Tuesday's big 14-game slate didn't disappoint but Wednesday could be a different story, especially with so many back-to-backs on the eight-game schedule tonight. And, unfortunately, the two big ESPN games may lack some star power after what went down on Tuesday.
But before we get to the two ESPN games, Giannis Antetokounmpo went down with a non-contact calf injury last night it doesn't sound like there's much of a chance he'll be in uniform tonight against the Magic. The Knicks, Magic and Cavaliers are all tracking down the No. 2 Bucks, but they bought themselves back some time thanks to a massive win over the Celtics on Tuesday. The Magic have two games remaining against the Bucks and we don't know when we'll see Giannis again. Oh, the drama.
The early ESPN game on Wednesday will feature the sizzling Mavericks visiting Jimmy Butler and the Heat after both teams played last night. The Mavs are 15-2 over their last 17 games and Luka Doncic went off for 39 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in 35 minutes of an easy win over the Hornets. And not only did the Heat play a double-overtime win in Atlanta on Tuesday, they had to fly back home and will have to be ready to go again tonight. So while we don't know if any regular Mavs or Heat players are going to be rested tonight, it would not be at all surprising because of the aforementioned circumstances surrounding both teams.
The late game features the Timberwolves at the Nuggets after both teams also played on Tuesday. The Wolves were fueled by a 51-point game from Anthony Edwards as he brought his team back for a win over the Wizards, and Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets got a win at Utah behind 28 points, 13 rebounds, seven dimes, three steals, a block and two 3-pointers from the Joker in his 34 minutes. The Nuggets flew home to host tonight's game, while the Wolves had to leave Minnesota to go visit the altitude and the Mile High City tonight.
In other words, the four big names we want to see tonight are all coming off of really tiring nights and everyone in the league, especially those who aren't playing for much of anything right now, could probably use a break before the playoffs start. Here's to hoping they all play tonight. And you can add Victor Wembanyama to the list as well, as he's set to play at Oklahoma City on the second night of a back-to-back, as well. Consider him a game-time call at this point, but he loves playing against Chet Holmgren. Therefore, my guess is he'll be out there if his body will allow him to be.
Wednesday's Stream Team
Jordan Goodwin, PG/SG, Memphis Grizzlies (rostered in 5.1% of ESPN leagues)
Goodwin had 10 points, 19 rebounds and five assists in 36 minutes during Tuesday's loss to the Spurs. He has scored in double digits in four straight games and has hit double figures in rebounds in three of his past five games. He has averaged 11.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 0.5 steals and 0.8 3-pointers in his five April games thus far and, as long as he plays on Wednesday, looks like a very safe option against the Cavaliers.
Jalen Suggs, PG/SG, Orlando Magic (23.1%)
Suggs had 21 points, two rebounds, four assists, two steals, two blocks and two 3-pointers on 7-of-13 shooting in 29 minutes as Franz Wagner (ankle) sat out against the Rockets on Tuesday. That was his highest-scoring game since he dropped 22 points on March 21 and while he's not a direct fill-in for Wagner, he should have more opportunity tonight against the Bucks, although I don't love him going up against Patrick Beverley. Suggs has averaged 12.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.8 blocks and 1.5 3-pointers over his past five games but gets a boost again if Wagner sits.
Nikola Jovic, SF, Miami Heat (1.2%)
Granted, he was playing against the Hawks, who constantly give up big games, but Jovic racked up 23 points, eight rebounds and five 3-pointers on Tuesday for one of his top games of the season. He also had 18 points and two triples in his previous game and if he's starting again for the Heat tonight, he's at least worth a look in your league or DFS matchup. Especially if the Heat decide to give guys like Butler and Tyler Herro the night off.
Patrick Beverley, PG, Milwaukee Bucks (2.1%)
Beverley replaced Malik Beasley in the starting unit Tuesday night and went off for 20 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and four 3-pointers on 8-of-13 shooting in 26 minutes. If he sticks in the lineup again tonight against the Magic, and with Giannis potentially sitting, Beverley looks like a strong play in all fantasy formats. Despite a lack of playing time for most of the season, Beverley looked great last night and I would trust him if he's back with the starters on Wednesday.
