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 and player projections.
What you need to know for Thursday's games
A six-game Thursday evening in the NBA features a marquee matchup, as the Boston Celtics host the Phoenix Suns. The injury influence in this meeting of contenders focuses on the absence of Kristaps Porzingis from the Celtics' rotation, as the big man will sit due to a hamstring ailment.
Whenever the productive pivot is off the floor this season, it's been Jayson Tatum and Derrick White who see the largest leaps in both usage and fantasy production for Boston. White averages nearly three more DraftKings points per 36 minutes in such scenarios, suggesting he's a solid building block in DFS builds and in prop markets.
Another notable injury ahead of Thursday's action is the hamstring tweak Luka Doncic suffered last night in the Dallas Mavericks' win over the Golden State Warriors. Coach Jason Kidd noted that his Slovenian star might not even travel to tonight's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, which, you know, would mean he might not play. We turn to young wing Josh Green (1.6% rostered in ESPN leagues) and proven scoring microwave Tim Hardaway Jr. (20.8%) to help pick up perimeter scoring. We also keep an eye on the historic scoring efficiency being posted in the post by center Daniel Gafford (77.8%).
The short-handed Philadelphia 76ers face former coach Doc Rivers in Milwaukee tonight in a game that should see Paul Reed (17.9%), who famously couldn't earn minutes in Rivers' rotations, as a major part of the plans for new coach Nick Nurse. Reed, for his part, is 15th among centers on the Player Rater over the past two weeks and ninth overall in added value via blocks during this sample.
Injury issues can feel thematic by this time of the season, as nearly every rotation is dealing with some form of meaningful concern. The LA Clippers, for instance, list Kawhi Leonard as questionable after he left the team's last game prematurely. If he doesn't go tonight against the Chicago Bulls, look to Norman Powell (12.5%) as a scoring source.
For the Bulls, we're waiting on more information about Coby White after a scary late-game fall last night via a play at the rim against Pascal Siakam. With White looking doubtful for tonight, check out the streaming section for how to navigate the Bulls' rotation.
Thursday's Stream Team
Tim Hardaway Jr., SG/SF, Dallas Mavericks (Rostered in 20.8% of ESPN leagues)
With Doncic apparently unlikely to play, "THJ" vaults into a high-volume shooting role that often bears a high ceiling. Hardaway is more than just a streaming option right now and he continues to gain traction for points and shooting props if Doncic is deemed unavailable.
Kelly Oubre Jr., SF/PF, Philadelphia 76ers (54.2%)
Oubre's confidence in his shot is a plus for fantasy managers. He's also a pretty fun glue guy in that is willing to cut off the ball and crash the glass for the 76ers, all of which helps his case as a streamer for Thursday night against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Alex Caruso, PG/SG, Chicago Bulls (27.4%)
With White injured, it's likely that Caruso will be the lead guard for the Bulls on Thursday night against James Harden and the LA Clippers. Caruso is a brilliant point-of-attack defender, who flashed offensive pop Wednesday night with 23 points and 14 combined assists and rebounds. His floor is already fairly high given his defensive rates, but Caruso's offensive game could surface again given White's expected absence.
Deni Avdija, SF/PF, Washington Wizards (48.0%)
The Wizards have relied on Avdija and Kyle Kuzma to clean the glass after trading Gafford away at the deadline. As a result, Avdija has seen more rebounding chances and post touches which has translated to better numbers and nightly double-double potential for the emerging forward. It also helps that he is facing a Houston Rockets team on Thursday night that has a depleted frontcourt.
Jock Landale, C, Houston Rockets (3.5%)
Speaking of Houston's depth chart, Alperen Sengun's injury means that Landale is serving as resident center in the Rockets' rotation. He has a friendly matchup against a Washington Wizards' team that has an undersized frontcourt.
Projections and injury reports
Fantasy projections powered by ESPN Analytics. * Projections assume all players who are listed as GTD will play. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Players available in at least 50% of ESPN leagues are listed in italics.
