Fantasy managers have eight games of NBA action to sift through on the third Monday of March. One of the early tips features a compelling matchup between the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers which airs on ESPN.
The short-handed Sixers are somewhat surprisingly favored, but we also must account for a depleted Heat crew that has missed Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro in recent games. It is crucial to wait for official lineup submissions before truly framing this game in fantasy and betting terms, but with both teams dealing with some impact injuries, two streaming candidates surface in the endorsement section below.
Capping an ESPN doubleheader, the New York Knicks make their annual stop in San Francisco to face the Golden State Warriors. Each team enters with meaningful motivation to improve playoff seeding in their respective conferences, thus the competitive spread. Like the game in South Philly, this one produces a few waiver wire options, namely Jonathan Kuminga (59.8% rostered in ESPN leagues) and Donte DiVincenzo (54.8%).
Given that injuries will prove influential throughout tonight's slate, leveraging ESPN's updated injury index can prove helpful ahead of such a busy and injury-laden night of hoops.
Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Max Strus won't be available for the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Indiana Pacers. This should result in heavy usage for Caris LeVert (51.3%) and relevance for the likes of Isaac Okoro (7.8%) and Sam Merrill (0.4%).
For the Chicago Bulls, backcourt stalwarts Alec Caruso and Coby White appear unlikely to play against the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, which vaults a young combo guard to the top of the Stream Team. Portland, meanwhile, lists Malcolm Brogdon, Shaedon Sharpe, and Jerami Grant as either out or unlikely to play. A young Blazers guard makes the cut in the Stream Team, as fantasy managers can find value in acting on such absences.
It's not all negative availability news, as Lauri Markkanen has been upgraded to questionable after missing multiple games and could return as the leader of the Utah Jazz offense. I'm still very interested in rostering his rookie teammate Keyonte George (23.1%) in any and all formats.
Given the fluid nature of lineups at this point in the NBA marathon, it's prudent to keep up with recent roster updates and hit the wire whenever a significant star or rotation contributor isn't active. Winning on the margins is what March fantasy basketball is all about.
Monday's Stream Team
Ayo Dosunmu, SG, Chicago Bulls (Rostered in 23.6% of ESPN leagues)
With White's high-volume shooting and Caruso's mix of playmaking and point-of-attack defense likely out of the lineup for Billy Donovan, it's time for Dosunmu to carry a major two-way role against a patchworked Portland defense. After all, he just popped off for a career-high 34 points on Saturday to go with nine dimes. This is a prime spot to stream Dosunmu.
Keyonte George, PG/SG, Utah Jazz (23.1%)
Back to the well with George, who is finding sustained success as a perimeter scorer for the Jazz. We know he can produce against Mike Conley and the Timberwolves, as he just delivered 18 points against them over the weekend.
Kelly Oubre Jr., SF/PF, Philadelphia 76ers (52.9%)
Even with Tobias Harris seemingly likely to return to the rotation today, it's Oubre who loves the spin of his own shot and should be aggressive in hunting for offense and loose balls against the rival Heat this evening. Confidence, even when it's irrational, often proves rewarding for fantasy outcomes.
Jaime Jaquez Jr., SG/SF, Miami Heat (20.4%)
This rookie out of UCLA feasted on Philly to the tune of a career-best 31 points back in January. If Butler is deemed out, "JJJ" could emerge as a big contributor again given the team's need for perimeter juice. I'd also be interested in Duncan Robinson (15.5%) given his blend of shooting volume and newfound off-the-dribble skill set.
Dalano Banton, PG, Portland Trail Blazers (7.0%)
Chauncey Billups is a believer in Banton, which has resulted in some big minutes and big lines from the young guard. Fresh from 28 points in 42 minutes against the Pelicans over the weekend, Banton should be an important factor for this offense against the Bulls' depleted backcourt tonight.
Simone Fontecchio, SF, Detroit Pistons (9.0%)
Earning tons of time since come over at the deadline from the Jazz, this floor-spacing wing has been impressive in both scoring and working the glass in the recent games. Active enough hands in the passing lanes even creates some steal production, making him an interesting plug-and-play against the Celtics this evening.
