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Fantasy basketball picks and betting tips for Sunday

Shaedon Sharpe is in a good spot to put up points Sunday against the Cavaliers. Alika Jenner/Getty Images

ESPN's fantasy basketball daily cheat sheet is your pregame destination before you set your lineups for the 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 Sunday's games

Sunday features nine games, beginning with a potential NBA Finals preview. The Boston Celtics host the Denver Nuggets in a marquee matinee airing on ABC/ESPN+ at 1 p.m. ET. The game includes the coveted pairing of a high point total and a tight spread, evidence of a potentially competitive and high-scoring outcome.

The day continues with the classic rivalry of the New York Knicks against the Miami Heat and concludes with another matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers. While the day is filled with fun narratives, it's also a strong slate for offense; six of the games have totals of at least 229 points. Identifying which games offer the best scoring environments can help with tough lineup decisions.

Even some of today's under-the-radar matchups could prove meaningful for fantasy and betting purposes. The Utah Jazz visiting the New Orleans Pelicans might not stand out compared to the other games on today's schedule, but this contest boasts a total above 230 points and includes several strong streaming candidates. Look to the Utah backcourt if you need help with playmaking.

Let's dive deeper into these matchups and uncover the most promising opportunities for this busy Sunday of hoops.


Sunday's fantasy stream team

Zach Collins, C/PF, Chicago Bulls (rostered in 9.9% of ESPN leagues)

The Bulls have a long injury list today, one that includes Nikola Vucevic. With their high-usage center sidelined, Collins will play a more central role in the offense. His recent games suggest a big statistical performance could be on the way, especially against an Indiana Pacers team that could struggle with his ability to create from the high post.

Shaedon Sharpe, SG/SF, Portland Trail Blazers (38.8% rostered)

Fresh off what might be the dunk of the year, Sharpe is showing he's much more than just a highlight machine. The young wing has become a prolific scorer, gaining trust from Chauncey Billups and taking on more shots with several veteran teammates sidelined. With Portland needing buckets to keep up with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Sharpe is in a strong spot to continue his scoring surge.

Ty Jerome, PG, Cleveland Cavaliers (12.6%)

I was able to catch the Cavaliers live against the Phoenix Suns back on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Cleveland. One thing that stood out was how much trust the coaching staff has in Jerome as a playmaker and second-unit leader. With Donovan Mitchell resting today, Jerome is set for an expanded role, making him a key offensive piece for Cleveland.

Bol Bol, PF/C, Phoenix Suns (17.0%)

The Suns lack true rim protection, which could lead to more minutes for Bol. They also don't have much size in the frontcourt, something Bol clearly provides. He has a path to significant playing time against a Minnesota Timberwolves team that will be without Rudy Gobert.


McCormick's favorite bets for Sunday

Odds by ESPN BET

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Evan Mobley OVER 19.5 points (-105)

While Jerome will handle some of Mitchell's usual workload, he won't absorb it all. That means Darius Garland and Mobley should see a bump in usage. Mobley has taken the offensive leap many were hoping for, and the Cavaliers should look to get him plenty of high-value post looks against a Trail Blazers frontcourt filled with young, mistake-prone defenders. This is really about volume -- Mobley's shot attempts and overall usage rise significantly whenever Mitchell is off the floor.

Deni Avdija OVER 2.5 assists (-160)

The price on this bet isn't ideal, but the actual assist total is very reasonable. Consider pairing this with Mobley's points in a single-game scenario to find plus odds. The logic is simple: Avdija, much like Collins in Chicago, handles a good share of possessions from the high post. Finding cutting wings or an open shooter like Sharpe in the corner is an easy path to hitting this number.

Josh Giddey OVER 17.5 combined assists and rebounds (-110)

With Ayo Dosunmu and Vucevic ruled out, Giddey is expected to have the ball in his hands often in today's matchup against the Indiana Pacers. Not only are we on triple-double watch, but a double-double with points and either assists or rebounds is also a strong angle. Giddey has the keys to the offense in what projects to be the highest-scoring game of the day.


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


Denver Nuggets at Boston Celtics
1 p.m. ET on ABC

Line: Nuggets 5.5 (-105) | Celtics -5.5 (-115)
Money line: Nuggets +180 | Celtics -215
Total: 235.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Celtics by 1.7, straight up 56%, 237.3 total points.

