Fantasy basketball tips and projections for Saturday

What you need to know for Saturday's games

A nine-game Saturday slate is headlined by a classic matchup between LeBron James and his Los Angeles Lakers hosting Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors in a game that airs on ABC this evening.

Beyond those big names, fantasy managers will want to focus on emergent forward Jonathan Kuminga, who is somehow still a free agent in 40% of ESPN men's basketball leagues despite averaging 25 PPG the past week. For the Lakers, we're witnessing some stability develop in Rui Hachimura's (11.8%), in large part due to regularly earning around 30 minutes in the Lakers' rotation.

The first tip of the day pits the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Houston Rockets. The influential injury news in this one is the absence of Evan Mobley from the Cavaliers' rotation, likely propelling smaller lineup looks from the team, which aids Cariv LeVert's (51.0%) upside. For Houston, not having Alperen Sengun in the lineup also fuels small-ball looks, albeit we should see a busy from Jock Landale (3.6%).

Another intriguing game from Saturday's busy schedule is found in Salt Lake City between the Utah Jazz and favored Minnesota Timberwolves. A recent scoring and playmaking eruption from Jazz rookie Keyonte George (20.4%) is becoming a bankable trend. With at least 25 points and five dimes in three straight, George is looking like a potential league-swinging addition in fantasy formats for the final stretch of the season.

A rare bit of good injury news has surfaced for the Memphis Grizzlies; star guard Desmond Bane is expected to play against the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight for the first time in two months. A savvy scoring guard who has more playmaking chops than most elite shooters claim, Bane could soak up a massive usage rate in the final month of the season.

Saturday's Stream Team

Keyonte George, PG/SF, Jazz (Rostered in 20.4% of ESPN leagues): The market is still sleeping on this ascendant rookie guard; the Baylor product has averaged 17.2 points, 5.1 assists, and a rousing 3.1 3-pointers since the start of February. The Timberwolves have a top defense, but point-of-attack against point guards might be a weak spot personnel-wise.

Trey Murphy III, SG/SF, Pelicans (34.7%): Back to lofting loads of shots from deep and stellar defensive rates over the course of the season, Murphy is poised to help fantasy rosters in a friendly matchup against a depleted Portland roster.

Kelly Oubre Jr. SF/PF, 76ers (53.8%): Oubre set a career scoring mark while hooping for the Hornets last season, so there's a fun revenge narrative in play. The real selling point is rare freedom for Oubre to hunt for offense both on and off the ball against one of the league's worst defensive teams. Teammate Paul Reed (18.1%) merits attention, also, especially given his success against the Charlotte frontcourt just a few weeks ago.

Alex Caruso, PG/SG, Bulls (28.7%): The Bulls list Coby White as doubtful to play due to a hip ailment suffered recently, which means Caruso is the top creator from the backcourt in addition to being the team's best perimeter defender. Capable of posting big stock numbers and with rising offense in the wake of White's injury, Caruso could eat against a weak Washington defense.

Trayce Jackson-Davis PF, Warriors (4.2%): While Kuminga has made a meaningful leap this year, we've also seen this rookie rise into a major part of the rotation. Flirting with double-double outcomes in recent matchups, Jackson-Davis could be busy bullying a Lakers frontcourt that lakes size past Anthony Davis.

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. Projections may not be available for all players or all games.

Cleveland Cavaliers at Houston Rockets

BPI Projection: Cavaliers in the 9th highest-scoring game of the slate.

