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
With 22 teams taking to the court today, it is crucial for fantasy managers and bettors to get ready for this exceptionally busy schedule. On such a full day of basketball, utilizing the right resources, from injury updates to DFS pricing, can help pinpoint potential value plays.
The first focus is on Sunday’s injury report, which is extensive. In addition to a growing list of star players anticipated to be unavailable, such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Stephen Curry, Scottie Barnes and Cooper Flagg will also not be participating for their teams.
Which players stand to gain from the increasing number of absences across the league? This varies by team and lineup. The Oklahoma City Thunder are relying on their deep roster and the scoring ability that Jared McCain has added. In an unusual scenario where the Thunder are significant home underdogs, can their limited roster pull off an upset against the rejuvenated Cleveland Cavaliers today on ABC at 1 p.m. ET?
Later in the evening, a classic rivalry unfolds as the Boston Celtics face off against the Los Angeles Lakers. Will the Lakers be able to contain the second-highest scoring offense in the league? With numerous games on the schedule, there is no need to limit yourself to just a few positions or projections. The slate offers many appealing matchups, featuring favorable point totals and investable rotations.
Taking a proactive stance for today’s games could yield positive results, especially with early decisions required. With a focus on identifying productive fantasy streamers and intriguing betting opportunities, let’s examine the day ahead in the NBA.
McCormick’s fantasy stream team for Sunday
Jarace Walker, PF, Indiana Pacers (rostered in 17.9% of ESPN leagues): It is difficult to determine if Walker’s recent performance is sustainable or merely a product of increased minutes in an effective offensive system. However, he is also demonstrating solid defensive skills and emerging as a playmaker, aspects often influenced by the individual player. With Walker given the freedom to expand his game in these concluding weeks, he is a prime target today against a vulnerable Dallas Mavericks defense.
Christian Braun, SG/SF, Denver Nuggets (48.8% rostered): Braun has taken most of the season to find his rhythm, but he has recently returned to form on both ends of the court. The fantasy market has not fully caught up, as Braun is showing improvement as a creator and defender in recent weeks. A significant matchup against the Golden State Warriors is on the horizon.
Brook Lopez, C, LA Clippers (14.4%): Recently experiencing a resurgence, Lopez ranks among the top players at his position on the Player Rater over the past two weeks, thanks to exceptional rim protection and beneficial scoring and shooting statistics. While there is some risk in deploying a veteran center with an unusually low rebounding rate, there is also considerable potential for blocks and three-pointers against an Orlando Magic team that is on the second night of a back-to-back following yesterday’s double-overtime defeat to the Phoenix Suns.
Jalen Smith, PF/C, Chicago Bulls (14.7%): A player gaining momentum for a strong finish post-break, Smith faces little competition for minutes as the team’s leading rebounder and rim protector. The New York Knicks’ frontcourt poses a challenge, although the size of New York’s frontcourt could lead to increased playing time for Smith.
McCormick’s favorite bets for Sunday
P.J. Washington OVER 7.5 rebounds (-122)
Washington exceeded this rebounding figure on Friday, and the circumstances remain unchanged. With Dallas short on healthy players, Washington’s responsibilities in the paint are likely to increase. He has averaged 8.3 rebounds in four games without Flagg. Eight rebounds appear attainable against the Pacers.
Jalen Smith OVER 7.5 rebounds (-123)
It seems we have identified a target of eight rebounds today. These situations are quite similar, as Smith is presented with numerous rebounding opportunities atop a thin frontcourt depth chart for the Bulls. The Knicks are expected to control possession, but Smith will still conclude many possessions on the defensive boards.
Top Daily Fantasy values of the day
$8,100+ salaries
Anthony Edwards, SG, Minnesota Timberwolves ($9,200): The Timberwolves are increasingly relying on Edwards lately, and the fantasy outcomes have been impressive. The Philadelphia 76ers, on the other hand, are playing the second game of a back-to-back on the road. Philadelphia already lacks significant rebounding size or wing depth defensively, which could allow Minnesota to dominate possession while Edwards frequently penetrates the paint.
$6,100-$8,000 salaries
Josh Giddey, PG, Bulls ($7,600): No longer the consistent triple-double threat of earlier in the season, Giddey is at least regaining his form as the primary creator for Chicago. With 41 DraftKings points in his last outing and a heavy workload against the Knicks today, Giddey possesses the potential of a player with a higher salary.
Nikola Vucevic, C, Celtics ($7,000): Once a top DFS performer, Vucevic has transitioned into more of a supporting role for the Celtics. Even in this capacity, he could excel against a Lakers team that struggles defensively in the paint and lacks proven size on the boards, aside from Deandre Ayton.
$3,000-$6,000 salaries
Dominick Barlow, PF/C, 76ers ($4,200): With uncertainty surrounding Joel Embiid’s status as of Sunday morning, Barlow could assume a significant role against the Minnesota Timberwolves if the star is unavailable again. Even if the former MVP plays, Barlow should see plenty of action in second units against a large Minnesota rotation.
