Fantasy basketball selections, daily fantasy sports insights, and wagering advice for NBA matchups on Sunday

ESPN’s daily fantasy basketball cheat sheet serves as your go-to source before finalizing your lineups for the evening’s matchups. Here, you will find our top recommendations for the night, including a list of players available for streaming and detailed injury reports for each game.

Jump ahead
Top streamers | Best bets | DFS picks | Odds & injury report

Key information for Sunday’s games

An exciting day of NBA action is on the horizon for basketball enthusiasts this Sunday. With 20 teams in action, fantasy managers and bettors must pinpoint value amidst a busy schedule.

The day kicks off with some potentially telling matchups. The Cleveland Cavaliers will take on Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics this afternoon in a high-profile matinee at 1 p.m. ET on ABC. How will this newly constructed Cleveland lineup perform against what is expected to be playoff-level competition? How will Boston distribute touches and shots now that Tatum has returned to the lineup?

The Los Angeles Lakers will face the New York Knicks at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC. Can the Lakers contain New York’s potent offense? The Knicks currently rank third in offensive efficiency for the season, while the Lakers sit at 21st in defensive rating. Both teams are eager to make a strong impression as the playoffs approach.

A highly anticipated clash between Texas teams highlights the evening schedule, with the Houston Rockets traveling 200 miles to challenge the San Antonio Spurs. Houston is still searching for a more dynamic offensive style, while the Spurs aim to secure the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.

Even matchups involving teams with lottery aspirations seem appealing, as the Sacramento Kings welcome the Chicago Bulls in a game filled with intriguing waiver-wire possibilities. With a focus on identifying productive fantasy streamers and interesting betting opportunities, let’s examine the upcoming NBA action.

Sunday’s fantasy stream team

Precious Achiuwa, PF/C, Kings (rostered in 35.9% of ESPN leagues): Achiuwa’s increase in playing time and output could be crucial for the fantasy playoffs. Numerous post touches and rebounding chances are contributing to impressive statistics from the former Kentucky player. The Bulls, on the other hand, do not present much challenge in the paint.

Dejounte Murray, SG/PG, New Orleans Pelicans (56.0%): Although Murray is rostered in more leagues than our typical waiver suggestions, this serves as a reminder for shallower leagues that may be overlooking his recent return and increased production. Tonight’s matchup against the Washington Wizards features the highest point total of the evening, indicating that the Pelicans have the highest implied scoring total of the day.

Maxime Raynaud, C, Kings (28.4%): Currently one of the more underrated fantasy assets in the league, Raynaud consistently records double-double performances along with valuable assist contributions. The lack of rim protection is a concern, but his scoring and rebounding numbers could surge against this makeshift Chicago frontcourt.

Collin Sexton, SG/PG, Bulls (30.0%): Averaging 24 points per game over the past week, coupled with solid shooting and steal rates, Sexton is a strong candidate for DFS and scoring props, given his prominent role on offense against a weak Sacramento defense. With the Bulls continuing to depend on his scoring ability, Sexton should be encouraged to remain aggressive.

McCormick’s preferred bets for Sunday

Luka Doncic OVER 30.5 points (-107)

Indeed, the Knicks have a variety of wings to defend Doncic. However, what the Knicks lack in many lineups is significant resistance in the paint. Aside from the approximately 15 minutes Mitchell Robinson will be on the floor, Doncic should have ample opportunities to penetrate the paint. This is where he excels, as evidenced by his career-best efficiency in the restricted area. Even with a decrease in driving frequency, there are reasons to believe he will attack early and often against this starting Knicks lineup. For added excitement, considering a triple-double bet for Luka at +513 is worth exploring.

Victor Wembanyama OVER 11.5 rebounds (+109)

Taking his rebounding prop at 10.5 is priced at -154, while these plus odds appear when aiming for 12 rebounds against the Rockets tonight. Without Steven Adams, the Rockets have transitioned from exceptional to merely elite on the boards. With 26 rebounds over his last two games against Houston, there is a track record for success. Given the combination of minutes and potential rebounding opportunities for Wemby, this higher rebounding prop seems attainable.

Top Daily Fantasy values of the day

Play DFS basketball at DraftKings.

$8,100+ salaries

Paolo Banchero, PF, Orlando Magic ($9,800): Banchero is playing at his highest level of the season over the past two weeks, making him my top choice among the high-priced players today. For one, the Bucks are vulnerable defensively, even with Giannis Antetokounmpo back in the lineup. Additionally, the Greek superstar is listed as questionable. The main appeal here is how effectively Banchero is combining physical play inside with efficient mid-range shooting. Operating from the high post, Banchero will be heavily involved tonight.

$6,100-$8,000 salaries

Stephon Castle, SG, Spurs ($7,200): With the Spurs on a hot streak, having lost only once in their last 14 games, Castle is a significant contributor to their ongoing success. While the term two-way player can sometimes be misapplied, Castle embodies this archetype. Averaging around 36 DraftKings points in his last two encounters with the Rockets, Castle can produce a strong performance even without a high volume of shots.

Dejounte Murray, PG, Pelicans ($6,900): Going up against a Wizards team that ranks 30th against point guards in terms of fantasy points allowed, Murray possesses all the elements necessary to exceed value, including a favorable mix of minutes, touches, and matchup. With his playing time increasing and an engaging matchup against Young and a generally young Washington backcourt, Murray is a solid choice in this mid-tier group of players.

