March opens with six interesting NBA matchups. While we learned on Friday that Joel Embiid will miss the rest of the season due to a lingering knee injury, we do get to see Stephen Curry make his annual stop in South Philly tonight in a game that airs on ABC. The question is how many deep 3-pointers will Curry hit?
The most encouraging offensive climate is found in Tennessee tonight, with the Memphis Grizzlies hosting the San Antonio Spurs in a contest with a total north of 240 points. Both teams are top eight in pace the past 10 games, with Memphis nearly leading the league during this sample, suggesting added possessions. Identifying a game that could include a good deal of additional opportunities helps when seeking DFS options and player props. We identify two streaming candidates from this game in the section below.
Finding a compelling angle for a tilt between the Washington Wizards and the Charlotte Hornets, two teams with a combined 24 wins, begins with the Wizards' young backcourt. It's been difficult to find much value on the Hornets this season, but Washington has recently turned over the offense to rookie guards Keyshawn George and Bub Carrington. Don't be surprised if this duo delivers fun fantasy results this evening.
Let's delve deeper into these matchups and uncover the most promising opportunities for this Saturday of hoops.
What you need to know for Saturday's games
Keldon Johnson, SF/PF (Rostered in 26.0% of ESPN leagues)
The loss of Victor Wembenyama clearly changed the trajectory of the Spurs' season. It also changed Johnson's role; he's become a key scoring option in recent games after spending much of the season as a complementary piece. The big total in Saturday night's game and the fact Memphis is on the second leg of a back-to-back add to the upside. It's also worth looking at Santi Aldama from the Memphis frontcourt if he's still available in your league.
Brandin Podziemski, SG/PG, Golden State Warriors (32.5%)
While his value would leap if Butler is ruled out, Podziemski has proven productive in several different lineup looks lately. His ability to find production as a glue guy has been valuable. Without the need for tons of shots to deliver a good line, Podziemski has some of the better rebounding results for a guard in the league. The 76ers, meanwhile, are smaller in the backcourt and among the worst rebounding teams in the league.
Malik Beasley, SG, Washington Wizards (37.7%)
A true specialist, Beasley leads the entire league with 239 3-pointers, just ahead of Anthony Edwards and Stephen Curry. He's also a true specialist in that you can't expect much production outside of those columns. It helps that the Brooklyn Nets are an ideal opponent for Beasley given the floor-spacing that will likely surface in this matchup.
Day'Ron Sharpe,C, Brooklyn Nets (5.4%)
There is some risk present with Sharpe, and really any player on the Nets. The team just isn't running out consistent rotations and lineup looks, but Sharpe has thrived when given real work. Just look at the massive double-double he produced against the Thunder recently. If the minutes are there, the numbers should be too.
McCormick bets for Saturday
Tyrese Maxey over 34.5 combined points and assists (-110)
With Joel Embiid out, Tyrese Maxey will see increased usage -- but also more defensive attention. However, the Warriors lack elite point-of-attack defenders, making it difficult for them to contain Maxey when he's on the move. Even with Philly positioned as sizable underdogs, Maxey has the ability to shift into a playmaking role whenever Golden State applies extra pressure. He has averaged 11.1 potential assists over his past 10 games while still putting up more than 26 points per game, giving him multiple avenues to impact the game offensively.
Fred VanVleet over 7.5 combined rebounds and assists (-140)
It's difficult to gauge Fred VanVleet's price given that this is his first game back after an extended injury absence. However, with the veteran guard expected to play a significant role in his return, I'm willing to take on the number, which seems fairly aligned with his usual production. There is some risk of a restricted workload, but that concern also appears to be factored into the line. Additionally, I'm eyeing Zach LaVine over 7.5 rebounds and assists at this same price, making for a compelling same-game parlay for those looking to add more action.
Kyle Kuzma over 18.5 combined points and assists (-115)
The Bucks have struggled on the road, but the focus here isn't on Milwaukee's road woes -- it's on Kyle Kuzma's ability to generate offense. Kuzma has surpassed this line in three of his past four games, showing an increased offensive role, particularly with Bobby Portis out due to suspension. His expanded workload gives him multiple opportunities to hit this mark against a Dallas team that has had its own defensive inconsistencies. Given his recent form and the necessity for added scoring, Kuzma has several clear paths to covering this line.
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
Washington Wizards at Charlotte Hornets
6 p.m. ET
Line: Wizards 3.5 (-105) | Hornets -3.5 (-115)
Money line: Wizards +145 | Hornets -170
Total: 218.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Hornets by 3.3, straight up 61%, 221.8 total points.
