Fantasy basketball picks and betting tips for Saturday’s NBA slate

ESPN’s fantasy basketball daily cheat sheet is your pregame destination before you set your lineups for that night’s games. Here you’ll read our best advice for the night, including a selection of players you can stream as well as game-by-game injury reports and player projections.

What you need to know for Saturday’s games

A seven-game Saturday slate spreads games out evenly throughout the evening. The action tips off in Salt Lake City in a matchup that could see the New York Knicks fill up the basket, as you’ll learn in our best bets section today.

Two key factors influence today’s landscape; the injury report and rest. In terms of injuries, the likely absence of Ja Morant for the Memphis Grizzlies sets up several of his teammates with positive positioning against a generous Chicago defense. Injuries also influence several of the streaming endorsements in the streaming section on Saturday.

Regarding rest, six of the 14 teams active today also played on Friday evening, often leading to less predictable lineups and rotation outcomes. We’ll seek to play against potentially tired legs when possible, especially if other matchup metrics align.

The goal of this piece is to help you decipher the NBA rotations in action through the lens of fantasy basketball decisions, as well as prepare to make savvy appraisals of sides and props wagers. Let’s look at the day of hoops ahead.

Saturday’s Stream Team

Shaedon Sharpe, SG/SF, Portland Trail Blazers (Rostered in 39.5% of ESPN leagues

A blowout at the hands of the Rockets last night led to a quiet line from this emergent bucket. While tonight’s match still favors Houston in most matchups, Sharpe is still in a good spot to deliver given the larger sample of rising usage and scoring creativity from the talented young wing.

Stephon Castle, PG/SG, San Antonio Spurs (27.8%)

Fun production is already surfacing for Castle, who is adapting to the NBA with encouraging results in recent games. Increased creation duties on a team that needs his playmaking whenever Chris Paul is off the floor signals real upside for Castle to control the second unit in a matchup with a Warriors team that played in New Orleans last night.

Dalton Knecht, SG/SG, Los Angeles Lakers (44.3%)

While you likely won’t get nine 3-pointers again from this exciting rookie, it is encouraging that he draws a matchup with a tired Denver team that could struggle with close-outs. The pitch here is honestly mostly about scoring and shooting potential, but you knew that.

Peyton Watson, SF/PF, Denver Nuggets (8.3%)

Those in shallower leagues can look to teammate Christian Braun (53.4%), as he’s also poised to produce for a Denver team in need of two-way production at the forward spots. Watson won’t wow you in the scoring column, but uniquely good rim protection skills and helpful work on the glass helps his case as a fun fantasy pick-up this evening.

McCormicks’ bets for Saturday

Karl-Anthony Towns over 26.5 points (-105), over 2.5 3-pointers (+110)

The Jazz have ceded the second-most points, eighth-most rebounds, and most 3-pointers per game to centers this season. This all reads like a KAT party, especially given Walker Kessler’s questionable status. There is, of course, some blowout potential present that could curb the scoring fun for the Knicks’ stars. That said, Thibs loves him some star-driven box scores, as Towns remains an intriguing target.

Jalen Brunson over 7.5 assists (-105)

Utah’s defensive gaps extend to the backcourt, with the team allowing the third-most assists per game to point guards. The same risks and ceiling considerations that apply to Towns are relevant with Brunson, except I’d argue that Utah’s lack of guard size and athleticism is more glaring than in Utah’s frontcourt, setting up Brunson for a somewhat due big line.

Desmond Bane over 21.5 points (-110), over 5.5 rebounds (-115)

The Bulls not only played last night, but they sit 25th in defensive rating and yet also first in pace on offense. Which means a bad defensive team is adding possessions to the mix, a real gift for opponent production. With Morant doubtful to play, Bane’s scoring workload increases to a fun degree, while his strong work on the glass lately reveals an underrated angle heading into tonight’s matchup.

San Antonio Spurs +2.5 (-105)

The Warriors enter Texas amid the odyssey of hotel rooms that is an NBA roadtrip. The Spurs, other than Chris Paul, have young legs and rest as an advantage. They also have the likely return of Victor Wembanyama, who clearly can change the math in a given matchup. Another data point is the ascent of Castle, who could give the Warriors’ backcourt issues with his size. This reads like a toss-up, so taking the home points is inviting..