Projections and injury reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook
Cleveland Cavaliers at Oklahoma City Thunder
1 p.m. ET on ABC
Line: Cavaliers -4.5 (-108) | Thunder +4.5 (-112)
Money line: Cavaliers -180 | Thunder +150
Total: 226.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Thunder by 0.9, straight up 53%, 234.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Cavaliers: Max Strus, (OUT – Foot)
Thunder: Alex Caruso, (OUT – Ankle); Ajay Mitchell, (OUT – Ankle); Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, (OUT – Abdomen); Jalen Williams, (OUT – Hamstring); Thomas Sorber, (OFS – Knee)
Brooklyn Nets at Atlanta Hawks
3:30 p.m. ET
Line: Nets +9.5 (-108) | Hawks -9.5 (-112)
Money line: Nets +320 | Hawks -410
Total: 227.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Hawks by 9, straight up 75%, 226.1 total points.
Injury Report:
Nets: Ziaire Williams, (OUT – Personal)
Hawks: Jonathan Kuminga, (OUT – Knee)
Toronto Raptors at Milwaukee Bucks
3:30 p.m. ET
Line: Raptors -2.5 (-118) | Bucks +2.5 (-102)
Money line: Raptors -155 | Bucks +130
Total: 219.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Raptors by 2.5, straight up 58%, 221.7 total points.
Injury Report:
Raptors: Chucky Hepburn, (OUT – Knee); Scottie Barnes, (OUT – Personal)
Bucks: Myles Turner, (GTD – Calf); Giannis Antetokounmpo, (OUT – Calf); Taurean Prince, (OUT – Neck)
Denver Nuggets at Golden State Warriors
3:30 p.m. ET on ABC
Line: Nuggets -6.5 (-105) | Warriors +6.5 (-115)
Money line: Nuggets -245 | Warriors +200
Total: 229.5 (-105 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Nuggets by 3.1, straight up 59%, 236.7 total points.
Injury Report:
Nuggets: Jamal Murray, (GTD – Hamstring); Jalen Pickett, (OUT – Knee); Aaron Gordon, (OUT – Hamstring); Peyton Watson, (OUT – Hamstring); Tamar Bates, (OUT – Foot)
Warriors: Kristaps Porzingis, (GTD – Achilles); Stephen Curry, (OUT – Knee); Seth Curry, (OUT – Back); Jimmy Butler III, (OFS – Knee)
Dallas Mavericks at Indiana Pacers
5 p.m. ET
Line: Mavericks -2.5 (-102) | Pacers +2.5 (-118)
Money line: Mavericks -130 | Pacers +110
Total: 233.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Mavericks by 3.8, straight up 62%, 235.8 total points.
Injury Report:
Mavericks: Caleb Martin, (GTD – Ankle); Daniel Gafford, (GTD – Ankle); Kyrie Irving, (OFS – Knee)
Pacers: Johnny Furphy, (OFS – Knee); Andrew Nembhard, (GTD – Back); Kam Jones, (GTD – Back); Micah Potter, (GTD – Ankle); Pascal Siakam, (GTD – Hamstring); T.J. McConnell, (GTD – Hamstring); Aaron Nesmith, (OUT – Ankle); Ivica Zubac, (OUT – Ankle); Obi Toppin, (OUT – Foot); Tyrese Haliburton, (OFS – Achilles)
Charlotte Hornets at Washington Wizards
6 p.m. ET
Line: Hornets -11.5 (-115) | Wizards +11.5 (-105)
Money line: Hornets -550 | Wizards +410
Total: 226.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Hornets by 14, straight up 85%, 227.3 total points.
Injury Report:
Hornets: Coby White, (OUT – Calf); Liam McNeeley, (OUT – Ankle); Miles Bridges, (OUT – Suspension); Moussa Diabate, (OUT – Suspension)
Wizards: Justin Champagnie, (GTD – Knee); Kyshawn George, (GTD – Toe); Tristan Vukcevic, (GTD – Hand); Alex Sarr, (OUT – Hamstring); D’Angelo Russell, (OUT – Not Injury Related); Trae Young, (OUT – Knee); Anthony Davis, (OFS – Finger); Cam Whitmore, (OFS – Shoulder)
Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers
6:30 p.m. ET on NBC
Line: Celtics -1.5 (-115) | Lakers +1.5 (-105)
Money line: Celtics -125 | Lakers +105
Total: 228.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Celtics by 2.8, straight up 59%, 227.7 total points.
Injury Report:
Celtics: Jayson Tatum, (OUT – Achilles)
Lakers: None reported
Philadelphia 76ers at Minnesota Timberwolves
7 p.m. ET
Line: 76ers +8.5 (-105) | Timberwolves -8.5 (-115)
Money line: 76ers +275 | Timberwolves -345
Total: 238.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI Projection: Timberwolves by 7.8, straight up 72%, 236.2 total points.
Injury Report:
76ers: Joel Embiid, (GTD – Lower Leg); Paul George, (OUT – Suspension)
Timberwolves: Rudy Gobert, (OUT – Suspension)
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