Injury Report:
Wizards: Alex Sarr, (GTD - Ankle); Jordan Poole, (OUT - Elbow); Malcolm Brogdon, (OUT - Ankle); Saddiq Bey, (OUT - Knee)
Hornets: Jusuf Nurkic, (GTD - Illness); LaMelo Ball, (GTD - Ankle); Tidjane Salaun, (GTD - Ankle); Josh Okogie, (OUT - Hamstring); Brandon Miller, (OUT - Wrist); Grant Williams, (OUT - Knee); Tre Mann, (OUT - Back)
Wizards projections:
Bilal Coulibaly, SG/SF: 25.2 FPTS (12.1 pts, 5.2 reb, 3.9 ast)
Khris Middleton, SF: 20.8 FPTS (9.9 pts, 3.5 reb, 3.3 ast)
Kyshawn George, SG/SF: 20.2 FPTS (9.5 pts, 4.5 reb, 2.4 ast)
Alex Sarr, PF/C: 20.2 FPTS (9.2 pts, 5.6 reb, 2.3 ast)
Bub Carrington, PG/SG: 18.5 FPTS (8.3 pts, 3.3 reb, 3.1 ast)
Corey Kispert, SG/SF: 17.8 FPTS (10.6 pts, 2.8 reb, 1.3 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Marcus Smart, PG/SG: 16.4 FPTS (7.9 pts, 1.8 reb, 2.4 ast)
Hornets projections:
Miles Bridges, SF/PF: 37.2 FPTS (20.4 pts, 7.7 reb, 3.6 ast, 2.1 3PM)
LaMelo Ball, PG: 36.9 FPTS (20.2 pts, 3.8 reb, 4.9 ast, 3.4 3PM)
Mark Williams, C: 28.2 FPTS (13.2 pts, 10.7 reb, 2.0 ast)
Nick Smith Jr., SG: 22.4 FPTS (12.3 pts, 3.0 reb, 2.7 ast, 2.1 3PM)
KJ Simpson, PG: 20.1 FPTS (9.5 pts, 3.7 reb, 2.9 ast)
Josh Green, SG/SF: 16.7 FPTS (8.7 pts, 2.0 reb, 1.5 ast)
Moussa Diabate, PF: 14.3 FPTS (7.1 pts, 4.7 reb, 1.0 ast)
Brooklyn Nets at Detroit Pistons
7 p.m. ET
Line: Nets 11.5 (-115) | Pistons -11.5 (-105)
Money line: Nets +400 | Pistons -600
Total: 216.5 (-105 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Pistons by 8.5, straight up 76%, 220.2 total points.
Injury Report:
Nets: D'Angelo Russell, (GTD - Ankle); Dariq Whitehead, (GTD - Knee); Noah Clowney, (GTD - Ankle); De'Anthony Melton, (OUT - Knee)
Pistons: Jaden Ivey, (OUT - Lower Leg)
Nets projections:
Cam Thomas, SG/SF: 32.0 FPTS (22.5 pts, 3.0 reb, 3.1 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Cameron Johnson, SF/PF: 28.9 FPTS (16.6 pts, 3.9 reb, 2.9 ast, 2.7 3PM)
Nic Claxton, C: 24.3 FPTS (11.7 pts, 7.9 reb, 2.0 ast, 2.1 blk)
Keon Johnson, SG: 23.8 FPTS (12.3 pts, 4.0 reb, 2.3 ast)
Ziaire Williams, SF: 19.7 FPTS (9.6 pts, 4.8 reb, 1.5 ast)
Day'Ron Sharpe, C: 18.2 FPTS (8.3 pts, 5.7 reb, 1.8 ast)
Jalen Wilson, PF: 17.0 FPTS (9.3 pts, 3.0 reb, 1.8 ast)
Pistons projections:
Cade Cunningham, PG/SG: 46.7 FPTS (25.7 pts, 5.8 reb, 8.1 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Tobias Harris, SF/PF: 25.5 FPTS (13.3 pts, 5.5 reb, 2.1 ast)
Jalen Duren, C: 25.2 FPTS (11.1 pts, 9.5 reb, 2.5 ast)
Dennis Schroder, PG: 22.4 FPTS (10.8 pts, 2.1 reb, 4.1 ast)
Malik Beasley, SG: 21.6 FPTS (11.8 pts, 2.2 reb, 1.8 ast, 3.1 3PM)
Ausar Thompson, SF/PF: 20.5 FPTS (9.3 pts, 5.1 reb, 2.4 ast)
Tim Hardaway Jr., SG/SF: 15.3 FPTS (8.4 pts, 2.0 reb, 1.6 ast)
Sacramento Kings at Houston Rockets
8 p.m. ET
Line: Kings 5.5 (-115) | Rockets -5.5 (-105)
Money line: Kings +170 | Rockets -200
