ESPN's fantasy basketball and basketball betting tips cheat sheet is your pregame destination for basketball betting predictions and our best intel and data, featuring ESPN's proprietary Basketball Power Index (BPI) to help you make smart fantasy and wagering decisions. Fantasy advice is based on ESPN 10-team leagues.
New this season, ESPN Analytics will also generate daily NBA fantasy projections. By combining historical player and team data and specific game factors ESPN is able to accurately predict player box score stats. Accounting for injuries, trends in playing time, and other factors impacting future performance the statistical models can be used to help NBA fantasy players gain an edge in their league.
What you need to know for Tuesday's games
There are a few moments in the NBA season that signal major value via the waiver wire for fantasy purposes. The first few weeks of a new campaign, of course, see several names emerge as meaningful contributors. This past fall, for instance, brings back thoughts of Jalen Johnson's ascent for the Atlanta Hawks, or the arrival of Coby White as an elite scoring and shooting source.
Another impact era of the season is upon us, as the post All-Star break sample often sees teams empower young players as some franchises pivot to a refocus on development in the context of unlikely contention. There are also rotations on contenders that shift this time of year in the wake of injury erosion and trade deadline activity. We can touch on some examples of these scenarios as they relate to Tuesday's epic nine-game slate.
The Toronto Raptors appear to be focused on seeing exactly what they have between Immanuel Quickley (70.9% rostered in ESPN leagues) and rookie Gradey Dick (3.3% rostered). Quickley's rise in the playmaking pecking order has been accelerated by Scotte Barnes' hand injury, with the statistical results proving elite. Dick, meanwhile, is emerging as a top-150 value in recent weeks thanks to atypically awesome scoring efficiency from a professional freshman. Both should be featured in tonight's tilt against the New Orleans Pelicans, a foe that features two impact wings mentioned in our streaming section.
The New York Knicks are facing a series of injuries and have a roster that felt the influence of multiple trades, all of which has vaulted Josh Hart (58.5%) to league-winning status as a fantasy contributor. One of the league's best rebounding guards, Hart is due for another big workload against a leaky Atlanta Hawks defense tonight.
Even seemingly minor deals at the trade deadline can resonate weeks later, such as Royce O'Neale joining the Phoenix Suns via the Brooklyn Nets. What might have read like an afterthought of a transaction has resulted in O'Neale consuming major minutes and a fun two-way role for a Suns roster reliant on his glue guy ways.
Keep an active eye on box scorer outcomes and waiver wire movement this time of year. Even just checking out transaction trends in ESPN leagues to tail the market can be a worthy exercise for making moves.
Tuesday's Stream Team
This segment nominates three key streaming options ahead of that day's action. A streamer, by our standards, is a player available in at least half of ESPN men's basketball leagues.
Trey Murphy III, SG/SF, Pelicans (rostered in 21.3% of ESPN leagues): A league-winning 3-and-D force last spring, there are signs that Murphy is regaining form just in time for another big run. Spending much of this season mending from surgery, minutes and production are back to coveted levels for Murphy ahead of tonight's game.
Bennedict Mathurin, SG/SF, Pacers (21.8% rostered): Indiana has a fairly robust injury report heading into this matchup with the Mavericks, which could lead to more minutes and touches for this shot-happy second-year wing. Growth beyond just scoring is also an interesting element to recent games from Mathurin.
Herbert Jones, SF/PF, Pelicans (32.2%): With Dyson Daniels out with an injury, there has been more role clarity between Murphy and Jones in the rotation. This leads to more projectable results, especially for Jones and his elite blend of steal and block rates ahead of a matchup with a depleted Toronto rotation.
Kyle Lowry, PG, 76ers (12.5%): A revival is underway with Lowry handling a starting role lately for a Philadelphia team in need of his leadership and stewardship on the floor. The scoring is hit-or-miss, but the steal rate and assist volume are sticky, given his career clips. Facing a soft Brooklyn backcourt helps, as well.
