New Orleans Pelicans @ Denver Nuggets

DEN -6.5, total: 222.5
Pace: NOP (20th), DEN (23rd)

Situations to monitor:

• Nikola Jokic missed Wednesday with a toe injury but is off the injury report and will play Friday. DeMarcus Cousins (foot) is questionable.
• Willy Hernangomez has been placed in the league’s health and safety protocols.

Brooklyn Nets @ Utah Jazz

UTA -4.5, total: 230
Pace: BKN (7th), UTA (16th)

Situations to monitor:

• Donovan Mitchell will finally return to the Utah lineup for this game. Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert has once again been ruled out, while Jordan Clarkson is listed as questionable. 
• LaMarcus Aldridge will remain out for Brooklyn.

Philadelphia 76ers @ Dallas Mavericks

DAL -1.5, total: 212.5
Pace: PHI (27th), DAL (28th)

Situations to monitor:

• Kristaps Porzingis has once again been ruled out for Dallas.
• For Philadelphia, Seth Curry (back) is listed as questionable, while Furkan Korkmaz and Shake Milton will remain sidelined. 

Oklahoma City Thunder @ Portland Trail Blazers

POR -8, total: 214
Pace: OKC (17th), POR (22nd)

Situations to monitor:

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will remain sidelined for the Thunder. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl has also been ruled out for the next few weeks with a foot injury.

Stats to Know | NBA DFS First Look

Evan Mobley is averaging 5.0 post-ups per game over his last two contests

The Cavaliers have been without All-Star point guard Darius Garland for the last two games. He runs the entire offense, but in his absence, Cleveland’s offense has gone through the post with Mobley, Jarrett Allen and Kevin Love. For the season, Mobley is averaging around three post-ups per game but over the last two games, that number is up to 5.0 per game. Mobley is coming off his best game as a pro, scoring 29 points to go along with 12 rebounds and two assists. With Garland, Collin Sexton and Ricky Rubio off the floor this season, Mobley is sporting a 26% usage rate, while averaging 1.06 fantasy points per minute. He has a great chance at a repeat performance on Friday, facing a Charlotte team that is coughing up the third-most post-up points per game on the year (5.3), while also allowing the sixth-highest field goal percentage off the play type (52.4%). Charlotte is also second in the NBA in drives per game (54.8), which will give Mobley shot-blocking potential.