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
Today's eight-game slate opens with a marquee matchup between the top two MVP contenders. The Denver Nuggets visit the West-leading Oklahoma City Thunder in a game that airs at 1 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN+. The teams have split their previous meetings, but a back-to-back series of games could heavily influence the MVP race between Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose odds are shifting with each "Joker" masterpiece.
The second ABC game features the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks in their final showdown of the season. With Phoenix's top-heavy roster and Dallas battling injuries, unexpected fantasy contributors like Bol Bol and Brandon Williams -- who recently dropped a career-high 31 -- have emerged. A surging Dallas forward also stands out in our streaming section.
While Nuggets-Thunder previews a potential Western Conference playoff clash, ESPN's nightcap delivers an Eastern Conference test, as the Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Milwaukee Bucks. Cleveland, riding a 13-game win streak, seeks its first season sweep of Milwaukee since 2008-09.
The rest of Sunday's schedule features notable mismatches in talent, health and motivation. The struggling New Orleans Pelicans, 30 games under .500, face a focused MemphisGrizzlies team gearing up for a playoff push -- an angle worth considering in betting decisions.
Now, let's dive deeper into these matchups and uncover the best betting and fantasy opportunities for this exciting Sunday of hoops.
Sunday's fantasy stream team
Donte DiVincenzo, SG/PG, Minnesota Timberwolves (rostered in 57.7% of ESPN leagues): The most-added player in ESPN leagues over the past week, the "Big Ragu" is back in full force as a two-way combo guard for the Timberwolves. Volume shooting and an elite steal rate are the main elements to bank on. The San Antonio Spurs, Sunday's opponent, lack defensive production at the wing.
Quentin Grimes, SG, Philadelphia 76ers (22.7% rostered): As the focus of the Boston Celtics' defense his last time out, Grimes was unable to get his shot going. Facing a Utah Jazz team without, well, the Celtics' collection of elite defenders, changes things. With Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey all sidelined, Grimes figures to be a massive part of the Philadelphia offense today.
Naji Marshall, SF/PF, Dallas Mavericks (17.1%): Becoming Andre Drummond midway into the season wasn't something I saw coming for Marshall, but things have changed drastically in Dallas in just a matter of weeks. Now a focal point for the team on both sides of the floor, Marshall somehow has 28 rebounds over the past two games. The Phoenix Suns, for their part, have very little size.
Stephon Castle, PG/SG, Spurs (44.2%): The favorite for Rookie of the Year is thriving in an elevated role in recent games. Hovering around 25 points, five rebounds and four assists per game the past week, Castle is already proving capable of taking over games. The Timberwolves do have strong defensive personnel at the point of attack, but I'd be interested in Castle for more than just today's results.
McCormick's favorite bets for Sunday
Odds by ESPN BET
Fantasy owners shouldn't be surprised if LeBron James remains in the top five for total fantasy points for the rest of the season.
Zach Edey OVER 18.5 total points + rebounds (-130)
The New Orleans Pelicans don't have a very good defense. This is particularly true inside, where New Orleans is 29th in defending the restricted area. Edey does much of his damage in the paint, having gone well over this threshold in his two meetings with Yves Missi and the Pelicans' frontcourt. It also helps that the friendly matchup earns Edey more potential playing time, as he could cruise past 20 minutes of run in this setup today.
Brice Sensabaugh OVER 14.5 points (-110)
The Jazz are sitting nearly every proven member of the rotation today, save for Sensabaugh and their young backcourt duo. We already have seen Sensabaugh score efficiently against this porous Philly defense this season. We should also value how much his offensive usage spikes whenever the Jazz sit this many key starters. The path to the over is somewhat clear in a matchup with a Philadelphia team also sending out a series of new names.
Alex Caruso OVER 9.5 total points + assists (-120)
Another somewhat unique play would be riding with this defensive bulldog for his quietly strong offensive profile. In a matchup with Jamal Murray and the Denver Nuggets, I expect to see lots of Caruso today. He's more than merely a stopper, as his time with Chicago afforded Caruso tons of time on the ball and initiating sets, setting him up as a viable pick-and-roll partner with several of the Oklahoma City Thunder's efficient bigs.
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 Oklahoma City Thunder
1 p.m. ET on ABC
Line: Nuggets 7.5 (-105) | Thunder -7.5 (-115)
Money line: Nuggets +260 | Thunder -320
Total: 243.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Thunder by 10.4, straight up 80%, 239.7 total points.