Kelly Olynyk, PF/C, Raptors (16.4%): The scoring results can prove lean and throw you off the trail, but trust that this dude can compile meaningful fantasy results even when the scoring column is light. With the ability to build big assist and defensive rates in any given matchup, Olynyk's high-post playmaking should also be a factor tonight.
Projections and Injury Reports
Fantasy projections powered by ESPN Analytics.* Projections assume all players who are listed as GTD will play. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Players available in at least 50% of ESPN leagues are listed in italics.
Orlando Magic at Charlotte Hornets
7 p.m. Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
BPI Projection: Magic in the 5th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Magic: Markelle Fultz, (GTD - Knee)
Hornets: Nick Richards, (GTD - Foot); LaMelo Ball, (OUT - Ankle); Mark Williams, (OUT - Back); Cody Martin, (OUT - Ankle); Seth Curry, (OUT - Ankle)
Magic projections:
Paolo Banchero, SF/PF: 39.0 FPTS (23.7 pts, 6.4 reb, 5.3 ast)
Franz Wagner, SG/SF/PF: 36.2 FPTS (20.1 pts, 5.2 reb, 3.9 ast)
Jalen Suggs, PG/SG: 22.8 FPTS (11.6 pts, 2.9 reb, 2.4 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Wendell Carter Jr., C: 20.3 FPTS (10.0 pts, 6.0 reb, 1.1 ast)
Cole Anthony, PG: 19.6 FPTS (9.2 pts, 3.3 reb, 2.7 ast)
Moritz Wagner, PF/C: 19.4 FPTS (9.9 pts, 4.9 reb, 1.0 ast)
Gary Harris, SG: 14.8 FPTS (6.7 pts, 1.9 reb, 1.2 ast)
Hornets projections:
Miles Bridges, SF/PF: 39.3 FPTS (22.1 pts, 7.9 reb, 3.7 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Brandon Miller, SG/SF: 35.5 FPTS (21.7 pts, 4.5 reb, 2.7 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Tre Mann, PG: 26.0 FPTS (12.7 pts, 5.0 reb, 3.4 ast)
Kyle Lowry, PG: 23.1 FPTS (9.0 pts, 3.3 reb, 3.7 ast)
Nick Richards, C: 19.3 FPTS (9.1 pts, 7.9 reb, 0.8 ast)
Grant Williams, PF: 18.3 FPTS (9.3 pts, 4.2 reb, 1.4 ast)
Vasilije Micic, PG/SG: 16.3 FPTS (7.4 pts, 2.2 reb, 2.8 ast)
Boston Celtics at Cleveland Cavaliers
7:30 p.m. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland
BPI Projection: Celtics in the 7th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Celtics: Jaylen Brown, (GTD - Knee); Kristaps Porzingis, (GTD - Quadriceps); Neemias Queta, (OUT - Knee)
Cavaliers: Caris LeVert, (GTD - Elbow); Isaac Okoro, (GTD - Elbow); Max Strus, (OUT - Knee); Donovan Mitchell, (OUT - Knee); Tristan Thompson, (OUT - Suspension); Ty Jerome, (OUT - Ankle)
Celtics projections:
Jayson Tatum, SF/PF: 47.3 FPTS (26.8 pts, 8.2 reb, 4.9 ast, 3.1 3PM)