Projections and Injury Reports

Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds by ESPN BET

Players in italics are available in a majority of ESPN Leagues

New York Knicks at Utah Jazz
5 p.m. ET

Line: Knicks -8.5 (-110) | Jazz 8.5 (-110)
Money line: Knicks -380 | Jazz +290
Total: 233.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Knicks by 4.4, straight up 64%, 231.0 total points.

Injury Report:
Knicks: Mitchell Robinson, (OUT – Ankle); Miles McBride, (GTD – Knee); Kevin McCullar Jr., (OUT – Knee); Precious Achiuwa, (OUT – Hamstring)
Jazz: Taylor Hendricks, (OUT – Lower Leg); Jordan Clarkson, (GTD – Foot); Walker Kessler, (GTD – Hip); Kyle Filipowski, (OUT – Ankle)

Knicks projections:

• Jalen Brunson, PG: 42.3 FPTS (26.9 pts, 2.7 reb, 6.2 ast, 2.3 3PM)

• Karl-Anthony Towns, PF/C: 41.7 FPTS (24.4 pts, 10.4 reb, 3.1 ast, 2.2 3PM)

• Josh Hart, SG/SF: 35.5 FPTS (14.5 pts, 8.2 reb, 6.0 ast)

• Mikal Bridges, SG/SF: 32.6 FPTS (17.6 pts, 3.6 reb, 3.8 ast, 2.2 3PM)

• OG Anunoby, SF/PF: 29.7 FPTS (15.7 pts, 4.8 reb, 2.1 ast, 2.0 3PM)

• Miles McBride, PG: 19.5 FPTS (10.0 pts, 2.0 reb, 2.2 ast)

• Cameron Payne, PG/SG: 16.8 FPTS (7.9 pts, 1.3 reb, 3.0 ast)

Jazz projections:

• Lauri Markkanen, SF/PF: 33.2 FPTS (20.4 pts, 6.5 reb, 2.0 ast, 2.2 3PM)

• John Collins, PF/C: 31.8 FPTS (16.2 pts, 9.2 reb, 2.6 ast)

• Keyonte George, PG/SG: 27.9 FPTS (15.9 pts, 2.6 reb, 5.2 ast, 2.5 3PM)

• Jordan Clarkson, SG/SF: 27.8 FPTS (16.9 pts, 3.5 reb, 3.2 ast, 2.1 3PM)

• Collin Sexton, PG/SG: 24.0 FPTS (16.3 pts, 2.7 reb, 2.6 ast)

• Walker Kessler, C: 17.1 FPTS (8.6 pts, 7.7 reb, 0.9 ast, 2.2 blk)

• Isaiah Collier, PG: 15.3 FPTS (6.7 pts, 2.6 reb, 2.9 ast)

Detroit Pistons at Orlando Magic
7 p.m. ET

Line: Pistons 9.5 (-115) | Magic -9.5 (-105)
Money line: Pistons +340 | Magic -450
Total: 206.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Magic by 7.2, straight up 72%, 211.5 total points.

Injury Report:
Pistons: Ausar Thompson, (GTD – Illness); Bobi Klintman, (OUT – Calf); Cade Cunningham, (OUT – Hip)
Magic: Wendell Carter Jr., (GTD – Foot); Paolo Banchero, (OUT – Oblique)

Pistons projections:

• Jaden Ivey, PG/SG: 27.7 FPTS (15.8 pts, 3.9 reb, 4.1 ast)

• Tobias Harris, SF/PF: 27.1 FPTS (12.7 pts, 6.9 reb, 3.0 ast)

• Jalen Duren, C: 24.4 FPTS (10.5 pts, 10.4 reb, 2.2 ast)

• Malik Beasley, SG: 23.0 FPTS (12.7 pts, 3.2 reb, 1.6 ast, 3.2 3PM)

• Ausar Thompson, SF/PF: 17.2 FPTS (7.4 pts, 4.6 reb, 1.6 ast)

• Isaiah Stewart, PF/C: 16.0 FPTS (6.3 pts, 6.0 reb, 1.9 ast)

• Tim Hardaway Jr., SG/SF: 14.9 FPTS (7.9 pts, 1.5 reb, 1.7 ast)

Magic projections:

• Franz Wagner, SF/PF: 43.7 FPTS (22.9 pts, 5.8 reb, 5.6 ast, 2.0 3PM)

• Jalen Suggs, PG/SG: 29.3 FPTS (15.4 pts, 4.4 reb, 3.5 ast, 2.4 3PM)