Injury Report:
Nuggets: Aaron Gordon, (GTD - Ankle); Nikola Jokic, (GTD - Ankle); Julian Strawther, (OUT - Knee); DaRon Holmes II, (OUT - Achilles)
Thunder: Ajay Mitchell, (OUT - Toe); Nikola Topic, (OUT - Knee)
Nuggets projections:
Nikola Jokic, C: 54.9 FPTS (27.4 pts, 12.1 reb, 9.0 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Jamal Murray, PG: 42.8 FPTS (25.3 pts, 3.6 reb, 6.3 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Michael Porter Jr., SF: 30.2 FPTS (17.3 pts, 7.5 reb, 2.1 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Christian Braun, SG: 29.6 FPTS (15.7 pts, 5.6 reb, 3.0 ast)
Russell Westbrook, PG: 26.1 FPTS (13.4 pts, 4.5 reb, 4.5 ast)
Aaron Gordon, PF: 24.2 FPTS (13.5 pts, 4.7 reb, 3.1 ast)
Peyton Watson, SF/PF: 14.6 FPTS (7.9 pts, 3.2 reb, 1.3 ast)
Thunder projections:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG: 49.3 FPTS (28.8 pts, 4.8 reb, 5.9 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Jalen Williams, SF/PF/C: 39.6 FPTS (21.3 pts, 5.4 reb, 5.1 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Chet Holmgren, C: 23.3 FPTS (12.7 pts, 6.7 reb, 1.8 ast, 2.1 blk)
Isaiah Hartenstein, C: 23.2 FPTS (8.3 pts, 9.0 reb, 3.2 ast)
Luguentz Dort, SG/SF: 18.8 FPTS (9.3 pts, 3.7 reb, 1.3 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Aaron Wiggins, SG: 18.5 FPTS (8.3 pts, 4.4 reb, 1.6 ast)
Alex Caruso, PG/SG: 18.0 FPTS (6.8 pts, 2.5 reb, 2.5 ast)
Phoenix Suns at Dallas Mavericks
3:30 p.m. ET on ABC
Line: Suns -7.5 (-115) | Mavericks 7.5 (-105)
Money line: Suns -300 | Mavericks +250
Total: 229.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Suns by 8.1, straight up 75%, 230.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Suns: Jusuf Nurkic, (GTD - Neck); Josh Okogie, (OUT - Hamstring); Monte Morris, (OUT - Back)
Mavericks: Kyrie Irving, (OUT - Knee); Dante Exum, (GTD - Foot); Jaden Hardy, (OUT - Ankle); P.J. Washington, (OUT - Ankle); Daniel Gafford, (OUT - Knee); Dereck Lively II, (OUT - Ankle); Olivier-Maxence Prosper, (OUT - Wrist); Maxi Kleber, (OUT - Foot)
Suns projections:
Devin Booker, PG/SG: 47.1 FPTS (28.7 pts, 4.2 reb, 6.8 ast, 2.7 3PM)
Kevin Durant, PF: 43.1 FPTS (27.5 pts, 6.2 reb, 5.0 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Bradley Beal, SG/SF: 31.2 FPTS (17.3 pts, 4.1 reb, 4.3 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Tyus Jones, PG: 21.2 FPTS (9.3 pts, 1.7 reb, 4.0 ast)
Bol Bol, PF/C: 18.9 FPTS (10.1 pts, 4.7 reb, 1.2 ast, 1.5 blk)
Grayson Allen, PG/SG: 18.8 FPTS (8.9 pts, 2.9 reb, 2.1 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Royce O'Neale, SF: 18.3 FPTS (7.4 pts, 3.2 reb, 2.3 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Mavericks projections:
Naji Marshall, SF/PF: 29.5 FPTS (13.8 pts, 6.9 reb, 3.5 ast)
Klay Thompson, SG/SF: 26.3 FPTS (14.0 pts, 3.9 reb, 2.5 ast, 2.8 3PM)
Quentin Grimes, SG: 26.0 FPTS (13.9 pts, 4.4 reb, 3.5 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Spencer Dinwiddie, PG/SG: 21.3 FPTS (10.1 pts, 2.2 reb, 3.8 ast)
Brandon Williams, PG: 21.0 FPTS (12.7 pts, 2.6 reb, 2.5 ast)
Dante Exum, SG: 16.8 FPTS (8.7 pts, 2.0 reb, 2.8 ast)
Kessler Edwards, SF: 16.1 FPTS (6.4 pts, 4.4 reb, 1.7 ast)
Memphis Grizzlies at New Orleans Pelicans
7 p.m. ET
Line: Grizzlies -9.5 (-105) | Pelicans 9.5 (-115)
