NBA matchups on Monday: Fantasy basketball selections, DFS insights, and wagering advice
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 Monday’s games
This evening features eight NBA games, promising a competitive lineup. Four matchups involve teams competing for playoff positions, while two games feature teams both aiming for lottery spots. When teams are closely matched, the chances for competitive games increase, leading to star players needing to play the full game, creating ample opportunities for fantasy and prop bets.
As per DraftKings odds, the matchup with the narrowest projected margin showcases two of the league’s hottest teams. The Orlando Magic, riding a seven-game winning streak, will visit the Atlanta Hawks, who have secured nine consecutive victories.
In Houston, the Los Angeles Lakers, currently third in the Western Conference, will take on the fourth-seeded Rockets, a game that holds significant implications for playoff seeding in the West.
The final game of the night features the San Antonio Spurs, still in contention for the top seed in the West against the Oklahoma City Thunder, facing the LA Clippers, who have bounced back from a poor start to become serious playoff contenders. However, the Clippers are expected to be without Kawhi Leonard (doubtful, ankle), which is why the Spurs are favored by nearly ten points on the road.
These and numerous other narratives will unfold tonight. As always, we will delve deeper into the action to pinpoint fantasy streamers, intriguing betting angles, and DFS options for this Monday’s slate.
Dré’s fantasy stream team for Monday
Tristan da Silva, SF, Orlando Magic (rostered in 27.8% of ESPN leagues): Da Silva has stepped up for the Magic with both Franz Wagner (ankle) and Anthony Black (abdomen) unavailable. He has scored 23 or more points in two of his last three games, averaging 20.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.3 3PG, and 3.3 stocks per game during that stretch.
Marcus Smart, SG/PG, Los Angeles Lakers (4.2% rostered): Smart made his return from a one-game injury absence on Saturday, contributing 21 points, five 3-pointers, and five steals in 35 minutes. While he doesn’t typically score at this level, he has recorded multiple steals in three consecutive games and multiple 3-pointers in seven of his last nine outings.
Wendell Carter Jr., C, Magic (30.4%): Carter has achieved double-doubles in two of his last three games, averaging 15.0 PPG and 10.0 RPG in those performances.
Javon Small, PG, Memphis Grizzlies (8.9%): Small has alternated between starting and coming off the bench in his last four games, scoring in double digits in each and averaging 18.3 PPG, 5.5 APG, 2.5 3PG, and 1.5 SPG during that time.
Dré’s preferred bets for Monday
Lakers +2.5 (-110) vs. Rockets
The Lakers are currently the second-hottest team in the Western Conference, trailing only the Thunder. They have secured eight victories in their last nine games, including five straight wins against notable opponents like the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and New York Knicks. The Rockets have a 4-4 record in their last eight games, and despite playing at home, it seems questionable that they should be favored against the surging Lakers.
Jalen Johnson OVER 41.5 total points, assists, and rebounds (-112)
Johnson has recently elevated his performance to some of his best of the season. He has recorded at least 42 combined points, assists, and rebounds in three of his last four games, averaging 26.5 PPG, 9.0 RPG, and 9.0 APG, resulting in a 44.5 average PAR.
Victor Wembanyama OVER 4.5 steals plus blocks (-104)
Wembanyama is hitting his stride at an opportune moment and could be a solid “over” bet in various categories, including points and 3-pointers. He has been particularly effective defensively, achieving at least four blocks in 10 of his last 12 games, averaging 4.3 BPG and 1.3 SPG for a combined 5.6 stocks.
Top Daily Fantasy values of the day
$8,100+ salaries
Josh Giddey, SG, Chicago Bulls ($9,000): Giddey has averaged a triple-double across the six games he has participated in during March, resulting in four games exceeding 60 fantasy points in that timeframe.
$6,100-$8,000 salaries
Trey Murphy III, SF, New Orleans Pelicans ($7,600): Murphy has surpassed 38 fantasy points in five of his last six games and has scored over 31 in all six. He also faces a favorable matchup against a lenient Dallas Mavericks defense.
$3,000-$6,000 salaries
Javon Small, PG, Grizzlies ($6,000): Small has established a steady role for the Grizzlies, stepping up as his teammates contend with injuries. He has achieved 38 or more fantasy points in three of his last four games.
Scoot Henderson, PG, Portland Trail Blazers ($5,700): Henderson has demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion for the Trail Blazers, and with a matchup against the lottery-bound Brooklyn Nets on the second night of a back-to-back, there is a strong possibility the Trail Blazers may rely more on the young Henderson while his veteran teammates recuperate.
Projections and Injury Reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook
Orlando Magic at Atlanta Hawks
7 p.m. ET on Peacock
Line: Magic +2.5 (-102) | Hawks -2.5 (-118)
Money line: Magic +124 | Hawks -148
Total: 231.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI Projection: Hawks by 3.2, straight up 60%, 234.6 total points.