Phoenix Suns at Boston Celtics
7:30 p.m., TD Garden, Boston
BPI Projection: Celtics in the second-highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Suns: Eric Gordon, (GTD - Knee); Nassir Little, (GTD - Knee); Josh Okogie, (OUT - Abdomen); Damion Lee, (OUT - Knee)
Celtics: Jaylen Brown, (GTD - Hip); Kristaps Porzingis, (OUT - Hamstring)
Suns projections:
Kevin Durant, SF/PF: 48.3 FPTS (30.5 pts, 6.2 reb, 5.8 ast)
Devin Booker, PG/SG/PF: 47.3 FPTS (28.5 pts, 4.4 reb, 6.1 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Bradley Beal, PG/SG: 33.0 FPTS (18.3 pts, 3.7 reb, 4.6 ast)
Jusuf Nurkic, C: 28.6 FPTS (11.9 pts, 9.8 reb, 3.9 ast)
Grayson Allen, SG: 27.5 FPTS (12.2 pts, 4.2 reb, 3.3 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Royce O'Neale, SF: 19.9 FPTS (6.1 pts, 4.2 reb, 2.6 ast)
Eric Gordon, SG/SF: 14.9 FPTS (7.1 pts, 1.5 reb, 1.8 ast)
Celtics projections:
Jayson Tatum, SF/PF: 45.4 FPTS (26.4 pts, 7.0 reb, 4.8 ast, 3.1 3PM)
Jaylen Brown, SG/SF: 33.5 FPTS (20.4 pts, 4.4 reb, 3.2 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Jrue Holiday, PG/SG: 29.7 FPTS (13.5 pts, 4.8 reb, 4.6 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Derrick White, PG/SG: 27.8 FPTS (12.4 pts, 3.5 reb, 4.7 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Sam Hauser, SF: 15.8 FPTS (6.9 pts, 3.1 reb, 1.1 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Payton Pritchard, PG: 14.3 FPTS (6.2 pts, 2.6 reb, 2.0 ast)
Luke Kornet, C: 13.8 FPTS (5.7 pts, 4.5 reb, 0.9 ast)
LA Clippers at Chicago Bulls
8 p.m., United Center, Chicago
BPI Projection: Clippers in the fourth-highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Clippers: James Harden, (GTD - Shoulder); Kawhi Leonard, (GTD - Back); Russell Westbrook, (OUT - Hand)
Bulls: Coby White, (OUT - Hip); Lonzo Ball, (OUT - Knee); Patrick Williams, (OUT - Foot); Zach LaVine, (OUT - Foot)
Clippers projections:
Kawhi Leonard, SF/PF: 42.8 FPTS (22.9 pts, 5.5 reb, 3.5 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Paul George, SG/SF/PF: 39.8 FPTS (22.3 pts, 4.9 reb, 3.7 ast, 3.1 3PM)
James Harden, PG/SG: 38.4 FPTS (17.5 pts, 5.1 reb, 7.2 ast, 2.6 3PM)
Ivica Zubac, C: 24.0 FPTS (11.6 pts, 7.6 reb, 1.3 ast)
Norman Powell, SG/SF: 23.1 FPTS (13.9 pts, 2.7 reb, 1.2 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Terance Mann, SG/SF: 17.9 FPTS (8.9 pts, 3.6 reb, 1.3 ast)
Daniel Theis, PF/C: 12.2 FPTS (5.8 pts, 2.7 reb, 0.8 ast)
Bulls projections:
DeMar DeRozan, SG/SF: 45.6 FPTS (27.0 pts, 5.1 reb, 5.5 ast)
Nikola Vucevic, C: 40.2 FPTS (19.6 pts, 10.9 reb, 3.2 ast)
Ayo Dosunmu, SG: 35.6 FPTS (17.6 pts, 4.3 reb, 4.4 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Alex Caruso, PG/SG: 30.1 FPTS (10.5 pts, 4.6 reb, 3.4 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Torrey Craig, SF/PF: 19.9 FPTS (8.0 pts, 6.1 reb, 1.4 ast)