Jaylen Brown, SG/SF: 37.7 FPTS (22.4 pts, 5.2 reb, 3.5 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Derrick White, PG/SG: 29.3 FPTS (13.4 pts, 3.8 reb, 4.8 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Jrue Holiday, PG/SG: 27.7 FPTS (11.4 pts, 4.8 reb, 5.0 ast)
Kristaps Porzingis, PF/C: 26.0 FPTS (15.4 pts, 5.4 reb, 1.6 ast, 1.2 blk)
Al Horford, PF/C: 20.8 FPTS (7.5 pts, 6.1 reb, 2.1 ast)
Xavier Tillman, PF/C: 13.6 FPTS (5.9 pts, 3.1 reb, 1.2 ast)
Cavaliers projections:
Darius Garland, PG: 36.3 FPTS (21.6 pts, 2.7 reb, 6.2 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Jarrett Allen, C: 35.6 FPTS (17.4 pts, 10.7 reb, 2.4 ast, 1.2 blk)
Evan Mobley, PF/C: 33.5 FPTS (15.6 pts, 9.9 reb, 2.9 ast, 2.0 blk)
Caris LeVert, SG/SF: 28.3 FPTS (13.7 pts, 3.9 reb, 4.6 ast)
Isaac Okoro, SG/SF: 21.8 FPTS (11.4 pts, 3.2 reb, 2.1 ast)
Georges Niang, PF: 16.6 FPTS (8.8 pts, 3.1 reb, 1.1 ast)
Sam Merrill, SG: 13.1 FPTS (6.2 pts, 2.0 reb, 0.9 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Philadelphia 76ers at Brooklyn Nets
7:30 p.m. Barclays Center, New York
BPI Projection: 76ers in the 9th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
76ers: Cameron Payne, (GTD - Illness); De'Anthony Melton, (OUT - Back); Robert Covington, (OUT - Knee); Joel Embiid, (OUT - Knee)
Nets: Ben Simmons, (GTD - Back); Cam Thomas, (GTD - Ankle); Day'Ron Sharpe, (GTD - Wrist); Dariq Whitehead, (OUT - Lower Leg)
76ers projections:
Tyrese Maxey, PG/SG: 47.8 FPTS (27.9 pts, 3.8 reb, 5.9 ast, 3.2 3PM)
Tobias Harris, SF/PF: 34.6 FPTS (16.8 pts, 5.5 reb, 3.3 ast)
Buddy Hield, SG/SF: 27.0 FPTS (11.6 pts, 3.2 reb, 3.5 ast, 2.7 3PM)
Kelly Oubre Jr., SF/PF: 19.8 FPTS (10.9 pts, 3.7 reb, 0.9 ast)
Paul Reed, PF/C: 18.6 FPTS (8.3 pts, 6.6 reb, 1.3 ast)
Mo Bamba, C: 14.7 FPTS (5.9 pts, 5.0 reb, 0.9 ast, 1.3 blk)
KJ Martin, SF: 12.5 FPTS (5.8 pts, 3.1 reb, 0.9 ast)
Nets projections:
Mikal Bridges, SG/SF: 35.3 FPTS (20.7 pts, 4.2 reb, 3.6 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Nic Claxton, PF/C: 27.5 FPTS (12.2 pts, 9.2 reb, 2.1 ast, 2.0 blk)
Dennis Schroder, PG: 25.3 FPTS (12.5 pts, 2.7 reb, 4.4 ast)
Cameron Johnson, SF/PF: 24.4 FPTS (12.0 pts, 4.1 reb, 2.2 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Dorian Finney-Smith, SF/PF: 19.9 FPTS (9.0 pts, 4.2 reb, 1.5 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Dennis Smith Jr., PG: 19.7 FPTS (7.3 pts, 3.2 reb, 3.8 ast)
Thaddeus Young, PF: 16.2 FPTS (5.8 pts, 4.4 reb, 2.0 ast)
Detroit Pistons at Miami Heat
7:30 p.m. Kaseya Center, Miami
BPI Projection: Heat in the 8th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Pistons: Quentin Grimes, (GTD - Knee)
Heat: Josh Richardson, (OUT - Shoulder); Kevin Love, (OUT - Heel); Tyler Herro, (OUT - Knee); Dru Smith, (OUT - Knee)