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.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Indiana Pacers
7 p.m. ET, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
BPI Projection: Pacers in the 4th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Cavaliers: Dean Wade, (GTD - Knee); Donovan Mitchell, (OUT - Nose); Max Strus, (OUT - Knee); Evan Mobley, (OUT - Ankle); Ty Jerome, (OUT - Ankle)
Pacers: Doug McDermott, (OUT - Calf); Bennedict Mathurin, (OUT - Shoulder)
Cavaliers projections:
Jarrett Allen, C: 39.6 FPTS (18.7 pts, 12.3 reb, 2.7 ast, 1.3 blk)
Darius Garland, PG: 38.7 FPTS (22.3 pts, 2.8 reb, 6.6 ast, 2.6 3PM)
Caris LeVert, SG/SF: 33.2 FPTS (15.0 pts, 4.7 reb, 5.6 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Isaac Okoro, SG/SF: 25.2 FPTS (13.2 pts, 4.1 reb, 1.8 ast)
Georges Niang, PF: 22.1 FPTS (11.1 pts, 4.3 reb, 1.2 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Sam Merrill, SG: 17.5 FPTS (7.5 pts, 3.0 reb, 1.7 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Tristan Thompson, PF/C: 15.2 FPTS (6.0 pts, 5.7 reb, 1.4 ast)
Pacers projections:
Tyrese Haliburton, PG/SG: 47.5 FPTS (21.2 pts, 3.9 reb, 9.2 ast, 2.9 3PM)
Pascal Siakam, PF/C: 39.3 FPTS (21.1 pts, 7.0 reb, 4.0 ast)
Myles Turner, C: 27.3 FPTS (15.0 pts, 7.0 reb, 1.3 ast, 2.4 blk)
Andrew Nembhard, PG/SG: 22.1 FPTS (9.4 pts, 2.7 reb, 3.8 ast)
Aaron Nesmith, SF: 20.5 FPTS (10.9 pts, 3.7 reb, 1.1 ast)
Jalen Smith, PF/C: 18.2 FPTS (8.4 pts, 5.2 reb, 1.1 ast)
T.J. McConnell, PG: 17.5 FPTS (7.0 pts, 2.4 reb, 3.5 ast)
Detroit Pistons at Boston Celtics
7:30 p.m. ET, TD Garden, Boston
BPI Projection: Celtics in the 3rd highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Pistons: Ausar Thompson, (GTD - Illness); Quentin Grimes, (GTD - Knee)
Celtics: Derrick White, (GTD - Hand); Jaylen Brown, (GTD - Ankle); Kristaps Porzingis, (GTD - Hamstring); Sam Hauser, (GTD - Ankle)
Pistons projections:
Cade Cunningham, PG/SG: 38.9 FPTS (23.6 pts, 4.2 reb, 6.7 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Jaden Ivey, PG/SG: 29.2 FPTS (18.0 pts, 3.4 reb, 3.9 ast)
Jalen Duren, C: 28.7 FPTS (12.8 pts, 10.5 reb, 2.4 ast)
Isaiah Stewart, PF/C: 23.4 FPTS (11.9 pts, 6.0 reb, 1.3 ast)
Simone Fontecchio, SF: 22.2 FPTS (11.7 pts, 4.1 reb, 1.5 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Marcus Sasser, PG: 15.7 FPTS (7.6 pts, 1.8 reb, 2.3 ast)
James Wiseman, C: 14.8 FPTS (6.8 pts, 4.5 reb, 1.1 ast)
Celtics projections:
Jayson Tatum, SF/PF: 45.9 FPTS (27.4 pts, 7.3 reb, 4.9 ast, 3.2 3PM)
Jaylen Brown, SG/SF: 32.3 FPTS (19.6 pts, 4.2 reb, 3.1 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Jrue Holiday, PG/SG: 30.9 FPTS (14.0 pts, 4.9 reb, 5.0 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Derrick White, PG/SG: 25.2 FPTS (11.1 pts, 3.3 reb, 4.6 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Al Horford, PF/C: 17.3 FPTS (5.0 pts, 5.6 reb, 1.9 ast)
Xavier Tillman, PF/C: 15.6 FPTS (7.2 pts, 4.2 reb, 1.3 ast)