Sandro Mamukelashvili, C, San Antonio Spurs (0.3%)
Mamukelashvili started at power forward on Tuesday and went off for 11 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, a block and a 3-pointer on 4-of-6 shooting in 26 minutes. And if the Spurs decide to bench Wembanyama in Wednesday's back-to-back, Sandro might be the guy who reaps the benefits. However, Wemby and the Spurs are in Oklahoma City and the NBA has to be aware that we all want to watch him face Chet Holmgren head-to-head. It generated a ton of excitement the last time the two met and Wembanyama is reportedly healthy. Wemby and Sandro started next to each other on Tuesday and may be ready to do it again on Wednesday. And if Mamukelashvili is in the starting lineup, he's going to at least be worth a look in all fantasy formats, despite the risk he'll bring with him.
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.
Memphis Grizzlies at Cleveland Cavaliers7 p.m. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland
BPI Projection: Cavaliers in the 8th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Grizzlies: Jake LaRavia, (GTD - Ankle); John Konchar, (GTD - Heel); Lamar Stevens, (GTD - Groin); Luke Kennard, (GTD - Knee); Santi Aldama, (GTD - Foot); Vince Williams Jr., (GTD - Knee); Yuta Watanabe, (GTD - Personal); Desmond Bane, (OUT - Back); Jaren Jackson Jr., (OUT - Quadriceps); Marcus Smart, (OUT - Finger)
Cavaliers: Sam Merrill, (GTD - Neck); Dean Wade, (OUT - Knee); Ty Jerome, (OUT - Ankle)
Grizzlies projections:
Jordan Goodwin, PG/SG: 34.3 FPTS (16.1 pts, 9.7 reb, 4.1 ast)
GG Jackson, PF: 32.3 FPTS (22.1 pts, 5.4 reb, 2.7 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Scotty Pippen Jr., PG: 31.8 FPTS (17.6 pts, 3.8 reb, 4.6 ast)
Brandon Clarke, PF/C: 27.1 FPTS (14.6 pts, 7.2 reb, 1.7 ast)
Trey Jemison, C: 19.9 FPTS (11.1 pts, 6.6 reb, 1.1 ast)
Cavaliers projections:
Donovan Mitchell, PG/SG: 36.1 FPTS (19.3 pts, 3.8 reb, 5.0 ast, 2.7 3PM)
Darius Garland, PG: 35.3 FPTS (19.3 pts, 3.0 reb, 6.3 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Jarrett Allen, C: 31.0 FPTS (14.8 pts, 10.3 reb, 2.7 ast)
Evan Mobley, PF/C: 29.7 FPTS (14.8 pts, 8.0 reb, 3.2 ast, 1.3 blk)
Caris LeVert, SG/SF: 29.4 FPTS (15.1 pts, 4.5 reb, 4.5 ast)
Max Strus, SG/SF: 24.8 FPTS (11.4 pts, 4.4 reb, 3.7 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Isaac Okoro, SG/SF: 14.7 FPTS (7.9 pts, 2.4 reb, 1.3 ast)
Charlotte Hornets at Atlanta Hawks7:30 p.m. State Farm Arena, Atlanta
BPI Projection: Hawks in the 2nd highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Hornets: Amari Bailey, (GTD - Illness); Cody Martin, (OUT - Ankle); LaMelo Ball, (OUT - Ankle); Mark Williams, (OUT - Back); Seth Curry, (OUT - Ankle)
Hawks: Jalen Johnson, (GTD - Ankle); Seth Lundy, (GTD - Ankle); Trae Young, (GTD - Finger); AJ Griffin, (OUT - Ankle); Onyeka Okongwu, (OUT - Toe); Saddiq Bey, (OUT - Knee)
Hornets projections:
Miles Bridges, SF/PF: 38.4 FPTS (21.9 pts, 7.2 reb, 3.8 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Brandon Miller, SG/SF: 28.9 FPTS (18.2 pts, 4.4 reb, 2.5 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Tre Mann, PG: 25.3 FPTS (12.0 pts, 4.5 reb, 3.8 ast)
