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 | DFS picks | Odds & injury report
What you need to know for Thursday's games
There are 12 games on Thursday's slate, though it's worth noting that DraftKings has excluded the Portland Trail Blazers versus the Sacramento Kings.
The game I'm most looking forward to features the Detroit Pistons traveling to Dallas to take on the Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Detroit arrives chasing a historically rare 22-5 start, powered by Cade Cunningham, who already owns more 30-point, 10-assist games than anyone in the league this season. On the other side, rookie Cooper Flagg is coming off a career-high 42 points and is on the verge of joining Luka Doncic as the only Mavericks rookie to ever produce back-to-back 30-point games. Add in the questionable status of Anthony Davis and Dallas' stark splits with and without him, and this matchup has real weight on a crowded slate.
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
Jay Huff, C, Indiana Pacers (rostered in 26.6% of ESPN leagues)
Huff provides consistent production in points, rebounds, and blocks. He's logged at least 25 minutes and scored at least 33 fantasy points in four consecutive games, including one 57-point outing. Huff recorded his eighth game of the season with four or more blocks on Sunday against the Wizards, his third such performance in the last four games. He leads the league in total blocks with 66, holding a sizable edge over Victor Wembanyama (45), and is also a strong DFS value at $5,800.
Bruce Brown, PG/SG, Denver Nuggets (1.0%)
Brown is a strong streaming option in deeper leagues who should see a significant increase in minutes, along with the ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories. The Nuggets are thin on the wing and have several rotation players either ruled out or questionable. Brown has played at least 26 minutes and scored at least 24 fantasy points in both of his last two games, and he could push past 30 minutes against the Magic tonight. He's also firmly on the DFS radar as a low-cost guard value ($4,000).
Asa Newell, PF, Atlanta Hawks (0.4%)
Newell has scored at least 18 fantasy points in each of his last three games while averaging just 14.3 minutes per game. With Kristaps Porzingis expected to miss the next two weeks, per Shams Charania, Newell should see an expanded opportunity. He provides scoring and rebounding upside, making him a solid option in deeper formats and a strong DFS value at $3,100.
Moody's bets for Thursday
Scottie Barnes OVER 28.5 points and rebounds (-108)
The Bucks have struggled defensively over the last five games with Giannis Antetokounmpo out, ranking 23rd in defensive rating during that span. Milwaukee has also had issues defending power forwards without Giannis. With RJ Barrett still sidelined for Toronto, Barnes has gone over this line in six of his last 10 games without him in the lineup. In those contests, Barnes has averaged 15.3 field goal attempts and 13.6 rebound chances per game.
Cooper Flagg UNDER 22.5 points and assists (-106)
Flagg is coming off the best game of his professional career against the Jazz on Monday night, which also came with Anthony Davis out of the lineup. Davis logged a full practice on Wednesday and has a strong chance to play, which could cut into Flagg's usage. While Flagg has gone under this line in only four of his last 10 games, the matchup is tougher against a Pistons defense that ranks 11th in defensive rating and limits scoring in the paint. Flagg also went under this number against Detroit earlier this season.
Derik Queen UNDER 12.5 points (-110)
The Pelicans are healthier with Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole back in the lineup, which is bad news for Queen, as both players command high usage. Queen has gone under this line in eight of 11 games with Williamson active this season. The matchup against the Rockets is also suboptimal, as a high percentage of Queen's scoring comes near the basket, and Houston ranks among the league's best rebounding teams while also excelling at protecting the paint.
Cade Cunningham to score 30+ points (+139)
Cunningham has been phenomenal this season, averaging 27.1 PPG in 35.9 MPG. He's recorded eight games with at least 30 points and now gets a "homecoming matchup" in Dallas -- he was born and raised in nearby Arlington, Texas. The Mavericks are a middle-of-the-road defense against point guards, and Cunningham is anything but average, setting him up for another high-scoring performance.
Top Daily Fantasy values of the day
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$8,100+ salaries
Luka Doncic, PG, Los Angeles Lakers ($12,000)
Doncic has delivered numerous elite performances this season, scoring at least 55 fantasy points in seven of his last eight games, including three outings of 66 or more. He's posted a 36.9% usage rate over that time frame. With Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton out, Doncic is set up for another massive night against a Jazz team that ranks 29th in defensive rating and fourth in pace. Utah just allowed 64.5 fantasy points to Cooper Flagg on Monday, highlighting the upside in this matchup.
Jalen Johnson, PF, Hawks ($10,000)
Johnson has had four straight triple-doubles, posting at least 50 fantasy points in each of those games, including two with 70 or more. Trae Young practiced with Atlanta's G League affiliate and is now listed as questionable for the first time since his MCL sprain, signaling he's nearing a return, though any appearance would likely come with a minutes restriction. Regardless, Johnson is well-positioned for another big outing against a Hornets team that ranks 24th in defensive rating.
Alperen Sengun, PF/C, Houston Rockets ($9,600)
Sengun recorded his first triple-double of the season against the Nuggets on Monday night, finishing with 69 fantasy points in 42 minutes. He's now scored at least 53 fantasy points in four consecutive games, including two outings of 69 or more. Sengun should continue to thrive against a Pelicans defense that ranks 28th in defensive rating and has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to centers this season.
$6,100-$8,000 salaries
Kon Knueppel, SG, Charlotte Hornets ($7,100)
The Hornets have been ravaged by injuries, leading to a significant usage boost for Knueppel. He's averaged 35.8 fantasy points per game over his last 13 contests. This matchup against the Hawks features one of the highest totals on the slate, and with Atlanta ranking 27th in defensive rating over the last four games, Charlotte should be able to put points on the board.
Jabari Smith Jr., PF, Rockets ($6,300)
Smith has posted double-doubles in two consecutive games. He's also scored at least 39 fantasy points in three straight outings and should prosper against the Pelicans' horrendous defense.
Marcus Smart, PG/SG, Lakers ($5,100)
Smart entered the lineup for the injured Reaves against the Suns on Sunday and finished with 27.5 fantasy points in 32 minutes. He's a reliable guard when given ample playing time. The Jazz have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to point guards and the third-most fantasy points per game to shooting guards this season.
$3,500-$6,000 salaries
Sion James, SF/PF, Hornets ($3,900)
The Hornets have had multiple guards sidelined by injuries, which has benefited James. He's scored at least 21 fantasy points in consecutive games. James should have an opportunity to shine against the Hawks, and his low salary allows you to spend up elsewhere, though managers should be prepared to pivot if LaMelo Ball is active.
Jaxson Hayes, C, Lakers ($3,500)
This is a strong spot for Hayes with Ayton ruled out. The Jazz have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to opposing centers this season. Hayes has scored 21 and 26.8 fantasy points in two games without Ayton, making him a solid low-cost option.
Projections and Injury Reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook
Atlanta Hawks at Charlotte Hornets
7 p.m. ET
Line: Hawks -5.5 (-112) | Hornets +5.5 (-108)
Money line: Hawks -205 | Hornets +170
Total: 238.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Hawks by 4.9, straight up 64%, 236.1 total points.
Injury Report:
Hawks: Trae Young, (GTD - Knee); N'Faly Dante, (OUT - Concussion); Kristaps Porzingis, (OUT - Illness)
Hornets: LaMelo Ball, (GTD - Ankle); Collin Sexton, (OUT - Quadriceps); Tre Mann, (OUT - Knee); Grant Williams, (OUT - Knee); Pat Connaughton, (OUT - Calf)
New York Knicks at Indiana Pacers
7 p.m. ET
Line: Knicks -5.5 (-105) | Pacers +5.5 (-115)
Money line: Knicks -205 | Pacers +170
Total: 225.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Knicks by 8.2, straight up 72%, 230.8 total points.
Injury Report:
Knicks: Josh Hart, (GTD - Abdomen); Karl-Anthony Towns, (GTD - Knee); Mitchell Robinson, (GTD - Ankle); OG Anunoby, (GTD - Knee); Miles McBride, (OUT - Ankle); Landry Shamet, (OUT - Shoulder)
Pacers: Obi Toppin, (OUT - Foot); Tyrese Haliburton, (OFS - Achilles); Ben Sheppard, (OUT - Calf); Aaron Nesmith, (OUT - Knee)
Miami Heat at Brooklyn Nets
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Heat -7.5 (-105) | Nets +7.5 (-115)
Money line: Heat -270 | Nets +220
Total: 229.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Heat by 4.8, straight up 64%, 230.9 total points.
Injury Report:
Heat: Terry Rozier, (OUT - Not Injury Related); Norman Powell, (GTD - Calf); Pelle Larsson, (OUT - Ankle); Tyler Herro, (OUT - Toe); Nikola Jovic, (OUT - Elbow)
Nets: E.J. Liddell, (OUT - Ankle); Haywood Highsmith, (OUT - Knee); Cam Thomas, (OUT - Hamstring)
LA Clippers at Oklahoma City Thunder
8 p.m. ET
Line: Clippers +17.5 (-108) | Thunder -17.5 (-112)
Money line: Clippers +950 | Thunder -1650
Total: 222.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Thunder by 18, straight up 93%, 223.2 total points.
Injury Report:
Clippers: Bradley Beal, (OFS - Hip); James Harden, (OUT - Calf); Yanic Konan Niederhauser, (OUT - Knee); Derrick Jones Jr., (OUT - Knee)
Thunder: Nikola Topic, (OUT - Groin); Thomas Sorber, (OFS - Knee); Isaiah Hartenstein, (OUT - Rest); Jaylin Williams, (OUT - Heel)
Washington Wizards at San Antonio Spurs
8 p.m. ET
Line: Wizards +15.5 (-108) | Spurs -15.5 (-112)
Money line: Wizards +750 | Spurs -1200
Total: 240.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Spurs by 17.8, straight up 92%, 239.6 total points.
Injury Report:
Wizards: Malaki Branham, (GTD - Thumb); Corey Kispert, (OUT - Thumb); Khris Middleton, (OUT - Knee)
Spurs: None reported
Toronto Raptors at Milwaukee Bucks
8 p.m. ET
Line: Raptors -5.5 (-105) | Bucks +5.5 (-115)
Money line: Raptors -205 | Bucks +170
Total: 220.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Raptors by 4.2, straight up 62%, 228.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Raptors: RJ Barrett, (OUT - Knee)
Bucks: Taurean Prince, (OUT - Neck); AJ Green, (GTD - Shoulder); Cole Anthony, (GTD - Neck); Kyle Kuzma, (GTD - Illness); Giannis Antetokounmpo, (OUT - Calf)
Houston Rockets at New Orleans Pelicans
8 p.m. ET
Line: Rockets -9.5 (-110) | Pelicans +9.5 (-110)
Money line: Rockets -410 | Pelicans +320
Total: 235.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Rockets by 10.1, straight up 76%, 236.1 total points.
Injury Report:
Rockets: Dorian Finney-Smith, (OUT - Ankle); Fred VanVleet, (OUT - Knee); Tari Eason, (GTD - Oblique)
Pelicans: Dejounte Murray, (OUT - Achilles)
Detroit Pistons at Dallas Mavericks
8:30 p.m. ET
Line: Pistons -7.5 (-112) | Mavericks +7.5 (-108)
Money line: Pistons -285 | Mavericks +230
Total: 228.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Pistons by 5.6, straight up 66%, 233.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Pistons: Isaac Jones, (OUT - Knee)
Mavericks: Kyrie Irving, (OUT - Knee); Dante Exum, (OFS - Knee); Dereck Lively II, (OFS - Foot); Anthony Davis, (GTD - Calf); Brandon Williams, (GTD - Achilles); , (GTD - Illness)
Orlando Magic at Denver Nuggets
9 p.m. ET
Line: Magic +6.5 (-105) | Nuggets -6.5 (-115)
Money line: Magic +220 | Nuggets -270
Total: 236.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Nuggets by 4.2, straight up 62%, 237.8 total points.
Injury Report:
Magic: Tristan da Silva, (GTD - Shoulder); Jalen Suggs, (OUT - Hip); Colin Castleton, (OUT - Hand); Franz Wagner, (OUT - Ankle); Moritz Wagner, (OUT - Knee)
Nuggets: Aaron Gordon, (OUT - Hamstring); Christian Braun, (OUT - Ankle); Peyton Watson, (GTD - Side); Tim Hardaway Jr., (GTD - Illness); Tamar Bates, (OUT - Foot)
Golden State Warriors at Phoenix Suns
9 p.m. ET
Line: Warriors -1.5 (-115) | Suns +1.5 (-105)
Money line: Warriors -130 | Suns +110
Total: 231.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Warriors by 2.9, straight up 59%, 228.1 total points.
Injury Report:
Warriors: Al Horford, (OUT - Back); Pat Spencer, (OUT - Personal)
Suns: Grayson Allen, (GTD - Knee); Isaiah Livers, (GTD - Hip); Koby Brea, (OUT - Concussion); Jalen Green, (OUT - Hamstring)
Los Angeles Lakers at Utah Jazz
9 p.m. ET
Line: Lakers -9.5 (EVEN) | Jazz +9.5 (-120)
Money line: Lakers -395 | Jazz +310
Total: 242.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Lakers by 10.7, straight up 78%, 244.7 total points.
Injury Report:
Lakers: Gabe Vincent, (GTD - Back); Maxi Kleber, (GTD - Back); Austin Reaves, (OUT - Calf); Deandre Ayton, (OUT - Elbow)
Jazz: Walker Kessler, (OFS - Shoulder); Lauri Markkanen, (GTD - Groin); Georges Niang, (OUT - Foot)
Sacramento Kings at Portland Trail Blazers
10 p.m. ET
Line: Kings +8.5 (-108) | Blazers -8.5 (-112)
Money line: Kings +280 | Blazers -355
Total: 238.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Blazers by 6.9, straight up 69%, 239.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Kings: Drew Eubanks, (OUT - Thumb); Dennis Schroder, (GTD - Ankle); Domantas Sabonis, (OUT - Knee); Zach LaVine, (OUT - Ankle)
Blazers: Blake Wesley, (OUT - Foot); Damian Lillard, (OFS - Achilles); Jrue Holiday, (OUT - Calf); Scoot Henderson, (OUT - Hamstring); Matisse Thybulle, (OUT - Thumb)