Eric Moody
Multiple Authors
ESPN’s fantasy basketball each day cheat sheet is your pregame vacation spot earlier than you set your lineups for that evening’s games. Here you may learn our greatest recommendation for the evening, together with a number of gamers you possibly can stream in addition to game-by-game harm experiences.
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Top streamers | Best bets | DFS picks | Odds & Injury report
What it’s essential know for Thursday’s games
The San Antonio Spurs host the Denver Nuggets on Thursday evening in a matchup between two Western Conference contenders. San Antonio enters the sport on a five-game profitable streak and has gained 16 of 17 games since Feb. 1, enhancing to 48-17 and remaining firmly within the race for the highest seed within the West. Denver sits at 40-26 and has gone 5-6 because the All-Star break, slipping to fifth place within the convention whereas attempting to regain momentum throughout the stretch run.
A key storyline for the Nuggets continues to be the play of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. Murray has averaged 25.5 PPG and 7.1 APG, whereas Jokic has been dominant during the last 10 games with 29.1 PPG, 12.9 RPG and 9.7 APG. Denver stays one of many league’s most effective offensive groups, although defensive inconsistencies have led to uneven ends in current weeks.
The Spurs proceed to be fueled by Victor Wembanyama. The All-Star large man has averaged 24.2 PPG, 11.1 RPG and 3.0 BPG whereas anchoring a protection that ranks third in defensive ranking. San Antonio has additionally acquired sturdy contributions from De’Aaron Fox, who’s averaged 17.3 PPG and 6.3 APG whereas taking pictures 52.9% during the last 10 games.
The betting complete suggests Thursday’s sport might flip into one other high-scoring affair after the Spurs defeated the Nuggets 139-136 of their earlier assembly this season. The matchup might supply an early preview of a possible Western Conference playoff battle, with Denver’s elite offense going through a San Antonio workforce enjoying its greatest basketball of the 12 months.
Here are the opposite storylines on show to establish fantasy streamers, betting angles and DFS performs of on this nine-game Thursday slate.
Moody’s fantasy stream workforce for Thursday
Cameron Payne, PG/SG, Philadelphia 76ers (rostered in 14.1% of ESPN leagues)
Payne is a powerful streaming choice following the information that Tyrese Maxey will miss no less than three weeks with a tendon harm in his proper pinkie. Payne has supplied a significant spark for the 76ers, scoring no less than 30 fantasy factors in three straight games, together with 91 in opposition to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. Whether he begins or comes off the bench, Payne ought to see elevated alternatives and manufacturing throughout Maxey’s absence. He’s additionally somebody to have in your radar in DFS with a wage of $6,000.
*Additional streaming choices in ESPN leagues could be discovered within the Top Daily Fantasy values of the day part.
Moody’s favourite bets for Thursday
De’Aaron Fox OVER 24.5 factors and assists (-113): The Spurs have been on a formidable run recently, and Fox has been a key contributor. He’s cleared this line in 4 of his final 5 games and has averaged 15.4 field-goal makes an attempt and 12.5 potential assists per sport throughout that span. Fox has been excellent whereas taking over a bigger offensive function because the Spurs push towards the playoffs. With Wembanyama listed as questionable, Fox might change into a good larger focus of the offense on Thursday evening. Regardless of Wembanyama’s standing, this units up as an ideal spot for Fox.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander OVER 43.5 factors, rebounds and assists (-109): Gilgeous-Alexander has appeared sturdy since getting back from his belly harm. Although he is cleared this line in simply certainly one of 4 games since returning, he is posted a 31.1% utilization charge throughout that span. With the Thunder coping with a number of accidents, Oklahoma City will probably lean closely on SGA in a marquee matchup in opposition to the Celtics. I anticipate him to ship an MVP-caliber efficiency and log heavy minutes. SGA has cleared this line in 16 of the 25 games this season wherein he is performed no less than 36 minutes.