Grant Williams, PF: 24.4 FPTS (12.7 pts, 4.9 reb, 3.3 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Vasilije Micic, PG/SG: 19.8 FPTS (10.5 pts, 2.3 reb, 4.0 ast)
Nick Richards, C: 17.3 FPTS (8.3 pts, 7.3 reb, 0.9 ast)
Davis Bertans, PF: 14.5 FPTS (7.7 pts, 2.2 reb, 0.9 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Hawks projections:
Dejounte Murray, PG/SG: 47.2 FPTS (23.8 pts, 6.2 reb, 7.2 ast, 2.6 3PM)
Bogdan Bogdanovic, SG/SF: 36.4 FPTS (19.6 pts, 4.9 reb, 3.5 ast, 3.3 3PM)
De'Andre Hunter, SF/PF: 33.6 FPTS (21.7 pts, 5.6 reb, 2.5 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Clint Capela, C: 28.9 FPTS (13.8 pts, 12.1 reb, 1.2 ast, 1.7 blk)
Bruno Fernando, C: 22.4 FPTS (10.8 pts, 7.6 reb, 1.5 ast, 1.4 blk)
Vit Krejci, PG: 12.1 FPTS (4.8 pts, 2.7 reb, 1.5 ast)
Kobe Bufkin, PG: 11.6 FPTS (6.0 pts, 2.1 reb, 1.3 ast)
Toronto Raptors at Brooklyn Nets7:30 p.m. Barclays Center, New York
BPI Projection: Nets in the 7th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Raptors: Chris Boucher, (GTD - Knee); D.J. Carton, (GTD - Ankle); Gradey Dick, (GTD - Groin); Immanuel Quickley, (GTD - Rest); Scottie Barnes, (OUT - Hand); Jakob Poeltl, (OUT - Finger); Jontay Porter, (OUT - Personal)
Nets: Cameron Johnson, (GTD - Toe); Jacob Gilyard, (GTD - Hip); Nic Claxton, (GTD - Ankle); Dennis Smith Jr., (OUT - Hip); Dorian Finney-Smith, (OUT - Knee); Ben Simmons, (OUT - Back); Dariq Whitehead, (OUT - Lower Leg); Keita Bates-Diop, (OUT - Lower Leg)
Raptors projections:
RJ Barrett, SG/SF: 31.2 FPTS (20.1 pts, 5.2 reb, 3.9 ast)
Immanuel Quickley, PG/SG: 30.0 FPTS (15.8 pts, 4.3 reb, 4.7 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Gary Trent Jr., PG/SG: 29.2 FPTS (17.6 pts, 4.0 reb, 2.0 ast, 2.8 3PM)
Kelly Olynyk, PF/C: 29.0 FPTS (13.7 pts, 6.6 reb, 4.3 ast)
Bruce Brown, SG/SF: 18.5 FPTS (9.1 pts, 3.8 reb, 2.3 ast)
Ochai Agbaji, SG/SF: 15.2 FPTS (8.1 pts, 4.2 reb, 1.1 ast)
Gradey Dick, SG: 15.0 FPTS (9.1 pts, 2.7 reb, 0.9 ast)
Nets projections:
Cam Thomas, SG: 35.1 FPTS (24.7 pts, 3.7 reb, 3.3 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Mikal Bridges, SG/SF: 31.4 FPTS (18.1 pts, 4.1 reb, 3.6 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Dennis Schroder, PG: 28.5 FPTS (14.2 pts, 3.2 reb, 5.7 ast)
Nic Claxton, PF/C: 24.3 FPTS (10.8 pts, 8.9 reb, 1.8 ast, 1.7 blk)
Noah Clowney, PF: 17.7 FPTS (9.1 pts, 5.7 reb, 1.2 ast)
Cameron Johnson, SF/PF: 17.5 FPTS (8.5 pts, 3.1 reb, 1.5 ast)
Jalen Wilson, PF: 14.7 FPTS (8.0 pts, 4.1 reb, 1.0 ast)
Dallas Mavericks at Miami Heat7:30 p.m. Kaseya Center, Miami
BPI Projection: Mavericks in the 5th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Mavericks: Greg Brown III, (GTD - Personal); Josh Green, (GTD - Ankle); Dereck Lively II, (OUT - Knee)
Heat: Terry Rozier, (GTD - Neck); Tyler Herro, (GTD - Rest); Duncan Robinson, (OUT - Back); Josh Richardson, (OUT - Shoulder)
Mavericks projections:
Luka Doncic, PG: 55.1 FPTS (31.4 pts, 9.4 reb, 7.6 ast, 3.7 3PM)
Kyrie Irving, PG/SG: 45.9 FPTS (26.5 pts, 5.5 reb, 5.3 ast, 2.8 3PM)
P.J. Washington, PF: 27.6 FPTS (14.9 pts, 6.7 reb, 2.0 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Daniel Gafford, PF/C: 21.5 FPTS (9.6 pts, 7.2 reb, 1.4 ast, 2.2 blk)
