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Jim McCormick
Multiple Authors
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 Saturday’s games
Welcome to one of the better basketball weekends of the year. On the professional side of the game, Saturday features 10 NBA games set with a distinct theme of unfamiliarity.
Nine of today’s 10 matchups are between cross-conference foes. There’s more Eastern versus Western Conference competition today than at the All-Star game. These teams only meet twice per season, so there’s less familiarity, less precedent to draw from and fewer established tendencies than we can lean on in intra-conference or divisional matchups.
This slate is additionally distinctive for having lopsided matchups. The Oklahoma City Thunder visit the Washington Wizards as 20.5-point favorites, the NBA’s largest spread of the season, reflecting how this slate is partly defined by contenders holding huge lines over lottery-bound teams. Including this game in the capital, five contests today feature double-digit spreads. Fantasy managers and bettors shouldn’t automatically fade these matchups, rather factor in how minutes, usage, rotations and pace can swing in blowouts, with starters sitting and bench players seeing less predictable bursts.
Thanks to the size of the slate, we also have a series of potentially competitive matchups, such as the Los Angeles Lakers visiting the Orlando Magic. The Lakers have the league’s top offensive rating and fourth-best net rating in the league in March. Even a meeting of the depleted Philadelphia 76ers and Utah Jazz rosters could prove valuable for fantasy purposes.
With an eye toward uncovering productive fantasy streamers and compelling betting angles, let’s take a look at the day ahead in the NBA.
McCormick’s fantasy stream team for Saturday
Taylor Hendricks, PF, Memphis Grizzlies (rostered in 7.0% of ESPN leagues): Incredible defensive rates have surfaced for Hendricks in recent weeks. This includes a recent six-steal showing against the Denver Nuggets and multiple blocks in five of his past seven games. The Charlotte Hornets are sizable favorites, but Hendricks figures to play his role regardless of the scoreboard.
Ace Bailey, SF, Utah Jazz (34.9% rostered): This ascendant rookie has 50 points across his past two games. Next up is a Philadelphia 76ers roster that has little depth or size defensively at the wing. With added touches and increased usage in recent games, Bailey is positioned to produce against an up-tempo opponent.
Justin Edwards, SF, 76ers (13.3%): Contrary to Tracy McGrady’s esteemed opinion, I believe there is indeed enough talent in basketball to support expansion. Take Edwards, for example, who was a top-three national prospect from the high school class of 2023. He went undrafted after just one season at Kentucky, but he has surfaced as a dangerous microwave scorer for Philadelphia. Fresh off a career-high 32 points against the Sacramento Kings, Edwards is poised to duel with Bailey.
P.J. Washington, PF/SF, Dallas Mavericks (47.5%): In the only intra-conference matchup of the day, Washington and the Mavericks host the LA Clippers. Washington has thrived since returning from injury, posting that rare blend of defense, rebounding and floor-spacing from a power forward.
Oso Ighodaro, PF, Phoenix Suns (9.9%): Another gem from a revitalized Suns roster, Ighodaro is a second-year big out of Marquette who has flashed a productive and diverse floor game in recent weeks. With 19 dimes across his past three games and steadily earning over 30 minutes during this stretch, Ighodaro is a strong addition ahead of today’s meeting with the Milwaukee Bucks.
McCormick’s favorite bets for Saturday
Brandon Miller OVER 20.5 points (-118)
The Hornets are cooking. Charlotte has the league’s top offense and the second-best net rating since the All-Star game. Miller’s scoring can fluctuate, given the team’s bevy of capable scorers and creators. That said, the Hornets are implied to score a slate-high 126 points today. While this is merely a projection, totals are some of the stickiest projection indicators we have for offensive outcomes. This helps counter some of the inherent risks a blowout presents. As a high-volume shooter on the league’s current top offense, Miller could excel against this patchworked Memphis defense.
Paolo Banchero OVER 23.5 points (-120)
With the Magic looking to end a three-game skid, Banchero’s usage could increase as the team leans on him and Desmond Bane to handle the bulk of scoring and playmaking duties. The Lakers have struggled to contain physical players in the paint, which is exactly where Paolo could thrive and make a big impact.