Sam Hauser, SF: 14.3 FPTS (6.3 pts, 3.0 reb, 1.1 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Miami Heat at Philadelphia 76ers
7:30 p.m. ET, Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia
BPI Projection: 76ers in the 8th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Heat: Jimmy Butler, (GTD - Foot); Kevin Love, (GTD - Heel); Nikola Jovic, (GTD - Hamstring); Tyler Herro, (OUT - Foot); Josh Richardson, (OUT - Shoulder)
76ers: Tobias Harris, (GTD - Ankle); De'Anthony Melton, (OUT - Back); Robert Covington, (OUT - Knee); Joel Embiid, (OUT - Knee)
Heat projections:
Terry Rozier, PG/SG: 37.5 FPTS (20.0 pts, 4.1 reb, 5.6 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Bam Adebayo, C: 37.1 FPTS (20.5 pts, 9.7 reb, 3.9 ast)
Jimmy Butler, SF/PF: 36.8 FPTS (19.8 pts, 5.4 reb, 4.8 ast)
Duncan Robinson, SG/SF: 25.4 FPTS (12.7 pts, 2.6 reb, 3.1 ast, 2.7 3PM)
Caleb Martin, SG/SF: 22.6 FPTS (11.7 pts, 4.4 reb, 1.9 ast)
Jaime Jaquez Jr., SF: 21.7 FPTS (10.6 pts, 3.6 reb, 2.3 ast)
Nikola Jovic, SF: 14.3 FPTS (6.9 pts, 3.5 reb, 1.6 ast)
76ers projections:
Tyrese Maxey, PG/SG: 43.0 FPTS (25.1 pts, 3.5 reb, 5.4 ast, 3.0 3PM)
Tobias Harris, SF/PF: 27.4 FPTS (13.3 pts, 4.9 reb, 2.7 ast)
Kelly Oubre Jr., SF/PF: 26.1 FPTS (15.6 pts, 5.0 reb, 1.3 ast)
Kyle Lowry, PG: 20.4 FPTS (7.5 pts, 3.2 reb, 3.7 ast)
Buddy Hield, SG/SF: 19.7 FPTS (8.3 pts, 2.4 reb, 2.7 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Paul Reed, PF/C: 18.4 FPTS (8.0 pts, 6.4 reb, 1.2 ast)
Mo Bamba, C: 13.8 FPTS (5.2 pts, 5.1 reb, 0.9 ast)
Portland Trail Blazers at Chicago Bulls
8 p.m. ET, United Center, Chicago
BPI Projection: Bulls in the 7th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Blazers: Jerami Grant, (GTD - Hamstring); Matisse Thybulle, (GTD - Ankle); Malcolm Brogdon, (OUT - Elbow); Shaedon Sharpe, (OUT - Abdomen); Robert Williams III, (OUT - Knee)
Bulls: Alex Caruso, (GTD - Toe); Coby White, (GTD - Hip); Julian Phillips, (OUT - Foot); Lonzo Ball, (OUT - Knee); Patrick Williams, (OUT - Foot); Zach LaVine, (OUT - Foot)
Blazers projections:
Anfernee Simons, PG/SG: 40.6 FPTS (24.4 pts, 4.1 reb, 5.6 ast, 3.4 3PM)
Deandre Ayton, C: 36.1 FPTS (18.1 pts, 11.8 reb, 1.7 ast)
Dalano Banton, PG: 25.2 FPTS (15.2 pts, 6.5 reb, 2.1 ast)
Scoot Henderson, PG: 20.6 FPTS (11.5 pts, 2.6 reb, 3.6 ast)
Toumani Camara, PF: 20.4 FPTS (9.4 pts, 5.5 reb, 1.4 ast)
Kris Murray, PF: 18.7 FPTS (9.6 pts, 4.7 reb, 1.7 ast)
Matisse Thybulle, SG/SF: 16.7 FPTS (5.2 pts, 2.1 reb, 1.3 ast)
Bulls projections:
DeMar DeRozan, SG/SF: 43.5 FPTS (25.5 pts, 4.5 reb, 5.4 ast)
Nikola Vucevic, C: 38.1 FPTS (18.7 pts, 9.7 reb, 3.2 ast)
Coby White, PG/SG: 32.4 FPTS (15.9 pts, 3.4 reb, 5.1 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Ayo Dosunmu, SG: 30.8 FPTS (15.5 pts, 3.6 reb, 3.7 ast)
Alex Caruso, PG/SG: 28.4 FPTS (10.3 pts, 3.8 reb, 3.3 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Andre Drummond, C: 16.8 FPTS (8.5 pts, 6.1 reb, 0.6 ast)
