Tuesday night is the first in almost a week with no NCAA men's college basketball games played, and the NBA is stepping in to fill that gap with eight games on tap. We are well into the fantasy hoops playoffs in most leagues, so these games mean a bit more for many of us.
One game that catches the eye immediately features Jimmy Butler making his return to Miami as the Warriors face the Heat. It is unclear whether Stephen Curry (questionable, pelvis) will be able to play, but he traveled with the team and practiced on Monday.
Another game with potential NBA postseason ramifications featuring a former player facing their old team happens in New York, where Jalen Brunson and the Knicks will host the Mavericks. The Mavs are fighting for their postseason lives, currently tied for 10th place and the final play-in spot out West. Anthony Davis returned from his groin injury on Monday but is expected to sit tonight on the second half of a back-to-back.
These and many other storylines will be on display tonight. As always, let's dig further into the matchups and identify some fantasy hoops streamer and betting angles of interest.
Tuesday's fantasy stream team
Spencer Dinwiddie, Dallas Mavericks (Available in 65.7% ESPN leagues)
Dinwiddie moved into a starting role for the Mavericks last week and further stepped up the strong play that won him the job on the injury-depleted Mavs. In those three starts, Dinwiddie has averaged 21.3 PPG, 10.3 APG, 3.0 SPG and 2.0 3PG with two points-assists double-doubles.
Jaylin Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder (97.1% available)
Williams, not to be confused with his more well-known teammate Jalen, has gotten more opportunity of late as the Thunder have scaled down their starters in preparation for the playoffs. Williams has scored in double-figures in three straight games, including a whopping 19-point, 17-rebound, 11-assist triple-double against the 76ers, and in that stretch is averaging 15.0 PPG, 9.7 RPG and 5.7 APG in 25.3 MPG.
Kel'el Ware, C, Miami Heat (78.5% available)
Ware is quietly finishing off a strong rookie season on a high note. In his last five games, he has averaged 14.3 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 1.0 SPG and 0.8 3PG with three points-rebounds double-doubles.
Dre's bets for Tuesday
Warriors -5.5 (-110) at Heat
While the storyline of Jimmy Butler's return to South Beach catches the eye, the more pertinent story is that the Warriors are locked in a race for playoff positioning while the Heat aren't. The Warriors are currently in the sixth and final playoff seed out West, but are only two games out of the fourth seed and home court advantage while simultaneously only one game ahead of the eighth seed and the play-in. The Heat, on the other hand, are effectively locked into the bottom play-in game in the East, sitting in 10th place, 5.5 games ahead of 11th and 3.5 games behind eighth. The Warriors will be more incentivized to push for this win, and of course, Butler is known as one of the most emotional players in the league so it wouldn't be surprising to see him have a monster game against his former squad.
Naji Marshall over 17.5 points (-105)
This line doesn't seem to reflect who Marshall has become for the Mavericks down the stretch. Marshall has scored at least 19 points in nine of his past 10 games, including five straight. In those 10 games, he has averaged 22.6 PPG, including 22 points off the bench last night with Anthony Davis back in the starting lineup. If Davis (injury management) sits, as expected, Marshall should just continue to be the primary scoring option for the Mavs.
Devin Vassell over 19.5 points (-105)
Vassell has stepped up his scoring for the Spurs since Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox went down for the season. He has scored 20 or more points in four of his past six games, consistently leading the way for San Antonio. His main scoring running mate has been rookie Stephon Castle, but Castle is questionable to play on Tuesday with a hyperextended knee. If Castle can't go, Vassell could be even more of a scoring focal point for the Spurs.
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 Charlotte Hornets
7 p.m. ET
Line: Magic -6.5 (EVEN) | Hornets 6.5 (-120)
Money line: Magic -230 | Hornets +195
Total: 213.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Magic by 2.1, straight up 57%, 208.0 total points.