Andre Drummond, C: 18.0 FPTS (8.5 pts, 7.7 reb, 0.5 ast)
Onuralp Bitim, SF: 15.5 FPTS (7.4 pts, 3.6 reb, 0.8 ast)
Washington Wizards at Houston Rockets
8 p.m., Toyota Center, Houston
BPI Projection: Rockets in the fifth-highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Wizards: Richaun Holmes, (GTD - Toe); Landry Shamet, (OUT - Calf); Marvin Bagley III, (OUT - Back); Isaiah Livers, (OUT - Hip)
Rockets: Cam Whitmore, (OUT - Knee); Alperen Sengun, (OUT - Ankle); Steven Adams, (OUT - Knee); Tari Eason, (OUT - Lower Leg)
Wizards projections:
Kyle Kuzma, SF/PF: 44.1 FPTS (26.6 pts, 6.8 reb, 4.5 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Deni Avdija, SF/PF: 33.5 FPTS (17.9 pts, 8.7 reb, 3.5 ast)
Tyus Jones, PG: 32.0 FPTS (14.8 pts, 3.0 reb, 5.9 ast)
Jordan Poole, PG/SG: 25.5 FPTS (14.3 pts, 2.3 reb, 3.8 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Corey Kispert, SG/SF: 23.5 FPTS (12.8 pts, 3.3 reb, 2.3 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Bilal Coulibaly, SG: 17.6 FPTS (9.3 pts, 4.1 reb, 1.3 ast)
Richaun Holmes, PF/C: 14.8 FPTS (6.7 pts, 4.8 reb, 0.9 ast)
Rockets projections:
Fred VanVleet, PG: 38.9 FPTS (18.3 pts, 3.7 reb, 7.0 ast, 3.1 3PM)
Jalen Green, SG: 38.2 FPTS (23.1 pts, 4.8 reb, 4.3 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Jabari Smith Jr., PF/C: 32.5 FPTS (17.4 pts, 8.8 reb, 1.9 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Dillon Brooks, SG/SF: 24.9 FPTS (14.2 pts, 3.7 reb, 1.9 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Amen Thompson, SG: 24.6 FPTS (11.6 pts, 7.1 reb, 2.2 ast)
Jock Landale, C: 14.0 FPTS (6.2 pts, 4.5 reb, 1.2 ast)
Jeff Green, PF: 11.6 FPTS (6.2 pts, 2.1 reb, 0.9 ast)
Philadelphia 76ers at Milwaukee Bucks
8 p.m., Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee
BPI Projection: Bucks in the third-highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
76ers: Robert Covington, (OUT - Knee); De'Anthony Melton, (OUT - Back); Joel Embiid, (OUT - Knee)
Bucks: Malik Beasley, (GTD - Back); MarJon Beauchamp, (GTD - Back); Patrick Beverley, (GTD - Hip); Khris Middleton, (OUT - Ankle)
76ers projections:
Tyrese Maxey, PG/SG: 47.9 FPTS (26.8 pts, 3.6 reb, 5.9 ast, 3.0 3PM)
Tobias Harris, SF/PF: 37.8 FPTS (18.3 pts, 6.6 reb, 3.1 ast)
Kelly Oubre Jr., SF/PF: 27.1 FPTS (15.0 pts, 5.0 reb, 1.4 ast)
Kyle Lowry, PG: 22.6 FPTS (7.2 pts, 3.4 reb, 4.0 ast)
Buddy Hield, SG/SF: 19.9 FPTS (7.1 pts, 2.7 reb, 2.7 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Paul Reed, PF/C: 18.0 FPTS (7.7 pts, 6.1 reb, 1.2 ast)
Cameron Payne, PG: 14.7 FPTS (6.0 pts, 1.7 reb, 2.4 ast)
Bucks projections:
Giannis Antetokounmpo, PF/C: 50.2 FPTS (29.5 pts, 10.0 reb, 5.8 ast)
Damian Lillard, PG: 44.9 FPTS (26.5 pts, 4.4 reb, 6.6 ast, 3.0 3PM)
Malik Beasley, SG: 24.9 FPTS (12.6 pts, 4.2 reb, 1.4 ast, 3.0 3PM)
Bobby Portis, PF/C: 22.9 FPTS (11.7 pts, 6.3 reb, 1.3 ast)