Money line: Grizzlies -425 | Pelicans +320
Total: 238.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Grizzlies by 3.6, straight up 62%, 244.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Grizzlies: Luke Kennard, (GTD - Back); Santi Aldama, (OUT - Calf); Jaren Jackson Jr., (OUT - Ankle)
Pelicans: Dejounte Murray, (OUT - Achilles); Herbert Jones, (OUT - Shoulder); Brandon Ingram, (OUT - Ankle)
Grizzlies projections:
Desmond Bane, SG/SF: 42.3 FPTS (20.8 pts, 7.5 reb, 5.8 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Ja Morant, PG: 40.4 FPTS (23.3 pts, 4.4 reb, 6.9 ast)
Brandon Clarke, PF: 21.5 FPTS (10.9 pts, 6.3 reb, 1.3 ast)
Jaylen Wells, SG: 21.2 FPTS (10.7 pts, 3.7 reb, 2.2 ast)
Scotty Pippen Jr., PG/SG: 20.5 FPTS (8.8 pts, 3.1 reb, 3.6 ast)
Vince Williams Jr., PG/SG: 19.2 FPTS (8.7 pts, 4.4 reb, 2.6 ast)
Zach Edey, C: 19.0 FPTS (7.6 pts, 8.2 reb, 1.4 ast, 1.3 blk)
Pelicans projections:
Zion Williamson, PF: 34.7 FPTS (22.0 pts, 6.5 reb, 4.3 ast)
Trey Murphy III, SG/SF: 32.3 FPTS (17.1 pts, 4.9 reb, 4.3 ast, 3.1 3PM)
CJ McCollum, PG/SG: 31.1 FPTS (18.9 pts, 3.6 reb, 3.8 ast, 2.9 3PM)
Jose Alvarado, PG: 24.4 FPTS (9.9 pts, 2.6 reb, 3.9 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Yves Missi, C: 17.0 FPTS (8.1 pts, 7.6 reb, 1.1 ast)
Jordan Hawkins, SG: 15.8 FPTS (8.8 pts, 2.4 reb, 1.4 ast)
Javonte Green, SF: 15.3 FPTS (7.4 pts, 3.0 reb, 1.1 ast)
Utah Jazz at Philadelphia 76ers
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Jazz 5.5 (-110) | 76ers -5.5 (-110)
Money line: Jazz +190 | 76ers -225
Total: 227.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Jazz by 1.5, straight up 55%, 227.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Jazz: John Collins, (OUT - Back); Jordan Clarkson, (OUT - Foot); Lauri Markkanen, (OUT - Back); Taylor Hendricks, (OUT - Lower Leg)
76ers: Caleb Martin, (GTD - Hip); Kyle Lowry, (OUT - Hip); Paul George, (OUT - Groin); Tyrese Maxey, (OUT - Back); Eric Gordon, (OUT - Wrist); Jared McCain, (OUT - Knee); Joel Embiid, (OUT - Knee)
Jazz projections:
Keyonte George, PG/SG: 31.7 FPTS (16.6 pts, 3.7 reb, 5.9 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Collin Sexton, PG/SG: 24.9 FPTS (15.6 pts, 2.3 reb, 3.2 ast)
Isaiah Collier, PG: 22.3 FPTS (9.4 pts, 3.5 reb, 5.3 ast)
Kyle Filipowski, PF: 19.8 FPTS (9.1 pts, 6.7 reb, 2.2 ast)
Brice Sensabaugh, SF: 17.0 FPTS (10.0 pts, 2.7 reb, 1.4 ast)
Svi Mykhailiuk, SG: 16.3 FPTS (7.9 pts, 2.4 reb, 2.2 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Cody Williams, SG: 14.3 FPTS (7.3 pts, 2.5 reb, 1.6 ast)
76ers projections:
Kelly Oubre Jr., SG/SF: 35.0 FPTS (20.2 pts, 5.6 reb, 2.5 ast)
Andre Drummond, C: 23.2 FPTS (10.8 pts, 8.7 reb, 1.4 ast)
Guerschon Yabusele, PF: 21.2 FPTS (8.3 pts, 5.8 reb, 2.3 ast)
Caleb Martin, SG/SF: 20.5 FPTS (9.5 pts, 3.8 reb, 2.3 ast)
KJ Martin, SF: 14.8 FPTS (8.4 pts, 3.5 reb, 1.0 ast)
Ricky Council IV, SG: 12.6 FPTS (7.6 pts, 1.5 reb, 1.2 ast)
Jeff Dowtin Jr., PG: 11.6 FPTS (5.8 pts, 1.1 reb, 2.1 ast)
Cleveland Cavaliers at Milwaukee Bucks
8 p.m. ET on ESPN
Line: Cavaliers -9.5 (-105) | Bucks 9.5 (-115)
Money line: Cavaliers -400 | Bucks +300
Total: 238.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Cavaliers by 6.8, straight up 71%, 239.9 total points.
