A five-game Tuesday slate features a fun tilt of Texas teams and a meeting of top Western contenders in Minneapolis. Even as it's not the busiest day of professional basketball, there are several intriguing storylines for us to consider as the fantasy playoffs begin or loom.
Let's begin with the two early tip-offs, as the Orlando Magic host the Charlotte Hornets and the Houston Rockets visit the Washington Wizards. These aren't compelling contests in regards to real playoff implications, but they do include a number of actionable moves amid the streaming tier of players.
The Hornets, for instance, have two widely-available and productive players in center Nick Richards (12.0% rostered in ESPN men's basketball leagues) and guard Vasilije Micić (7.9%). Due to injuries, namely to Mark Williams and LaMelo Ball, both Richards and Micić have thrived as under-the-radar producers in recent weeks. Richards is 16th in the league with 17.4 rebounding chances per game over the past 10 outings, while Micic paces the Hornets with 9.8 potential assists over this same sample.
The Rockets claim a rising rookie in Amen Thompson (22.3%) as the team turns to smaller lineups in the wake of losing Alperen Sengun to injury. Active on the glass and aggressive on defense, Thompson could feast on a Wizards team that ranks last in rebounding percentage. Speaking of Washington, the team will be without Deni Avdija, Bilal Coulibaly, Tyus Jones, and Marvin Bagley III. Digging deep into the depth chart, we might see another big line from Justin Champagnie (0.1%).
The New Orleans Pelicans are possibly the most underrated team in the league given they rank ninth in offensive efficiency, sixth in defensive efficiency, and fourth in overall net rating. Beyond the star power of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, wings Herb Jones (29.5%) and Trey Murphy III (34.8%) are delivering impact play in both real and fantasy contexts. Facing a leaky Brooklyn Nets defense could prove rewarding for these 3-and-D talents. As for the Nets, Cam Thomas (69.0%) continues to be the team's offensive engine and a rewarding target for scoring props.
That matchup in Texas has the Dallas Mavericks visiting the San Antonio Spurs just as Victor Wembenyana is reaching newly absurd box score outcomes. For those looking to maximize games played on a smaller slate, the ever-unique Jeremy Sochan (25.2%) has eligibility at point guard and power forward and has been quite productive since the break.
The best actual game of the night includes the reigning champion Denver Nuggets traveling to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a game that could help decide the top seed in the conference. Denver doesn't produce much in the way of streaming options, yet the Timberwolves offer Kyle Anderson's (20.3%) point-forward production pattern and scoring microwave Nickeil Alexander-Walker (2.5%). Keep an eye on Naz Reid's availability, as the stretch big left yesterday's game early due to a reported head injury.
Tuesday's Stream Team
Trey Murphy III, SG/SF, Pelicans (Rostered in 37.5% of ESPN leagues): The defensive stats have been quiet lately, but are almost surely to surface given Murphy's established rates over his career. The scoring and shooting results, however, have sustained at impressive levels. The Nets have a bevy of wings to throw at Murphy, but the gravity of the Pelicans' top scorers should earn him plenty of clean catch-and-shoot looks. Jones is also a nice play given his own 3-and-D tendencies.
Jeremy Sochan, PG/PF, Spurs (25.2%): As evidence of his atypical fantasy value, Sochan just turned in a strong line against the Nets despite scoring just four points. How? With four stocks (steals plus blocks) and 13 combined rebounds and dimes. Expect another versatile line to emerge against Dallas.
Amen Thompson, SG, Rockets (22.3%): As mentioned, this dude is all over the floor for the Rockets as a resident glue guy; willing to cut on offense and crash the glass on either side. Active hands in the passing lanes and at the point-of-attack supports an elite steal rate, one that could come in handy versus the back-half of the Wizards' roster.
Wendell Carter Jr., C, Magic (47.4%): The true leap to stardom has yet to happen and might never for Carter, but he's still a force on the boards and has some efficient go-to post moves. The Hornets, even as Richards has played well, don't have real rim protection, which supports a nice path to double-double outcomes for "WCJ."
Vasilije Micić, PG/SG, Hornets (7.9%): One of the final draft picks of Sam Hinkie in the "Process" era with Philadelphia, Micic finally came to the NBA after years of EuroLeague dominance. A gifted passer and capable shooter, Micic initiates most pick-and-roll sets for the Hornets and should pace the team in passing against the Magic.
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.
Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic4:00 p Amway Center, Orlando
BPI Projection: Magic in the 5th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Hornets: Bryce McGowens, (OUT - Knee); Cody Martin, (OUT - Ankle); LaMelo Ball, (OUT - Ankle); Mark Williams, (OUT - Back); Seth Curry, (OUT - Ankle); Kai Jones, (GTD - Hamstring)
Magic: None reported
Hornets projections:
Miles Bridges, SF/PF: 37.6 FPTS (20.8 pts, 7.4 reb, 3.8 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Brandon Miller, SG/SF: 29.2 FPTS (15.9 pts, 4.2 reb, 2.7 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Vasilije Micic, PG/SG: 24.5 FPTS (12.3 pts, 2.8 reb, 3.9 ast)
Tre Mann, PG: 23.6 FPTS (11.2 pts, 4.9 reb, 3.1 ast)
Nick Richards, C: 22.6 FPTS (10.1 pts, 9.1 reb, 0.9 ast)
Grant Williams, PF: 19.5 FPTS (10.0 pts, 4.3 reb, 1.8 ast)
Davis Bertans, PF: 13.9 FPTS (6.9 pts, 2.4 reb, 1.0 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Magic projections:
Paolo Banchero, SF/PF: 39.6 FPTS (24.1 pts, 6.4 reb, 5.5 ast)
Franz Wagner, SG/SF/PF: 35.9 FPTS (19.8 pts, 5.0 reb, 3.6 ast)
Wendell Carter Jr., C: 25.7 FPTS (12.6 pts, 7.7 reb, 1.4 ast)
Jalen Suggs, PG/SG: 24.5 FPTS (12.5 pts, 3.5 reb, 2.7 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Cole Anthony, PG: 21.7 FPTS (11.4 pts, 3.5 reb, 2.7 ast)
Gary Harris, SG: 15.7 FPTS (7.4 pts, 1.7 reb, 1.1 ast)
Moritz Wagner, PF/C: 15.3 FPTS (7.6 pts, 3.2 reb, 0.7 ast)
Houston Rockets at Washington Wizards4:30 p Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
BPI Projection: Rockets in the 3rd highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Rockets: Cam Whitmore, (OUT - Knee); Alperen Sengun, (OUT - Ankle); Steven Adams, (OUT - Knee); Tari Eason, (OUT - Lower Leg)
Wizards: Kyle Kuzma, (GTD - Shoulder); Deni Avdija, (OUT - Knee); Eugene Omoruyi, (OUT - Ankle); Landry Shamet, (OUT - Calf); Marvin Bagley III, (OUT - Back); Tyus Jones, (OUT - Back); Bilal Coulibaly, (OUT - Wrist); Isaiah Livers, (OUT - Hip)
Rockets projections:
Fred VanVleet, PG: 39.0 FPTS (18.2 pts, 4.0 reb, 6.7 ast, 3.1 3PM)
Jalen Green, SG: 38.5 FPTS (22.8 pts, 5.2 reb, 3.8 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Jabari Smith Jr., PF/C: 32.4 FPTS (16.6 pts, 9.2 reb, 1.7 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Amen Thompson, SG: 25.4 FPTS (11.5 pts, 7.3 reb, 2.0 ast)
Dillon Brooks, SG/SF: 21.9 FPTS (12.4 pts, 3.6 reb, 1.6 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Jock Landale, C: 14.6 FPTS (6.5 pts, 4.8 reb, 1.3 ast)
Jeff Green, PF: 11.6 FPTS (6.0 pts, 2.0 reb, 0.9 ast)
Wizards projections:
Kyle Kuzma, SF/PF: 43.6 FPTS (26.9 pts, 6.8 reb, 4.9 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Jordan Poole, PG/SG: 36.0 FPTS (22.9 pts, 3.2 reb, 5.1 ast, 2.7 3PM)
Corey Kispert, SG/SF: 29.7 FPTS (16.7 pts, 3.6 reb, 2.5 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Richaun Holmes, PF/C: 23.1 FPTS (12.4 pts, 6.8 reb, 1.2 ast)
Justin Champagnie, SF: 19.4 FPTS (12.2 pts, 3.6 reb, 1.1 ast)
Patrick Baldwin Jr., SF: 16.5 FPTS (9.2 pts, 4.9 reb, 1.1 ast)
Jared Butler, SG: 15.3 FPTS (7.6 pts, 1.9 reb, 2.5 ast)
New Orleans Pelicans at Brooklyn Nets5:00 p Barclays Center, New York
BPI Projection: Pelicans in the 2nd highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Pelicans: Herbert Jones, (GTD - Hip); Dyson Daniels, (OUT - Knee)
Nets: Dorian Finney-Smith, (GTD - Ankle); Ben Simmons, (OUT - Back); Dariq Whitehead, (OUT - Lower Leg)
Pelicans projections:
Zion Williamson, PF: 40.7 FPTS (24.0 pts, 6.0 reb, 5.2 ast)
Brandon Ingram, SF/PF: 39.6 FPTS (22.7 pts, 4.9 reb, 5.8 ast)
CJ McCollum, PG/SG: 31.8 FPTS (17.0 pts, 3.8 reb, 4.0 ast, 2.7 3PM)
Trey Murphy III, SG/SF: 26.4 FPTS (13.3 pts, 4.0 reb, 1.7 ast, 3.2 3PM)