Injury Report:
Cavaliers: Max Strus, (OUT - Knee); Evan Mobley, (OUT - Ankle); Ty Jerome, (OUT - Ankle)
Rockets: Cam Whitmore, (OUT - Knee); Alperen Sengun, (OUT - Ankle); Steven Adams, (OUT - Knee); Tari Eason, (OUT - Lower Leg)

Cavaliers projections:

• Donovan Mitchell, PG/SG: 49.4 FPTS (28.8 pts, 5.0 reb, 6.3 ast, 3.4 3PM)

• Jarrett Allen, C: 39.0 FPTS (18.5 pts, 11.6 reb, 2.8 ast, 1.4 blk)

• Darius Garland, PG: 36.3 FPTS (20.4 pts, 2.7 reb, 6.4 ast, 2.4 3PM)

• Caris LeVert, SG/SF: 27.5 FPTS (12.1 pts, 3.8 reb, 4.7 ast)

• Isaac Okoro, SG/SF: 25.3 FPTS (14.2 pts, 3.9 reb, 1.7 ast)

• Georges Niang, PF: 17.9 FPTS (8.7 pts, 3.3 reb, 1.2 ast)

• Sam Merrill, SG: 13.6 FPTS (6.0 pts, 2.0 reb, 1.2 ast)

Rockets projections:

• Jalen Green, SG: 40.1 FPTS (24.1 pts, 5.8 reb, 3.9 ast, 2.6 3PM)

• Fred VanVleet, PG: 37.7 FPTS (16.0 pts, 4.3 reb, 6.8 ast, 2.9 3PM)

• Jabari Smith Jr., PF/C: 32.6 FPTS (16.8 pts, 9.5 reb, 1.7 ast, 1.9 3PM)

• Dillon Brooks, SG/SF: 22.7 FPTS (12.8 pts, 3.8 reb, 1.6 ast, 1.8 3PM)

• Amen Thompson, SG: 21.7 FPTS (9.3 pts, 6.9 reb, 2.0 ast)

• Jock Landale, C: 13.3 FPTS (5.4 pts, 4.8 reb, 1.1 ast)

• Jeff Green, PF: 11.8 FPTS (5.8 pts, 2.3 reb, 1.0 ast)

Brooklyn Nets at Indiana Pacers

BPI Projection: Pacers in the 4th highest-scoring game of the slate.

Injury Report:
Nets: Jacob Gilyard, (GTD - Undisclosed); Ben Simmons, (OUT - Back); Dariq Whitehead, (OUT - Lower Leg)
Pacers: Doug McDermott, (OUT - Calf); Bennedict Mathurin, (OUT - Shoulder)

Nets projections:

• Mikal Bridges, SG/SF: 36.5 FPTS (20.2 pts, 4.1 reb, 4.0 ast, 2.5 3PM)

• Dennis Schroder, PG: 31.2 FPTS (15.5 pts, 3.0 reb, 5.3 ast)

• Cam Thomas, SG: 30.1 FPTS (19.5 pts, 3.0 reb, 2.8 ast, 1.9 3PM)

• Nic Claxton, PF/C: 28.6 FPTS (12.8 pts, 9.1 reb, 2.2 ast, 2.5 blk)

• Dorian Finney-Smith, SF/PF: 22.8 FPTS (9.6 pts, 5.0 reb, 1.6 ast, 2.0 3PM)

• Dennis Smith Jr., PG: 16.4 FPTS (6.3 pts, 2.4 reb, 2.7 ast)

• Cameron Johnson, SF/PF: 14.8 FPTS (5.2 pts, 2.4 reb, 1.5 ast)

Pacers projections:

• Tyrese Haliburton, PG/SG: 42.0 FPTS (18.8 pts, 4.0 reb, 8.0 ast, 2.7 3PM)

• Pascal Siakam, PF/C: 38.6 FPTS (20.4 pts, 7.3 reb, 3.9 ast)

• Myles Turner, C: 25.1 FPTS (13.2 pts, 7.0 reb, 1.1 ast, 2.1 blk)

• Aaron Nesmith, SF: 21.2 FPTS (10.4 pts, 4.1 reb, 1.2 ast)

• Andrew Nembhard, PG/SG: 20.2 FPTS (8.5 pts, 2.6 reb, 3.5 ast)

• T.J. McConnell, PG: 20.0 FPTS (8.4 pts, 3.0 reb, 3.7 ast)

• Jalen Smith, PF/C: 17.7 FPTS (7.7 pts, 5.3 reb, 1.2 ast)

Charlotte Hornets at Philadelphia 76ers

BPI Projection: 76ers in the 5th highest-scoring game of the slate.