Pistons projections:
Cade Cunningham, PG/SG: 39.9 FPTS (23.7 pts, 4.2 reb, 6.6 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Jalen Duren, C: 28.7 FPTS (12.4 pts, 10.5 reb, 2.5 ast)
Ausar Thompson, SG/SF: 27.1 FPTS (12.7 pts, 6.5 reb, 2.2 ast)
Jaden Ivey, PG/SG: 24.4 FPTS (15.2 pts, 3.4 reb, 3.3 ast)
Isaiah Stewart, PF/C: 22.7 FPTS (11.2 pts, 6.2 reb, 1.9 ast)
Simone Fontecchio, SF: 16.4 FPTS (7.9 pts, 3.2 reb, 1.5 ast)
Marcus Sasser, PG: 13.4 FPTS (6.5 pts, 1.3 reb, 1.9 ast)
Heat projections:
Jimmy Butler, SF/PF: 44.8 FPTS (22.8 pts, 6.2 reb, 5.2 ast)
Bam Adebayo, C: 39.7 FPTS (21.1 pts, 10.1 reb, 4.2 ast)
Terry Rozier, PG/SG: 35.1 FPTS (17.8 pts, 3.7 reb, 5.2 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Duncan Robinson, SG/SF: 27.1 FPTS (13.4 pts, 2.9 reb, 3.1 ast, 2.8 3PM)
Jaime Jaquez Jr., SF: 22.5 FPTS (10.7 pts, 3.6 reb, 2.5 ast)
Caleb Martin, SG/SF: 19.4 FPTS (9.9 pts, 4.1 reb, 1.4 ast)
Nikola Jovic, SF: 15.6 FPTS (7.3 pts, 4.7 reb, 1.5 ast)
Atlanta Hawks at New York Knicks
7:30 p.m. Madison Square Garden, New York
BPI Projection: Knicks in the 2nd highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Hawks: Kobe Bufkin, (GTD - Toe); Seth Lundy, (GTD - Back); Onyeka Okongwu, (OUT - Toe); Trae Young, (OUT - Finger)
Knicks: Jalen Brunson, (GTD - Knee); Julius Randle, (OUT - Shoulder); OG Anunoby, (OUT - Elbow); Mitchell Robinson, (OUT - Ankle)
Hawks projections:
Dejounte Murray, PG/SG: 41.1 FPTS (22.3 pts, 5.2 reb, 5.9 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Jalen Johnson, SF/PF: 35.8 FPTS (17.1 pts, 8.2 reb, 3.7 ast)
Bogdan Bogdanovic, SG/SF: 32.2 FPTS (18.0 pts, 3.6 reb, 3.0 ast, 3.2 3PM)
Saddiq Bey, SF/PF: 26.1 FPTS (13.6 pts, 5.8 reb, 1.5 ast, 1.9 3PM)
De'Andre Hunter, SF/PF: 20.6 FPTS (12.3 pts, 3.2 reb, 1.2 ast)
Clint Capela, C: 20.1 FPTS (10.0 pts, 7.5 reb, 1.0 ast)
Bruno Fernando, C: 16.2 FPTS (8.8 pts, 4.8 reb, 1.0 ast)
Knicks projections:
Jalen Brunson, PG/SG: 42.7 FPTS (25.5 pts, 3.3 reb, 5.8 ast, 2.7 3PM)
Josh Hart, SG/SF: 34.9 FPTS (14.3 pts, 7.8 reb, 4.4 ast)
Donte DiVincenzo, SG: 30.4 FPTS (16.0 pts, 4.0 reb, 2.5 ast, 3.2 3PM)
Precious Achiuwa, PF/C: 25.1 FPTS (11.9 pts, 8.0 reb, 1.4 ast)
Bojan Bogdanovic, SF/PF: 20.7 FPTS (12.5 pts, 2.1 reb, 1.7 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Isaiah Hartenstein, PF/C: 19.5 FPTS (8.0 pts, 6.5 reb, 1.8 ast)
Jericho Sims, PF: 13.9 FPTS (4.9 pts, 6.0 reb, 1.0 ast)
New Orleans Pelicans at Toronto Raptors
7:30 p.m. Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
BPI Projection: Pelicans in the 3rd highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Pelicans: Dyson Daniels, (OUT - Knee)