$3,500-$6,000 salaries

Guerschon Yabusele, PF/C, Bulls ($5,000): Similar to Achiuwa, Yabusele is logging significant minutes for a depleted frontcourt on a team that is far from contention. Averaging well over 30 DraftKings points in his last three games and now facing a favorable matchup against Sacramento, “Yabu” is set to exceed his price by a considerable margin.

Projections and Injury Reports

Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook

Boston Celtics at Cleveland Cavaliers
1 p.m. ET on ABC

Line: Celtics -1.5 (EVEN) | Cavaliers +1.5 (-120)
Money line: Celtics -112 | Cavaliers -108
Total: 223.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Cavaliers by 3.3, straight up 60%, 227.0 total points.

Injury Report:

Celtics: Nikola Vucevic, (OUT – Finger)

Cavaliers: Dean Wade, (GTD – Ankle); Jaylon Tyson, (GTD – Neck); Jarrett Allen, (OUT – Knee)

New York Knicks at Los Angeles Lakers
3:30 p.m. ET on ABC

Line: Knicks -2.5 (-118) | Lakers +2.5 (-102)
Money line: Knicks -155 | Lakers +130
Total: 228.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Knicks by 4.4, straight up 63%, 228.1 total points.

Injury Report:

Knicks: Landry Shamet, (GTD – Neck); Miles McBride, (OUT – Pelvis)

Lakers: LeBron James, (GTD – Elbow); Maxi Kleber, (GTD – Back)

Detroit Pistons at Miami Heat
6 p.m. ET

Line: Pistons -1.5 (-110) | Heat +1.5 (-110)
Money line: Pistons -122 | Heat +102
Total: 229.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Pistons by 2.4, straight up 57%, 234.1 total points.

Injury Report:

Pistons: Cade Cunningham, (GTD – Quadriceps); Ausar Thompson, (OUT – Ankle)

Heat: Andrew Wiggins, (GTD – Toe); Nikola Jovic, (OUT – Back); Norman Powell, (OUT – Groin); Simone Fontecchio, (OUT – Groin); Terry Rozier, (OUT – Not Injury Related)

Dallas Mavericks at Toronto Raptors
6 p.m. ET

Line: Mavericks +10.5 (-112) | Raptors -10.5 (-108)
Money line: Mavericks +340 | Raptors -440
Total: 229.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Raptors by 4.1, straight up 63%, 232.6 total points.

Injury Report:

Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, (GTD – Foot); Dwight Powell, (GTD – Calf); Marvin Bagley III, (GTD – Neck); Dereck Lively II, (OFS – Foot); Kyrie Irving, (OFS – Knee)

Raptors: Brandon Ingram, (GTD – Illness); Alijah Martin, (OUT – Knee); Chucky Hepburn, (OUT – Knee); Collin Murray-Boyles, (OUT – Thumb)

Washington Wizards at New Orleans Pelicans
7 p.m. ET

Line: Wizards +10.5 (-112) | Pelicans -10.5 (-108)
Money line: Wizards +340 | Pelicans -440
Total: 244.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Pelicans by 9.8, straight up 77%, 239.3 total points.

Injury Report:

Wizards: Jamir Watkins, (OUT – Ankle); Tristan Vukcevic, (OUT – Thigh); Kyshawn George, (OUT – Elbow); Anthony Davis, (OUT – Finger); D’Angelo Russell, (OUT – Not Injury Related); Cam Whitmore, (OFS – Shoulder)

Pelicans: None reported

Orlando Magic at Milwaukee Bucks
8 p.m. ET

Line: Magic -3.5 (-115) | Bucks +3.5 (-105)
Money line: Magic -162 | Bucks +136
Total: 218.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Magic by 1.6, straight up 55%, 222.7 total points.

Injury Report:

Magic: Anthony Black, (GTD – Back); Jase Richardson, (GTD – Back); Jonathan Isaac, (GTD – Knee); Franz Wagner, (OUT – Ankle)

Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo, (GTD – Calf); Kevin Porter Jr., (GTD – Knee); Taurean Prince, (OUT – Neck)

Houston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs
8 p.m. ET on NBC

Line: Rockets +5.5 (-112) | Spurs -5.5 (-108)
Money line: Rockets +180 | Spurs -218
Total: 222.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI Projection: Spurs by 3.6, straight up 61%, 223.3 total points.

Injury Report:

Rockets: Jae’Sean Tate, (OUT – Knee); Fred VanVleet, (OUT – Knee); Steven Adams, (OFS – Ankle)

Spurs: Harrison Barnes, (OUT – Ankle); Harrison Ingram, (OUT – Undisclosed); David Jones Garcia, (OFS – Ankle)

Indiana Pacers at Portland Trail Blazers
9 p.m. ET

Line: Pacers +8.5 (-105) | Blazers -8.5 (-115)
Money line: Pacers +310 | Blazers -395
Total: 236.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Blazers by 4.8, straight up 64%, 235.3 total points.

Injury Report:

Pacers: Johnny Furphy, (OFS – Knee); Aaron Nesmith, (GTD – Ankle); Andrew Nembhard, (GTD – Back); Pascal Siakam, (GTD – Wrist); Ivica Zubac, (OUT – Ankle); Tyrese Haliburton, (OFS – Achilles)

Blazers: Deni Avdija, (GTD – Back); Kris Murray, (GTD – Illness); Shaedon Sharpe, (OUT –