Injury Report:
Magic: Cole Anthony, (GTD - Toe); Trevelin Queen, (GTD - Ankle); Jalen Suggs, (OUT - Knee); Moritz Wagner, (OUT - Knee)
Hornets: Josh Okogie, (GTD - Hamstring); Brandon Miller, (OUT - Wrist); Grant Williams, (OUT - Knee); Tre Mann, (OUT - Back)
Magic projections:
Paolo Banchero, SF/PF: 44.9 FPTS (28.1 pts, 6.5 reb, 5.1 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Franz Wagner, SF/PF: 39.8 FPTS (21.3 pts, 5.2 reb, 4.9 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Cole Anthony, PG: 22.6 FPTS (11.9 pts, 3.3 reb, 3.0 ast)
Wendell Carter Jr., C: 21.3 FPTS (9.9 pts, 7.6 reb, 1.4 ast)
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG/SF: 19.4 FPTS (9.3 pts, 1.9 reb, 2.0 ast)
Anthony Black, PG/SG: 17.4 FPTS (8.2 pts, 2.6 reb, 2.6 ast)
Cory Joseph, PG: 12.2 FPTS (4.8 pts, 1.6 reb, 2.3 ast)
Hornets projections:
LaMelo Ball, PG: 41.2 FPTS (22.4 pts, 4.4 reb, 6.3 ast, 3.6 3PM)
Miles Bridges, SF/PF: 37.9 FPTS (21.0 pts, 7.3 reb, 3.9 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Mark Williams, C: 26.1 FPTS (12.8 pts, 8.9 reb, 2.1 ast)
Nick Smith Jr., SG: 21.0 FPTS (11.3 pts, 2.9 reb, 2.6 ast, 2.0 3PM)
KJ Simpson, PG: 15.6 FPTS (7.2 pts, 2.7 reb, 2.3 ast)
Josh Green, SG/SF: 14.2 FPTS (7.0 pts, 1.7 reb, 1.6 ast)
DaQuan Jeffries, SG: 14.2 FPTS (7.9 pts, 2.9 reb, 1.0 ast)
San Antonio Spurs at Detroit Pistons
7 p.m. ET
Line: Spurs 10.5 (-105) | Pistons -10.5 (-115)
Money line: Spurs +400 | Pistons -600
Total: 233.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Pistons by 8, straight up 74%, 234.6 total points.
Injury Report:
Spurs: Stephon Castle, (GTD - Knee); Charles Bassey, (OUT - Knee); De'Aaron Fox, (OUT - Finger); Riley Minix, (OUT - Shoulder); Victor Wembanyama, (OUT - Shoulder)
Pistons: Cade Cunningham, (GTD - Calf); Tim Hardaway Jr., (GTD - Ankle); Jaden Ivey, (OUT - Lower Leg)
Spurs projections:
Devin Vassell, SG/SF: 32.4 FPTS (17.9 pts, 4.4 reb, 3.1 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Chris Paul, PG: 26.2 FPTS (9.7 pts, 3.3 reb, 5.4 ast)
Keldon Johnson, SF/PF: 22.6 FPTS (12.3 pts, 5.2 reb, 1.7 ast)
Jeremy Sochan, PF: 22.0 FPTS (11.3 pts, 6.4 reb, 2.2 ast)
Stephon Castle, PG/SG: 22.0 FPTS (12.3 pts, 3.1 reb, 3.3 ast)
Julian Champagnie, SF: 17.8 FPTS (9.1 pts, 3.3 reb, 1.4 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Harrison Barnes, PF: 17.6 FPTS (11.1 pts, 3.1 reb, 1.3 ast)
Pistons projections:
Cade Cunningham, PG/SG: 43.1 FPTS (25.4 pts, 5.2 reb, 7.5 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Tobias Harris, SF/PF: 25.5 FPTS (13.3 pts, 5.6 reb, 2.1 ast)
Jalen Duren, C: 24.0 FPTS (11.0 pts, 9.6 reb, 2.3 ast)
Dennis Schroder, PG: 23.1 FPTS (12.1 pts, 2.1 reb, 4.3 ast)
Malik Beasley, SG: 20.1 FPTS (11.5 pts, 2.2 reb, 1.7 ast, 3.0 3PM)
Ausar Thompson, SF/PF: 15.6 FPTS (7.2 pts, 3.7 reb, 1.9 ast)
Ronald Holland II, SF: 12.3 FPTS (6.7 pts, 2.4 reb, 1.6 ast)
Golden State Warriors at Miami Heat
7:30 p.m. ET on TNT
Line: Warriors -5.5 (-115) | Heat 5.5 (-105)
Money line: Warriors -225 | Heat +190
Total: 216.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Warriors by 3.9, straight up 63%, 219.8 total points.