Torrey Craig, SF/PF: 16.8 FPTS (7.2 pts, 4.7 reb, 1.2 ast)
Minnesota Timberwolves at Utah Jazz
9 p.m. ET, Delta Center, Salt Lake City
BPI Projection: Timberwolves in the 2nd 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: Lauri Markkanen, (GTD - Quadriceps); Jordan Clarkson, (OUT - Groin)
Timberwolves projections:
Anthony Edwards, SG/SF: 45.7 FPTS (27.4 pts, 5.1 reb, 5.6 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Rudy Gobert, C: 28.3 FPTS (13.3 pts, 11.5 reb, 1.3 ast, 1.9 blk)
Mike Conley, PG: 22.0 FPTS (7.7 pts, 2.8 reb, 4.6 ast)
Naz Reid, PF/C: 21.8 FPTS (11.4 pts, 4.9 reb, 1.2 ast)
Kyle Anderson, SF/PF: 19.9 FPTS (8.6 pts, 3.8 reb, 3.6 ast)
Jaden McDaniels, SF: 17.6 FPTS (8.9 pts, 2.9 reb, 1.4 ast)
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SG: 15.2 FPTS (6.9 pts, 2.1 reb, 2.2 ast)
Jazz projections:
Collin Sexton, PG/SG: 35.3 FPTS (21.0 pts, 3.3 reb, 4.5 ast)
John Collins, PF: 30.8 FPTS (16.5 pts, 9.5 reb, 1.4 ast)
Keyonte George, PG/SG: 29.6 FPTS (16.5 pts, 3.7 reb, 4.5 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Walker Kessler, C: 22.0 FPTS (10.6 pts, 7.9 reb, 1.0 ast, 2.4 blk)
Talen Horton-Tucker, SG/SF: 19.0 FPTS (9.3 pts, 2.3 reb, 3.4 ast)
Brice Sensabaugh, SF: 19.0 FPTS (10.7 pts, 3.8 reb, 1.2 ast)
Taylor Hendricks, PF: 18.7 FPTS (9.8 pts, 4.7 reb, 1.2 ast)
New York Knicks at Golden State Warriors
10 p.m. ET, Chase Center, San Francisco
BPI Projection: Warriors in the 6th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Knicks: OG Anunoby, (GTD - Elbow); Julius Randle, (OUT - Shoulder); Mitchell Robinson, (OUT - Ankle)
Warriors: None reported
Knicks projections:
Jalen Brunson, PG/SG: 39.4 FPTS (23.3 pts, 3.1 reb, 5.1 ast, 2.6 3PM)
Josh Hart, SG/SF: 33.3 FPTS (13.1 pts, 8.5 reb, 4.0 ast)
Donte DiVincenzo, SG: 31.0 FPTS (15.3 pts, 4.5 reb, 3.2 ast, 3.2 3PM)
OG Anunoby, SF: 29.5 FPTS (14.0 pts, 4.0 reb, 1.7 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Precious Achiuwa, PF/C: 20.6 FPTS (8.9 pts, 6.8 reb, 1.3 ast)
Isaiah Hartenstein, PF/C: 19.4 FPTS (7.8 pts, 6.4 reb, 2.0 ast)
Miles McBride, PG: 15.0 FPTS (7.1 pts, 2.1 reb, 1.6 ast)
Warriors projections:
Stephen Curry, PG: 38.8 FPTS (23.1 pts, 3.9 reb, 4.6 ast, 4.1 3PM)
Brandin Podziemski, SG: 25.4 FPTS (10.1 pts, 5.5 reb, 3.8 ast)
Chris Paul, PG: 25.1 FPTS (8.4 pts, 3.4 reb, 5.2 ast)
Jonathan Kuminga, PF: 24.5 FPTS (14.6 pts, 4.6 reb, 2.0 ast)
Andrew Wiggins, SF/PF: 23.2 FPTS (13.8 pts, 3.9 reb, 1.8 ast)
Draymond Green, PF/C: 22.3 FPTS (8.3 pts, 5.8 reb, 4.9 ast)
Klay Thompson, SG/SF: 19.1 FPTS (10.1 pts, 2.5 reb, 1.7 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Memphis Grizzlies at Sacramento Kings
10 p.m. ET, Golden 1 Center, Sacramento
BPI Projection: Kings in the 4th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Grizzlies: Vince Williams Jr., (GTD - Knee); Brandon Clarke, (OUT - Achilles); Lamar Stevens, (OUT - Thigh); Luke Kennard, (OUT - Personal); Scotty Pippen Jr., (OUT - Lower Leg); Yuta Watanabe, (OUT - Personal); Marcus Smart, (OUT - Finger); Derrick Rose, (OUT - Groin); Ziaire Williams, (OUT - Hip); Ja Morant, (OUT - Shoulder)
