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 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.
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Top streamers | Best bets | DFS picks | Odds & Injury report
Key information for Sunday’s games
Day 174 of the NBA season has arrived. With all 30 teams participating, the concluding day of the regular season presents a distinctive combination of teams with clear stakes and motivation, alongside those with predetermined standings in playoff seeding or lottery scenarios.
We are experiencing one last day of “silly season,” which seems to have started in January. Understanding which teams are invested in the final outcome is crucial for navigating today’s extensive schedule.
ESPN features two games today: the Orlando Magic visiting the Boston Celtics at 6 p.m. ET, showcasing a motivated Magic squad with significant seeding implications, and the Denver Nuggets facing the San Antonio Spurs at 8:30 p.m. ET, highlighting Victor Wembanyama against Nikola Jokic.
ESPN NBA reporter Tim Bontemps has analyzed today’s motivations across the league, providing insight into a naturally uncertain slate of games.
The following teams are entering today’s finale with seeding implications: Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Portland Trail Blazers, and Toronto Raptors. Additionally, teams with established lottery positions that lack motivation to lose today complete the reliable roster pool: Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers, and Washington Wizards.
With dependable rosters identified, the next step is to determine which key players from these teams are unavailable. Opportunities for value arise when stars are sidelined. Lengthy injury reports are part of the equation today. Final lineups will be critical.
With a focus on identifying valuable fantasy streamers and intriguing betting opportunities, letβs examine the busy day ahead.
Sunday’s fantasy stream team
Jeremiah Fears, SG/PG, New Orleans Pelicans (rostered in 34.9% of ESPN leagues): The Pelicans are notably without their lottery pick this summer. A positive development for the team has been Fears’ rise as a bold scorer in recent weeks. Fears is capable of scoring from all three levels and is poised to conclude his rookie season with significant momentum.
Luke Kennard, SG, Lakers (6.3% rostered): Transitioning from a shooter to a creator, Kennard exemplifies how roles can greatly influence production. He is expected to thrive in a point guard role for the Lakers today. Exceptional shooting combined with pick-and-roll execution often leads to favorable outcomes.
Kennedy Chandler, PG, Utah Jazz (9.5%): The Jazz are allowing Chandler to direct the offense when he is on the court, and the results have been impressive. With 18 assists over the last two games and likely another substantial workload today, Chandler is an appealing plug-and-play option to wrap up the season.
Julian Reese, PF, Wizards (7.6%): Another instance of prioritizing production over name recognition, Reese is a relatively unknown player delivering strong performances lately. The Wizards lack size, which could result in Reese having ample opportunities on the boards today against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
McCormick’s preferred bets for Sunday
Milwaukee Bucks at 76ers OVER 226.5 points (-115)
The Bucks rank 25th in defensive efficiency over the last 10 games. The 76ers are lacking size and rim protection with Joel Embiid sidelined. While the Bucks are fielding a makeshift roster in South Philadelphia tonight, this group has managed to score at least 125 points twice in the last five games. In summary, there should be a significant amount of scoring in Philadelphia. I also favor AJ Green to score 18 points (-121). The shooting specialist has been given the freedom to create his own offense in recent games, achieving a career-high output this past Friday.
Jared McCain OVER 2.5 made 3-pointers (-126)
With the Oklahoma City Thunder resting their starting lineup as they prepare to defend their title, McCain should have the green light to shoot from long range. With the ability to create off the dribble and also function as a catch-and-shoot threat, McCain is likely to have several chances to generate clean looks.
Cooper Flagg OVER 33.5 points (-115)
On the final day of the 1993-94 season, the Spurs ensured David Robinson received every opportunity to score 71 points and claim the scoring title from Shaquille O’Neal. NBA history is filled with instances of teams fully empowering their stars in pursuit of prestigious accolades. Dallas appears to be signaling such intent today for their rookie standout.
Flagg is competing with fellow Blue Devil Kon Knueppel for Rookie of the Year. Today presents a prime opportunity for Dallas to make a statement on his behalf. With nothing else on the line for the Mavericks, anticipate a shot selection reminiscent of Kobe in 2006 from their franchise cornerstone. At 33.5 points, this figure acknowledges his recent performance while leaving enough margin to keep it engaging β which is precisely where you want to be.
Top Daily Fantasy values of the day
Play DFS basketball at DraftKings.
$8,100+ salaries
LaMelo Ball, PG, Hornets ($8,800): Generating substantial fantasy outputs as the Hornets conclude an exciting regular-season stretch, Ball is one of the few high-usage players with a clear path for minutes and touches today. The Hornets are positioned significantly below their actual performance level in playoff seeding. Ball is a key factor in this offensive resurgence in Charlotte.
Paolo Banchero, PF, Magic ($8,700): Do not let matchup statistics deter you from Banchero today. The Celtics’ core is primarily resting, allowing Banchero to utilize his physical style around the basket. Banchero could benefit from momentum heading into the playoffs, and the Magic have evident motivation to secure a victory.
$6,100-$8,000 salaries
VJ Edgecombe, SG, 76ers ($7,400): There is some risk of a blowout here, but Edgecombe should be permitted to conclude a remarkable rookie season with a busy outing. While he may not be in the same conversation as Flagg and Knueppel, Edgecombe has demonstrated his capability to handle increased usage. It would not be surprising if he leads the team in shot attempts today.