Tim Hardaway Jr., SG/SF: 17.8 FPTS (10.6 pts, 2.5 reb, 1.5 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Derrick Jones Jr., SF: 16.4 FPTS (9.0 pts, 3.1 reb, 1.0 ast)
Dante Exum, PG: 13.6 FPTS (6.9 pts, 2.5 reb, 1.9 ast)
Heat projections:
Jimmy Butler, SF/PF: 39.7 FPTS (22.0 pts, 6.3 reb, 5.2 ast)
Bam Adebayo, C: 37.7 FPTS (18.4 pts, 12.6 reb, 4.1 ast)
Tyler Herro, PG/SG: 31.3 FPTS (17.6 pts, 5.5 reb, 4.0 ast, 2.8 3PM)
Terry Rozier, PG/SG: 22.5 FPTS (11.0 pts, 3.2 reb, 3.4 ast)
Nikola Jovic, SF: 19.8 FPTS (9.6 pts, 6.3 reb, 1.9 ast)
Caleb Martin, SG/SF: 18.0 FPTS (8.8 pts, 4.2 reb, 1.9 ast)
Jaime Jaquez Jr., SF: 15.1 FPTS (7.9 pts, 2.7 reb, 1.7 ast)
Orlando Magic at Milwaukee Bucks8 p.m. Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee
BPI Projection: Bucks in the 3rd highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Magic: Franz Wagner, (GTD - Ankle)
Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo, (GTD - Calf); MarJon Beauchamp, (GTD - Ankle)
Magic projections:
Paolo Banchero, SF/PF: 40.8 FPTS (26.3 pts, 6.4 reb, 5.8 ast)
Jalen Suggs, PG/SG: 26.2 FPTS (13.0 pts, 2.9 reb, 3.2 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Wendell Carter Jr., C: 24.8 FPTS (11.3 pts, 8.0 reb, 2.1 ast)
Markelle Fultz, PG/SG: 20.8 FPTS (11.4 pts, 3.5 reb, 2.5 ast)
Jonathan Isaac, SF/PF: 18.1 FPTS (8.5 pts, 4.8 reb, 0.9 ast)
Gary Harris, SG: 17.5 FPTS (9.1 pts, 2.3 reb, 1.5 ast)
Moritz Wagner, PF/C: 16.5 FPTS (9.0 pts, 3.9 reb, 1.2 ast)
Bucks projections:
Damian Lillard, PG: 43.1 FPTS (25.6 pts, 4.0 reb, 6.6 ast, 3.0 3PM)
Khris Middleton, SF: 31.7 FPTS (16.2 pts, 5.1 reb, 4.8 ast)
Bobby Portis, PF/C: 22.0 FPTS (10.5 pts, 6.8 reb, 1.3 ast)
Brook Lopez, C: 20.4 FPTS (11.4 pts, 4.6 reb, 1.2 ast, 1.9 blk)
Malik Beasley, SG: 18.2 FPTS (9.4 pts, 3.0 reb, 1.2 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Patrick Beverley, PG: 17.2 FPTS (7.6 pts, 3.9 reb, 2.3 ast)
Pat Connaughton, SG/SF: 13.2 FPTS (4.8 pts, 2.9 reb, 2.1 ast)
San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder8 p.m. Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
BPI Projection: Thunder in the highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Spurs: Cedi Osman, (GTD - Ankle); Dominick Barlow, (GTD - Knee); Keldon Johnson, (GTD - Foot); Victor Wembanyama, (GTD - Rest); Charles Bassey, (OUT - Knee); Devin Vassell, (OUT - Foot); Jeremy Sochan, (OUT - Ankle)
Thunder: Gordon Hayward, (GTD - Lower Leg)
Spurs projections:
Victor Wembanyama, PF/C: 39.7 FPTS (20.9 pts, 11.2 reb, 4.5 ast, 1.8 3PM, 2.6 blk)
Tre Jones, PG: 31.8 FPTS (13.9 pts, 5.1 reb, 6.1 ast)
Julian Champagnie, SG/SF: 19.7 FPTS (10.9 pts, 4.2 reb, 1.5 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Malaki Branham, SG: 19.1 FPTS (13.2 pts, 3.0 reb, 1.7 ast)
Zach Collins, PF/C: 18.3 FPTS (10.0 pts, 4.7 reb, 2.3 ast)
Sandro Mamukelashvili, C: 17.3 FPTS (7.7 pts, 7.1 reb, 1.5 ast)
Devonte' Graham, PG: 16.2 FPTS (7.5 pts, 2.5 reb, 2.2 ast)
Thunder projections:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG/SG: 49.3 FPTS (29.0 pts, 5.7 reb, 5.6 ast)
Jalen Williams, SG/SF/PF: 33.4 FPTS (19.1 pts, 4.1 reb, 4.1 ast)
Chet Holmgren, PF/C: 26.1 FPTS (14.1 pts, 7.7 reb, 1.7 ast, 1.9 blk)
Josh Giddey, PG/SG/PF: 24.7 FPTS (11.5 pts, 6.1 reb, 4.4 ast)