Daniel Gafford to file a double double (+294): Gafford is in an ideal spot in opposition to a Grizzlies protection that has struggled in opposition to facilities recently on account of accidents in Memphis’ frontcourt. He has recorded a double-double in 4 of the final 5 games wherein he is performed between 23 and 27 minutes. During that span, Gafford has averaged 7.4 field-goal makes an attempt and 17.0 rebound probabilities per sport. The minutes ought to be there for him tonight in opposition to the Grizzlies.
Top Daily Fantasy values of the day
$8,100+ salaries
Nikola Jokic, C, Nuggets ($12,500): Jokic leads the league in triple-doubles and has averaged a formidable 64.9 fantasy factors per sport on DraftKings. The Spurs have been a formidable protection all season, however Jokic is arguably the very best middle within the league and matchup-proof. This sport has one of many highest totals on the slate, and the unfold implies it ought to stay aggressive. Jokic has averaged 36.8 PPG, 11.3 RPG, and 8.5 APG in six profession games in opposition to Wembanyama.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG, Oklahoma City Thunder ($11,200): Gilgeous-Alexander has scored no less than 42 fantasy factors in every of his final 5 games, together with 75.8 in opposition to the Nuggets on Monday, March 9. He’s averaged 51.4 fantasy factors per sport this season due to his means to contribute in each statistical class. Tonight’s matchup in opposition to the Celtics ought to be nearer than the unfold suggests, which ought to permit SGA to play heavy minutes. In games this season the place he is performed no less than 34 minutes, SGA’s averaged 33.7 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 5.9 APG and 1.2 SPG.
Jalen Johnson, PF, Atlanta Hawks ($10,800): Whenever the Hawks are on the slate, Johnson should be thought of as a result of he is within the midst of a transcendent season. He supplies DFS gamers with a excessive ground, Johnson’s averaged 50.8 fantasy factors per sport, however his ceiling is even greater. Tonight’s matchup in opposition to the Nets units up as a type of ceiling games, as Brooklyn ranks twenty seventh in defensive ranking this season. The solely draw back for Johnson is that the Hawks are double-digit favorites on this matchup.
$6,100-$8,000 salaries
Jalen Suggs, PG, Orlando Magic ($7,100): Suggs has been excellent over his final six games, he is averaged 30.9 fantasy factors in 28.0 minutes per sport throughout that span. The Wizards rank twenty ninth in defensive ranking and sixth in tempo, creating an optimum setting for Suggs to supply. Washington has additionally allowed the sixth-most fantasy factors per sport to level guards this season.
Jalen Green, SG/SF, Phoenix Suns ($6,800): Green has been locked in recently, scoring no less than 34 fantasy factors whereas trying no less than 17 area targets in three consecutive games. He’s additionally been efficient as a facilitator throughout that stretch. Over the final 15 games, the Pacers rank twenty eighth in defensive ranking. Indiana has additionally allowed essentially the most fantasy factors per sport to level guards over that span.
Jaylin Williams, PF/C, Thunder ($6,200): Isaiah Hartenstein has been dominated out for tonight’s sport, which bodes properly for Williams in opposition to the Celtics since he ought to see vital minutes. The 23-year-old has been glorious during the last seven games, he is averaged 35.7 fantasy factors per contest throughout that span. Williams is an enormous who can contribute throughout a number of classes, offering not solely factors and rebounds but in addition assists, blocks, and even the occasional three-pointer. He’s additionally a strong streamer, as he is rostered in simply 8.2% of ESPN leagues.
$3,000-$6,000 salaries
Royce O’Neale, PF, Suns ($5,500): O’Neale contributes throughout quite a few statistical classes and is within the midst of a fantasy scoring surge. He’s scored no less than 23 fantasy factors in three consecutive games, together with 39.8 in opposition to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday. O’Neale faces a Pacers frontcourt coping with a number of accidents and during the last 15 games, Indiana has allowed the fifth-most fantasy factors per sport to energy forwards. O’Neale can be on the streaming radar with a roster share of simply 14.4%.