Injury Report:
Cavaliers: None reported
Bucks: Gary Trent Jr., (GTD - Knee); Pat Connaughton, (GTD - Calf); Ryan Rollins, (GTD - Personal); Bobby Portis, (OUT - Suspension)
Cavaliers projections:
Donovan Mitchell, PG/SG: 42.2 FPTS (24.2 pts, 4.1 reb, 4.9 ast, 3.2 3PM)
Darius Garland, PG: 35.7 FPTS (18.9 pts, 2.3 reb, 6.3 ast, 2.6 3PM)
Evan Mobley, PF/C: 32.9 FPTS (17.5 pts, 9.3 reb, 3.3 ast, 1.5 blk)
Jarrett Allen, C: 26.7 FPTS (12.8 pts, 9.3 reb, 1.6 ast)
Ty Jerome, PG: 21.1 FPTS (10.3 pts, 2.7 reb, 2.8 ast)
Max Strus, SG/SF: 19.8 FPTS (8.2 pts, 3.7 reb, 2.7 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Sam Merrill, SG: 12.6 FPTS (6.4 pts, 1.8 reb, 1.1 ast)
Bucks projections:
Giannis Antetokounmpo, PF/C: 45.5 FPTS (30.3 pts, 10.7 reb, 5.5 ast)
Damian Lillard, PG: 44.2 FPTS (26.2 pts, 4.2 reb, 6.6 ast, 3.4 3PM)
Brook Lopez, C: 22.4 FPTS (12.0 pts, 4.7 reb, 1.9 ast, 1.8 3PM, 1.9 blk)
Tyler Smith, SF: 22.0 FPTS (10.6 pts, 4.9 reb, 2.2 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Taurean Prince, SF: 19.8 FPTS (9.0 pts, 3.8 reb, 2.2 ast, 1.8 3PM)
AJ Green, SG: 12.7 FPTS (6.4 pts, 1.7 reb, 1.4 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Gary Trent Jr., SG: 6.4 FPTS (3.2 pts, 0.7 reb, 0.8 ast)
San Antonio Spurs at Minnesota Timberwolves
8 p.m. ET
Line: Spurs 11.5 (-110) | Timberwolves -11.5 (-110)
Money line: Spurs +400 | Timberwolves -600
Total: 233.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Timberwolves by 7.7, straight up 74%, 226.3 total points.
Injury Report:
Spurs: Charles Bassey, (OUT - Knee); Victor Wembanyama, (OUT - Shoulder)
Timberwolves: Luka Garza, (GTD - Ankle); Rudy Gobert, (GTD - Back)
Spurs projections:
Devin Vassell, SG/SF: 30.0 FPTS (16.5 pts, 3.5 reb, 3.0 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Chris Paul, PG: 26.5 FPTS (9.8 pts, 2.8 reb, 5.7 ast)
Stephon Castle, PG/SG: 22.0 FPTS (12.8 pts, 3.2 reb, 2.9 ast)
Keldon Johnson, SF/PF: 19.5 FPTS (11.5 pts, 3.6 reb, 1.6 ast)
Jeremy Sochan, PF: 19.4 FPTS (9.4 pts, 5.7 reb, 2.2 ast)
Harrison Barnes, PF: 16.6 FPTS (10.2 pts, 3.2 reb, 1.3 ast)
Julian Champagnie, SF: 15.1 FPTS (7.4 pts, 2.2 reb, 1.5 ast)
Timberwolves projections:
Anthony Edwards, SG/SF: 48.9 FPTS (28.5 pts, 6.0 reb, 5.7 ast, 3.7 3PM)
Julius Randle, PF: 35.9 FPTS (19.0 pts, 7.1 reb, 5.0 ast)
Naz Reid, PF/C: 32.0 FPTS (16.5 pts, 7.4 reb, 2.8 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Jaden McDaniels, SF: 30.7 FPTS (14.3 pts, 6.3 reb, 2.7 ast)
Rudy Gobert, C: 26.5 FPTS (12.8 pts, 9.4 reb, 2.1 ast, 1.3 blk)
Donte DiVincenzo, SG: 26.2 FPTS (11.7 pts, 3.4 reb, 3.3 ast, 2.6 3PM)
Mike Conley, PG: 20.6 FPTS (7.7 pts, 1.9 reb, 3.8 ast)
Detroit Pistons at Portland Trail Blazers
9 p.m. ET
Line: Pistons -2.5 (-115) | Blazers 2.5 (-105)
Money line: Pistons -140 | Blazers +120
Total: 232.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Pistons by 3.4, straight up 61%, 228.6 total points.
