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.
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Top streamers | Best bets | Odds & Injury report
What you need to know for Thursday's games
Thursday's NBA slate features four games, highlighted by a marquee matchup in Milwaukee between the Golden State Warriors and Milwaukee Bucks. It's an MVP showdown between Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo, two superstars leading their teams to strong starts. Both squads bolstered their frontcourts in the offseason, adding veteran bigs who bring shooting and defense. Eyes will also be on the duel between Defensive Player of the Year winners Draymond Green and Antetokounmpo, who's averaging 36.3 PPG to start the season.
Let's break down the action and find some fantasy streamers and betting angles to make the most of tonight's slate.
Thursday's fantasy stream team
Simone Fontecchio, SF, Miami Heat (rostered in 3.0% of ESPN leagues):Fontecchio has played well so far this season, averaging 20.0 minutes per game. He's scored at least 24 fantasy points in each of his last three outings. Fontecchio provides a steady mix of points, rebounds and assists, making him a useful option for managers in deeper leagues.
Kon Knueppel, SG, Charlotte Hornets (28.1%): Knueppel should continue to see plenty of minutes and opportunities with Brandon Miller sidelined. He's scored 36 fantasy points in each of his last two games and draws a great matchup against an Orlando Magic team that ranks near the bottom of the league in defensive rating.
Jaime Jaquez Jr., SF/SG, Miami Heat (50.8%): Jaquez Jr. has been one of the top streamers so far this season, though his roster percentage continues to rise. He's scored 29 or more fantasy points in every game, including two with 40-plus. Miami's new offense, built on cutting and pace, suits his game perfectly. Jaquez has embraced the sixth-man role and continues to deliver elite efficiency and all-around production.
Moody's favorite bets for Thursday
LaMelo Ball over 25.5 points (-105)
The Hornets will once again be without Miller, who's set to miss his third straight game with a shoulder injury. Charlotte should continue to lean heavily on Ball, who's cleared this line in two of four games this season. What stands out is his 30.7% usage rate. The Magic rank near the bottom of the league in PPG allowed to point guards, and although they defend spot-up shooters well, Ball's elite ball-handling and athleticism allow him to attack the paint and create his own looks. He's also cleared this line in two of his last three games against Orlando.
Brandin Podziemski over 10.5 points (-120)
The Bucks struggled to defend guards last season, and that trend has continued this year. Many bettors will gravitate toward Stephen Curry, but don't overlook Podziemski: he's cleared this line in three of five games this season. He's played at least 26 minutes in every game except one, a blowout against the Portland Trail Blazers on Oct. 24. Podziemski is averaging 10 field goal attempts and 5.2 three-point attempts per game while shooting 45% from the floor. This is a good spot for him to shine in what oddsmakers expect to be a competitive matchup.
Bam Adebayo under 34.5 points, rebounds and assists (-110)
Adebayo has gone under this line in three of four games this season, averaged 15.8 FGA in 32.8 minutes per. His 4.5 potential assists and 12.0 rebound chances per game aren't encouraging either. Then there's the matchup against a Victor Wembanyama-led Spurs team that ranks second in defensive rating. San Antonio also plays at the fourth-slowest pace in the league. It's a tough environment for Adebayo to produce, which is why bettors should consider the under.
Ryan Rollins over 1.5 total three-pointers made (-120)
The Bucks run their offense through Antetokounmpo, and I love how Milwaukee has surrounded him with shooters who know when to strike. Rollins is one of those players, averaging 5.0 three-point attempts in 29.8 minutes per game this season while making 1.8 per game. He's shooting 35% from beyond the arc this year after hitting 41% last season. Given the defensive attention Antetokounmpo draws, Rollins should get plenty of open looks from deep. He's also a very good streamer who's rostered in just 35% of ESPN leagues.
Projections and Injury Reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds by ESPN BET
Orlando Magic at Charlotte Hornets
7 p.m. ET
Line: Magic -2.5 (-105) | Hornets +2.5 (-115)
Money line: Magic -140 | Hornets +120
Total: 239.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Magic by 2.4, straight up 57%, 228.3 total points.
Injury Report:
Magic: Moritz Wagner, (GTD - Knee)
Hornets: Brandon Miller, (OUT - Shoulder); Grant Williams, (OUT - Knee); Josh Green, (OUT - Shoulder)
Golden State Warriors at Milwaukee Bucks
8 p.m. ET
Line: Warriors -3.5 (-105) | Bucks +3.5 (-115)
Money line: Warriors -165 | Bucks +140
Total: 231.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Warriors by 1.9, straight up 56%, 229.2 total points.
Injury Report:
Warriors: Moses Moody, (GTD - Thumb); Alex Toohey, (OUT - Knee); De'Anthony Melton, (OUT - Knee)
Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo, (GTD - Knee); Kevin Porter Jr., (OUT - Ankle)
Washington Wizards at Oklahoma City Thunder
8 p.m. ET
Line: Wizards +15.5 (-115) | Thunder -15.5 (-110)
Money line: Wizards +750 | Thunder -1400
Total: 230.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Thunder by 17.9, straight up 93%, 235.1 total points.
Injury Report:
Wizards: Marvin Bagley III, (GTD - Ankle)
Thunder: Thomas Sorber, (OFS - Knee); Isaiah Joe, (GTD - Knee); Chet Holmgren, (OUT - Back); Jalen Williams, (OUT - Wrist); Kenrich Williams, (OUT - Knee); Nikola Topic, (OUT - Groin)
Miami Heat at San Antonio Spurs
8:30 p.m. ET
Line: Heat +6.5 (-115) | Spurs -6.5 (-105)
Money line: Heat +190 | Spurs -225
Total: 228.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Spurs by 5.2, straight up 65%, 233.8 total points.
Injury Report:
Heat: Nikola Jovic, (GTD - Hip); Norman Powell, (GTD - Groin); Kasparas Jakucionis, (OUT - Groin); Tyler Herro, (OUT - Ankle); Terry Rozier, (OUT - Not Injury Related)
Spurs: De'Aaron Fox, (OUT - Hamstring); Jeremy Sochan, (OUT - Wrist); Kelly Olynyk, (OUT - Heel); Lindy Waters III, (OUT - Eye); Luke Kornet, (OUT - Ankle)