We've gotten to the point in lineup construction where a player's best ability is availability.

The Nets had seven players enter into health and safety protocols in one day (including James Harden), the Bulls didn't have enough players to even practice recently, and Giannis Antetokounmpo is unavailable for tonight's meeting with Indiana after a positive test after Monday's games.

The good news is that most, if not all, of these players are asymptomatic.

It may be some tough sledding DFS wise over the next couple of weeks, but maybe after the new year the league will lax it's testing a bit and we can get back to regular old GTDs for general soreness.

Anywho, let's see how tonight's 11-game slate shapeshifts over the afternoon.

Tonight's Key NBA Matchups

Rockets @ Cavs (-8.5), O/U 216.5 7:00 ET

We've gotten to the point where Cleveland is nearly a 9 point favorite, and it's well deserved as the Cavs have won 8 of their last 10. Houston has won 8 of 10 too, but they come into this contest very banged up including Christian Wood (knee) being questionable.

Lakers (-1.5) @ Mavs, O/U 213.5 7:30 ET

It's looking like a 3rd straight missed game for Luka Doncic (ankle), but does Anthony Davis get back in the lineup for L.A after they've been idle since Sunday (he's missed the last two as well). Lebron James ($11.1k) is up over $11k the first time this season after three straight 60fp games.

Pacers (-2) @ Bucks, O/U 217 8:00 ET

Giannis Antetokounmpo (illness) is the big absence obviously, but Khris Middleton also hyperextended his knee on Monday vs. Boston. Even though test results were positive for Middleton, why would he risk it in this one?

Hornets @ Spurs (-3.5), O/U 228 8:30 ET

Gotta be a San Antonio target here with the highest betting total of the night and the league's worst defense as Charlotte allows over 116 ppg. The Hornets have allowed 120+ in 7 of the last 8.

Timberwolves @ Nuggets (-4.5), O/U 223.5 9:00 ET

Who isn't on Nikola Jokic tonight? He's on a run with four straight 20+ point double-doubles while also averaging nearly 10 assists over that span (three 70-burger fp nights) - and also plays one of the worst defenses in the league vs. bigs.

Grizzlies (-3) @ Trail Blazers, O/U 217.5 10:00 ET

Memphis is 9-1 since Ja Morant's injury and tonight they get a Portland team that has not only lost 9 of 10, but is also coming off an OT loss to Phoenix last night. Damian Lillard has averaged 50fp in two games back from an ab injury, but he also logged 47 minutes last night.

Wizards (-2) @ Kings, O/U 225 10:00 ET

Washington target spot even though they have lost 5 of 6. The Kings defense is that bad, giving up 124+ points in 3 of the last 4,

Tonight's Point Guard / Shooting Guard Notables

Dejounte Murray DK $10.3k FD $9.3k vs. Charlotte

• Play the Spurs best player against the league's worst defense

• Coming off 10/12/10, his second triple-double of the season

• San Antonio has had the last two nights off (+21%)

Bradley Beal DK $8.5k | FD $8.2k @ Sacramento

• Pretty good price for a guy who has taken 19 shots in four straight games, and plays a defense that has allowed 124+ in 3 of the last 4

• Kings 29th defensively vs. SG position,

Jrue Holiday DK $7.4k | FD $8k vs. Indiana

• +9.92% usage and +24.05fp boost with Antetokounmpo and Middleton (questionable) out

• Has hit 47+ fp in four of the last five vs. the Pacers

• Possible brother vs. brother game with Justin a GTD for Pacers

Caris LeVert DK $6.5k | FD $6k @Milwaukee

• A lock at under $7k for the usage alone, 18+ shots in three of the last four

• Milwaukee very banged up, front court and back

• 37 minutes in each of the last two games

Monte Morris DK $5.8k | FD $6.1k vs. Minnesota

• Has been in perfect lineup in three of the last five games

• Had 16/5/4 (31fp) vs. Minnesota earlier this season

• T'Wolves have allowed 34+ to four of past five starting PGs

• Will Barton and Austin Rivers both questionable in Denver back court

Tonight's SF / PF Notables

Domantas Sabonis DK $9.5k | FD $9k @ Milwaukee

• 5X would seem to be the floor here vs. depleted Bucks squad

• 20+ point double/double in four straight games

• 47fp floor last four, Bucks run #10 pace in the league

Evan Mobley DK $6.9k | FD $7.3k vs. Houston

• If you're on a Mobley down game (like Monday) you have to pay to see the next one as he's been a roller coaster the past 9

• GTD with a hip injury, nice pivot to Kevin Love if he sits

• Rockets in bottom three in NBA vs. PF/C position

Dillon Brooks DK $6.4k | FD $6.2k @Portland

• 15+ shots in four straight games

• Plays a Portland team not only on the b2b, but going to OT last night vs. Phoenix

• Trail Blazers have allowed 35+ fp to three of past five SFs

Tonight's Center Position Notables

Nikola Jokic DK $12.2k | FD $11.5k vs. Minnesota

• Forget ownership, forget price - the big man is a lock right now

• Three 70+ fp games out of the last four, 62fp floor over the last five

• Get your points here and take chances elsewhere, especially against Minnesota's #21 ranked defense vs. the C position

_______________________________

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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