Luke Kennard, SG, Lakers ($7,100): The Lakers require a lead guard for the playoffs. Kennard could fulfill that role, having taken charge of the offense since his star teammates have been sidelined. Kennard’s assist props are worth monitoring when they are released later today. He represents strong DFS value in a situation that could provide him with further experience as a creator.
$3,500-$6,000 salaries
Lucas Williamson, SG, Memphis Grizzlies ($4,900): With at least 25 DraftKings points in three consecutive games and a minimum of 37 in two of those, Williamson is proving he has the ability to finish the season on a high note. The Grizzlies are likely to grant Williamson significant minutes and the freedom to take shots.
Projections and Injury Reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook
Orlando Magic at Boston Celtics
6 p.m. ET on ESPN
Line: Magic -12.5 (-112) | Celtics +12.5 (-108)
Money line: Magic -750 | Celtics +525
Total: 221.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Celtics by 5.9, straight up 68%, 220.7 total points.
Injury Report:
Magic: Jett Howard, (GTD – Ankle); Jonathan Isaac, (GTD – Knee)
Celtics: Nikola Vucevic, (GTD – Finger); Payton Pritchard, (GTD – Foot); Sam Hauser, (GTD – Back); Derrick White, (OUT – Knee); Jaylen Brown, (OUT – Achilles); Jayson Tatum, (OUT – Achilles); Neemias Queta, (OUT – Toe)
Washington Wizards at Cleveland Cavaliers
6 p.m. ET
Line: Wizards +10.5 (-112) | Cavaliers -10.5 (-108)
Money line: Wizards +425 | Cavaliers -575
Total: 235.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Cavaliers by 20.2, straight up 93%, 241.0 total points.
Injury Report:
Wizards: None reported
Cavaliers: Keon Ellis, (OUT – Knee); Thomas Bryant, (OUT – Calf); Dean Wade, (OUT – Ankle); Donovan Mitchell, (OUT – Ankle); Evan Mobley, (OUT – Calf); Jarrett Allen, (OUT – Knee); Sam Merrill, (OUT – Hamstring)
Detroit Pistons at Indiana Pacers
6 p.m. ET
Line: Pistons -13.5 (-110) | Pacers +13.5 (-110)
Money line: Pistons -900 | Pacers +600
Total: 229.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Pistons by 15.8, straight up 88%, 232.3 total points.
Injury Report:
Pistons: Jalen Duren, (OUT – Knee)
Pacers: Johnny Furphy, (OFS – Knee); Ben Sheppard, (GTD – Hip); Jarace Walker, (GTD – Foot); Kobe Brown, (GTD – Back); Aaron Nesmith, (OFS – Neck); Andrew Nembhard, (OFS – Back); Ivica Zubac, (OFS – Ribs); Pascal Siakam, (OFS – Ankle); T.J. McConnell, (OFS – Hamstring); Tyrese Haliburton, (OFS – Achilles)
Atlanta Hawks at Miami Heat
6 p.m. ET
Line: Hawks +5.5 (-112) | Heat -5.5 (-108)
Money line: Hawks +164 | Heat -198
Total: 240.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI Projection: Hawks by 0.2, straight up 51%, 246.0 total points.
Injury Report:
Hawks: Dyson Daniels, (GTD – Toe); Jonathan Kuminga, (GTD – Knee); Nickeil Alexander-Walker, (GTD – Toe); Onyeka Okongwu, (GTD – Finger); Jock Landale, (OUT – Ankle)
Heat: Norman Powell, (GTD – Groin); Simone Fontecchio, (GTD – Ankle); Dru Smith, (OUT – Toe); Nikola Jovic, (OUT – Ankle)
Charlotte Hornets at New York Knicks
6 p.m. ET
Line: Hornets -13.5 (-115) | Knicks +13.5 (-105)
Money line: Hornets -800 | Knicks +550
Total: 217.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Knicks by 0.4, straight up 51%, 221.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Hornets: Coby White, (GTD – Calf); PJ Hall, (OFS – Ankle)
Knicks: Josh Hart, (OUT – Ankle); Jalen Brunson, (OUT – Ankle); Karl-Anthony Towns, (OUT – Elbow); Mitchell Robinson, (OUT – Ankle); OG Anunoby, (OUT – Ankle); Tyler Kolek, (OUT – Oblique)
Milwaukee Bucks at Philadelphia 76ers
6 p.m. ET
Line: Bucks +15.5 (-115) | 76ers -15.5 (-105)
Money line: Bucks +750 | 76ers -1200
Total: 226.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: 76ers by 10.3, straight up 79%, 229.8 total points.
Injury Report:
Bucks: Gary Harris, (GTD – Groin); Pete Nance, (GTD – Knee); Bobby Portis, (OFS – Wrist); Gary Trent Jr., (OFS – Oblique); Giannis Antetokounmpo, (OFS – Knee); Kevin Porter Jr., (OFS – Knee); Kyle Kuzma, (OFS – Achilles); Myles Turner, (OFS – Ankle); Ryan Rollins, (OFS – Hip)
76ers: Johni Broome, (OUT – Knee); Joel Embiid, (OUT – Abdomen)
Brooklyn Nets at Toronto Raptors
6 p.m. ET
Line: Nets +23.5 (-110) | Raptors -23.5 (-110)
Money line: Nets +1800 | Raptors -5000
Total: 219.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Raptors by 17.5, straight up 90%, 217.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Nets: Nolan Traore, (GTD – Illness); Ochai Agbaji, (GTD – Back); Danny Wolf, (OFS – Ankle); Day’Ron Sharpe