Raptors: Bruce Brown, (OUT - Knee); Jakob Poeltl, (OUT - Finger); Scottie Barnes, (OUT - Hand)
Pelicans projections:
Brandon Ingram, SF/PF: 41.1 FPTS (25.0 pts, 4.9 reb, 5.7 ast)
Zion Williamson, PF: 39.1 FPTS (23.3 pts, 5.1 reb, 5.7 ast)
Herbert Jones, SF/PF: 35.6 FPTS (15.8 pts, 4.4 reb, 2.9 ast)
CJ McCollum, PG/SG: 33.7 FPTS (18.4 pts, 3.6 reb, 4.2 ast, 2.9 3PM)
Jonas Valanciunas, C: 23.2 FPTS (10.7 pts, 7.2 reb, 1.7 ast)
Trey Murphy III, SG/SF: 22.4 FPTS (10.4 pts, 3.3 reb, 1.5 ast, 2.6 3PM)
Larry Nance Jr., PF/C: 14.4 FPTS (5.0 pts, 3.7 reb, 1.2 ast)
Raptors projections:
RJ Barrett, SG/SF: 41.3 FPTS (27.2 pts, 5.1 reb, 4.6 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Immanuel Quickley, PG/SG: 40.0 FPTS (22.5 pts, 4.8 reb, 5.3 ast, 2.7 3PM)
Kelly Olynyk, PF/C: 29.4 FPTS (11.6 pts, 6.4 reb, 4.7 ast)
Gary Trent Jr., PG/SG: 26.8 FPTS (15.5 pts, 3.3 reb, 1.5 ast, 2.7 3PM)
Gradey Dick, SG: 20.6 FPTS (11.3 pts, 3.4 reb, 1.5 ast)
Chris Boucher, PF/C: 13.2 FPTS (6.1 pts, 4.1 reb, 0.5 ast)
Ochai Agbaji, SG/SF: 12.1 FPTS (6.1 pts, 2.3 reb, 0.9 ast)
San Antonio Spurs at Houston Rockets
8 p.m. Toyota Center, Houston
BPI Projection: Rockets in the 4th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Spurs: Julian Champagnie, (GTD - Ankle); Victor Wembanyama, (GTD - Shoulder); Charles Bassey, (OUT - Knee)
Rockets: Tari Eason, (OUT - Lower Leg); Steven Adams, (OUT - Knee)
Spurs projections:
Victor Wembanyama, PF/C: 40.4 FPTS (20.4 pts, 9.7 reb, 3.8 ast, 3.0 blk)
Devin Vassell, SG/SF: 37.7 FPTS (22.0 pts, 4.0 reb, 4.0 ast, 2.7 3PM)
Tre Jones, PG: 24.3 FPTS (9.3 pts, 3.3 reb, 5.1 ast)
Jeremy Sochan, PG/PF: 23.4 FPTS (11.9 pts, 6.0 reb, 2.3 ast)
Keldon Johnson, SF: 23.2 FPTS (11.9 pts, 3.9 reb, 2.4 ast)
Zach Collins, PF/C: 18.7 FPTS (9.2 pts, 4.0 reb, 2.6 ast)
Malaki Branham, SG: 16.3 FPTS (9.1 pts, 2.2 reb, 2.0 ast)
Rockets projections:
Alperen Sengun, C: 38.9 FPTS (20.9 pts, 8.7 reb, 5.0 ast)
Fred VanVleet, PG: 37.1 FPTS (17.1 pts, 4.0 reb, 6.3 ast, 2.9 3PM)
Jabari Smith Jr., PF/C: 33.6 FPTS (16.6 pts, 9.8 reb, 1.7 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Jalen Green, SG: 31.1 FPTS (17.9 pts, 5.1 reb, 3.3 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Dillon Brooks, SG/SF: 21.6 FPTS (12.7 pts, 3.6 reb, 1.5 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Amen Thompson, SG: 21.1 FPTS (8.5 pts, 6.1 reb, 2.3 ast)
Cam Whitmore, SF: 21.0 FPTS (12.8 pts, 4.3 reb, 0.8 ast)
Indiana Pacers at Dallas Mavericks
8:30 p.m. American Airlines Center, Dallas
BPI Projection: Mavericks in the highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Pacers: Aaron Nesmith, (GTD - Quadriceps); Ben Sheppard, (GTD - Illness); Doug McDermott, (OUT - Calf)