Injury Report:
Magic: Jett Howard, (GTD – Illness); Anthony Black, (OUT – Abdomen); Jonathan Isaac, (OUT – Knee); Franz Wagner, (OUT – Ankle)
Hawks: Jonathan Kuminga, (GTD – Knee)
Golden State Warriors at Washington Wizards
7 p.m. ET
Line: Warriors -7.5 (-110) | Wizards +7.5 (-110)
Money line: Warriors -310 | Wizards +250
Total: 232.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Warriors by 6.8, straight up 70%, 232.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Warriors: De’Anthony Melton, (GTD – Knee); Draymond Green, (GTD – Back); Kristaps Porzingis, (GTD – Illness); Moses Moody, (GTD – Wrist); Al Horford, (OUT – Calf); Seth Curry, (OUT – Thigh); Stephen Curry, (OUT – Knee); Jimmy Butler III, (OFS – Knee)
Wizards: Alex Sarr, (OUT – Hamstring); 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); Cam Whitmore, (OFS – Shoulder)
Portland Trail Blazers at Brooklyn Nets
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Blazers -10.5 (-102) | Nets +10.5 (-118)
Money line: Blazers -440 | Nets +340
Total: 221.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Blazers by 6.5, straight up 69%, 222.2 total points.
Injury Report:
Blazers: Robert Williams III, (GTD – Knee); Shaedon Sharpe, (OUT – Calf); Damian Lillard, (OFS – Achilles)
Nets: Ben Saraf, (GTD – Calf); Michael Porter Jr., (OUT – Ankle); Terance Mann, (OUT – Achilles); Day’Ron Sharpe, (OFS – Thumb); Egor Demin, (OFS – Foot)
Phoenix Suns at Boston Celtics
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Suns +8.5 (-102) | Celtics -8.5 (-118)
Money line: Suns +330 | Celtics -425
Total: 213.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Celtics by 5.1, straight up 65%, 215.1 total points.
Injury Report:
Suns: Dillon Brooks, (OUT – Hand); Mark Williams, (OUT – Foot)
Celtics: Nikola Vucevic, (OUT – Finger)
Memphis Grizzlies at Chicago Bulls
8 p.m. ET
Line: Grizzlies +6.5 (-118) | Bulls -6.5 (-102)
Money line: Grizzlies +200 | Bulls -245
Total: 242.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Bulls by 1.7, straight up 55%, 243.8 total points.
Injury Report:
Grizzlies: GG Jackson, (GTD – Foot); Ty Jerome, (GTD – Shoulder); Walter Clayton Jr., (GTD – Ankle); Brandon Clarke, (OUT – Calf); Ja Morant, (OUT – Elbow); Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, (OFS – Finger); Santi Aldama, (OFS – Knee); Scotty Pippen Jr., (OFS – Toe); Zach Edey, (OFS – Ankle)
Bulls: Collin Sexton, (GTD – Lower Leg); Isaac Okoro, (GTD – Knee); Anfernee Simons, (OUT – Wrist); Jaden Ivey, (OUT – Knee); Noa Essengue, (OFS – Shoulder); Zach Collins, (OFS – Toe)
Dallas Mavericks at New Orleans Pelicans
8 p.m. ET
Line: Mavericks +8.5 (-108) | Pelicans -8.5 (-112)
Money line: Mavericks +280 | Pelicans -355
Total: 239.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Pelicans by 4.2, straight up 63%, 240.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Mavericks: Daniel Gafford, (GTD – Illness); Dereck Lively II, (OFS – Foot); Kyrie Irving, (OFS – Knee)
Pelicans: Dejounte Murray, (GTD – Illness); Bryce McGowens, (OUT – Toe)
Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets
9:30 p.m. ET on Peacock
Line: Lakers +2.5 (-110) | Rockets -2.5 (-110)
Money line: Lakers +120 | Rockets -142
Total: 226.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Rockets by 1.8, straight up 56%, 223.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Lakers: Maxi Kleber, (OUT – Back)
Rockets: Alperen Sengun, (GTD – Back); Jae’Sean Tate, (OUT – Knee); Fred VanVleet, (OUT – Knee); Steven Adams, (OFS – Ankle)
San Antonio Spurs at LA Clippers
10 p.m. ET on Peacock
Line: Spurs -8.5 (-115) | Clippers +8.5 (-105)
Money line: Spurs -380 | Clippers +300
Total: 232.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Spurs by 1, straight up 53%, 225.7 total points.
Injury Report:
Spurs: Dylan Harper, (OUT – Calf); Luke Kornet, (OUT – Knee); David Jones Garcia, (OFS – Ankle)
Clippers: Kawhi Leonard, (GTD – Ankle); Bradley Beal, (OFS – Hip); Yanic Konan Nieder
