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 resource prior to 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 injury updates for each game.
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Top streamers | Best bets | DFS picks | Odds & Injury report
Key information for Sunday’s games
The five-game schedule falls during the NBA’s “silly season,” where team motivations range significantly from playoff contenders to those aiming for the lottery. This lineup features one notable blowout risk alongside several matchups worth considering.
Despite being over 20-point underdogs to the Oklahoma City Thunder yesterday, the Washington Wizards managed to provide enough competition to generate production from Oklahoma City’s key players. This indicates that there is potential value in today’s game between the Wizards and New York Knicks, where New York is favored by 19.5 points.
The absence of Anthony Edwards for the Minnesota Timberwolves certainly diminishes the playoff atmosphere of tonight’s game against the Boston Celtics. However, there are still opportunities for value in this matchup, as detailed below. The Portland Trail Blazers are putting their defense and playoff resilience to the test against the Denver Nuggets, who possess the top offensive rating in the league.
Even contests between two teams with lottery aspirations can be captivating. The Brooklyn Nets and Sacramento Kings face off in a game marked by extensive injury reports, yet there should still be several players worth considering. The most compelling matchup of the day could be the nightcap, featuring the Phoenix Suns hosting the Toronto Raptors. Both teams are striving to make a significant impact in their respective conferences, with tonight’s game acting as a stepping stone toward that objective.
With a focus on identifying productive fantasy streamers and intriguing betting opportunities, let’s examine the upcoming day in the NBA.
McCormick’s fantasy stream team for Sunday
Ayo Dosunmu, SG, Timberwolves (rostered in 39.7% of ESPN leagues): With Edwards out, Dosunmu is emerging as a potential game-changer in fantasy. His increased usage has led to near triple-double performances in recent outings. Although the Celtics present a formidable defensive challenge, Dosunmu’s significant role mitigates any matchup concerns.
Maxime Raynaud, C, Kings (39.2% rostered): A rare bright spot for the Kings in an otherwise disappointing season, Raynaud’s development as a versatile scorer has come sooner than anticipated. The Kings are likely to rely on the rookie center again on Sunday against a Nets team that is lacking in size and depth in the frontcourt.
Bilal Coulibaly, SF/SG, Wizards (22.2%): Despite the Knicks being substantial favorites, the Wizards seem committed to their developmental strategy. Coulibaly recently delivered a strong performance in the loss to Oklahoma City, establishing a precedent for success in similar situations.
Nique Clifford, SG, Kings (13.3%): If playing time is the key metric, Clifford is accumulating it lately. Another promising rookie for the Kings, Clifford may not excel in any single category, but he contributes consistently across the board. For those in category-focused leagues, Clifford is a solid option in today’s matchup against Brooklyn.
McCormick’s favorite bets for Sunday
Ayo Dosunmu OVER 25.5 total points, rebounds and assists (-117)
Building on his status as a top fantasy option, Dosunmu’s rise as a primary playmaker for the Timberwolves strengthens my confidence in this selection. Initially brought to Minnesota as a supplementary creator, he has become a central figure with Edwards sidelined. The high volume of offensive opportunities in recent games enhances interest in his performance tonight.
Maxime Raynaud to record double-double (-112)
Raynaud is poised to have significant rebounding opportunities for the Kings today. Given the matchup and his expanded role, the rookie center could excel on the boards. The Nets rank 26th in rebounding percentage and are missing several key rebounders, which should provide him ample chances to accumulate both points and rebounds.
Top Daily Fantasy values of the day
$8,100+ salaries
Jalen Brunson, PG, Knicks ($9,500)
This relentless offensive force is expected to thrive against a vulnerable Washington defense today. While there are inherent risks in betting on a potential blowout, as demonstrated by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander yesterday, the Wizards tend to be accommodating to opposing guards.
Scottie Barnes, PF, Raptors ($8,100)
The Raptors depend on Barnes for substantial minutes and active roles on both ends of the court. This physical forward is well-positioned against a young and undermanned Phoenix frontcourt. With the likelihood of high usage and ample playing time, Barnes offers the combination of upside and stability desired for these shorter slates.