Total: 230.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Rockets by 5.5, straight up 68%, 229.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Kings: None reported
Rockets: Cody Zeller, (OUT - Personal)
Kings projections:
Domantas Sabonis, PF/C: 40.8 FPTS (18.4 pts, 13.0 reb, 6.4 ast)
DeMar DeRozan, SF/PF: 37.2 FPTS (23.2 pts, 3.6 reb, 4.5 ast)
Zach LaVine, SG/SF: 34.5 FPTS (21.2 pts, 3.9 reb, 4.8 ast, 2.9 3PM)
Malik Monk, SG/SF: 33.7 FPTS (17.4 pts, 3.6 reb, 5.9 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Keegan Murray, SF/PF: 25.1 FPTS (13.0 pts, 5.4 reb, 1.8 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Keon Ellis, SG: 16.0 FPTS (7.0 pts, 2.2 reb, 1.5 ast)
Jonas Valanciunas, C: 15.7 FPTS (7.7 pts, 5.1 reb, 1.9 ast)
Rockets projections:
Jalen Green, SG: 35.2 FPTS (21.6 pts, 4.2 reb, 3.7 ast, 2.8 3PM)
Alperen Sengun, C: 34.3 FPTS (17.7 pts, 8.9 reb, 4.2 ast)
Fred VanVleet, PG: 33.0 FPTS (14.3 pts, 3.3 reb, 5.4 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Amen Thompson, SG/SF/PF: 31.0 FPTS (15.6 pts, 8.2 reb, 4.3 ast)
Tari Eason, SF/PF: 23.9 FPTS (11.7 pts, 5.8 reb, 1.2 ast)
Dillon Brooks, SG/SF: 22.5 FPTS (13.0 pts, 3.3 reb, 1.8 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Jabari Smith Jr., PF/C: 19.1 FPTS (11.5 pts, 5.0 reb, 0.9 ast)
San Antonio Spurs at Memphis Grizzlies
8 p.m. ET
Line: Spurs 8.5 (EVEN) | Grizzlies -8.5 (-120)
Money line: Spurs +290 | Grizzlies -380
Total: 244.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Grizzlies by 10.8, straight up 81%, 243.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Spurs: Charles Bassey, (OUT - Knee); Riley Minix, (OUT - Shoulder); Victor Wembanyama, (OUT - Shoulder)
Grizzlies: GG Jackson, (GTD - Eye)
Spurs projections:
De'Aaron Fox, PG: 41.2 FPTS (22.1 pts, 4.4 reb, 6.2 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Chris Paul, PG: 27.6 FPTS (10.3 pts, 3.3 reb, 5.5 ast)
Devin Vassell, SG/SF: 25.9 FPTS (14.3 pts, 3.0 reb, 2.6 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Keldon Johnson, SF/PF: 20.3 FPTS (12.4 pts, 3.7 reb, 1.5 ast)
Stephon Castle, PG/SG: 19.1 FPTS (10.7 pts, 3.1 reb, 2.3 ast)
Jeremy Sochan, PF: 18.3 FPTS (9.0 pts, 5.0 reb, 2.1 ast)
Harrison Barnes, PF: 17.7 FPTS (10.6 pts, 3.9 reb, 1.2 ast)
Grizzlies projections:
Desmond Bane, SG/SF: 36.9 FPTS (18.9 pts, 5.8 reb, 5.3 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Ja Morant, PG: 34.6 FPTS (19.7 pts, 3.7 reb, 6.4 ast)
Jaren Jackson Jr., PF/C: 31.2 FPTS (20.3 pts, 4.9 reb, 2.3 ast, 1.5 blk)
Santi Aldama, SF/PF/C: 22.3 FPTS (9.5 pts, 5.2 reb, 2.6 ast)
Zach Edey, C: 16.9 FPTS (7.1 pts, 7.5 reb, 1.3 ast, 1.3 blk)
Jaylen Wells, SG: 16.2 FPTS (8.9 pts, 2.7 reb, 1.4 ast)
Luke Kennard, SG: 15.8 FPTS (6.6 pts, 2.1 reb, 2.7 ast)
Golden State Warriors at Philadelphia 76ers
8:30 p.m. ET on ABC
Line: Warriors -8.5 (EVEN) | 76ers 8.5 (-120)
Money line: Warriors -320 | 76ers +260