Injury Report:
Warriors: Stephen Curry, (GTD - Pelvis)
Heat: Duncan Robinson, (GTD - Back); Nikola Jovic, (OUT - Hand); Dru Smith, (OUT - Achilles)
Warriors projections:
Stephen Curry, PG: 36.4 FPTS (20.8 pts, 3.6 reb, 5.2 ast, 3.7 3PM)
Draymond Green, PF/C: 29.0 FPTS (11.4 pts, 6.5 reb, 5.7 ast)
Brandin Podziemski, PG/SG: 28.1 FPTS (13.6 pts, 5.8 reb, 3.3 ast)
Jonathan Kuminga, PF: 21.5 FPTS (13.8 pts, 3.5 reb, 2.1 ast)
Moses Moody, SG/SF: 21.1 FPTS (12.3 pts, 3.0 reb, 1.8 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Quinten Post, C: 18.4 FPTS (9.7 pts, 4.8 reb, 1.2 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Heat projections:
Tyler Herro, PG/SG: 41.6 FPTS (23.0 pts, 4.6 reb, 6.0 ast, 3.2 3PM)
Bam Adebayo, PF/C: 38.9 FPTS (19.6 pts, 8.5 reb, 4.3 ast)
Andrew Wiggins, SF/PF: 30.8 FPTS (19.6 pts, 3.9 reb, 2.9 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Kel'el Ware, C: 21.6 FPTS (8.9 pts, 9.1 reb, 1.2 ast)
Davion Mitchell, PG: 19.0 FPTS (8.6 pts, 2.1 reb, 3.9 ast)
Haywood Highsmith, SF: 16.1 FPTS (6.5 pts, 3.0 reb, 1.7 ast)
Duncan Robinson, SF: 15.8 FPTS (8.3 pts, 1.7 reb, 2.0 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Dallas Mavericks at New York Knicks
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Mavericks 10.5 (-110) | Knicks -10.5 (-110)
Money line: Mavericks +360 | Knicks -500
Total: 225.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Knicks by 13.5, straight up 86%, 232.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Mavericks: Kyrie Irving, (OUT - Knee); Brandon Williams, (NA - Back); P.J. Washington, (GTD - Ankle); Anthony Davis, (GTD - Abdomen); Caleb Martin, (OUT - Hip); Daniel Gafford, (OUT - Knee); Dereck Lively II, (OUT - Ankle); Dante Exum, (OUT - Hand); Olivier-Maxence Prosper, (OUT - Wrist)
Knicks: Jacob Toppin, (OUT - Elbow); Mitchell Robinson, (GTD - Ankle); Miles McBride, (OUT - Groin); Jalen Brunson, (OUT - Ankle); Ariel Hukporti, (OUT - Knee)
Mavericks projections:
Anthony Davis, PF/C: 42.3 FPTS (24.2 pts, 11.4 reb, 3.7 ast, 1.8 blk)
P.J. Washington, PF: 26.9 FPTS (14.8 pts, 7.1 reb, 2.5 ast)
Spencer Dinwiddie, PG/SG: 25.8 FPTS (12.6 pts, 2.6 reb, 4.7 ast)
Naji Marshall, SF/PF: 22.2 FPTS (11.6 pts, 4.4 reb, 2.6 ast)
Klay Thompson, SG/SF: 22.1 FPTS (11.4 pts, 3.0 reb, 2.6 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Brandon Williams, PG: 15.9 FPTS (10.3 pts, 1.5 reb, 1.7 ast)
Max Christie, SG: 13.2 FPTS (4.7 pts, 3.2 reb, 2.1 ast)
Knicks projections:
Karl-Anthony Towns, PF/C: 40.9 FPTS (23.3 pts, 11.3 reb, 3.2 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Josh Hart, SG/SF: 34.7 FPTS (12.7 pts, 9.4 reb, 5.9 ast)
Mikal Bridges, SG/SF: 33.9 FPTS (19.1 pts, 3.3 reb, 4.7 ast, 2.2 3PM)
OG Anunoby, SF/PF: 31.6 FPTS (17.3 pts, 4.5 reb, 2.6 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Cameron Payne, PG/SG: 19.4 FPTS (9.6 pts, 2.5 reb, 2.8 ast)
Mitchell Robinson, C: 14.1 FPTS (5.4 pts, 5.4 reb, 1.0 ast)
Precious Achiuwa, PF/C: 11.3 FPTS (5.8 pts, 3.4 reb, 0.8 ast)
Atlanta Hawks at Houston Rockets
8 p.m. ET
Line: Hawks 8.5 (-115) | Rockets -8.5 (-105)
Money line: Hawks +250 | Rockets -300