Herbert Jones, SF/PF: 22.0 FPTS (8.3 pts, 3.0 reb, 2.2 ast)
Jonas Valanciunas, C: 19.4 FPTS (8.8 pts, 6.4 reb, 1.3 ast)
Larry Nance Jr., PF/C: 16.1 FPTS (5.8 pts, 5.1 reb, 1.5 ast)
Nets projections:
Mikal Bridges, SG/SF: 33.6 FPTS (18.5 pts, 4.6 reb, 3.8 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Dennis Schroder, PG: 31.2 FPTS (15.8 pts, 3.3 reb, 5.8 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Cam Thomas, SG: 30.1 FPTS (18.9 pts, 3.9 reb, 3.1 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Nic Claxton, PF/C: 27.8 FPTS (12.5 pts, 9.3 reb, 2.3 ast, 1.7 blk)
Dorian Finney-Smith, SF/PF: 18.8 FPTS (7.9 pts, 4.7 reb, 1.3 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Cameron Johnson, SF/PF: 16.9 FPTS (7.4 pts, 3.5 reb, 1.6 ast)
Day'Ron Sharpe, C: 12.9 FPTS (5.8 pts, 4.1 reb, 0.9 ast)
Dallas Mavericks at San Antonio Spurs6:00 p Frost Bank Center, San Antonio
BPI Projection: Mavericks in the highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Mavericks: Brandon Williams, (GTD - Wrist); Dante Exum, (GTD - Foot); Luka Doncic, (GTD - Hamstring); Josh Green, (OUT - Ankle)
Spurs: Charles Bassey, (OUT - Knee)
Mavericks projections:
Luka Doncic, PG: 57.5 FPTS (31.7 pts, 8.9 reb, 8.6 ast, 3.7 3PM)
Kyrie Irving, PG/SG: 44.2 FPTS (25.8 pts, 4.7 reb, 4.8 ast, 2.9 3PM)
P.J. Washington, PF: 22.8 FPTS (12.6 pts, 5.0 reb, 1.2 ast)
Daniel Gafford, PF/C: 21.2 FPTS (9.9 pts, 7.1 reb, 1.0 ast, 1.9 blk)
Tim Hardaway Jr., SG/SF: 18.8 FPTS (10.4 pts, 2.3 reb, 1.5 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Dereck Lively II, C: 16.3 FPTS (7.3 pts, 4.0 reb, 1.0 ast)
Derrick Jones Jr., SF: 15.8 FPTS (8.0 pts, 2.9 reb, 1.0 ast)
Spurs projections:
Victor Wembanyama, PF/C: 38.5 FPTS (19.6 pts, 11.1 reb, 3.4 ast, 3.3 blk)
Devin Vassell, SG/SF: 35.4 FPTS (19.6 pts, 4.7 reb, 3.9 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Jeremy Sochan, PG/PF: 25.1 FPTS (12.6 pts, 6.4 reb, 2.9 ast)
Tre Jones, PG: 23.3 FPTS (8.0 pts, 3.9 reb, 5.1 ast)
Keldon Johnson, SF: 22.0 FPTS (10.9 pts, 4.4 reb, 2.2 ast)
Zach Collins, PF/C: 18.3 FPTS (9.6 pts, 4.4 reb, 2.1 ast)
Malaki Branham, SG: 15.6 FPTS (8.2 pts, 1.8 reb, 1.9 ast)
Denver Nuggets at Minnesota Timberwolves9 p.m. ET, Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
BPI Projection: Timberwolves in the 4th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Nuggets: Zeke Nnaji, (GTD - Back); Vlatko Cancar, (OUT - Knee)
Timberwolves: Jaylen Clark, (GTD - Achilles); Naz Reid, (GTD - Head); Rudy Gobert, (GTD - Ribs); Karl-Anthony Towns, (OUT - Knee)
Nuggets projections:
Nikola Jokic, C: 56.1 FPTS (25.5 pts, 11.7 reb, 7.8 ast)
Jamal Murray, PG: 39.6 FPTS (21.0 pts, 4.3 reb, 6.2 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Michael Porter Jr., SF: 26.9 FPTS (13.7 pts, 5.8 reb, 1.4 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Aaron Gordon, PF: 25.8 FPTS (12.2 pts, 5.1 reb, 3.3 ast)
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG/SF: 19.4 FPTS (9.3 pts, 2.3 reb, 1.9 ast)
Peyton Watson, SF: 14.3 FPTS (7.8 pts, 3.4 reb, 1.0 ast)
Christian Braun, SG: 14.3 FPTS (7.3 pts, 3.5 reb, 1.1 ast)
Timberwolves projections:
Anthony Edwards, SG/SF: 45.8 FPTS (26.8 pts, 5.2 reb, 5.3 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Rudy Gobert, C: 29.2 FPTS (13.2 pts, 11.5 reb, 1.3 ast, 1.6 blk)
Naz Reid, PF/C: 25.3 FPTS (13.0 pts, 5.7 reb, 1.5 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Mike Conley, PG: 24.6 FPTS (10.0 pts, 2.9 reb, 4.2 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Kyle Anderson, SF/PF: 21.9 FPTS (9.3 pts, 4.1 reb, 3.6 ast)
Jaden McDaniels, SF: 19.4 FPTS (9.8 pts, 3.1 reb, 1.4 ast)
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SG: 16.0 FPTS (7.4 pts, 2.1 reb, 2.0 ast)