Top Daily Fantasy values of the day
$8,100+ salaries
Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers ($12,300): Seven of today’s matchups are included on the main evening slate. Even with this massive player pool, Doncic stands above the crowd. Averaging just shy of 75 DraftKings points over the past five games, Doncic is on a true heater as the team enters Orlando. It helps his ceiling that Austin Reaves is questionable due to a hip injury. Finding ways to pair Doncic with LaMelo Ball in lineups could prove rewarding. The Hornets have the highest implied total of the day.
$6,100-$8,000 salaries
Dejounte Murray, PG, New Orleans Pelicans ($7,500): It’s impressive that the Pelicans have become a competitive and tough opponent for weeks now. Part of this newfound grit comes from Murray, who brings a ferocity to both sides of the floor. Beyond the vibes, Murray is starting to put up big fantasy lines again; he has scored at least 40 DraftKings points in three straight and at least 32 fantasy points in eight straight.
$3,000-$6,000 salaries
Taylor Hendricks, PF, Grizzlies ($4,900): Building on his endorsement as a streaming candidate, Hendricks makes for a great value play during a busy night of hoops. The Grizzlies are empowering Hendricks to help lead a young and shallow frontcourt. The requisite minutes and touches should be there for Hendricks tonight.
Gary Payton II, SG, Golden State Warriors ($4,600): While he’s known for being a relentless on-ball defender, Payton has surged on offense lately for a weakened Warriors rotation. Capable of scoring and creating for others, Payton is now blending those elite defensive rates with respectable offensive lines. Look for Payton to play a big role in Atlanta tonight.
Projections and Injury Reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook
Oklahoma City Thunder at Washington Wizards
5 p.m. ET
Line: Thunder -20.5 (-112) | Wizards +20.5 (-108)
Money line: Thunder -2800 | Wizards +1300
Total: 231.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Thunder by 23.3, straight up 95%, 231.2 total points.
Injury Report:
Thunder: Branden Carlson, (OUT – Back); Jalen Williams, (OUT – Hamstring); Thomas Sorber, (OFS – Knee)
Wizards: Tre Johnson, (GTD – Foot); Will Riley, (GTD – Thigh); Trae Young, (OUT – Quadriceps); Kyshawn George, (OUT – Elbow); Anthony Davis, (OUT – Finger); D’Angelo Russell, (OUT – Not Injury Related); Cam Whitmore, (OFS – Shoulder)
Memphis Grizzlies at Charlotte Hornets
7 p.m. ET
Line: Grizzlies +17.5 (-115) | Hornets -17.5 (-105)
Money line: Grizzlies +900 | Hornets -1600
Total: 234.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Hornets by 9.3, straight up 77%, 232.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Grizzlies: Cedric Coward, (GTD – Personal); GG Jackson, (GTD – Knee); Ja Morant, (GTD – Elbow); Jahmai Mashack, (GTD – Ankle); Brandon Clarke, (OUT – Calf); Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, (OFS – Finger); Santi Aldama, (OFS – Knee); Scotty Pippen Jr., (OFS – Toe); Zach Edey, (OFS – Ankle)
Hornets: Tidjane Salaun, (OUT – Calf)
Los Angeles Lakers at Orlando Magic
7 p.m. ET on NBA TV
Line: Lakers -3.5 (-108) | Magic +3.5 (-112)
Money line: Lakers -162 | Magic +136
Total: 233.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Lakers by 1.7, straight up 55%, 228.7 total points.
Injury Report:
Lakers: Austin Reaves, (GTD – Hip); Maxi Kleber, (GTD – Back)
Magic: Wendell Carter Jr., (GTD – Ribs); Anthony Black, (OUT – Abdomen); Franz Wagner, (OUT – Ankle); Jonathan Isaac, (OUT – Knee)
Cleveland Cavaliers at New Orleans Pelicans
7 p.m. ET
Line: Cavaliers -4.5 (-108) | Pelicans +4.5 (-112)
Money line: Cavaliers -198 | Pelicans +164
Total: 236.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Cavaliers by 6.8, straight up 70%, 241.6 total points.
Injury Report:
Cavaliers: Donovan Mitchell, (GTD – Eye); Jaylon Tyson, (GTD – Toe); Tyrese Proctor, (OUT – Quadriceps)
Pelicans: Bryce McGowens, (OUT – Toe)
Golden State Warriors at Atlanta Hawks
8 p.m. ET
Line: Warriors +10.5 (-112) | Hawks -10.5 (-108)
Money line: Warriors +350 | Hawks -455
Total: 229.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Hawks by 6.5, straight up 70%, 235.1 total points.