Total: 235.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Rockets by 10.4, straight up 80%, 234.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Hawks: Trae Young, (GTD - Achilles); Keaton Wallace, (OUT - Shoulder); Larry Nance Jr., (OUT - Knee); Clint Capela, (OUT - Hand); Jalen Johnson, (OUT - Shoulder); Kobe Bufkin, (OUT - Shoulder)
Rockets: Reed Sheppard, (OUT - Thumb)
Hawks projections:
Trae Young, PG: 45.9 FPTS (24.8 pts, 3.2 reb, 8.7 ast, 2.7 3PM)
Dyson Daniels, PG/SG: 29.6 FPTS (11.9 pts, 5.0 reb, 4.3 ast)
Onyeka Okongwu, C: 26.3 FPTS (12.3 pts, 8.9 reb, 2.2 ast)
Caris LeVert, SG/SF: 25.6 FPTS (13.5 pts, 2.9 reb, 3.3 ast)
Zaccharie Risacher, PF/SF: 19.0 FPTS (11.3 pts, 4.0 reb, 1.2 ast)
Terance Mann, SG/SF: 16.0 FPTS (7.3 pts, 2.6 reb, 2.4 ast)
Vit Krejci, PG: 15.2 FPTS (5.4 pts, 2.6 reb, 2.9 ast)
Rockets projections:
Jalen Green, SG: 37.7 FPTS (22.2 pts, 4.6 reb, 4.4 ast, 2.8 3PM)
Alperen Sengun, C: 37.5 FPTS (19.3 pts, 9.7 reb, 4.8 ast)
Fred VanVleet, PG: 35.8 FPTS (15.3 pts, 3.8 reb, 5.7 ast, 2.7 3PM)
Amen Thompson, SG/SF/PF: 29.8 FPTS (14.2 pts, 8.2 reb, 4.1 ast)
Dillon Brooks, SG/SF: 25.8 FPTS (14.6 pts, 3.6 reb, 2.3 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Tari Eason, SF/PF: 22.7 FPTS (10.9 pts, 5.2 reb, 1.5 ast)
Jabari Smith Jr., PF/C: 13.8 FPTS (6.7 pts, 4.3 reb, 1.0 ast)
Memphis Grizzlies at Utah Jazz
9 p.m. ET
Line: Grizzlies -10.5 (-110) | Jazz 10.5 (-110)
Money line: Grizzlies -500 | Jazz +360
Total: 239.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Grizzlies by 9.5, straight up 78%, 245.8 total points.
Injury Report:
Grizzlies: Ja Morant, (OUT - Hamstring); Marvin Bagley III, (OUT - Concussion); Brandon Clarke, (OUT - Knee)
Jazz: Jordan Clarkson, (GTD - Foot); Lauri Markkanen, (OUT - Illness); John Collins, (OUT - Ankle); Taylor Hendricks, (OUT - Lower Leg)
Grizzlies projections:
Desmond Bane, SG/SF: 37.5 FPTS (18.9 pts, 5.8 reb, 5.4 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Jaren Jackson Jr., PF/C: 32.0 FPTS (20.8 pts, 4.9 reb, 2.1 ast, 1.8 3PM, 1.4 blk)
Santi Aldama, SF/PF/C: 25.7 FPTS (11.0 pts, 6.1 reb, 3.0 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Scotty Pippen Jr., PG/SG: 24.9 FPTS (11.3 pts, 3.5 reb, 3.6 ast)
Luke Kennard, SG: 17.3 FPTS (7.2 pts, 2.3 reb, 3.1 ast)
Jaylen Wells, SG: 16.4 FPTS (8.7 pts, 2.8 reb, 1.4 ast)
Vince Williams Jr., PG/SG: 15.3 FPTS (6.8 pts, 3.2 reb, 2.2 ast)
Jazz projections:
Keyonte George, PG/SG: 28.0 FPTS (14.9 pts, 2.8 reb, 5.1 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Collin Sexton, PG/SG: 26.7 FPTS (16.5 pts, 2.6 reb, 3.6 ast)
Jordan Clarkson, SG/SF: 25.5 FPTS (15.0 pts, 2.7 reb, 3.5 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Walker Kessler, C: 25.1 FPTS (11.3 pts, 10.8 reb, 2.0 ast, 2.4 blk)
Isaiah Collier, PG: 21.5 FPTS (9.0 pts, 3.3 reb, 5.0 ast)
Kyle Filipowski, PF: 20.3 FPTS (10.2 pts, 6.5 reb, 1.7 ast)
Svi Mykhailiuk, SG: 15.0 FPTS (6.8 pts, 2.2 reb, 2.3 ast)
Cleveland Cavaliers at Portland Trail Blazers
10 p.m. ET
Line: Cavaliers -6.5 (-110) | Blazers 6.5 (-110)
Money line: Cavaliers -250 | Blazers +210
Total: 229.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Cavaliers by 7.7, straight up 74%, 235.6 total points.