• Wendell Carter Jr., C: 21.1 FPTS (9.3 pts, 6.9 reb, 1.7 ast)

• Goga Bitadze, C: 18.5 FPTS (7.6 pts, 7.6 reb, 1.6 ast, 1.3 blk)

• Tristan da Silva, SF: 18.2 FPTS (9.2 pts, 3.7 reb, 2.0 ast)

• Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG/SF: 17.5 FPTS (8.3 pts, 1.9 reb, 1.9 ast)

• Mac McClung, SG: 15.4 FPTS (8.2 pts, 3.2 reb, 2.3 ast)

Memphis Grizzlies at Chicago Bulls
8 p.m. ET

Line: Grizzlies -5.5 (-110) | Bulls 5.5 (-110)
Money line: Grizzlies -210 | Bulls +175
Total: 240.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Bulls by 0.8, straight up 53%, 238.1 total points.

Injury Report:
Grizzlies: GG Jackson II, (OUT – Foot); Marcus Smart, (GTD – Illness); Ja Morant, (OUT – Hip); Zach Edey, (OUT – Ankle); Vince Williams Jr., (OUT – Ankle)
Bulls: Adama Sanogo, (GTD – Knee); Patrick Williams, (OUT – Foot); Lonzo Ball, (OUT – Wrist)

Grizzlies projections:

• Jaren Jackson Jr., PF/C: 32.1 FPTS (22.2 pts, 5.1 reb, 1.5 ast, 1.8 3PM, 2.0 blk)

• Desmond Bane, SG/SF: 31.4 FPTS (16.7 pts, 5.4 reb, 3.8 ast, 2.2 3PM)

• Scotty Pippen Jr., PG/SG: 26.7 FPTS (11.8 pts, 3.7 reb, 4.8 ast)

• Santi Aldama, SF/PF/C: 23.4 FPTS (10.7 pts, 5.5 reb, 2.9 ast)

• Marcus Smart, PG/SG: 21.3 FPTS (10.6 pts, 2.3 reb, 3.2 ast)

• Jake LaRavia, PF: 19.8 FPTS (8.6 pts, 4.0 reb, 3.2 ast)

• Jaylen Wells, SG: 17.9 FPTS (11.0 pts, 2.8 reb, 1.5 ast)

Bulls projections:

• Nikola Vucevic, C: 37.0 FPTS (19.5 pts, 10.4 reb, 3.2 ast)

• Coby White, PG/SG: 34.4 FPTS (19.4 pts, 3.4 reb, 4.7 ast, 2.9 3PM)

• Zach LaVine, SG/SF: 32.9 FPTS (19.8 pts, 4.8 reb, 4.4 ast, 2.7 3PM)

• Josh Giddey, PG/SG/PF: 29.5 FPTS (13.1 pts, 5.9 reb, 5.6 ast)

• Ayo Dosunmu, SG: 24.2 FPTS (12.2 pts, 3.9 reb, 3.8 ast)

• Talen Horton-Tucker, SG/SF: 18.3 FPTS (10.0 pts, 2.7 reb, 2.4 ast)

• Torrey Craig, SF/PF: 15.6 FPTS (7.3 pts, 3.8 reb, 1.1 ast)

Portland Trail Blazers at Houston Rockets
8 p.m. ET

Line: Blazers 12.5 (-110) | Rockets -12.5 (-110)
Money line: Blazers +550 | Rockets -900
Total: 226.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Rockets by 11.4, straight up 82%, 222.2 total points.

Injury Report:
Blazers: Deandre Ayton, (GTD – Finger); Matisse Thybulle, (GTD – Knee); Scoot Henderson, (GTD – Quadriceps)
Rockets: None reported

Blazers projections:

• Jerami Grant, PF: 28.0 FPTS (17.5 pts, 3.4 reb, 3.0 ast, 2.0 3PM)

• Anfernee Simons, PG/SG: 25.2 FPTS (16.3 pts, 1.9 reb, 3.8 ast, 2.2 3PM)

• Toumani Camara, SF/PF: 23.3 FPTS (10.1 pts, 5.1 reb, 2.8 ast)

• Shaedon Sharpe, SG/SF: 22.8 FPTS (15.9 pts, 2.9 reb, 2.0 ast, 2.0 3PM)

• Deni Avdija, SF/PF: 19.2 FPTS (10.8 pts, 4.8 reb, 2.2 ast)