Injury Report:
Warriors: Kristaps Porzingis, (GTD – Back); Quinten Post, (GTD – Foot); Al Horford, (OUT – Calf); Seth Curry, (OUT – Thigh); Moses Moody, (OUT – Wrist); Stephen Curry, (OUT – Knee); Jimmy Butler III, (OFS – Knee)
Hawks: Jonathan Kuminga, (GTD – Knee)
Miami Heat at Houston Rockets
8 p.m. ET
Line: Heat +1.5 (-105) | Rockets -1.5 (-115)
Money line: Heat +114 | Rockets -135
Total: 229.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Rockets by 2.1, straight up 57%, 230.3 total points.
Injury Report:
Heat: Pelle Larsson, (GTD – Foot); Simone Fontecchio, (GTD – Back); Andrew Wiggins, (OUT – Toe); Jaime Jaquez Jr., (OUT – Hip); Terry Rozier, (OUT – Not Injury Related)
Rockets: Jae’Sean Tate, (OUT – Knee); Fred VanVleet, (OUT – Knee); Steven Adams, (OFS – Ankle)
Indiana Pacers at San Antonio Spurs
8 p.m. ET
Line: Pacers +18.5 (-105) | Spurs -18.5 (-115)
Money line: Pacers +1100 | Spurs -2100
Total: 233.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Spurs by 15.2, straight up 88%, 235.8 total points.
Injury Report:
Pacers: Johnny Furphy, (OFS – Knee); Aaron Nesmith, (GTD – Ankle); Andrew Nembhard, (GTD – Calf); Ben Sheppard, (GTD – Ankle); Micah Potter, (GTD – Triceps); Obi Toppin, (GTD – Foot); Pascal Siakam, (GTD – Knee); Quenton Jackson, (GTD – Calf); T.J. McConnell, (GTD – Hamstring); Ivica Zubac, (OFS – Ribs)
Spurs: Stephon Castle, (GTD – Hip); David Jones Garcia, (OFS – Ankle)
LA Clippers at Dallas Mavericks
8:30 p.m. ET
Line: Clippers -7.5 (-105) | Mavericks +7.5 (-115)
Money line: Clippers -278 | Mavericks +225
Total: 234.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Clippers by 3.5, straight up 61%, 229.6 total points.
Injury Report:
Clippers: Kawhi Leonard, (GTD – Ankle); Bennedict Mathurin, (OUT – Toe); Bradley Beal, (OFS – Hip); Yanic Konan Niederhauser, (OFS – Foot)
Mavericks: Caleb Martin, (GTD – Foot); Brandon Williams, (OUT – Concussion); Dereck Lively II, (OFS – Foot); Kyrie Irving, (OFS – Knee)
Philadelphia 76ers at Utah Jazz
9:30 p.m. ET
Line: 76ers -5.5 (-112) | Jazz +5.5 (-108)
Money line: 76ers -250 | Jazz +205
Total: 229.5 (-115 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: 76ers by 6.7, straight up 70%, 242.3 total points.
Injury Report:
76ers: Joel Embiid, (OUT – Oblique); Paul George, (OUT – Suspension); Kelly Oubre Jr., (OUT – Elbow); Johni Broome, (OUT – Knee); Tyrese Maxey, (OUT – Finger)
Jazz: John Konchar, (GTD – Quadriceps); Brice Sensabaugh, (OUT – Illness); Isaiah Collier, (OUT – Hamstring); Keyonte George, (OUT – Hamstring); Lauri Markkanen, (OUT – Hip); Jaren Jackson Jr., (OFS – Knee); Jusuf Nurkic, (OFS – Nose); Walker Kessler, (OFS – Shoulder)
Milwaukee Bucks at Phoenix Suns
10 p.m. ET on NBA TV
Line: Bucks +11.5 (-110) | Suns -11.5 (-110)
Money line: Bucks +440 | Suns -600
Total: 219.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Suns by 6.7, straight up 70%, 222.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Bucks: Gary Harris, (GTD – Groin); Kevin Porter Jr., (GTD – Knee); Giannis Antetokounmpo, (OUT – Knee)
Suns: Grayson Allen, (GTD – Knee); Royce O’Neale, (GTD – Knee); Amir Coffey, (OUT – Ankle); Haywood Highsmith, (OUT – Knee); Dillon Brooks, (OUT – Hand); Mark Williams, (OUT – Foot)