Injury Report:
Nuggets: Aaron Gordon, (GTD - Ankle); Zeke Nnaji, (GTD - Ankle); Peyton Watson, (OUT - Knee); Vlatko Cancar, (OUT - Knee); DaRon Holmes II, (OUT - Achilles)
Celtics: Jaylen Brown, (NA - Knee); Jrue Holiday, (GTD - Finger); Kristaps Porzingis, (GTD - Illness)

Nuggets projections:

Celtics projections:

  • Jayson Tatum, SF/PF: 51.0 FPTS (30.0 pts, 8.1 reb, 6.4 ast, 3.8 3PM)

  • Jaylen Brown, SG/SF: 41.9 FPTS (25.4 pts, 5.4 reb, 5.5 ast, 2.0 3PM)

  • Derrick White, PG/SG: 33.2 FPTS (17.2 pts, 4.3 reb, 4.9 ast, 3.4 3PM)

  • Payton Pritchard, PG: 25.8 FPTS (11.8 pts, 3.9 reb, 3.4 ast, 2.7 3PM)

  • Sam Hauser, SF: 18.0 FPTS (8.8 pts, 4.2 reb, 1.0 ast, 2.4 3PM)

  • Al Horford, PF/C: 17.3 FPTS (8.0 pts, 5.1 reb, 1.3 ast)

  • Luke Kornet, C: 14.3 FPTS (5.8 pts, 4.8 reb, 1.6 ast)


Portland Trail Blazers at Cleveland Cavaliers
3:30 p.m. ET on NBA TV

Line: Blazers 11.5 (-115) | Cavaliers -11.5 (-105)
Money line: Blazers +425 | Cavaliers -650
Total: 235.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Cavaliers by 15.8, straight up 89%, 237.4 total points.

Injury Report:
Blazers: Deni Avdija, (GTD - Quadriceps); Jerami Grant, (GTD - Knee); Matisse Thybulle, (OUT - Ankle); Robert Williams III, (OUT - Knee); Deandre Ayton, (OUT - Calf)
Cavaliers: None reported

Blazers projections:

Cavaliers projections:

  • Darius Garland, PG: 34.8 FPTS (19.1 pts, 2.3 reb, 6.1 ast, 2.6 3PM)

  • Evan Mobley, PF/C: 31.9 FPTS (17.8 pts, 8.5 reb, 3.2 ast, 2.0 blk)

  • Jarrett Allen, C: 25.1 FPTS (12.6 pts, 8.4 reb, 1.6 ast)

  • Max Strus, SG/SF: 20.4 FPTS (8.7 pts, 3.3 reb, 3.1 ast, 2.0 3PM)

  • Ty Jerome, PG: 19.9 FPTS (10.6 pts, 2.3 reb, 2.5 ast)

  • Sam Merrill, SG: 14.1 FPTS (7.0 pts, 1.9 reb, 1.3 ast, 1.9 3PM)

  • Dean Wade, PF: 13.1 FPTS (5.4 pts, 3.5 reb, 1.1 ast)


Chicago Bulls at Indiana Pacers
5 p.m. ET

Line: Bulls 10.5 (-105) | Pacers -10.5 (-115)
Money line: Bulls +400 | Pacers -600
Total: 241.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Pacers by 12.4, straight up 84%, 244.4 total points.

Injury Report:
Bulls: Josh Giddey, (GTD - Ankle); Lonzo Ball, (GTD - Wrist); Ayo Dosunmu, (OUT - Shoulder); Nikola Vucevic, (OUT - Calf); Patrick Williams, (OUT - Quadriceps)
Pacers: Bennedict Mathurin, (OUT - Wrist); Isaiah Jackson, (OUT - Achilles)

Bulls projections:

Pacers projections:


New York Knicks at Miami Heat
6 p.m. ET

Line: Knicks -6.5 (-115) | Heat 6.5 (-105)
Money line: Knicks -260 | Heat +215
Total: 220.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Knicks by 4.2, straight up 64%, 225.2 total points.

Injury Report:
Knicks: Josh Hart, (GTD - Knee); Mitchell Robinson, (GTD - Ankle); Ariel Hukporti, (OUT - Knee)
Heat: Jaime Jaquez Jr., (GTD - Ankle); Nikola Jovic, (OUT - Hand); Dru Smith, (OUT - Achilles)

Knicks projections:

Heat projections:


Toronto Raptors at Orlando Magic
6 p.m. ET

Line: Raptors 7.5 (-115) | Magic -7.5 (-105)
Money line: Raptors +225 | Magic -275
Total: 209.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Magic by 5.7, straight up 68%, 211.8 total points.

Injury Report:
Raptors: Garrett Temple, (OUT - Personal); Ochai Agbaji, (OUT - Ankle); Ulrich Chomche, (OUT - Knee)
Magic: Jalen Suggs, (OUT - Quadriceps); Moritz Wagner, (OUT - Knee)

Raptors projections:

Magic projections:


Oklahoma City Thunder at San Antonio Spurs
7 p.m. ET on ESPN

Line: Thunder -13.5 (-110) | Spurs 13.5 (-110)
Money line: Thunder -900 | Spurs +550
Total: 236.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Thunder by 12.1, straight up 83%, 228.8 total points.