$6,100-$8,000 salaries
Jaden McDaniels, SF, Timberwolves ($6,400)
Another significant beneficiary of Edwards’ absence, McDaniels has stepped up offensively in recent games. Already experiencing a considerable improvement on this front, increased touches and the freedom to shoot have combined to create a valuable fantasy asset for the closing weeks.
$3,000-$6,000 salaries
Jordan Goodwin, PG, Suns ($4,500)
The Suns have consistently produced gritty role players this season. Goodwin may not deliver high scoring totals or dominate the game, but he will contribute across multiple categories, likely surpassing 20 fantasy points. Given recent trends, Goodwin is expected to play a significant role today.
Projections and Injury Reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook
Portland Trail Blazers at Denver Nuggets
5 p.m. ET on NBA TV
Line: Blazers +8.5 (-110) | Nuggets -8.5 (-110)
Money line: Blazers +295 | Nuggets -375
Total: 240.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Nuggets by 7.5, straight up 72%, 238.2 total points.
Injury Report:
Blazers: Jerami Grant, (GTD – Foot); Vit Krejci, (GTD – Calf); Shaedon Sharpe, (OUT – Calf); Damian Lillard, (OFS – Achilles)
Nuggets: Peyton Watson, (GTD – Hamstring)
Brooklyn Nets at Sacramento Kings
6 p.m. ET
Line: Nets +6.5 (-110) | Kings -6.5 (-110)
Money line: Nets +200 | Kings -245
Total: 218.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Kings by 4.3, straight up 63%, 223.9 total points.
Injury Report:
Nets: Terance Mann, (GTD – Illness); Noah Clowney, (OUT – Wrist); Michael Porter Jr., (OUT – Hamstring); Day’Ron Sharpe, (OFS – Thumb); Egor Demin, (OFS – Foot)
Kings: Daeqwon Plowden, (GTD – Foot); Isaiah Stevens, (OUT – Ankle); Russell Westbrook, (OUT – Foot); Keegan Murray, (OUT – Ankle); De’Andre Hunter, (OFS – Eye); Domantas Sabonis, (OFS – Knee); Drew Eubanks, (OFS – Thumb); Zach LaVine, (OFS – Finger)
Washington Wizards at New York Knicks
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Wizards +20.5 (-115) | Knicks -20.5 (-105)
Money line: Wizards +1300 | Knicks -2800
Total: 227.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Knicks by 21.6, straight up 94%, 228.8 total points.
Injury Report:
Wizards: Trae Young, (GTD – Quadriceps); Tre Johnson, (GTD – Foot); Kyshawn George, (OUT – Elbow); Anthony Davis, (OUT – Finger); D’Angelo Russell, (OUT – Not Injury Related); Cam Whitmore, (OFS – Shoulder); Bub Carrington, (GTD – Hip); Kyshawn George, (OUT – Elbow); Anthony Davis, (OUT – Finger); D’Angelo Russell, (OUT – Not Injury Related)
Knicks: Josh Hart, (GTD – Knee); Landry Shamet, (OUT – Knee); Miles McBride, (OUT – Pelvis)
Minnesota Timberwolves at Boston Celtics
8 p.m. ET on NBC
Line: Timberwolves +9.5 (-102) | Celtics -9.5 (-118)
Money line: Timberwolves +300 | Celtics -380
Total: 221.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Celtics by 3.1, straight up 60%, 222.2 total points.
Injury Report:
Timberwolves: Naz Reid, (GTD – Ankle); Anthony Edwards, (OUT – Knee)
Celtics: Jaylen Brown, (GTD – Quadriceps); Nikola Vucevic, (OUT – Finger)
Toronto Raptors at Phoenix Suns
9 p.m. ET
Line: Raptors -2.5 (-112) | Suns +2.5 (-108)
Money line: Raptors -148 | Suns +124
Total: 219.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Raptors by 0.9, straight up 53%, 222.1 total points.
Injury Report:
Raptors: A.J. Lawson, (GTD – Illness); Collin Murray-Boyles, (GTD – Thumb); Chucky Hepburn, (OUT – Knee)
Suns: Amir Coffey, (GTD – Ankle); Grayson Allen, (GTD – Knee); Haywood Highsmith, (GTD – Knee); Royce O’Neale, (GTD – Knee); Dillon Brooks, (OUT – Hand); Mark Williams, (OUT – Foot)