Mavericks: Derrick Jones Jr., (GTD - Shoulder); Luka Doncic, (GTD - Ankle); Maxi Kleber, (GTD - Knee)
Pacers projections:
Tyrese Haliburton, PG/SG: 42.3 FPTS (18.9 pts, 3.0 reb, 8.1 ast, 2.8 3PM)
Pascal Siakam, PF/C: 41.1 FPTS (23.1 pts, 6.6 reb, 4.5 ast)
Myles Turner, C: 27.1 FPTS (14.6 pts, 7.3 reb, 1.1 ast, 1.6 blk)
Andrew Nembhard, PG/SG: 23.8 FPTS (10.9 pts, 2.8 reb, 3.9 ast)
Bennedict Mathurin, SG/SF: 22.8 FPTS (12.9 pts, 3.8 reb, 2.2 ast)
Aaron Nesmith, SF: 21.8 FPTS (10.7 pts, 4.2 reb, 1.2 ast)
T.J. McConnell, PG: 19.2 FPTS (7.9 pts, 2.7 reb, 3.7 ast)
Mavericks projections:
Luka Doncic, PG: 61.9 FPTS (34.5 pts, 8.5 reb, 9.0 ast, 3.8 3PM)
Kyrie Irving, PG/SG: 42.6 FPTS (24.6 pts, 4.9 reb, 4.3 ast, 2.8 3PM)
P.J. Washington, PF: 23.9 FPTS (12.7 pts, 5.2 reb, 1.5 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Dereck Lively II, C: 20.6 FPTS (8.1 pts, 7.0 reb, 1.1 ast, 1.3 blk)
Josh Green, SG/SF: 18.7 FPTS (8.8 pts, 3.2 reb, 1.8 ast)
Tim Hardaway Jr., SG/SF: 17.9 FPTS (9.7 pts, 2.7 reb, 1.1 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Daniel Gafford, PF/C: 13.0 FPTS (5.6 pts, 4.3 reb, 0.7 ast)
Phoenix Suns at Denver Nuggets
10 p.m. Ball Arena, Denver
BPI Projection: Nuggets in the 6th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Suns: Jusuf Nurkic, (GTD - Calf); Josh Okogie, (OUT - Abdomen); Nassir Little, (OUT - Knee); Devin Booker, (OUT - Ankle); Damion Lee, (OUT - Knee)
Nuggets: Vlatko Cancar, (OUT - Knee)
Suns projections:
Kevin Durant, SF/PF: 50.8 FPTS (30.6 pts, 7.1 reb, 6.4 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Bradley Beal, PG/SG: 30.5 FPTS (16.2 pts, 3.7 reb, 4.2 ast)
Grayson Allen, SG: 28.3 FPTS (12.5 pts, 4.5 reb, 3.4 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Jusuf Nurkic, C: 27.5 FPTS (11.5 pts, 8.6 reb, 3.5 ast)
Royce O'Neale, SF: 24.0 FPTS (9.6 pts, 5.1 reb, 2.4 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Eric Gordon, SG/SF: 22.2 FPTS (11.9 pts, 2.1 reb, 2.0 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Bol Bol, PF/C: 14.0 FPTS (6.3 pts, 4.5 reb, 0.6 ast)
Nuggets projections:
Nikola Jokic, C: 57.5 FPTS (26.0 pts, 12.3 reb, 8.1 ast)
Michael Porter Jr., SF: 32.4 FPTS (16.8 pts, 7.1 reb, 1.4 ast, 2.6 3PM)
Aaron Gordon, PF: 31.5 FPTS (16.5 pts, 6.0 reb, 3.1 ast)
Jamal Murray, PG: 29.8 FPTS (15.0 pts, 3.2 reb, 4.9 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Reggie Jackson, PG: 20.9 FPTS (9.9 pts, 2.1 reb, 3.5 ast)
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG/SF: 15.7 FPTS (6.8 pts, 1.8 reb, 1.6 ast)
Christian Braun, SG: 15.6 FPTS (7.9 pts, 3.8 reb, 1.3 ast)