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Fantasy basketball tips and projections for Sunday

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Why Perk has high-level concern for the Celtics (1:58)

Kendrick Perkins breaks down why he's concerned about how the Celtics will handle physicality in the playoffs. (1:58)

ESPN's fantasy basketball daily cheat sheet is your pregame destination before you set your lineups for that night's games. Here you'll read our best advice for the night, including a selection of players you can stream as well as game-by-game injury reports and player projections.

What you need to know for Sunday's games

Much like the last time I wrote this outlook (Friday), all 30 teams are in action Sunday, which is the final day of the regular season, so no one in the world should have trouble fielding a full fantasy team for the finale. However, doing it with productive players might be a little iffy, as a ton of stars will be in street clothes today.

The Celtics are expected to start a shadow lineup that won't include Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis or Derrick White. That means that Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard are must-start players, and some no-names are going to go off in Boston.

Victor Wembanyama, Donovan Mitchell, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Fred VanVleet, Kawhi Leonard, Luka Doncic, Daniel Gafford, Kyrie Irving and Jaren Jackson Jr. are all out on Sunday and that list of big names is sure to grow before the Bulls visit the Knicks at 1:00 p.m. on ESPN. Other 1:00 p.m. tips include the Wizards at Boston, the Hornets at Cleveland, the Hawks at Indiana, the Raptors at Miami, the Bucks at Orlando and the Nets at Philadelphia.

The early ESPN game features probable lineups of Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, Alex Caruso, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic going against the red-hot Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein. The Knicks will be trying to pass the Bucks for the No. 2 seed in the East, while the Bulls will simply be trying to play some sort of spoiler role. Therefore, I like the Knicks here.

The ESPN late game features the Lakers at the Pelicans at 3:30 p.m. I'll probably have this game on one television and the Masters on the other. Probable starting lineups for this one include D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura and Anthony Davis against C.J. McCollum, Trey Murphy, Herbert Jones, Zion Williamson and Jonas Valanciunas. The Lakers are in the play-in tournament and the Pelicans are trying to win to stay locked into the No. 6 seed. This should be a nice playoff preview warmup type of game. I don't love Hachimura if both LeBron and AD play for the Lakers.

Here are some stream team guys who might be difference makers for you if you need some warm bodies to plug into your lineup and play.

Sunday's Stream Team

Payton Pritchard, PG, Celtics (8.9% rostered in ESPN leagues): With everyone sitting for Boston, Pritchard simply has to go off on Sunday and has been one of the best Celtics down the stretch. In fact, he was a key component to my 30-team league that won a championship last week, coming through with big game after big game for Boston as they rested players and dealt with a Jrue Holiday injury later in the season. Pritchard blistered the Hornets for 31 points and 11 dimes on Friday and has averaged 16.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.1 3-pointers on 52% shooting in April. And he's going to do it again on Sunday, so make sure he's in your lineup if you have a hole to fill.

Jordan Goodwin, PG/SG, Grizzlies (4.7%): Goodwin has been on fire, although he burned many of us when he was held out of a game in late March that no one seemed to see coming. He's scored in double figures in five straight games, had 23 points, 17 rebounds, four steals and four triples against the Lakers on Friday and might be the best rebounding guard in the NBA. He's averaged 13.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.2 3-pointers in his six April games and those numbers go way up if you throw out his four-point performance on April Fools' Day. If he's playing for Memphis on Sunday, make sure he's also playing in your fantasy lineups.

Sam Hauser, SF, Celtics (3.6%): Hauser has scored 16 and 15 points with seven triples over his past two games and has scored in double figures in five of his past seven games. And the door should be wide open for him to go off as the Celtics will be resting everyone on Sunday. Hauser could be primed for one of those silly-season 30-burgers with a ton of 3-pointers today. He's good for points and 3-pointers but if you're looking for a more complete fantasy player, I'd roll with Pritchard.

