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Eric Moody
Multiple Authors
ESPN’s fantasy basketball daily cheat sheet is your pregame destination before you set your lineups for that night’s games. Here you’ll read our best advice for the night, including a selection of players you can stream as well as game-by-game injury reports.
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Top streamers | Best bets | DFS picks | Odds & Injury report
What you need to know for Thursday’s games
The San Antonio Spurs host the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night in a matchup between two Western Conference contenders. San Antonio enters the game on a five-game winning streak and has won 16 of 17 games since Feb. 1, improving to 48-17 and remaining firmly in the race for the top seed in the West. Denver sits at 40-26 and has gone 5-6 since the All-Star break, slipping to fifth place in the conference while trying to regain momentum during 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, while Jokic has been dominant over the last 10 games with 29.1 PPG, 12.9 RPG and 9.7 APG. Denver remains one of the league’s most efficient offensive teams, though defensive inconsistencies have led to uneven results in recent weeks.
The Spurs continue to be fueled by Victor Wembanyama. The All-Star big man has averaged 24.2 PPG, 11.1 RPG and 3.0 BPG while anchoring a defense that ranks third in defensive rating. San Antonio has also received strong contributions from De’Aaron Fox, who’s averaged 17.3 PPG and 6.3 APG while shooting 52.9% over the last 10 games.
The betting total suggests Thursday’s game could turn into another high-scoring affair after the Spurs defeated the Nuggets 139-136 in their previous meeting this season. The matchup could offer an early preview of a potential Western Conference playoff battle, with Denver’s elite offense facing a San Antonio team playing its best basketball of the year.
Here are the other storylines on display to identify fantasy streamers, betting angles and DFS plays of on this nine-game Thursday slate.
Moody’s fantasy stream team for Thursday
Cameron Payne, PG/SG, Philadelphia 76ers (rostered in 14.1% of ESPN leagues)
Payne is a strong streaming option following the news that Tyrese Maxey will miss at least three weeks with a tendon injury in his right pinkie. Payne has provided a major spark for the 76ers, scoring at least 30 fantasy points in three straight games, including 91 against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, Payne should see increased opportunities and production during Maxey’s absence. He’s also someone to have on your radar in DFS with a salary of $6,000.
*Additional streaming options in ESPN leagues can be found in the Top Daily Fantasy values of the day section.
Moody’s favorite bets for Thursday
De’Aaron Fox OVER 24.5 points and assists (-113): The Spurs have been on an impressive run lately, and Fox has been a key contributor. He’s cleared this line in four of his last five games and has averaged 15.4 field-goal attempts and 12.5 potential assists per game during that span. Fox has been superb while taking on a larger offensive role as the Spurs push toward the playoffs. With Wembanyama listed as questionable, Fox could become an even bigger focal point of the offense on Thursday night. Regardless of Wembanyama’s status, this sets up as a great spot for Fox.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander OVER 43.5 points, rebounds and assists (-109): Gilgeous-Alexander has looked strong since returning from his abdominal injury. Although he’s cleared this line in just one of four games since returning, he’s posted a 31.1% usage rate during that span. With the Thunder dealing with several injuries, Oklahoma City will likely lean heavily on SGA in a marquee matchup against the Celtics. I expect him to deliver an MVP-caliber performance and log heavy minutes. SGA has cleared this line in 16 of the 25 games this season in which he’s played at least 36 minutes.
