Are the Rockets, Cavaliers, and Pistons really the best targets on tonight's 9-game NBA card? Houston is actually on a 7-game win streak and is in an up-pace game with Milwaukee and Cleveland has climbed into the 6 spot in the East and has a favorable matchup with Minnesota. Even Detroit, on a 10 game losing streak, could score some points on a New Orleans defense that has given up 120+ in 4 of the last 6.

Let's see how the rest of the slate breaks down:

Tonight's Key NBA Matchups

Kings @ Hornets (PK), O/U 231 7:00 ET

There should be some sort of target here with the highest betting total of the night. The Hornets have allowed 127+ points in six of their last seven, while the Kings just gave up 130 to Orlando on Wednesday night.

Mavericks @ Pacers (-2), O/U 212.5 7:00 ET

Indiana will be without coach Rick Carlisle tonight (COVID) as they try to go for a third straight win. Dallas got a win to snap their 3-game losing streak on Wednesday, but just by 8 points against a very shorthanded Memphis squad.

Nets @ Hawks (-1.5), O/U 226.5 7:30 ET

Kevin Durant and LaMarcus Aldridge are back in the lineup for Brooklyn after resting in Wednesday's loss at Houston. 3rd highest betting total of the night for a rematch of the 117-108 Nets win on November 3rd.

Bucks (-8.5) @ Rockets, O/U 227 8:00 ET

Houston has the longest active win streak in the NBA (7 games) but their problem for DFS purposes is too much balance. Five different Rockets players scored over a dozen points on Wednesday, and Eric Gordon led the way with 21 points (28fp).

Cavs @ T'Wolves (PK), O/U 213.5 8:00 ET

The total looks a little low here considering Minnesota allowed 136 points in a loss to the Jazz on Wednesday. Maybe that 213.5 number is just a testament to Cleveland's defense, which was dominant in a 115-92 over the (albeit shorthanded) Bulls last time out.

Celtics @ Suns (-5), O/U 214 10:00 ET

It wouldn't be a huge shocker to see Boston come out flat in this matchup, as they are wrapping up a 5-game West Coast road trip and are looking forward to 2 days off afterwards. The Celtics have played just one home game since November 24th.

Tonight's Point Guard / Shooting Guard Notables

Trae Young DK $10k FD $9.8k vs. Brooklyn

• Even on a slate with Westbrook, Harden, and Doncic this looks like the solid G play

• Young has double digit assists in 6 of the last 7, 25+ points in 8 straight

• Brooklyn getting torched by PGs, with even Armoni Brooks (17.55 average) going for 30+ fp on Wednesday.

Chris Paul DK $8.3k | FD $8.4k vs. Boston

• Had 21 points and 10 assists (on 18 shots) in the first game without Booker

• Well rested (+15%) after having not played since Monday

• Good history against Boston with 6X in 3 of the last 5 since 2018

Garrison Mathews DK $4.4k | FD $4.7k vs. MIL

• Has been a low key solid contributor on Houston's win streak, scoring 12+ real points in all seven victories

• 31+ minutes in six straight games

• Solid pace matchup with Milwaukee

Terence Davis DK $4k | FD $5.7k @Charlotte

• No way on FD, but still solid DK pricing

• Has scored 16+ real points (23, 28) during Kings three game win streak

• Great matchup vs. Charlotte's worst defense in the NBA, with two of the top 4 teams in pace meeting up

Tonight's SF / PF Notables

Lebron James DK $9.8k | FD $10.2k @Oklahoma City

• Normally a blowout spot, but LAL just -5 point favorites

• OKC has beaten Lakers twice this season when James didn't play

• Thunder 30th defensively vs. the SF spot last 20 games

• LAL on the back to back which should keep ownership lower

Kelly Oubre, Jr. DK $7.8k | FD $7.4k vs. Sacramento

• SF eligible even though he's been playing some point in Ball's absence

• 40+ minutes, 20+ shots last two games

• Kings gave up 130 points to Orlando last game, including 33 real points to PG Cole Anthony

Evan Mobley DK $6.8k | FD $7.3k @ Minnesota

• Post player vs. Minnesota matchup

• Timberwolves worst rebounding team in the league

• 40+ fp last two home games

• Royce O'Neale hit 35fp fp vs. T'Wolves Wednesday at PF spot

Caris LeVert DK $5.8k | FD $5.8k vs. Dallas

• Another showcase game for LeVert as trade deadline approaches

• Has taken 16+ shots in two of last three

• 5X floor in three straight

Tonight's Center Position Notables

Jonas Valanciunas DK $8k | FD $7.5k vs. Detroit

• Took 21 shots in Wednesday's matchup with Jokic

• Double digit rebounds in 7 of the last 8

• Detroit allowed 34 fp to Daniel Gafford on Wednesday even though he took just 4 shots

Jarrett Allen DK $7.8k | FD $8.6k @Minnesota

• Allen has upside in the Minnesota matchup (40+ fp to 3 of last 5 C's)

• Double digit rebounds in 9 of 10 since returning from the injured list

• Minnesota 5th in pace

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You can follow me, Carl Taylor (@dailydogsports), on Twitter for more daily fantasy and sports betting talk and make sure to check out the LineStar chat.

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