Brook Lopez, C: 22.2 FPTS (11.4 pts, 4.5 reb, 1.4 ast, 1.8 blk)
Patrick Beverley, PG: 13.6 FPTS (5.3 pts, 2.7 reb, 2.0 ast)
Pat Connaughton, SG/SF: 13.5 FPTS (4.9 pts, 3.3 reb, 1.6 ast)
Dallas Mavericks at Oklahoma City Thunder
10 p.m., Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
BPI Projection: Thunder in the highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Mavericks: Brandon Williams, (GTD - Wrist); Luka Doncic, (GTD - Hamstring)
Thunder: None reported
Mavericks projections:
Luka Doncic, PG: 59.2 FPTS (31.9 pts, 9.2 reb, 8.6 ast, 3.7 3PM)
Kyrie Irving, PG/SG: 42.6 FPTS (25.2 pts, 4.9 reb, 4.1 ast, 2.9 3PM)
P.J. Washington, PF: 22.6 FPTS (11.8 pts, 5.1 reb, 1.3 ast)
Daniel Gafford, PF/C: 22.0 FPTS (10.0 pts, 7.6 reb, 1.0 ast, 1.8 blk)
Dereck Lively II, C: 18.5 FPTS (7.9 pts, 5.3 reb, 1.0 ast)
Josh Green, SG/SF: 16.4 FPTS (7.7 pts, 2.7 reb, 1.7 ast)
Tim Hardaway Jr., SG/SF: 14.6 FPTS (8.3 pts, 1.4 reb, 1.2 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Thunder projections:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG/SG: 49.6 FPTS (28.1 pts, 5.3 reb, 5.9 ast)
Chet Holmgren, PF/C: 32.9 FPTS (15.4 pts, 8.2 reb, 2.8 ast, 2.0 blk)
Jalen Williams, SG/SF/PF: 32.1 FPTS (17.0 pts, 3.8 reb, 4.0 ast)
Josh Giddey, PG/SG/PF: 22.4 FPTS (9.4 pts, 5.3 reb, 3.4 ast)
Luguentz Dort, SG/SF: 18.1 FPTS (8.2 pts, 3.5 reb, 1.1 ast)
Gordon Hayward, SF: 17.6 FPTS (7.9 pts, 3.1 reb, 2.9 ast)
Cason Wallace, PG/SG: 15.1 FPTS (6.5 pts, 2.2 reb, 1.1 ast)
New York Knicks at Portland Trail Blazers
10 p.m., Moda Center, Portland
BPI Projection: Knicks in the sixth-highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Knicks: Julius Randle, (OUT - Shoulder); Mitchell Robinson, (OUT - Ankle)
Blazers: Jabari Walker, (GTD - Hip); Jerami Grant, (GTD - Hamstring); Malcolm Brogdon, (OUT - Elbow); Shaedon Sharpe, (OUT - Abdomen); Robert Williams III, (OUT - Knee)
Knicks projections:
Jalen Brunson, PG/SG: 37.4 FPTS (22.7 pts, 2.9 reb, 4.9 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Josh Hart, SG/SF: 33.3 FPTS (13.7 pts, 7.8 reb, 4.1 ast)
Donte DiVincenzo, SG: 32.8 FPTS (17.5 pts, 4.0 reb, 3.0 ast, 3.4 3PM)
OG Anunoby, SF: 29.7 FPTS (14.6 pts, 3.6 reb, 1.5 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Precious Achiuwa, PF/C: 20.1 FPTS (9.5 pts, 6.1 reb, 1.2 ast)
Isaiah Hartenstein, PF/C: 17.5 FPTS (7.0 pts, 5.3 reb, 2.0 ast)
Bojan Bogdanovic, SF/PF: 14.3 FPTS (8.8 pts, 1.4 reb, 1.1 ast)
Blazers projections:
Anfernee Simons, PG/SG: 37.5 FPTS (22.2 pts, 3.4 reb, 5.7 ast, 3.3 3PM)
Deandre Ayton, C: 31.8 FPTS (15.8 pts, 9.8 reb, 2.0 ast)
Jerami Grant, PF: 24.0 FPTS (13.9 pts, 3.0 reb, 3.2 ast)
Scoot Henderson, PG: 22.7 FPTS (12.7 pts, 2.9 reb, 4.1 ast)
Dalano Banton, PG: 18.1 FPTS (10.1 pts, 4.7 reb, 1.9 ast)
Toumani Camara, PF: 17.6 FPTS (8.5 pts, 4.7 reb, 1.2 ast)
Kris Murray, PF: 14.8 FPTS (6.4 pts, 3.5 reb, 1.5 ast)