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 games. Here, you will find our top recommendations for the night, including a list of players available for streaming and detailed injury updates for each game.
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Top streamers | Best bets | DFS picks | Odds & Injury report
Key information for Sunday’s games
An action-packed Sunday in the NBA kicks off in Oklahoma this afternoon, with the Thunder taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves on ABC at 1 p.m. ET.
This afternoon’s contest features a Timberwolves squad seeking to build confidence as a potential playoff contender against the formidable Thunder. Reflecting Oklahoma City’s strength, the Thunder are favored by nearly 10 points.
A noticeable trend today is the prevalence of larger spreads; five out of the seven games scheduled have lines of at least 7.5 points. With many matchups anticipated to be one-sided, this raises the profile of the potentially competitive games.
The Detroit Pistons are traveling to Canada to face the Toronto Raptors as slight favorites. The Raptors, similar to the Timberwolves, have experienced ups and downs this season but possess depth and talent in a conference characterized by competitive balance among the top teams. Considering the strong performances of the Boston Celtics recently, this matchup serves as a significant test for both Detroit and Toronto.
There is also intrigue surrounding this evening’s matchup between the Utah Jazz and the Sacramento Kings. Both teams feature a range of intriguing streaming options, as detailed below. With a focus on identifying valuable fantasy streamers and interesting betting opportunities, let’s examine the NBA schedule for today.
McCormick’s fantasy stream team for Sunday
Brice Sensabaugh, SF, Utah Jazz (rostered in 25.0% of ESPN leagues): A prolific scorer, Sensabaugh is an offense-oriented player with a knack for accumulating points. The team has created opportunities for significant minutes and favorable usage for Sensabaugh in the closing weeks of the season. The Kings, on the other hand, provide minimal defensive resistance on the perimeter.
Quentin Grimes, SG, Philadelphia 76ers (37.0%): In terms of scoring, Grimes recently adopted the shot profile of Tyrese Maxey in a victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday. With the Portland Trail Blazers visiting tonight, Grimes is again set to lead the team in attempts and touches.
Precious Achiuwa, PF/C, Sacramento Kings (38.8%): A reliable waiver wire addition who has been effective for several weeks, Achiuwa could excel against the youthful and smaller Jazz frontcourt. As a consistent double-double contributor playing over 30 minutes in most games, Achiuwa has emerged as a key player during this late-season stretch. Teammates Maxime Raynaud and Nique Clifford also represent valuable pickups today.
Scoot Henderson, PG, Portland Trail Blazers (12.5%): With at least 17 points in three consecutive games and a minimum of 25 in two of those outings, Henderson is finding his rhythm just in time to assist fantasy managers. While there is no guarantee of a stable performance, there is a promising fantasy upside for those willing to embrace the risk. The 76ers’ defense is notably compromised, which aids his prospects.
McCormick’s top bets for Sunday
Cody Williams OVER 16.5 total points and rebounds (-120): With increased playing time comes the potential for impressive statistics. Jalen’s younger brother is starting to display impactful play, especially as a scorer and rebounder. With at least 36 minutes logged in three consecutive games for a Utah team eager to support his development, Williams has multiple avenues to achieve this total tonight.
Scoot Henderson OVER 13.5 points (-117): Building on Henderson’s favorable situation today, his usage rate of 28.3% over the last three games indicates a prominent role in his minutes, often spent leading second-unit lineups. The 76ers lack significant point-of-attack defense or rim protection, positioning Henderson for success in South Philadelphia tonight. Additionally, the 76ers have been playing at a top-10 pace over the last 10 games, increasing possessions for both teams.
Top Daily Fantasy values of the day
$8,100+ salaries
Deni Avdija, SF/PF, Portland Trail Blazers ($9,000): One of the day’s better values considering the combination of matchup and role, Avdija is expected to excel against a makeshift Philadelphia frontcourt. As a downhill attacker facing a smaller group of Philadelphia forwards, Avdija could thrive at all scoring levels.
$6,100-$8,000 salaries
Jalen Duren, C, Detroit Pistons ($8,000): The Cavaliers will be without Jared Allen today, giving Duren even more significant size and strength advantages. With Isaiah Stewart unavailable for the Pistons, Duren will serve as the primary rim protector and rebounder for Detroit today. This could be an exciting matchup.
$3,000-$6,000 salaries
Justin Edwards, SF, Philadelphia 76ers ($4,000): We backed Edwards yesterday, resulting in 36.5 DraftKings points. The minutes and shot opportunities should again be present for Edwards in this shorthanded rotation. The current state of the 76ers desperately requires spacing, which elevates Edwards into a crucial role alongside the team’s high-usage guards.
Projections and Injury Reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Oklahoma City Thunder
1 p.m. ET on ABC
Line: Timberwolves +8.5 (-110) | Thunder -8.5 (-110)
Money line: Timberwolves +300 | Thunder -380
Total: 225.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Thunder by 7.5, straight up 72%, 231.2 total points.