Injury Report:
Hornets: Bryce McGowens, (GTD - Knee); LaMelo Ball, (GTD - Ankle); Cody Martin, (OUT - Ankle); Mark Williams, (OUT - Back); Seth Curry, (OUT - Ankle)
76ers: Tobias Harris, (GTD - Ankle); De'Anthony Melton, (OUT - Back); Robert Covington, (OUT - Knee); Joel Embiid, (OUT - Knee)

Hornets projections:

• Miles Bridges, SF/PF: 38.7 FPTS (20.8 pts, 7.3 reb, 3.8 ast, 2.3 3PM)

• Brandon Miller, SG/SF: 32.2 FPTS (17.6 pts, 4.5 reb, 2.6 ast, 2.3 3PM)

• Vasilije Micic, PG/SG: 25.6 FPTS (13.1 pts, 3.0 reb, 4.0 ast)

• Tre Mann, PG: 25.0 FPTS (11.9 pts, 4.7 reb, 3.0 ast)

• Nick Richards, C: 23.5 FPTS (10.6 pts, 8.8 reb, 0.9 ast)

• Grant Williams, PF: 19.8 FPTS (9.5 pts, 4.1 reb, 1.9 ast)

• Davis Bertans, PF: 12.4 FPTS (5.7 pts, 2.1 reb, 1.2 ast)

76ers projections:

• Tyrese Maxey, PG/SG: 45.6 FPTS (26.2 pts, 3.5 reb, 5.9 ast, 3.0 3PM)

• Tobias Harris, SF/PF: 33.5 FPTS (16.6 pts, 5.7 reb, 2.8 ast)

• Kelly Oubre Jr., SF/PF: 26.3 FPTS (14.8 pts, 5.1 reb, 1.4 ast)

• Paul Reed, PF/C: 20.5 FPTS (9.0 pts, 7.4 reb, 1.2 ast, 1.2 blk)

• Kyle Lowry, PG: 19.4 FPTS (6.3 pts, 3.1 reb, 3.8 ast)

• Buddy Hield, SG/SF: 19.0 FPTS (6.8 pts, 2.7 reb, 2.7 ast, 1.8 3PM)

• Cameron Payne, PG: 15.1 FPTS (6.7 pts, 1.7 reb, 2.5 ast)

Portland Trail Blazers at New Orleans Pelicans

BPI Projection: Pelicans in the 8th highest-scoring game of the slate.

Injury Report:
Blazers: Anfernee Simons, (GTD - Knee); Jabari Walker, (GTD - Hip); Jerami Grant, (GTD - Hamstring); Matisse Thybulle, (NA - Ankle); Rayan Rupert, (GTD - Ankle); Malcolm Brogdon, (OUT - Elbow); Shaedon Sharpe, (OUT - Abdomen); Robert Williams III, (OUT - Knee)
Pelicans: Dyson Daniels, (OUT - Knee)

Blazers projections:

• Deandre Ayton, C: 36.1 FPTS (17.7 pts, 11.3 reb, 1.8 ast)

• Anfernee Simons, PG/SG: 34.2 FPTS (19.3 pts, 3.2 reb, 5.0 ast, 3.0 3PM)

• Jerami Grant, PF: 28.4 FPTS (17.5 pts, 3.2 reb, 3.3 ast, 1.8 3PM)

• Scoot Henderson, PG: 22.4 FPTS (12.7 pts, 2.7 reb, 3.5 ast)

• Toumani Camara, PF: 20.2 FPTS (9.5 pts, 5.3 reb, 1.3 ast)

• Kris Murray, PF: 18.5 FPTS (9.2 pts, 4.5 reb, 1.6 ast)

