PG: D’Angelo Russell: Even though he played last night, Russell is in an excellent matchup as the Spurs and Timberwolves both are top 10 in the league in pace. Russell has exceeded his 17.8 scoring average in 4 of his last 6 battles. Assists should be plentiful for Russell tonight because the Spurs have a very difficult time guarding the inside and Karl-Anthony Towns should absolutely have his way down low all night. Russell has dished seven or more dimes in five of his last six contests and even though his shooting hasn’t been the best, he still has taken no fewer than 16 shots in 6 straight games and his minutes are safely in the mid-30s.
SG Paul George: As expensive as George is, he’s the best thing going for the Clippers and Memphis is going to have a very difficult time matching up against him tonight. He’s scored 27 or more points in 3 of his last 4 games and he’s taken 24-plus shots in 4 of his last 5 games. With no Kawhi Leonard or Marcus Morris, the Clippers get a very limited amount of frontcourt offense. Terance Mann isn’t even 100 percent heading into this contest. George has pulled down nine or more boards in six of his last seven contests and the Grizzlies are a bottom four team at defending small forwards. George has also grabbed 2.2 steals per outing.
SF: Deni Avdija: Avdija has been a big reason for the Wizards success. He brings them defense and we should start seeing him pick up more minutes. Between Avdija and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope the Wizards have transformed into a disciplined defensive team on the perimeter. Avdija has played 25-plus in his last 2 games and yes Bradley Beal was back in action last night. Spencer Dinwiddie being out tonight will likely shift things a bit in the backcourt and could lead to Avdija picking up a few more minutes. He’s grabbed double-digit boards in his last two contests and he’s blocked shots in five of his last six games. He swiped balls in for of his last five outings and his defense will continue keeping him on the floor.
PF Pascal Siakam: OG Anunoby and Precious Achiuwa are out for this one and Siakam has looked better and better since returning to action and with him likely shifting down to power forward tonight, it won’t be easy battling the Jazz, but it’s a pace up spot and he’s scored 20-plus points in both of his last 2 games. He should have a safe shot-floor as we should see him take 17-20 shots. He’s played at least 35 minutes in his last 2 games and he took no fewer than 14 shots in either contest. Siakam has grabbed steals in three of four battles and blocked shots in two of them. He’s pulled down 7.3 rebounds per outing and he’s even dished 6 or more dimes in his last 2 games.
C: Rudy Gobert: Sticking with this matchup, Gobert should eat the Raptors frontcourt alive on offense because of the shifting of frontcourt pieces that will be taking place for them tonight. Gobert has grabbed over 15 boards per game. The Raptors are going to have to shift things a bit and they’ll be down frontcourt depth and that should make it easier for Gobert to produce inside. Siakam isn’t the best defender and Gobert has scored 15 or more points in 3 of his last 5 outings. He’s coming off of a four-block game and he’s blocked nearly two shots per contest and he’s even grabbed multiple steals in three of his last five battles.