Luguentz Dort, SG/SF: 19.9 FPTS (11.3 pts, 3.6 reb, 1.3 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Isaiah Joe, SG: 15.6 FPTS (8.1 pts, 2.2 reb, 1.5 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Aaron Wiggins, SG: 15.2 FPTS (7.3 pts, 3.4 reb, 1.3 ast)
Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets10 p.m. Ball Arena, Denver
BPI Projection: Nuggets in the 5th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Timberwolves: Jaylen Clark, (GTD - Achilles); Karl-Anthony Towns, (GTD - Knee)
Nuggets: Aaron Gordon, (GTD - Foot); Vlatko Cancar, (OUT - Knee)
Timberwolves projections:
Anthony Edwards, SG/SF: 41.9 FPTS (26.2 pts, 5.6 reb, 5.5 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Rudy Gobert, C: 30.6 FPTS (14.2 pts, 13.0 reb, 1.7 ast, 1.6 blk)
Mike Conley, PG: 23.4 FPTS (10.3 pts, 2.7 reb, 4.3 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Naz Reid, PF/C: 22.1 FPTS (12.4 pts, 5.1 reb, 1.5 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Jaden McDaniels, SF: 18.0 FPTS (10.1 pts, 3.4 reb, 1.1 ast)
Kyle Anderson, SF/PF: 17.6 FPTS (6.9 pts, 3.3 reb, 3.7 ast)
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SG: 15.7 FPTS (8.0 pts, 2.2 reb, 2.0 ast)
Nuggets projections:
Nikola Jokic, C: 55.4 FPTS (25.9 pts, 12.6 reb, 7.6 ast)
Jamal Murray, PG: 38.6 FPTS (21.2 pts, 4.0 reb, 6.3 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Michael Porter Jr., SF: 29.0 FPTS (16.3 pts, 6.7 reb, 1.4 ast, 2.6 3PM)
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG/SF: 20.5 FPTS (10.1 pts, 2.6 reb, 2.0 ast)
Christian Braun, SG: 19.3 FPTS (10.4 pts, 4.7 reb, 1.9 ast)
Reggie Jackson, PG: 19.2 FPTS (10.4 pts, 2.1 reb, 3.3 ast)
Peyton Watson, SF: 16.0 FPTS (8.3 pts, 4.4 reb, 1.2 ast, 1.4 blk)
Phoenix Suns at LA Clippers10:30 p.m. Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
BPI Projection: Clippers in the 4th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Suns: Jusuf Nurkic, (GTD - Ankle); Damion Lee, (OUT - Knee)
Clippers: Jordan Miller, (OUT - Thumb); Moussa Diabate, (OUT - Hand); James Harden, (GTD - Foot); Joshua Primo, (GTD - Ankle); Kawhi Leonard, (GTD - Knee)
Suns projections:
Devin Booker, PG/SG/PF: 44.4 FPTS (27.4 pts, 4.3 reb, 6.8 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Kevin Durant, SF/PF: 43.5 FPTS (27.6 pts, 6.4 reb, 5.6 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Bradley Beal, PG/SG: 32.8 FPTS (18.1 pts, 4.4 reb, 5.3 ast)
Jusuf Nurkic, C: 24.5 FPTS (9.9 pts, 9.6 reb, 3.3 ast)
Grayson Allen, SG: 22.9 FPTS (11.6 pts, 3.6 reb, 2.6 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Royce O'Neale, SF: 16.1 FPTS (6.4 pts, 4.1 reb, 1.7 ast)
Eric Gordon, SG/SF: 13.5 FPTS (6.7 pts, 1.6 reb, 1.4 ast)
Clippers projections:
Paul George, SG/SF/PF: 40.3 FPTS (23.7 pts, 5.2 reb, 3.5 ast, 3.3 3PM)
James Harden, PG/SG: 31.4 FPTS (13.9 pts, 4.6 reb, 6.6 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Russell Westbrook, PG: 28.0 FPTS (14.1 pts, 6.0 reb, 4.1 ast)
Ivica Zubac, C: 24.5 FPTS (11.5 pts, 10.0 reb, 1.3 ast)
Norman Powell, SG/SF: 19.9 FPTS (13.0 pts, 2.8 reb, 1.2 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Terance Mann, SG/SF: 16.0 FPTS (8.8 pts, 3.4 reb, 1.1 ast)
Amir Coffey, SG: 13.3 FPTS (6.9 pts, 2.6 reb, 1.1 ast)