Daniel Gafford, C, Dallas Mavericks ($5,000): Gafford has scored no less than 26 fantasy factors in 4 consecutive games, together with three with no less than 31. He’s performed no less than 22 minutes in every of these games and hasn’t cleared half-hour, however do not let that deter you from Gafford, particularly at this worth level. The Grizzlies rank twenty third in defensive ranking this season, and Memphis’ frontcourt has been decimated by accidents, which positions Gafford for success. Over the final 15 games, the Grizzlies have allowed the third-most fantasy factors per sport to facilities. Gafford can be a viable streaming choice, as he is rostered in 43.6% of leagues.
Tristan da Silva, SF/PF, Magic ($4,900): da Silva has been strong for the Magic with Franz Wagner sidelined on account of soreness in his left ankle. He’s averaged 28.7 fantasy factors per sport over his final seven games. Da Silva supplies DFS gamers with a strong ground and is in an ideal spot in opposition to a Wizards workforce that has been a fantasy bonanza for opponents (see: Bam Adebayo). He’s additionally on the streaming radar, as he is rostered in simply 13.9% of leagues.
Projections and Injury Reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds supplied by DraftKings Sportsbook
Philadelphia 76ers at Detroit Pistons
7 p.m. ET on Prime Video
Line: 76ers +15.5 (-112) | Pistons -15.5 (-108)
Money line: 76ers +750 | Pistons -1200
Total: 221.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Pistons by 12, straight up 82%, 230.6 complete factors.
Injury Report:
76ers: Adem Bona, (GTD – Back); Joel Embiid, (OUT – Oblique); Paul George, (OUT – Suspension); Kelly Oubre Jr., (OUT – Elbow); Johni Broome, (OUT – Knee); Tyrese Maxey, (OUT – Finger)
Pistons: Caris LeVert, (GTD – Wrist); Ausar Thompson, (OUT – Ankle)
Phoenix Suns at Indiana Pacers
7 p.m. ET
Line: Suns -8.5 (-112) | Pacers +8.5 (-108)
Money line: Suns -410 | Pacers +320
Total: 223.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Suns by 6.9, straight up 70%, 228.0 complete factors.
Injury Report:
Suns: Grayson Allen, (GTD – Knee); Haywood Highsmith, (GTD – Knee); Jordan Goodwin, (GTD – Calf); Dillon Brooks, (OUT – Hand); Mark Williams, (OUT – Foot)
Pacers: Johnny Furphy, (OFS – Knee); Aaron Nesmith, (GTD – Ankle); Andrew Nembhard, (GTD – Back); Ivica Zubac, (GTD – Ankle); Pascal Siakam, (GTD – Knee); Quenton Jackson, (GTD – Calf); T.J. McConnell, (GTD – Hamstring); Tyrese Haliburton, (OFS – Achilles)
Washington Wizards at Orlando Magic
7 p.m. ET
Line: Wizards +13.5 (EVEN) | Magic -13.5 (-120)
Money line: Wizards +650 | Magic -1000
Total: 234.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Magic by 12.8, straight up 83%, 230.8 complete factors.
Injury Report:
Wizards: Bub Carrington, (GTD – Hip); Kyshawn George, (OUT – Elbow); Anthony Davis, (OUT – Finger); D’Angelo Russell, (OUT – Not Injury Related); Cam Whitmore, (OFS – Shoulder)
Magic: Anthony Black, (OUT – Abdomen); Franz Wagner, (OUT – Ankle)
Brooklyn Nets at Atlanta Hawks
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Nets +15.5 (-110) | Hawks -15.5 (-110)
Money line: Nets +675 | Hawks -1050
Total: 226.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Hawks by 12.7, straight up 83%, 227.9 complete factors.