Julian Champagnie, SG/ SF, Spurs ( 1.5%): The Spurs are rolling out their G-League team, putting several players in play, including Zach Collins, if he's able to go through his thumb injury. Champagnie is a lock for 35 minutes on Sunday, has scored in double digits in five of his last six games and has averaged 13.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.0 blocks and 1.8 3-pointers on 47 percent shooting over his six April appearances. He's also at 84% free throw shooting for the month and just 1.3 turnovers, so he won't hurt you anywhere.

Sandro Mamukelashvili, C, Spurs (0.5%): If Collins plays, Mamu lacks some luster, but he's coming off a monster silly-season game that featured 21 points, 12 rebounds, a block and three 3-pointers against the Nuggets on Friday, when the Spurs actually won. Victor Wembanyama is out, Collins is shaky and Mamu should have a banner night against the center-less Pistons. Seriously, he'll likely be matched up against Chimezie Metu (3.2%), who is also in play for tonight across the fantasy landscape for the Pistons.

Marcus Sasser, PG, Pistons (1.3%): Cade Cunningham (knee) is doubtful to play (which means he's not playing) and Sasser has been on a tear for the Pistons. Sasser has scored in double figures in four straight games, has averaged 22 points, 1.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.5 blocks and 3.0 3-pointers over his last two games. He's widely available but I'd rather roll with Jaden Ivey (52.4% rostered) if both are available in your league, despite Ivey's last game of seven points on 3-of-9 shooting against Dallas on Friday. He'll bounce back today.

Jaden Hardy, SG, Mavericks (0.2%): Luka and the rest of the Dallas regulars are all sitting out the finale and Hardy will once again get his time to shine, along with several other Mavericks, including Josh Green (0.8%) and Tim Hardaway Jr. (%). Dante Exum is also out with a foot injury so look for Hardy to have some kind of silly-season explosion. Hardy has started six times and has averaged 11.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.5 steals, 1.8 turnovers and 1.8 3-pointers on 37% shooting in six starts this season. Throw those numbers out the window because I think a big game is coming from him on Sunday.

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.


Washington Wizards at Boston Celtics
1 p.m. TD Garden, Boston


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

Injury Report:
Wizards: None reported
Celtics: Al Horford, (OUT - Toe); Derrick White, (OUT - Ankle); Jaylen Brown, (OUT - Rest); Jayson Tatum, (OUT - Rest); Jrue Holiday, (OUT - Knee); Kristaps Porzingis, (OUT - Rest)

Wizards projections:

Celtics projections:


Charlotte Hornets at Cleveland Cavaliers
1 p.m. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland


BPI Projection: Cavaliers in the 15th highest-scoring game of the slate.

Injury Report:
Hornets: Davis Bertans, (GTD - Achilles); Grant Williams, (GTD - Ankle); Miles Bridges, (NA - Wrist); Nick Richards, (GTD - Foot); Cody Martin, (OUT - Ankle); LaMelo Ball, (OUT - Ankle); Mark Williams, (OUT - Back); Seth Curry, (OUT - Ankle)
Cavaliers: Darius Garland, (GTD - Back); Caris LeVert, (OUT - Knee); Dean Wade, (OUT - Knee); Donovan Mitchell, (OUT - Knee); Sam Merrill, (OUT - Neck); Ty Jerome, (OUT - Ankle)

Hornets projections:

Cavaliers projections:

  • Darius Garland, PG: 43.6 FPTS (22.3 pts, 3.5 reb, 6.9 ast, 2.6 3PM)

  • Jarrett Allen, C: 38.9 FPTS (18.1 pts, 11.3 reb, 2.9 ast)

  • Evan Mobley, PF/C: 37.0 FPTS (17.3 pts, 9.6 reb, 3.5 ast, 1.8 blk)

  • Max Strus, SG/SF: 33.5 FPTS (14.2 pts, 5.3 reb, 4.7 ast, 2.7 3PM)