• Dalano Banton, PG: 16.1 FPTS (8.3 pts, 4.5 reb, 1.7 ast)

Pelicans projections:

• Brandon Ingram, SF/PF: 38.6 FPTS (22.5 pts, 4.9 reb, 5.2 ast)

• Zion Williamson, PF: 36.4 FPTS (20.8 pts, 5.5 reb, 5.0 ast)

• CJ McCollum, PG/SG: 30.2 FPTS (15.1 pts, 3.5 reb, 3.8 ast, 2.5 3PM)

• Herbert Jones, SF/PF: 29.1 FPTS (11.0 pts, 3.5 reb, 2.3 ast)

• Trey Murphy III, SG/SF: 23.5 FPTS (10.5 pts, 3.6 reb, 1.5 ast, 2.6 3PM)

• Jonas Valanciunas, C: 20.5 FPTS (9.0 pts, 6.4 reb, 1.6 ast)

• Larry Nance Jr., PF/C: 16.5 FPTS (5.8 pts, 5.0 reb, 1.3 ast)

Washington Wizards at Chicago Bulls

BPI Projection: Bulls in the 7th highest-scoring game of the slate.

Injury Report:
Wizards: Deni Avdija, (GTD - Knee); Richaun Holmes, (GTD - Toe); Tyus Jones, (GTD - Back); Landry Shamet, (OUT - Calf); Marvin Bagley III, (OUT - Back); Isaiah Livers, (OUT - Hip)
Bulls: Coby White, (GTD - Hip); Julian Phillips, (OUT - Foot); Lonzo Ball, (OUT - Knee); Patrick Williams, (OUT - Foot); Zach LaVine, (OUT - Foot)

Oklahoma City Thunder at Memphis Grizzlies

BPI Projection: Thunder in the 6th highest-scoring game of the slate.

Injury Report:
Thunder: None reported
Grizzlies: Desmond Bane, (GTD - Ankle); Jaren Jackson Jr., (GTD - Quadriceps); Santi Aldama, (GTD - Elbow); Scotty Pippen Jr., (GTD - Lower Leg); Vince Williams Jr., (GTD - Knee); Brandon Clarke, (OUT - Achilles); Lamar Stevens, (OUT - Thigh); Yuta Watanabe, (OUT - Wrist); Marcus Smart, (OUT - Finger); Derrick Rose, (OUT - Groin)

Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers

BPI Projection: Lakers in the highest-scoring game of the slate.

Injury Report:
Warriors: Draymond Green, (GTD - Back); Stephen Curry, (GTD - Ankle)
Lakers: Anthony Davis, (GTD - Achilles); LeBron James, (GTD - Ankle); Cam Reddish, (OUT - Ankle); Christian Wood, (OUT - Knee); Gabe Vincent, (OUT - Knee); Colin Castleton, (OUT - Wrist); Jarred Vanderbilt, (OUT - Foot)

Minnesota Timberwolves at Utah Jazz

BPI Projection: Timberwolves in the 3rd highest-scoring game of the slate.

Injury Report:
Timberwolves: Kyle Anderson, (GTD - Shoulder); Monte Morris, (GTD - Hamstring); Rudy Gobert, (GTD - Ribs); Jaylen Clark, (OUT - Achilles); Karl-Anthony Towns, (OUT - Knee)
Jazz: Jordan Clarkson, (GTD - Groin); Kris Dunn, (GTD - Rest); Lauri Markkanen, (GTD - Quadriceps)

New York Knicks at Sacramento Kings

BPI Projection: Kings in the 2nd highest-scoring game of the slate.

Injury Report:
Knicks: OG Anunoby, (GTD - Elbow); Julius Randle, (OUT - Shoulder); Mitchell Robinson, (OUT - Ankle)
Kings: Kevin Huerter, (GTD - Leg); Sasha Vezenkov, (OUT - Ankle); Trey Lyles, (OUT - Knee)