• Dalano Banton, PG/SG/PF: 17.3 FPTS (11.0 pts, 2.3 reb, 2.1 ast)

• Robert Williams III, C: 16.0 FPTS (7.3 pts, 4.9 reb, 1.6 ast, 1.3 blk)

Rockets projections:

• Fred VanVleet, PG: 36.9 FPTS (14.7 pts, 4.7 reb, 6.0 ast, 2.4 3PM)

• Alperen Sengun, C: 35.9 FPTS (17.3 pts, 10.4 reb, 4.2 ast, 1.3 blk)

• Jalen Green, SG: 31.7 FPTS (19.1 pts, 4.9 reb, 3.0 ast, 2.5 3PM)

• Tari Eason, SF/PF: 24.9 FPTS (11.7 pts, 6.3 reb, 1.2 ast)

• Amen Thompson, SG/SF/PF: 21.8 FPTS (11.1 pts, 6.0 reb, 2.2 ast)

• Jabari Smith Jr., PF/C: 21.4 FPTS (11.2 pts, 6.4 reb, 1.1 ast)

• Dillon Brooks, SG/SF: 20.4 FPTS (12.0 pts, 2.9 reb, 1.5 ast, 1.9 3PM)

Charlotte Hornets at Milwaukee Bucks
8 p.m. ET

Line: Hornets 7.5 (-110) | Bucks -7.5 (-110)
Money line: Hornets +250 | Bucks -300
Total: 223.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Bucks by 8.2, straight up 75%, 225.7 total points.

Injury Report:
Hornets: DaQuan Jeffries, (OUT – Hand); Mark Williams, (OUT – Foot); Nick Richards, (OUT – Ribs); Tre Mann, (OUT – Back); Jared Rhoden, (OUT – Shoulder); Miles Bridges, (OUT – Knee)
Bucks: Khris Middleton, (OUT – Ankle); Liam Robbins, (GTD – Heel); Ryan Rollins, (GTD – Shoulder)

Hornets projections:

• LaMelo Ball, PG: 48.9 FPTS (28.5 pts, 5.1 reb, 6.5 ast, 4.3 3PM)

• Brandon Miller, SG/SF: 38.6 FPTS (21.4 pts, 5.0 reb, 4.0 ast, 3.4 3PM)

• Grant Williams, PF: 23.5 FPTS (11.5 pts, 5.6 reb, 2.7 ast)

• Moussa Diabate, PF: 22.1 FPTS (8.0 pts, 10.0 reb, 1.0 ast)

• Cody Martin, SG: 20.5 FPTS (9.9 pts, 4.5 reb, 1.7 ast)

• Josh Green, SG/SF: 16.8 FPTS (7.9 pts, 3.1 reb, 2.1 ast)

• Vasilije Micic, PG/SG: 14.3 FPTS (6.9 pts, 2.7 reb, 2.4 ast)

Bucks projections:

• Giannis Antetokounmpo, PF/C: 46.9 FPTS (29.1 pts, 11.7 reb, 6.3 ast, 1.4 blk)

• Damian Lillard, PG: 41.0 FPTS (23.6 pts, 4.3 reb, 6.5 ast, 2.9 3PM)

• Brook Lopez, C: 24.6 FPTS (13.1 pts, 5.0 reb, 1.8 ast, 1.9 3PM, 2.4 blk)

• Bobby Portis, PF: 21.2 FPTS (11.2 pts, 6.0 reb, 1.5 ast)

• Khris Middleton, SF: 20.1 FPTS (8.1 pts, 3.8 reb, 4.0 ast)

• Taurean Prince, SF: 18.9 FPTS (8.0 pts, 4.4 reb, 2.1 ast)

• Gary Trent Jr., SG: 18.5 FPTS (10.9 pts, 1.7 reb, 1.3 ast, 1.9 3PM)

Golden State Warriors at San Antonio Spurs
8:30 p.m. ET

Line: Warriors -2.5 (-115) | Spurs 2.5 (-105)
Money line: Warriors -140 | Spurs +120
Total: 227.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Warriors by 3.9, straight up 63%, 230.3 total points.

