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Fantasy basketball picks and betting tips for Sunday

Trey Murphy III should see increased opportunity to produce on a Pelicans team dealing with a number of injuries right now. Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images

As the weather cools, the NBA is heating up. December opens with a robust 10-game Sunday slate. With two-thirds of the league in action, fantasy managers will want to leverage every bit of actionable information into lineup decisions.

In order to make rewarding decisions regarding lineups and wagers, we need to assess how injuries, rest, matchup metrics and production trends factor into expected production amid the busy schedule.

The injury report tells us the New Orleans Pelicans won't have Brandon Ingram or Zion Williamson in the lineup as the team visits Madison Square Garden to face the New York Knicks. This means several plug-and-play options emerge from the New Orleans rotation. Without Luka Doncic, a veteran bucket on the Dallas Mavericks earns a nomination in the streaming section.

Marquee matchups of Sunday's slate include the Boston Celtics visiting the Cleveland Cavaliers in a battle for the best record in the NBA. The Oklahoma City Thunder, a team that merits some interest in the best bets section, visits the Houston Rockets in what could be a budding rivalry of emergent Western contenders.

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.

Odds by ESPN BET


Fantasy streamers for Sunday

Trey Murphy III, SF/SG, New Orleans Pelicans (Rostered in 31.1% of ESPN leagues)

With the Pelicans missing two high-usage stars and Herbert Jones also ailing, Murphy steps into a huge role for New Orleans as a premier scoring threat and the team's top perimeter defender. The Knicks have wings upon wings, but Murphy might just have too much opportunity to deny.

Deni Avdija, SF/PF, Portland Trail Blazers (50.5%)

A favorite of mine from his days with the Washington Wizards, this versatile young forward is blossoming into a fantasy force with the Trail Blazers. The team is running the second unit offense through him at times, while his work defensively has him in rare territory with nearly a block and a steal per game.

Stephon Castle, PG/SG, San Antonio Spurs (31.1%)

It's happening. Castle is already flashing the dynamic two-way play that made him such an intriguing lottery pick. The Spurs have paired Castle with Chris Paul in most looks and the results have been emboldening; Castle has averaged 16.5 points and 6.5 assists over the past week. The Kings, meanwhile, lack defensive depth in the backcourt.

Marcus Smart, SG/PG, Memphis Grizzlies (12.9%)

Memphis has empowered Scotty Pippen Jr. with real success, but we shouldn't forget that Smart remains a productive combo guard when healthy. Availability has been an issue with Smart, but he is active against the porous Indiana Pacers and makes for a nice source of assists and steals.

Yves Missi, C, New Orleans Pelicans (8.5%)

Missi has been getting a real run for the depleted Pelicans in recent games, so don't miss out on his ability to hoard rebounds. The big man has slashed for a double-double with 2.3 blocks per game over the past week.

Spencer Dinwiddie, PG/SG, Dallas Mavericks (8.4%)

Never afraid to loft his own shot, Dinwiddie also has some playmaking upside when tasked with running the offense for the Mavericks in place of Doncic. With 19 assists across his past two games, Dinwiddie is suddenly a great source for passing production.

McCormick's bets for Sunday

Evan Mobley to record double-double (even)

Mobley's breakout campaign includes a real rise in efficiency on the glass. This trend has surfaced already in a prior matchup with the Celtics. Meanwhile, Boston is on the front end of a back-to-back, which means some sort of staggering or outright sitting of Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford. We shall see how the Celtics handle their veteran big men, but Mobley's path to a double-double appears achievable in a game that should see him play big minutes.

Nikola Jokic over 1.5 3-pointers (-135)

While this number is a bit juiced, it's also quite achievable. Jokic has a real penchant for shooting from deep against the LA Clippers. He made seven 3-pointers in a prior matchup against Ivica Zubac and the Clippers. Jokic's strategy of stretching the floor against an otherwise undersized Clippers team could resurface.

Jimmy Butler over 28.5 points + rebounds + assists (-115)

With Butler, it's about health and availability. Given that he's expected to start and handle a normal workload against the Toronto Raptors, Butler appears to be in a great situation given he has cruised past this number in nearly every complete start this season.

Isaiah Hartenstein over 11.5 rebounds (-115)

Hartenstein has averaged a ridiculous 22 rebounding chances per game since joining the Thunder's starting lineup, behind only Jokic and Domantas Sabonis this season. The Rockets will struggle to contain Hartenstein on the glass, especially given his potential to play well past 30 minutes against a smaller frontcourt.

Projections and injury reports

Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds by ESPN BET

Players in italics are available in a majority of ESPN Leagues


Orlando Magic at Brooklyn Nets
3:30 p.m. ET

Line: Magic -6.5 (-110) | Nets 6.5 (-110)
Money line: Magic -285 | Nets +230
Total: 208.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Magic by 2.5, straight up 58%, 214.6 total points.