Injury Report:
Cavaliers: Donovan Mitchell, (OUT - Groin); Emoni Bates, (OUT - Personal); Jaylon Tyson, (OUT - Knee)
Blazers: Dalano Banton, (GTD - Illness); Jerami Grant, (GTD - Knee); Sidy Cissoko, (OUT - Ankle); Deandre Ayton, (OUT - Calf); Robert Williams III, (OUT - Knee)
Cavaliers projections:
Darius Garland, PG: 39.5 FPTS (19.3 pts, 3.4 reb, 6.7 ast, 2.6 3PM)
Evan Mobley, PF/C: 32.3 FPTS (17.1 pts, 9.3 reb, 3.1 ast, 1.5 blk)
Jarrett Allen, C: 27.3 FPTS (13.5 pts, 8.8 reb, 1.7 ast)
De'Andre Hunter, SF/PF: 25.6 FPTS (14.8 pts, 3.9 reb, 1.9 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Max Strus, SG/SF: 22.9 FPTS (10.2 pts, 4.4 reb, 2.9 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Ty Jerome, PG: 22.8 FPTS (11.1 pts, 2.9 reb, 3.1 ast)
Sam Merrill, SG: 14.6 FPTS (6.5 pts, 2.2 reb, 1.6 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Blazers projections:
Anfernee Simons, PG/SG: 33.8 FPTS (20.7 pts, 2.6 reb, 4.5 ast, 3.0 3PM)
Deni Avdija, SF/PF: 33.2 FPTS (19.3 pts, 7.8 reb, 4.3 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Shaedon Sharpe, SG/SF: 29.0 FPTS (18.5 pts, 4.5 reb, 3.1 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Toumani Camara, SF/PF: 26.9 FPTS (12.6 pts, 5.5 reb, 3.1 ast)
Jerami Grant, PF: 24.5 FPTS (15.4 pts, 2.9 reb, 2.3 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Scoot Henderson, PG: 20.7 FPTS (12.2 pts, 2.2 reb, 3.7 ast)
Donovan Clingan, C: 16.8 FPTS (6.8 pts, 7.9 reb, 1.6 ast, 1.6 blk)
Oklahoma City Thunder at Sacramento Kings
10 p.m. ET on TNT
Line: Thunder -9.5 (-115) | Kings 9.5 (-105)
Money line: Thunder -425 | Kings +320
Total: 231.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Thunder by 5.6, straight up 68%, 234.6 total points.
Injury Report:
Thunder: Chet Holmgren, (GTD - Hip); Jalen Williams, (GTD - Hip); Alex Ducas, (OUT - Quadriceps); Ousmane Dieng, (OUT - Calf); Ajay Mitchell, (OUT - Toe); Nikola Topic, (OUT - Knee)
Kings: Devin Carter, (GTD - Illness); Doug McDermott, (GTD - Elbow); Malik Monk, (GTD - Illness)
Thunder projections:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG: 53.2 FPTS (32.3 pts, 4.6 reb, 6.2 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Jalen Williams, SF/PF/C: 34.9 FPTS (18.5 pts, 4.1 reb, 4.5 ast)
Isaiah Hartenstein, C: 24.7 FPTS (9.7 pts, 9.4 reb, 3.3 ast)
Chet Holmgren, C: 21.6 FPTS (12.4 pts, 5.7 reb, 1.6 ast, 1.9 blk)
Luguentz Dort, SG/SF: 20.5 FPTS (10.3 pts, 3.8 reb, 1.5 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Cason Wallace, SG: 19.5 FPTS (7.9 pts, 3.0 reb, 2.4 ast)
Aaron Wiggins, SG: 19.4 FPTS (9.6 pts, 3.6 reb, 1.9 ast)
Kings projections:
DeMar DeRozan, SF/PF: 37.2 FPTS (23.6 pts, 3.5 reb, 5.0 ast)
Domantas Sabonis, PF/C: 35.6 FPTS (16.2 pts, 10.8 reb, 5.8 ast)
Malik Monk, SG/SF: 31.8 FPTS (16.8 pts, 3.1 reb, 5.5 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Zach LaVine, SG/SF: 31.0 FPTS (19.3 pts, 3.9 reb, 4.4 ast, 2.7 3PM)
Keegan Murray, SF/PF: 25.0 FPTS (13.1 pts, 5.9 reb, 1.6 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Jonas Valanciunas, C: 17.6 FPTS (8.3 pts, 5.8 reb, 2.2 ast)
Keon Ellis, SG: 16.8 FPTS (7.1 pts, 2.5 reb, 1.9 ast)