Injury Report:
Pistons: Jaden Ivey, (OUT - Lower Leg)
Blazers: Deni Avdija, (GTD - Quadriceps); Jabari Walker, (GTD - Hand); Matisse Thybulle, (OUT - Ankle); Robert Williams III, (OUT - Knee); Deandre Ayton, (OUT - Calf)
Pistons projections:
Cade Cunningham, PG/SG: 46.3 FPTS (26.8 pts, 5.7 reb, 7.9 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Tobias Harris, SF/PF: 26.3 FPTS (14.2 pts, 5.9 reb, 2.2 ast)
Jalen Duren, C: 25.1 FPTS (11.5 pts, 9.8 reb, 2.4 ast, 1.2 blk)
Malik Beasley, SG: 22.7 FPTS (13.0 pts, 2.2 reb, 1.6 ast, 3.4 3PM)
Ausar Thompson, SF/PF: 19.1 FPTS (9.0 pts, 4.8 reb, 2.3 ast)
Tim Hardaway Jr., SG/SF: 15.8 FPTS (8.6 pts, 2.3 reb, 1.8 ast)
Isaiah Stewart, PF/C: 15.3 FPTS (6.5 pts, 5.5 reb, 2.0 ast, 1.6 blk)
Blazers projections:
Anfernee Simons, PG/SG: 36.6 FPTS (21.5 pts, 2.9 reb, 5.4 ast, 3.0 3PM)
Shaedon Sharpe, SG/SF: 29.3 FPTS (18.6 pts, 4.2 reb, 3.1 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Toumani Camara, SF/PF: 26.7 FPTS (12.1 pts, 6.2 reb, 2.4 ast)
Jerami Grant, PF: 25.1 FPTS (15.6 pts, 3.3 reb, 2.1 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Scoot Henderson, PG: 24.3 FPTS (13.1 pts, 2.5 reb, 4.2 ast)
Deni Avdija, SF/PF: 22.8 FPTS (13.4 pts, 4.4 reb, 2.9 ast)
Donovan Clingan, C: 16.0 FPTS (6.6 pts, 7.2 reb, 1.4 ast, 1.8 blk)
Sacramento Kings at LA Clippers
9:30 p.m. ET
Line: Kings 5.5 (EVEN) | Clippers -5.5 (-120)
Money line: Kings +180 | Clippers -215
Total: 218.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Clippers by 7, straight up 72%, 225.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Kings: Domantas Sabonis, (OUT - Hamstring); Malik Monk, (OUT - Toe); Colby Jones, (GTD - Achilles)
Clippers: Kai Jones, (OUT - Quadriceps); Norman Powell, (OUT - Hamstring)
Kings projections:
De'Aaron Fox, PG: 41.0 FPTS (22.2 pts, 3.8 reb, 6.2 ast, 1.9 3PM)
DeMar DeRozan, SF/PF: 36.3 FPTS (23.0 pts, 3.5 reb, 4.8 ast)
Keegan Murray, SF/PF: 24.8 FPTS (13.2 pts, 5.5 reb, 1.7 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Keon Ellis, SG: 19.1 FPTS (7.5 pts, 3.5 reb, 1.5 ast)
Trey Lyles, PF: 13.9 FPTS (5.6 pts, 3.7 reb, 1.7 ast)
Isaac Jones, C/PF: 4.7 FPTS (1.6 pts, 1.4 reb, 1.0 ast)
Clippers projections:
James Harden, PG/SG: 39.5 FPTS (20.3 pts, 5.0 reb, 7.6 ast, 3.0 3PM)
Kawhi Leonard, SF/PF: 35.9 FPTS (20.4 pts, 5.5 reb, 3.5 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Ivica Zubac, C: 35.4 FPTS (16.6 pts, 12.6 reb, 3.0 ast)
Kris Dunn, PG: 22.8 FPTS (7.8 pts, 4.0 reb, 3.5 ast)
Kevin Porter Jr., SG: 16.5 FPTS (7.3 pts, 2.6 reb, 3.1 ast)
Derrick Jones Jr., SF: 15.9 FPTS (8.1 pts, 3.0 reb, 1.1 ast)
Amir Coffey, SG: 12.9 FPTS (7.4 pts, 1.6 reb, 1.4 ast)