Injury Report:
Warriors: De’Anthony Melton, (OUT – Knee)
Spurs: Devin Vassell, (GTD – Knee); Keldon Johnson, (GTD – Hamstring); Victor Wembanyama, (GTD – Knee); Jeremy Sochan, (OUT – Thumb)

Warriors projections:

• Stephen Curry, PG: 39.6 FPTS (20.6 pts, 5.2 reb, 6.2 ast, 3.3 3PM)

• Andrew Wiggins, SF/PF: 27.0 FPTS (16.2 pts, 4.2 reb, 2.3 ast)

• Draymond Green, PF/C: 26.2 FPTS (10.5 pts, 6.2 reb, 5.0 ast)

• Jonathan Kuminga, PF: 21.2 FPTS (12.9 pts, 3.8 reb, 2.0 ast)

• Buddy Hield, SG/SF: 20.5 FPTS (11.7 pts, 3.3 reb, 1.4 ast, 2.7 3PM)

• Brandin Podziemski, PG/SG: 18.9 FPTS (8.5 pts, 3.9 reb, 2.7 ast)

• Kyle Anderson, SF/PF: 17.0 FPTS (6.8 pts, 2.9 reb, 2.6 ast)

Spurs projections:

• Victor Wembanyama, C: 41.1 FPTS (24.1 pts, 10.0 reb, 3.1 ast, 2.9 3PM, 2.9 blk)

• Chris Paul, PG: 27.6 FPTS (10.5 pts, 3.7 reb, 5.7 ast)

• Devin Vassell, SG/SF: 24.0 FPTS (14.2 pts, 2.0 reb, 2.7 ast, 2.1 3PM)

• Keldon Johnson, SF/PF: 21.9 FPTS (11.2 pts, 4.8 reb, 2.0 ast)

• Julian Champagnie, SF: 21.2 FPTS (10.2 pts, 4.9 reb, 1.7 ast, 2.1 3PM)

• Stephon Castle, PG/SG: 20.8 FPTS (11.5 pts, 2.6 reb, 3.2 ast)

• Harrison Barnes, PF: 19.2 FPTS (11.1 pts, 4.7 reb, 1.4 ast)

Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers
10:30 p.m. ET

Line: Nuggets 4.5 (-105) | Lakers -4.5 (-115)
Money line: Nuggets +150 | Lakers -180
Total: 234.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Lakers by 4.2, straight up 64%, 235.1 total points.

Injury Report:
Nuggets: Vlatko Cancar, (OUT – Knee); DaRon Holmes II, (OUT – Achilles); Aaron Gordon, (OUT – Calf)
Lakers: Anthony Davis, (GTD – Foot); Bronny James, (OUT – Heel); Jaxson Hayes, (OUT – Ankle); Jarred Vanderbilt, (OUT – Foot); Christian Wood, (OUT – Knee)

Nuggets projections:

• Nikola Jokic, C: 60.8 FPTS (29.7 pts, 12.9 reb, 9.4 ast)

• Jamal Murray, PG: 41.4 FPTS (22.0 pts, 4.2 reb, 6.2 ast, 2.3 3PM)

• Michael Porter Jr., SF: 33.2 FPTS (16.9 pts, 6.7 reb, 3.2 ast, 2.5 3PM)

• Russell Westbrook, PG: 25.8 FPTS (12.4 pts, 3.7 reb, 4.3 ast)

• Christian Braun, SG: 25.6 FPTS (14.1 pts, 4.6 reb, 2.0 ast)

• Peyton Watson, SF/PF: 20.7 FPTS (11.4 pts, 4.2 reb, 1.5 ast)

• Julian Strawther, SF: 15.6 FPTS (8.2 pts, 1.9 reb, 1.9 ast)

Lakers projections:

• LeBron James, SF/PF: 46.4 FPTS (25.0 pts, 7.7 reb, 8.1 ast, 2.1 3PM)

• Anthony Davis, PF/C: 46.1 FPTS (29.4 pts, 11.0 reb, 3.3 ast, 1.8 blk)

• Austin Reaves, SG/SF: 32.8 FPTS (16.9 pts, 3.4 reb, 5.2 ast, 2.6 3PM)

• Rui Hachimura, SF/PF: 23.2 FPTS (13.4 pts, 5.2 reb, 1.3 ast)

• D’Angelo Russell, PG/SG: 21.8 FPTS (10.7 pts, 1.7 reb, 4.0 ast)

• Dalton Knecht, SG/SF: 21.4 FPTS (13.1 pts, 3.3 reb, 1.2 ast, 2.1 3PM)

• Max Christie, SG: 12.9 FPTS (6.7 pts, 2.0 reb, 1.4 ast)

Source: espn.com