Injury Report:
Thunder: Ousmane Dieng, (GTD - Wrist); Chet Holmgren, (OUT - Ankle); Isaiah Joe, (OUT - Back); Ajay Mitchell, (OUT - Toe); Nikola Topic, (OUT - Knee)
Spurs: Charles Bassey, (GTD - Knee); Victor Wembanyama, (OUT - Shoulder)

Thunder projections:

Spurs projections:


New Orleans Pelicans at Utah Jazz
8 p.m. ET

Line: Pelicans -7.5 (-110) | Jazz 7.5 (-110)
Money line: Pelicans -290 | Jazz +240
Total: 230.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Pelicans by 4.2, straight up 64%, 233.4 total points.

Injury Report:
Pelicans: Dejounte Murray, (OUT - Achilles); Herbert Jones, (OUT - Shoulder); Brandon Ingram, (OUT - Ankle)
Jazz: Collin Sexton, (OUT - Ankle); John Collins, (OUT - Back); Jordan Clarkson, (OUT - Foot); Lauri Markkanen, (OUT - Back); Taylor Hendricks, (OUT - Lower Leg)

Pelicans projections:

Jazz projections:


Minnesota Timberwolves at Phoenix Suns
9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN

Line: Timberwolves 1.5 (-110) | Suns -1.5 (-110)
Money line: Timberwolves +105 | Suns -125
Total: 231.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Suns by 2.5, straight up 58%, 226.3 total points.

Injury Report:
Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards, (GTD - Calf); Julius Randle, (GTD - Groin); Rudy Gobert, (OUT - Back)
Suns: Josh Okogie, (GTD - Hamstring); Jusuf Nurkic, (GTD - Illness); Bradley Beal, (GTD - Calf); Grayson Allen, (GTD - Foot); Monte Morris, (GTD - Back)

Timberwolves projections:

Suns projections:

  • Devin Booker, PG/SG: 46.6 FPTS (28.6 pts, 3.6 reb, 6.9 ast, 2.7 3PM)

  • Kevin Durant, PF: 39.8 FPTS (26.0 pts, 5.3 reb, 4.6 ast, 2.2 3PM)

  • Bradley Beal, SG/SF: 31.4 FPTS (18.6 pts, 3.5 reb, 4.0 ast, 1.9 3PM)

  • Tyus Jones, PG: 23.9 FPTS (10.2 pts, 2.2 reb, 4.7 ast)

  • Bol Bol, PF/C: 18.8 FPTS (10.7 pts, 4.2 reb, 1.2 ast, 1.3 blk)

  • Royce O'Neale, SF: 17.6 FPTS (7.5 pts, 2.9 reb, 1.9 ast, 2.0 3PM)

  • Grayson Allen, PG/SG: 15.4 FPTS (7.4 pts, 2.0 reb, 1.9 ast)


LA Clippers at Los Angeles Lakers
9:30 p.m. ET

Line: Clippers -3.5 (-110) | Lakers 3.5 (-110)
Money line: Clippers -155 | Lakers +135
Total: 220.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Clippers by 2.7, straight up 59%, 219.2 total points.

Injury Report:
Clippers: Norman Powell, (GTD - Knee); Derrick Jones Jr., (OUT - Groin)
Lakers: D'Angelo Russell, (GTD - Ankle); Anthony Davis, (OUT - Thigh); Austin Reaves, (GTD - Calf); LeBron James, (GTD - Foot); Rui Hachimura, (OUT - Knee)

Clippers projections:

  • James Harden, PG/SG: 38.0 FPTS (19.0 pts, 5.1 reb, 7.6 ast, 2.8 3PM)

  • Ivica Zubac, C: 33.7 FPTS (15.6 pts, 12.7 reb, 2.9 ast)

  • Kawhi Leonard, SF/PF: 30.8 FPTS (17.6 pts, 4.8 reb, 3.0 ast)

  • Norman Powell, SG/SF: 30.4 FPTS (18.9 pts, 3.1 reb, 2.5 ast, 2.8 3PM)

  • Kris Dunn, PG: 21.5 FPTS (7.2 pts, 4.1 reb, 3.3 ast)

  • Amir Coffey, SG: 13.2 FPTS (7.8 pts, 1.8 reb, 1.2 ast)

  • Cam Christie, SG: 8.4 FPTS (4.6 pts, 1.2 reb, 0.2 ast)

Lakers projections:

  • LeBron James, SF/PF: 45.3 FPTS (25.0 pts, 8.4 reb, 7.1 ast, 2.2 3PM)

  • Austin Reaves, SG/SF: 37.7 FPTS (19.4 pts, 4.0 reb, 6.3 ast, 2.7 3PM)

  • Jaxson Hayes, C: 16.1 FPTS (6.6 pts, 5.6 reb, 1.7 ast, 1.2 blk)

  • Gabe Vincent, PG: 12.6 FPTS (5.4 pts, 1.4 reb, 1.9 ast)

  • Dalton Knecht, SG/SF: 12.4 FPTS (6.8 pts, 2.1 reb, 1.1 ast)

  • Cam Reddish, SG/SF: 11.0 FPTS (5.1 pts, 1.8 reb, 1.1 ast)