Injury Report:
Magic: Gary Harris, (OUT - Hamstring); Paolo Banchero, (OUT - Oblique)
Nets: Day'Ron Sharpe, (OUT - Hamstring); Dorian Finney-Smith, (OUT - Ankle); Bojan Bogdanovic, (OUT - Foot); Cam Thomas, (OUT - Hamstring); Noah Clowney, (OUT - Ankle)

Magic projections:

Nets projections:


Indiana Pacers at Memphis Grizzlies
3:30 p.m. ET

Line: Pacers 6.5 (-110) | Grizzlies -6.5 (-110)
Money line: Pacers +220 | Grizzlies -275
Total: 243.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Grizzlies by 7.1, straight up 72%, 241.5 total points.

Injury Report:
Pacers: Isaiah Jackson, (OUT - Achilles); James Wiseman, (OUT - Achilles); Andrew Nembhard, (GTD - Knee); Aaron Nesmith, (OUT - Ankle); Ben Sheppard, (OUT - Oblique)
Grizzlies: GG Jackson II, (OUT - Foot); Vince Williams Jr., (OUT - Ankle); Zach Edey, (OUT - Ankle)

Pacers projections:

Grizzlies projections:


Boston Celtics at Cleveland Cavaliers
6 p.m. ET on NBA TV

Line: Celtics -1.5 (-105) | Cavaliers 1.5 (-115)
Money line: Celtics -120 | Cavaliers +EVEN
Total: 233.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Cavaliers by 4, straight up 63%, 233.6 total points.

Injury Report:
Celtics: Al Horford, (GTD - Toe); Derrick White, (GTD - Foot); Jrue Holiday, (GTD - Groin); Kristaps Porzingis, (GTD - Knee)
Cavaliers: Dean Wade, (OUT - Ankle); Max Strus, (OUT - Ankle); Emoni Bates, (OUT - Knee)

Celtics projections:

  • Jayson Tatum, SF/PF: 50.9 FPTS (29.0 pts, 8.6 reb, 6.2 ast, 3.8 3PM)

  • Jaylen Brown, SG/SF: 42.5 FPTS (26.1 pts, 6.0 reb, 4.7 ast, 2.4 3PM)

  • Derrick White, PG/SG: 32.1 FPTS (16.4 pts, 4.4 reb, 4.2 ast, 3.4 3PM)

  • Jrue Holiday, PG/SG: 25.4 FPTS (12.1 pts, 4.3 reb, 3.9 ast, 1.8 3PM)

  • Kristaps Porzingis, PF/C: 25.3 FPTS (14.7 pts, 6.4 reb, 1.5 ast)

  • Payton Pritchard, PG: 24.7 FPTS (12.9 pts, 2.6 reb, 2.5 ast, 2.8 3PM)

  • Al Horford, PF/C: 18.8 FPTS (8.1 pts, 4.6 reb, 1.9 ast, 1.8 3PM)

Cavaliers projections:


New Orleans Pelicans at New York Knicks
6 p.m. ET

Line: Pelicans 12.5 (-115) | Knicks -12.5 (-105)
Money line: Pelicans +500 | Knicks -800
Total: 223.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Knicks by 8.1, straight up 75%, 223.5 total points.

Injury Report:
Pelicans: Brandon Ingram, (OUT - Calf); Herbert Jones, (OUT - Shoulder); Jordan Hawkins, (OUT - Back); Jose Alvarado, (OUT - Hamstring); Zion Williamson, (OUT - Hamstring)
Knicks: Mitchell Robinson, (OUT - Ankle); Kevin McCullar Jr., (OUT - Knee); Precious Achiuwa, (OUT - Hamstring)

Pelicans projections:

Knicks projections:

  • Jalen Brunson, PG: 45.4 FPTS (27.9 pts, 3.1 reb, 7.0 ast, 2.3 3PM)

  • Karl-Anthony Towns, PF/C: 42.5 FPTS (23.2 pts, 11.8 reb, 3.5 ast, 2.1 3PM)

  • Josh Hart, SG/SF: 33.8 FPTS (13.6 pts, 7.2 reb, 5.7 ast)

  • OG Anunoby, SF/PF: 30.6 FPTS (17.2 pts, 4.4 reb, 2.2 ast, 2.2 3PM)

  • Mikal Bridges, SG/SF: 30.0 FPTS (16.4 pts, 3.4 reb, 3.6 ast, 2.2 3PM)

  • Miles McBride, PG: 19.5 FPTS (9.9 pts, 2.2 reb, 2.1 ast)

  • Cameron Payne, PG/SG: 15.3 FPTS (7.0 pts, 1.3 reb, 2.7 ast)


Miami Heat at Toronto Raptors
6 p.m. ET

Line: Heat -4.5 (-115) | Raptors 4.5 (-105)
Money line: Heat -195 | Raptors +165
Total: 221.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Heat by 6, straight up 69%, 223.2 total points.

