Fantasy basketball selections, daily fantasy sports insights, and wagering advice for Saturday’s NBA matchups.

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 detailed injury reports for each game.

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Top streamers | Best bets | DFS picks | Odds & Injury report

Key information for Saturday’s games

Welcome to one of the most exciting basketball weekends of the year. On the professional front, Saturday showcases 10 NBA games characterized by a theme of unfamiliarity.

Nine of the ten matchups today involve teams from different conferences. There is more competition between the Eastern and Western Conferences today than during the All-Star game. These teams face each other only twice a season, resulting in less familiarity, fewer precedents to reference, and a lack of established tendencies compared to intra-conference or divisional games.

This schedule is also notable for featuring mismatched contests. The Oklahoma City Thunder are set to visit the Washington Wizards as 20.5-point favorites, marking the largest spread of the season, indicating that this slate is partly defined by contenders with significant advantages over teams likely to miss the playoffs. Including this game in Washington, five matchups today have double-digit spreads. Fantasy managers and bettors should not automatically dismiss these games; rather, they should consider how minutes, usage, rotations, and pace can shift during blowouts, with starters resting and bench players experiencing unpredictable opportunities.

Given the size of the slate, there are also several potentially competitive matchups, such as the Los Angeles Lakers facing the Orlando Magic. The Lakers currently hold the highest offensive rating and the fourth-best net rating in the league for March. Even a matchup between the undermanned Philadelphia 76ers and Utah Jazz could yield valuable fantasy insights.

With a focus on identifying effective fantasy streamers and intriguing betting opportunities, let’s examine the upcoming day in the NBA.

McCormick’s fantasy stream team for Saturday

Taylor Hendricks, PF, Memphis Grizzlies (rostered in 7.0% of ESPN leagues): Hendricks has demonstrated impressive defensive metrics in recent weeks, including a notable six-steal performance against the Denver Nuggets and multiple blocks in five of his last seven games. The Charlotte Hornets are significant favorites, but Hendricks is expected to fulfill his role regardless of the game’s outcome.

Ace Bailey, SF, Utah Jazz (34.9% rostered): This emerging rookie has scored 50 points in his last two games. Next, he faces a Philadelphia 76ers team that lacks depth and size defensively on the wing. With increased touches and usage in recent outings, Bailey is well-positioned to perform against a fast-paced opponent.

Justin Edwards, SF, 76ers (13.3%): Contrary to Tracy McGrady’s esteemed viewpoint, there is indeed sufficient talent in basketball to support expansion. Edwards, for instance, was a top-three national prospect from the high school class of 2023. After going undrafted following a single season at Kentucky, he has emerged as a potent scorer for Philadelphia. Fresh off a career-high 32 points against the Sacramento Kings, Edwards is set to compete with Bailey.

P.J. Washington, PF/SF, Dallas Mavericks (47.5%): In the only intra-conference matchup of the day, Washington and the Mavericks will host the LA Clippers. Washington has excelled since returning from injury, showcasing a rare combination of defensive skills, rebounding, and floor-spacing as a power forward.

Oso Ighodaro, PF, Phoenix Suns (9.9%): Another standout from a rejuvenated Suns roster, Ighodaro is a second-year player from Marquette who has displayed a productive and versatile game in recent weeks. With 19 assists over his last three games and consistently logging over 30 minutes during this period, Ighodaro is a valuable addition ahead of today’s matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks.

McCormick’s preferred bets for Saturday

Brandon Miller OVER 20.5 points (-118)

The Hornets are performing exceptionally well. Charlotte boasts the league’s top offense and the second-best net rating since the All-Star break. Miller’s scoring can vary, given the team’s array of capable scorers and playmakers. However, the Hornets are projected to score a slate-high 126 points today. While this is merely an estimate, totals are among the most reliable indicators we have for offensive outcomes, helping to mitigate some of the inherent risks associated with a potential blowout. As a high-volume shooter on the league’s leading offense, Miller could thrive against a makeshift Memphis defense.

Paolo Banchero OVER 23.5 points (-120)

With the Magic aiming to snap a three-game losing streak, Banchero’s usage may rise as the team relies on him and Desmond Bane to shoulder the majority of scoring and playmaking responsibilities. The Lakers have struggled to contain physical players in the paint, which is where Paolo could excel and make a significant impact.

Top Daily Fantasy values of the day

$8,100+ salaries

Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers ($12,300): Seven of today’s matchups are featured on the main evening slate. Even with this extensive player pool, Doncic stands out. Averaging nearly 75 DraftKings points over the past five games, Doncic is on a remarkable run as the team heads to Orlando. His potential is further enhanced by Austin Reaves being questionable due to a hip injury. Pairing Doncic with LaMelo Ball in lineups could yield positive results, as the Hornets have the highest implied total of the day.

$6,100-$8,000 salaries

Dejounte Murray, PG, New Orleans Pelicans ($7,500): It is noteworthy that the Pelicans have become a formidable and competitive opponent in recent weeks. Part of this newfound resilience can be attributed to Murray, who brings intensity to both ends of the court. Beyond the energy, Murray is beginning to produce significant fantasy numbers again; he has recorded at least 40 DraftKings points in three consecutive games and a minimum of 32 fantasy points in eight straight.

$3,000-$6,000 salaries

Taylor Hendricks, PF, Grizzlies ($4,900): Building on his recommendation as a streaming option, Hendricks represents an excellent value play during a busy night of basketball. The Grizzlies are empowering Hendricks to help lead a young and thin frontcourt. The necessary minutes and opportunities should be available for Hendricks tonight.

Gary Payton II, SG, Golden State Warriors ($4,600): While he is recognized for his relentless on-ball defense, Payton has recently stepped up offensively for a depleted Warriors rotation. Capable of scoring and facilitating for teammates, Payton is now combining those elite defensive metrics with solid offensive performances. Expect Payton to play a significant role in Atlanta tonight.

Projections and Injury Reports

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

Oklahoma City Thunder at Washington Wizards
5 p.m. ET

Line: Thunder -20.5 (-112) | Wizards +20.5 (-108)
Money line: Thunder -2800 | Wizards +1300
Total: 231.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Thunder by 23.3, straight up 95%, 231.2 total points.

Injury Report:

Thunder: Branden Carlson, (OUT – Back); Jalen Williams, (OUT – Hamstring); Thomas Sorber, (OFS – Knee)

Wizards: Tre Johnson, (GTD – Foot); Will Riley, (GTD – Thigh); Trae Young, (OUT – Quadriceps); Kyshawn George, (OUT – Elbow); Anthony Davis, (OUT – Finger); D’Angelo Russell, (OUT – Not Injury Related); Cam Whitmore, (OFS – Shoulder)

Memphis Grizzlies at Charlotte Hornets
7 p.m. ET

Line: Grizzlies +17.5 (-115) | Hornets -17.5 (-105)
Money line: Grizzlies +900 | Hornets -1600
Total: 234.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Hornets by 9.3, straight up 77%, 232.5 total points.

Injury Report:

Grizzlies: Cedric Coward, (GTD – Personal); GG Jackson, (GTD – Knee); Ja Morant, (GTD – Elbow); Jahmai Mashack, (GTD – Ankle); Brandon Clarke, (OUT – Calf); Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, (OFS – Finger); Santi Aldama, (OFS – Knee); Scotty Pippen Jr., (OFS – Toe); Zach Edey, (OFS – Ankle)

Hornets: Tidjane Salaun, (OUT – Calf)

Los Angeles Lakers at Orlando Magic
7 p.m. ET on NBA TV

Line: Lakers -3.5 (-108) | Magic +3.5 (-112)
Money line: Lakers -162 | Magic +136
Total: 233.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Lakers by 1.7, straight up 55%, 228.7 total points.

Injury Report:

Lakers: Austin Reaves, (GTD – Hip); Maxi Kleber, (GTD – Back)

Magic: Wendell Carter Jr., (GTD – Ribs); Anthony Black, (OUT – Abdomen); Franz Wagner, (OUT – Ankle); Jonathan Isaac, (OUT – Knee)

Cleveland Cavaliers at New Orleans Pelicans
7 p.m. ET

Line: Cavaliers -4.5 (-108) | Pelicans +4.5 (-112)
Money line: Cavaliers -198 | Pelicans +164
Total: 236.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Cavaliers by 6.8, straight up 70%, 241.6 total points.

Injury Report:

Cavaliers: Donovan Mitchell, (GTD – Eye); Jaylon Tyson, (GTD – Toe); Tyrese Proctor, (OUT – Quadriceps)

Pelicans: Bryce McGowens, (OUT – Toe)

Golden State Warriors at Atlanta Hawks
8 p.m. ET

Line: Warriors +10.5 (-112) | Hawks -10.5 (-108)
Money line: Warriors +350 | Hawks -455
Total: 229.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Hawks by 6.5, straight up 70%, 235.1 total points.

Injury Report:

Warriors: Kristaps Porzingis, (GTD – Back); Quinten Post, (GTD – Foot); Al Horford, (OUT – Calf); Seth Curry, (OUT – Thigh); Moses Moody, (OUT – Wrist); Stephen Curry, (OUT – Knee); Jimmy Butler III, (OFS – Knee)

Hawks: Jonathan Kuminga, (GTD – Knee)

Miami Heat at Houston Rockets
8 p.m. ET

Line: Heat +1.5 (-105) | Rockets -1.5 (-115)
Money line: Heat +114 | Rockets -135
Total: 229.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Rockets by 2.1, straight up 57%, 230.3 total points.

Injury Report:

Heat: Pelle Larsson, (GTD – Foot); Simone Fontecchio, (GTD – Back); Andrew Wiggins, (OUT – Toe); Jaime Jaquez Jr., (OUT – Hip); Terry Rozier, (OUT – Not Injury Related)

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

Indiana Pacers at San Antonio Spurs
8 p.m. ET

Line: Pacers +18.5 (-105) | Spurs -18.5 (-115)
Money line: Pacers +1100 | Spurs -2100
Total: 233.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Spurs by 15.2, straight up 88%, 235.8 total points.

Injury Report:

Pacers: Johnny Furphy, (OFS – Knee); Aaron Nesmith, (GTD – Ankle); Andrew Nembhard, (GTD – Calf); Ben Sheppard, (GTD – Ankle); Micah Potter, (GTD – Triceps); Obi Toppin, (GTD – Foot); Pascal Siakam, (GTD – Knee); Quenton Jackson, (GTD – Calf); T.J. McConnell, (GTD – Hamstring); Ivica Zubac, (OFS – Ribs)

Spurs: Stephon Castle, (GTD – Hip); David Jones Garcia, (OFS – Ankle)

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