Total: 227.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Warriors by 6.9, straight up 72%, 222.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Warriors: Jonathan Kuminga, (OUT - Ankle)
76ers: Kyle Lowry, (OUT - Hip); Eric Gordon, (OUT - Wrist); Jared McCain, (OUT - Knee); Joel Embiid, (OUT - Knee)
Warriors projections:
Stephen Curry, PG: 45.0 FPTS (26.7 pts, 4.0 reb, 6.0 ast, 4.5 3PM)
Jimmy Butler, SG/SF/PF: 33.6 FPTS (16.8 pts, 5.3 reb, 5.2 ast)
Brandin Podziemski, PG/SG: 28.8 FPTS (12.8 pts, 5.5 reb, 3.8 ast)
Draymond Green, PF/C: 28.4 FPTS (10.9 pts, 5.7 reb, 5.7 ast)
Moses Moody, SG/SF: 19.6 FPTS (12.2 pts, 2.5 reb, 1.3 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Quinten Post, C: 19.0 FPTS (9.4 pts, 4.3 reb, 1.8 ast)
Buddy Hield, SG/SF: 17.2 FPTS (8.8 pts, 2.4 reb, 1.6 ast, 2.0 3PM)
76ers projections:
Tyrese Maxey, PG/SG: 49.6 FPTS (28.8 pts, 3.2 reb, 6.5 ast, 3.3 3PM)
Paul George, SF/PF: 36.6 FPTS (19.0 pts, 5.6 reb, 4.4 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Kelly Oubre Jr., SG/SF: 34.0 FPTS (19.3 pts, 6.6 reb, 2.1 ast)
Quentin Grimes, SG: 19.5 FPTS (9.6 pts, 3.8 reb, 2.4 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Andre Drummond, C: 16.9 FPTS (8.5 pts, 5.8 reb, 1.2 ast)
Ricky Council IV, SG: 14.9 FPTS (8.8 pts, 2.0 reb, 1.5 ast)
Justin Edwards, SF: 13.8 FPTS (5.1 pts, 3.3 reb, 1.5 ast)
Milwaukee Bucks at Dallas Mavericks
8:30 p.m. ET
Line: Bucks -3.5 (-110) | Mavericks 3.5 (-110)
Money line: Bucks -155 | Mavericks +135
Total: 227.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Bucks by 0.8, straight up 53%, 228.6 total points.
Injury Report:
Bucks: Damian Lillard, (GTD - Hamstring); Giannis Antetokounmpo, (GTD - Calf); Pat Connaughton, (OUT - Calf); Bobby Portis, (OUT - Suspension)
Mavericks: P.J. Washington, (GTD - Ankle); Caleb Martin, (OUT - Hip); Anthony Davis, (OUT - Thigh); Daniel Gafford, (OUT - Knee); Dereck Lively II, (OUT - Ankle)
Bucks projections:
Damian Lillard, PG: 43.8 FPTS (25.3 pts, 4.5 reb, 7.1 ast, 3.3 3PM)
Giannis Antetokounmpo, PF/C: 43.4 FPTS (28.5 pts, 11.0 reb, 5.6 ast)
Kyle Kuzma, SF/PF: 31.5 FPTS (19.4 pts, 7.2 reb, 3.1 ast)
Brook Lopez, C: 24.3 FPTS (13.2 pts, 5.1 reb, 2.0 ast, 1.9 3PM, 2.0 blk)
Tyler Smith, SF: 21.0 FPTS (10.4 pts, 4.7 reb, 2.3 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Gary Trent Jr., SG: 19.4 FPTS (10.7 pts, 2.2 reb, 1.5 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Taurean Prince, SF: 18.0 FPTS (8.0 pts, 3.6 reb, 2.2 ast)
Mavericks projections:
Kyrie Irving, PG/SG: 45.1 FPTS (26.1 pts, 4.8 reb, 5.6 ast, 2.8 3PM)
P.J. Washington, PF: 26.9 FPTS (12.3 pts, 8.2 reb, 2.7 ast)
Naji Marshall, SF/PF: 20.8 FPTS (9.5 pts, 5.2 reb, 2.7 ast)
Max Christie, SG: 19.4 FPTS (8.8 pts, 3.9 reb, 2.7 ast)
Klay Thompson, SG/SF: 18.0 FPTS (8.2 pts, 3.6 reb, 2.1 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Spencer Dinwiddie, PG/SG: 17.1 FPTS (8.0 pts, 1.8 reb, 3.2 ast)
Dante Exum, SG: 15.7 FPTS (7.6 pts, 1.6 reb, 2.8 ast)