Injury Report:
Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards, (GTD – Knee)
Thunder: Isaiah Hartenstein, (GTD – Calf); Branden Carlson, (OUT – Back); Jalen Williams, (OUT – Hamstring); Thomas Sorber, (OFS – Knee)
Dallas Mavericks at Cleveland Cavaliers
3:30 p.m. ET
Line: Mavericks +15.5 (-115) | Cavaliers -15.5 (-105)
Money line: Mavericks +800 | Cavaliers -1350
Total: 235.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Cavaliers by 11.7, straight up 81%, 240.9 total points.
Injury Report:
Mavericks: Caleb Martin, (GTD – Finger); Daniel Gafford, (GTD – Illness); Moussa Cisse, (GTD – Neck); P.J. Washington, (GTD – Ankle); Dereck Lively II, (OFS – Foot); Kyrie Irving, (OFS – Knee)
Cavaliers: Jaylon Tyson, (GTD – Ankle); Max Strus, (GTD – Foot); Craig Porter Jr., (OUT – Groin); Jarrett Allen, (OUT – Knee); Sam Merrill, (OUT – Hamstring); Tyrese Proctor, (OUT – Quadriceps)
Detroit Pistons at Toronto Raptors
3:30 p.m. ET
Line: Pistons -4.5 (-102) | Raptors +4.5 (-118)
Money line: Pistons -175 | Raptors +145
Total: 223.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Pistons by 4.7, straight up 64%, 223.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Pistons: Ausar Thompson, (GTD – Ankle); Isaiah Stewart, (OUT – Calf)
Raptors: Chucky Hepburn, (OUT – Knee); Collin Murray-Boyles, (OUT – Thumb)
Indiana Pacers at Milwaukee Bucks
3:30 p.m. ET
Line: Pacers +6.5 (-102) | Bucks -6.5 (-118)
Money line: Pacers +220 | Bucks -270
Total: 227.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Bucks by 3.6, straight up 61%, 229.3 total points.
Injury Report:
Pacers: Johnny Furphy, (OFS – Knee); Aaron Nesmith, (GTD – Ankle); Andrew Nembhard, (GTD – Calf); Ben Sheppard, (GTD – Ankle); Ivica Zubac, (GTD – Ankle); Obi Toppin, (GTD – Foot); Pascal Siakam, (GTD – Knee); Quenton Jackson, (GTD – Calf); T.J. McConnell, (GTD – Hamstring); Tyrese Haliburton, (OFS – Achilles)
Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo, (GTD – Calf); Ousmane Dieng, (GTD – Illness); Alex Antetokounmpo, (OUT – Illness)
Portland Trail Blazers at Philadelphia 76ers
6 p.m. ET
Line: Blazers -8.5 (-105) | 76ers +8.5 (-115)
Money line: Blazers -340 | 76ers +270
Total: 228.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Blazers by 2, straight up 56%, 234.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Blazers: Chris Youngblood, (GTD – Knee); Robert Williams III, (GTD – Knee); Shaedon Sharpe, (OUT – Calf); Damian Lillard, (OFS – Achilles)
76ers: Andre Drummond, (GTD – Back); Jabari Walker, (GTD – Illness); Joel Embiid, (OUT – Oblique); Paul George, (OUT – Suspension); Kelly Oubre Jr., (OUT – Elbow); Johni Broome, (OUT – Knee); Tyrese Maxey, (OUT – Finger)
Golden State Warriors at New York Knicks
8 p.m. ET
Line: Warriors +13.5 (-102) | Knicks -13.5 (-118)
Money line: Warriors +625 | Knicks -950
Total: 218.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Knicks by 11.7, straight up 81%, 225.2 total points.
Injury Report:
Warriors: Quinten Post, (GTD – Ankle); Al Horford, (OUT – Calf); De’Anthony Melton, (OUT – Knee); Draymond Green, (OUT – Back); Kristaps Porzingis, (OUT – Illness); Moses Moody, (OUT – Wrist); Seth Curry, (OUT – Thigh); Stephen Curry, (OUT – Knee); Jimmy Butler III, (OFS – Knee)
Knicks: Jeremy Sochan, (GTD – Illness); Josh Hart, (GTD – Knee); Miles McBride, (OUT – Pelvis)
Utah Jazz at Sacramento Kings
10 p.m. ET
Line: Jazz +3.5 (-115) | Kings -3.5 (-105)
Money line: Jazz +130 | Kings -155
Total: 233.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Kings by 1.7, straight up 55%, 242.0 total points.
Injury Report:
Jazz: Ace Bailey, (OUT – Concussion); John Konchar, (OUT – Calf); Lauri Markkanen, (OUT – Hip); Keyonte George, (OUT – Hamstring); Jaren Jackson Jr., (OFS – Knee); Jusuf Nurkic, (OFS – Nose); Walker Kessler, (OFS – Shoulder)
Kings: Devin Carter, (GTD – Calf); Drew Eubanks, (GTD – Thumb); Malik Monk, (GTD – Ankle); Isaiah Stevens, (OUT – Thigh); Keegan Murray, (OUT – Ankle); De’Andre Hunter, (OFS – Eye); Domantas Sabonis, (OFS – Knee); Zach LaVine, (OFS – Finger)