Injury Report:
Heat: Josh Richardson, (OUT - Illness); Nikola Jovic, (OUT - Ankle)
Raptors: Bruce Brown, (OUT - Knee); Gradey Dick, (OUT - Calf); Kelly Olynyk, (OUT - Back); Immanuel Quickley, (OUT - Elbow)

Heat projections:

Raptors projections:


Oklahoma City Thunder at Houston Rockets
7 p.m. ET

Line: Thunder -1.5 (-110) | Rockets 1.5 (-110)
Money line: Thunder -120 | Rockets +EVEN
Total: 220.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Rockets by 0.9, straight up 53%, 222.0 total points.

Injury Report:
Thunder: Chet Holmgren, (OUT - Hip); Nikola Topic, (OUT - Knee); Alex Caruso, (OUT - Hip); Jaylin Williams, (OUT - Hamstring); Ousmane Dieng, (OUT - Finger)
Rockets: None reported

Thunder projections:

Rockets projections:


Los Angeles Lakers at Utah Jazz
8 p.m. ET

Line: Lakers -7.5 (-110) | Jazz 7.5 (-110)
Money line: Lakers -320 | Jazz +260
Total: 228.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Jazz by 0.3, straight up 51%, 234.9 total points.

Injury Report:
Lakers: Anthony Davis, (GTD - Foot); Austin Reaves, (GTD - Pelvis); D'Angelo Russell, (GTD - Illness); Bronny James, (OUT - Heel); Jarred Vanderbilt, (OUT - Foot); Jaxson Hayes, (OUT - Ankle); Christian Wood, (OUT - Knee)
Jazz: Taylor Hendricks, (OUT - Lower Leg); Jordan Clarkson, (GTD - Foot); Kyle Filipowski, (GTD - Lower Leg)

Lakers projections:

  • Anthony Davis, PF/C: 44.0 FPTS (26.1 pts, 11.3 reb, 3.7 ast, 2.1 blk)

  • LeBron James, SF/PF: 40.6 FPTS (21.8 pts, 7.3 reb, 7.6 ast, 1.9 3PM)

  • Austin Reaves, SG/SF: 29.7 FPTS (15.8 pts, 3.0 reb, 4.8 ast, 2.5 3PM)

  • D'Angelo Russell, PG/SG: 25.4 FPTS (12.8 pts, 2.1 reb, 4.4 ast, 2.0 3PM)

  • Dalton Knecht, SG/SF: 21.6 FPTS (12.7 pts, 3.6 reb, 1.4 ast, 2.2 3PM)

  • Rui Hachimura, SF/PF: 21.4 FPTS (12.3 pts, 4.6 reb, 1.7 ast)

  • Max Christie, SG: 12.9 FPTS (6.8 pts, 1.8 reb, 1.5 ast)

Jazz projections:


Dallas Mavericks at Portland Trail Blazers
9 p.m. ET

Line: Mavericks -7.5 (EVEN) | Blazers 7.5 (-120)
Money line: Mavericks -280 | Blazers +230
Total: 228.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Mavericks by 1.3, straight up 54%, 225.0 total points.

Injury Report:
Mavericks: Dante Exum, (OUT - Wrist); Klay Thompson, (GTD - Foot); Luka Doncic, (GTD - Wrist); Naji Marshall, (GTD - Illness)
Blazers: Matisse Thybulle, (OUT - Ankle); Jerami Grant, (GTD - Knee); Kris Murray, (GTD - Chest); Scoot Henderson, (GTD - Quadriceps); Robert Williams III, (OUT - Concussion); Donovan Clingan, (OUT - Knee)

Mavericks projections:

Blazers projections:


San Antonio Spurs at Sacramento Kings
9 p.m. ET

Line: Spurs 5.5 (-105) | Kings -5.5 (-115)
Money line: Spurs +180 | Kings -215
Total: 225.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Spurs by 0.3, straight up 51%, 227.7 total points.

Injury Report:
Spurs: Jeremy Sochan, (OUT - Thumb)
Kings: Devin Carter, (OUT - Shoulder); DeMar DeRozan, (GTD - Back); Kevin Huerter, (GTD - Ankle); Mason Jones, (GTD - Hamstring); Trey Lyles, (OUT - Calf)

Spurs projections:

Kings projections:


Denver Nuggets at LA Clippers
10 p.m. ET

Line: Nuggets -2.5 (-115) | Clippers 2.5 (-105)
Money line: Nuggets -140 | Clippers +120
Total: 221.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Nuggets by 2.8, straight up 59%, 223.2 total points.

Injury Report:
Nuggets: Vlatko Cancar, (OUT - Knee); DaRon Holmes II, (OUT - Achilles); Aaron Gordon, (GTD - Calf); Peyton Watson, (GTD - Groin)
Clippers: P.J. Tucker, (OUT - Not Injury Related); Norman Powell, (GTD - Hamstring); Kevin Porter Jr., (OUT - Ankle); Kobe Brown, (OUT - Back); Kawhi Leonard, (OUT - Knee)

Nuggets projections:

Clippers projections: