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Jim McCormick
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
A winter weekend stocked with quality sporting events includes a nine-game Saturday slate in the NBA. With so many rotations in action, fantasy managers and bettors are tasked with identifying where value might surface.
One key differentiator is the injury report: how do today’s absences influence value? The Utah Jazz visit the Dallas Mavericks early this evening in a game with the highest point total of the day. The Jazz are leaning into lottery odds and sitting Lauri Markkanen, while the Mavericks will be without Anthony Davis and likely Cooper Flagg (listed as doubtful), as well as both of their rim-protecting centers. Several worthy streaming and DFS options emerge based on this information.
Utah’s Brice Sensabaugh, for instance, has scored 70 points across his past two games. No, really. The third-year forward has scored at least 20 points five times over the past three weeks and, yet, is rostered in only about 15% of ESPN leagues. A scoring forward for Dallas leads the streaming section below. Even in matchups between lottery-bound teams, we can find value.
Continuing this trend of impactful injuries, the Lakers will be without both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves against a Portland Trail Blazers team likely missing Deni Avdija. As you can imagine, plenty of opportunities will be spread throughout each roster.
With an eye toward uncovering productive fantasy streamers and compelling betting angles, let’s take a look at the day ahead in the NBA.
Saturday’s fantasy stream team
Naji Marshall, SF/PF, Dallas Mavericks (rostered in 30.8% of ESPN leagues): Without Flagg and several other key frontcourt contributors, the Mavericks will likely empower Marshall as a primary scorer. We’ve also seen a real rise in Marshall’s creation in recent weeks, with the combo forward averaging nearly four assists per game in January. The Jazz offer almost no defensive resistance at the point of attack. This could be fun.
Jay Huff, C, Indiana Pacers (15.0%): Even as the Pacers face a lost season, fantasy managers can find value in players like Huff. The 3-and-D big is second in blocks per game and leads the league in total blocks. I wouldn’t trust his recent 29-point opus as a precedent, but there is momentum for Huff on a team that simply needs scoring.
Bub Carrington, PG/SG, Washington Wizards (11.8%): The Trae Young experiment won’t begin until after the All-Star break. For now, Carrington controls the Wizards’ pick-and-roll actions. With at least seven dimes in three straight games, it’s time to take Carrington’s playmaking seriously. The Nuggets are missing multiple strong defenders, opening up upside for Carrington and his fellow prospects.
Jake LaRavia, PF, Los Angeles Lakers (20.1%): With Doncic and Reaves absent, and the Trail Blazers depleted in the frontcourt, LaRavia could be worth a spot start in deeper fantasy formats. Look for LaRavia to log well over 30 minutes with a solid share of opportunity.
McCormick’s bets for Saturday
Jalen Williams OVER 4.5 rebounds (-150)
The juice on this isn’t ideal, but I’d also consider sliding the number to 5.5 to gain plus odds. Focusing on the current number, it’s important to note that without Isaiah Hartenstein in the fold recently, Williams has been serving as the team’s power forward in terms of defensive and rebounding responsibilities. Miami, meanwhile, ranks 22nd in rebounding percentage.
LeBron James OVER 26.5 points (-117)
How many times will we see James as the undisputed top offensive engine for the Lakers this season? At least for today, that is the reality. The Lakers will need vintage James to surface in this matchup against a younger Trail Blazers squad. The usage and shot volume will be there for James.
Top Daily Fantasy values of the day
$8,100+ salaries
Jaylen Brown, SF, Boston Celtics ($10,000): The Hawks will focus on Brown, but it’s tough to imagine this MVP candidate doesn’t get his numbers. The minutes and touches will be available for Brown, while the absence of Payton Pritchard means even more creation and shooting duties fall on him.
LaMelo Ball, PG, Charlotte Hornets ($8,100): While the highlights remain amazing, availability and reliability continue to be concerns for Ball. Then again, DFS is about the here and now, and Ball is currently thriving as a dynamic scorer, shooter and playmaker. The fact that he’s launched at least 11 three-pointers in four straight games speaks to the freedom he’s enjoying to hunt his own shot. The Warriors, for their part, have struggled to defend larger creators this season.
$6,100-$8,000 salaries
Jalen Duren, C, Detroit Pistons ($7,100): In mid-November, Duren faced the Pacers and posted 55 DraftKings points. His price was much higher for that matchup, but it has dipped as his playing time and production have slowed in recent weeks. Today offers an ideal matchup for Duren’s return to delivering dominant numbers.
Kyshawn George, SF, Washington Wizards ($6,300): Even as Carrington has been creating at a higher clip lately, George continues to consume plenty of possessions for Washington. With the ability to score as a physical driver and provide playmaking upside in a drive-and-kick role, George profiles as a strong option against the depleted Nuggets.
$3,500-$6,000 salaries
T.J. McConnell, PG, Indiana Pacers ($4,700): The master of the inbounds steal is also quite capable of producing strong fantasy lines. This is especially true when facing a rival he’s been productive against in prior matchups. McConnell delivered 30 DraftKings points in his last meeting with the Pistons. With Indiana in need of an offensive organizer, McConnell should clear 20 minutes today.
Projections and injury reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook.
Utah Jazz at Dallas Mavericks
5 p.m. ET
Line: Jazz +3.5 (-112) | Mavericks -3.5 (-108)
Money line: Jazz +130 | Mavericks -155
Total: 241.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Mavericks by 7.6, straight up 71%, 244.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Jazz: Elijah Harkless, (OUT – Hamstring); Georges Niang, (OUT – Foot); Lauri Markkanen, (OUT – Illness); Walker Kessler, (OFS – Shoulder)
Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, (GTD – Ankle); Daniel Gafford, (GTD – Ankle); Max Christie, (GTD – Illness); P.J. Washington, (GTD – Ankle); Kyrie Irving, (OUT – Knee); Anthony Davis, (OUT – Finger); Dante Exum, (OFS – Knee); Dereck Lively II, (OFS – Foot)
Boston Celtics at Atlanta Hawks
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Celtics -3.5 (-105) | Hawks +3.5 (-115)
Money line: Celtics -162 | Hawks +136
Total: 229.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Celtics by 1.4, straight up 54%, 233.0 total points.
Injury Report:
Celtics: Payton Pritchard, (GTD – Ankle); Josh Minott, (OUT – Ankle); Jayson Tatum, (OUT – Achilles)
Hawks: N’Faly Dante, (OFS – Knee); Dyson Daniels, (GTD – Ankle); Kristaps Porzingis, (OUT – Achilles); Zaccharie Risacher, (OUT – Knee)
Indiana Pacers at Detroit Pistons
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Pacers +12.5 (-110) | Pistons -12.5 (-110)
Money line: Pacers +490 | Pistons -675
Total: 226.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Pistons by 12.5, straight up 81%, 228.9 total points.
Injury Report:
Pacers: Bennedict Mathurin, (OUT – Thumb); Obi Toppin, (OUT – Foot); Tyrese Haliburton, (OFS – Achilles)
Pistons: Ausar Thompson, (GTD – Heel); Cade Cunningham, (GTD – Wrist); Paul Reed, (GTD – Personal); Wendell Moore Jr., (GTD – Hamstring)
Phoenix Suns at New York Knicks
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Suns +2.5 (-108) | Knicks -2.5 (-112)
Money line: Suns +124 | Knicks -148
Total: 226.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Knicks by 5.2, straight up 65%, 230.2 total points.
Injury Report:
Suns: Devin Booker, (GTD – Ankle); Jalen Green, (OUT – Hamstring); Jamaree Bouyea, (OUT – Concussion)
Knicks: Jalen Brunson, (GTD – Ankle)
Oklahoma City Thunder at Miami Heat
8 p.m. ET
Line: Thunder -10.5 (-108) | Heat +10.5 (-112)
Money line: Thunder -440 | Heat +340
Total: 233.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Thunder by 8.7, straight up 73%, 235.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Thunder: Isaiah Hartenstein, (OUT – Calf); Nikola Topic, (OUT – Groin); Thomas Sorber, (OFS – Knee)
Heat: Tyler Herro, (GTD – Toe); Davion Mitchell, (OUT – Shoulder); Jaime Jaquez Jr., (OUT – Knee); Terry Rozier, (OUT – Not Injury Related)
Minnesota Timberwolves at San Antonio Spurs
8 p.m. ET
Line: Timberwolves +5.5 (-105) | Spurs -5.5 (-115)
Money line: Timberwolves +195 | Spurs -238
Total: 227.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Spurs by 2.5, straight up 58%, 234.7 total points.
Injury Report:
Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards, (GTD – Foot); Terrence Shannon Jr., (OUT – Foot)
Spurs: Stephon Castle, (GTD – Illness); Devin Vassell, (OUT – Thigh)
Charlotte Hornets at Golden State Warriors
8:30 p.m. ET
Line: Hornets +6.5 (-102) | Warriors -6.5 (-118)
Money line: Hornets +225 | Warriors -278
Total: 234.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Warriors by 7, straight up 69%, 229.2 total points.
Injury Report:
Hornets: Moussa Diabate, (GTD – Hamstring); Mason Plumlee, (OUT – Groin)
Warriors: Gui Santos, (OUT – Ankle); Seth Curry, (OUT – Back)
Washington Wizards at Denver Nuggets
9 p.m. ET
Line: Wizards +12.5 (-115) | Nuggets -12.5 (-105)
Money line: Wizards +470 | Nuggets -650
Total: 231.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI Projection: Nuggets by 13.2, straight up 83%, 237.9 total points.
Injury Report:
Wizards: Khris Middleton, (GTD – Knee); Tristan Vukcevic, (GTD – Knee); Bilal Coulibaly, (OUT – Back); Trae Young, (OUT – Knee); Cam Whitmore, (OUT – Illness)
Nuggets: Aaron Gordon, (GTD – Hamstring); Bruce Brown, (GTD – Knee); Jamal Murray, (GTD – Ankle); Christian Braun, (OUT – Ankle); Cameron Johnson, (OUT – Knee); Jonas Valanciunas, (OUT – Calf); Nikola Jokic, (OUT – Knee); Tamar Bates, (OUT – Foot)
Los Angeles Lakers at Portland Trail Blazers
10 p.m. ET
Line: Lakers +3.5 (-112) | Blazers -3.5 (-108)
Money line: Lakers +130 | Blazers -155
Total: 223.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI Projection: Blazers by 0.1, straight up 50%, 233.8 total points.
Injury Report:
Lakers: Deandre Ayton, (GTD – Knee); Jaxson Hayes, (GTD – Hamstring); Luka Doncic, (OUT – Groin); Austin Reaves, (OUT – Calf); Adou Thiero, (OUT – Knee)
Blazers: Deni Avdija, (GTD – Back); Jerami Grant, (GTD – Achilles); Jrue Holiday, (GTD – Calf); Kris Murray, (OUT – Back); Scoot Henderson, (OUT – Hamstring); Matisse Thybulle, (OUT – Knee); Blake Wesley, (OUT – Foot); Damian Lillard, (OFS – Achilles)
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