Injury Report:
Nets: Ziaire Williams, (GTD – Illness); Day’Ron Sharpe, (OUT – Thumb); Michael Porter Jr., (OUT – Ankle); Egor Demin, (OFS – Foot)
Hawks: Dyson Daniels, (GTD – Toe); Jonathan Kuminga, (GTD – Knee)
Milwaukee Bucks at Miami Heat
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Bucks +6.5 (-110) | Heat -6.5 (-110)
Money line: Bucks +210 | Heat -258
Total: 234.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI Projection: Heat by 4.9, straight up 65%, 235.5 complete factors.
Injury Report:
Bucks: Bobby Portis, (GTD – Back); Jericho Sims, (GTD – Knee); Kevin Porter Jr., (GTD – Knee)
Heat: Kel’el Ware, (GTD – Shoulder); Tyler Herro, (GTD – Quadriceps); Andrew Wiggins, (OUT – Toe); Norman Powell, (OUT – Groin); Nikola Jovic, (OUT – Back); Terry Rozier, (OUT – Not Injury Related)
Dallas Mavericks at Memphis Grizzlies
8 p.m. ET
Line: Mavericks -5.5 (-102) | Grizzlies +5.5 (-118)
Money line: Mavericks -205 | Grizzlies +170
Total: 239.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Grizzlies by 0.1, straight up 50%, 240.5 complete factors.
Injury Report:
Mavericks: Dereck Lively II, (OFS – Foot); Kyrie Irving, (OFS – Knee)
Grizzlies: Cam Spencer, (GTD – Back); Cedric Coward, (GTD – Knee); Ty Jerome, (GTD – Calf); Walter Clayton Jr., (GTD – Ankle); Scotty Pippen Jr., (OUT – Toe); Brandon Clarke, (OUT – Calf); Ja Morant, (OUT – Elbow); Santi Aldama, (OUT – Knee); Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, (OFS – Finger); Zach Edey, (OFS – Ankle)
Denver Nuggets at San Antonio Spurs
9 p.m. ET
Line: Nuggets +5.5 (-102) | Spurs -5.5 (-118)
Money line: Nuggets +185 | Spurs -225
Total: 238.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI Projection: Spurs by 2.9, straight up 59%, 236.8 complete factors.
Injury Report:
Nuggets: Peyton Watson, (OUT – Hamstring)
Spurs: Harrison Barnes, (GTD – Ankle); Lindy Waters III, (GTD – Illness); Victor Wembanyama, (GTD – Ankle); David Jones Garcia, (OFS – Ankle)
Boston Celtics at Oklahoma City Thunder
9:30 p.m. ET on Prime Video
Line: Celtics +6.5 (-108) | Thunder -6.5 (-112)
Money line: Celtics +220 | Thunder -270
Total: 217.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Thunder by 6.1, straight up 68%, 217.5 complete factors.
Injury Report:
Celtics: Derrick White, (GTD – Knee); Jayson Tatum, (GTD – Achilles); Payton Pritchard, (GTD – Neck); Nikola Vucevic, (OUT – Finger)
Thunder: Branden Carlson, (OUT – Back); Isaiah Hartenstein, (OUT – Calf); Jalen Williams, (OUT – Hamstring); Thomas Sorber, (OFS – Knee)
Chicago Bulls at Los Angeles Lakers
10:30 p.m. ET
Line: Bulls +11.5 (-118) | Lakers -11.5 (-102)
Money line: Bulls +400 | Lakers -535
Total: 238.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI Projection: Lakers by 8.6, straight up 75%, 235.7 complete factors.
Injury Report:
Bulls: Anfernee Simons, (GTD – Wrist); Collin Sexton, (GTD – Lower Leg); Guerschon Yabusele, (GTD – Foot); Isaac Okoro, (GTD – Knee); Patrick Williams, (GTD – Ankle); Jaden Ivey, (OUT – Knee); Noa Essengue, (OFS – Shoulder); Zach Collins, (OFS – Toe)
Lakers: Jaxson Hayes, (GTD – Back); LeBron James, (GTD – Hip); Marcus Smart, (GTD – Hip); Maxi Kleber, (GTD – Back)