Kings: Sasha Vezenkov, (OUT - Ankle); Trey Lyles, (OUT - Knee)
Grizzlies projections:
Desmond Bane, SG/SF: 40.3 FPTS (22.9 pts, 4.5 reb, 5.1 ast, 3.1 3PM)
Jaren Jackson Jr., PF/C: 35.0 FPTS (24.2 pts, 5.5 reb, 2.3 ast, 2.0 3PM, 1.5 blk)
Santi Aldama, PF/C: 24.2 FPTS (11.2 pts, 5.6 reb, 2.4 ast)
GG Jackson, PF: 23.1 FPTS (14.5 pts, 4.9 reb, 0.9 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Jordan Goodwin, PG/SG: 17.9 FPTS (8.2 pts, 4.3 reb, 2.3 ast)
Jake LaRavia, PF: 17.8 FPTS (9.5 pts, 4.3 reb, 1.3 ast)
John Konchar, SG/SF: 16.9 FPTS (5.6 pts, 5.9 reb, 1.5 ast)
Kings projections:
De'Aaron Fox, PG: 47.5 FPTS (26.4 pts, 4.3 reb, 5.5 ast, 2.8 3PM)
Domantas Sabonis, PF/C: 47.4 FPTS (20.2 pts, 12.0 reb, 7.2 ast)
Keegan Murray, SF/PF: 28.9 FPTS (14.0 pts, 5.3 reb, 1.6 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Malik Monk, SG/SF: 28.4 FPTS (14.2 pts, 3.1 reb, 4.3 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Harrison Barnes, SF/PF: 20.5 FPTS (10.9 pts, 2.6 reb, 1.2 ast)
Kevin Huerter, SG/SF: 19.8 FPTS (9.2 pts, 3.2 reb, 1.7 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Keon Ellis, SG: 13.3 FPTS (5.1 pts, 2.6 reb, 1.1 ast)
Atlanta Hawks at Los Angeles Lakers
10:30 p.m. ET, Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
BPI Projection: Lakers in the highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Hawks: AJ Griffin, (GTD - Knee); Seth Lundy, (GTD - Back); Kobe Bufkin, (OUT - Toe); Onyeka Okongwu, (OUT - Toe); Mouhamed Gueye, (OUT - Elbow); Trae Young, (OUT - Finger); Saddiq Bey, (OUT - Knee)
Lakers: Anthony Davis, (GTD - Eye); LeBron James, (GTD - Ankle); Cam Reddish, (OUT - Ankle); Christian Wood, (OUT - Knee); Colin Castleton, (OUT - Wrist); Gabe Vincent, (OUT - Knee); Jarred Vanderbilt, (OUT - Foot)
Hawks projections:
Dejounte Murray, PG/SG: 43.9 FPTS (22.7 pts, 4.9 reb, 6.4 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Jalen Johnson, SF/PF: 34.4 FPTS (16.1 pts, 8.1 reb, 3.6 ast)
Bogdan Bogdanovic, SG/SF: 29.9 FPTS (14.8 pts, 3.6 reb, 3.4 ast, 2.8 3PM)
Clint Capela, C: 27.1 FPTS (12.6 pts, 10.3 reb, 1.2 ast, 1.3 blk)
De'Andre Hunter, SF/PF: 23.7 FPTS (13.9 pts, 3.4 reb, 1.2 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Bruno Fernando, C: 15.2 FPTS (6.7 pts, 5.7 reb, 0.9 ast)
Vit Krejci, PG: 12.3 FPTS (4.6 pts, 2.4 reb, 1.5 ast)
Lakers projections:
Anthony Davis, PF/C: 50.9 FPTS (25.3 pts, 11.8 reb, 4.0 ast, 2.1 blk)
LeBron James, SF/PF: 47.6 FPTS (25.8 pts, 6.4 reb, 7.6 ast, 2.3 3PM)
D'Angelo Russell, PG/SG: 38.8 FPTS (20.6 pts, 3.7 reb, 6.3 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Austin Reaves, SG/SF: 35.4 FPTS (18.4 pts, 4.6 reb, 5.6 ast)
Rui Hachimura, SF/PF: 24.4 FPTS (14.9 pts, 4.2 reb, 1.3 ast)
Spencer Dinwiddie, PG/SG: 18.6 FPTS (8.3 pts, 1.8 reb, 3.7 ast)
Taurean Prince, SF: 11.8 FPTS (5.9 pts, 1.7 reb, 1.1 ast)