Daniel Gafford to record a double double (+294): Gafford is in a great spot against a Grizzlies defense that has struggled against centers lately due to injuries in Memphis’ frontcourt. He has recorded a double-double in four of the last five games in which he’s played between 23 and 27 minutes. During that span, Gafford has averaged 7.4 field-goal attempts and 17.0 rebound chances per game. The minutes should be there for him tonight against 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 an impressive 64.9 fantasy points per game on DraftKings. The Spurs have been a formidable defense all season, but Jokic is arguably the best center in the league and matchup-proof. This game has one of the highest totals on the slate, and the spread implies it should remain competitive. Jokic has averaged 36.8 PPG, 11.3 RPG, and 8.5 APG in six career games against Wembanyama.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG, Oklahoma City Thunder ($11,200): Gilgeous-Alexander has scored at least 42 fantasy points in each of his last five games, including 75.8 against the Nuggets on Monday, March 9. He’s averaged 51.4 fantasy points per game this season thanks to his ability to contribute in every statistical category. Tonight’s matchup against the Celtics should be closer than the spread suggests, which should allow SGA to play heavy minutes. In games this season where he’s played at least 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 must be considered because he’s in the midst of a transcendent season. He provides DFS players with a high floor, Johnson’s averaged 50.8 fantasy points per game, but his ceiling is even higher. Tonight’s matchup against the Nets sets up as one of those ceiling games, as Brooklyn ranks 27th in defensive rating this season. The only downside for Johnson is that the Hawks are double-digit favorites in this matchup.
$6,100-$8,000 salaries
Jalen Suggs, PG, Orlando Magic ($7,100): Suggs has been superb over his last six games, he’s averaged 30.9 fantasy points in 28.0 minutes per game during that span. The Wizards rank 29th in defensive rating and sixth in pace, creating an optimal environment for Suggs to produce. Washington has also allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to point guards this season.
Jalen Green, SG/SF, Phoenix Suns ($6,800): Green has been locked in lately, scoring at least 34 fantasy points while attempting at least 17 field goals in three consecutive games. He’s also been effective as a facilitator during that stretch. Over the last 15 games, the Pacers rank 28th in defensive rating. Indiana has also allowed the most fantasy points per game to point guards over that span.
Jaylin Williams, PF/C, Thunder ($6,200): Isaiah Hartenstein has been ruled out for tonight’s game, which bodes well for Williams against the Celtics since he should see significant minutes. The 23-year-old has been excellent over the last seven games, he’s averaged 35.7 fantasy points per contest during that span. Williams is a big who can contribute across multiple categories, providing not only points and rebounds but also assists, blocks, and even the occasional three-pointer. He’s also a solid streamer, as he’s rostered in just 8.2% of ESPN leagues.
$3,000-$6,000 salaries
Royce O’Neale, PF, Suns ($5,500): O’Neale contributes across numerous statistical categories and is in the midst of a fantasy scoring surge. He’s scored at least 23 fantasy points in three consecutive games, including 39.8 against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday. O’Neale faces a Pacers frontcourt dealing with multiple injuries and over the last 15 games, Indiana has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to power forwards. O’Neale is also on the streaming radar with a roster percentage of just 14.4%.
Daniel Gafford, C, Dallas Mavericks ($5,000): Gafford has scored at least 26 fantasy points in four consecutive games, including three with at least 31. He’s played at least 22 minutes in each of those games and hasn’t cleared 30 minutes, but don’t let that deter you from Gafford, especially at this price point. The Grizzlies rank 23rd in defensive rating this season, and Memphis’ frontcourt has been decimated by injuries, which positions Gafford for success. Over the last 15 games, the Grizzlies have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to centers. Gafford is also a viable streaming option, as he’s rostered in 43.6% of leagues.
Tristan da Silva, SF/PF, Magic ($4,900): da Silva has been solid for the Magic with Franz Wagner sidelined due to soreness in his left ankle. He’s averaged 28.7 fantasy points per game over his last seven games. Da Silva provides DFS players with a solid floor and is in a great spot against a Wizards team that has been a fantasy bonanza for opponents (see: Bam Adebayo). He’s also on the streaming radar, as he’s rostered in just 13.9% of leagues.
Projections and Injury Reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds provided 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 total points.
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 total points.
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 total points.
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 total points.
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 total points.
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 total points.
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 total points.
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 total points.
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 total points.
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)