  • Isaac Okoro, SG/SF: 23.3 FPTS (12.5 pts, 3.7 reb, 1.3 ast)

  • Georges Niang, PF: 20.1 FPTS (10.8 pts, 3.3 reb, 1.2 ast, 2.0 3PM)

  • Craig Porter, SG: 16.3 FPTS (7.1 pts, 3.1 reb, 2.2 ast)


Atlanta Hawks at Indiana Pacers
1 p.m. Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis


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

Injury Report:
Hawks: Clint Capela, (GTD - Rest); Seth Lundy, (OUT - Ankle); Wesley Matthews, (OUT - Hamstring); Jalen Johnson, (OUT - Ankle); Onyeka Okongwu, (OUT - Toe); Saddiq Bey, (OUT - Knee)
Pacers: Isaiah Jackson, (GTD - Hamstring); Jalen Smith, (NA - Ankle); Obi Toppin, (GTD - Ankle); Bennedict Mathurin, (OUT - Shoulder)

Hawks projections:

Pacers projections:


Toronto Raptors at Miami Heat
1 p.m. Kaseya Center, Miami


BPI Projection: Heat in the 11th highest-scoring game of the slate.

Injury Report:
Raptors: Chris Boucher, (OUT - Knee); D.J. Carton, (OUT - Ankle); Immanuel Quickley, (OUT - Groin); Jakob Poeltl, (OUT - Finger); Jontay Porter, (OUT - Personal); Scottie Barnes, (OUT - Hand)
Heat: Duncan Robinson, (GTD - Back); Terry Rozier, (OUT - Neck); Josh Richardson, (OUT - Shoulder)

Raptors projections:

  • RJ Barrett, SG/SF: 32.7 FPTS (20.6 pts, 5.1 reb, 3.8 ast)

  • Gary Trent Jr., PG/SG: 29.9 FPTS (16.9 pts, 3.5 reb, 2.0 ast, 2.8 3PM)

  • Kelly Olynyk, PF/C: 28.5 FPTS (13.1 pts, 6.5 reb, 4.2 ast)

  • Gradey Dick, SG: 20.3 FPTS (12.6 pts, 3.3 reb, 0.9 ast)

  • Bruce Brown, SG/SF: 19.5 FPTS (9.5 pts, 3.7 reb, 2.2 ast)

  • Jordan Nwora, SF: 14.7 FPTS (7.8 pts, 3.5 reb, 1.0 ast)

  • Ochai Agbaji, SG/SF: 13.6 FPTS (7.0 pts, 2.9 reb, 1.1 ast)

Heat projections:


Chicago Bulls at New York Knicks
1 p.m. Madison Square Garden, New York


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

Injury Report:
Bulls: Ayo Dosunmu, (GTD - Quadriceps); Onuralp Bitim, (GTD - Wrist); Andre Drummond, (GTD - Ankle); Julian Phillips, (OUT - Foot); Lonzo Ball, (OUT - Knee); Patrick Williams, (OUT - Foot); Zach LaVine, (OUT - Foot)
Knicks: Duane Washington Jr., (GTD - Knee); Julius Randle, (OUT - Shoulder)

Bulls projections:

Knicks projections:


Milwaukee Bucks at Orlando Magic
1 p.m. Amway Center, Orlando


BPI Projection: Magic in the 12th highest-scoring game of the slate.

Injury Report:
Bucks: Damian Lillard, (GTD - Thigh); MarJon Beauchamp, (GTD - Ankle); Thanasis Antetokounmpo, (GTD - Hamstring); AJ Green, (OUT - Ankle); Giannis Antetokounmpo, (OUT - Calf)
Magic: Wendell Carter Jr., (GTD - Back)

Bucks projections:

Magic projections:


Brooklyn Nets at Philadelphia 76ers
1 p.m. Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia


BPI Projection: 76ers in the 10th highest-scoring game of the slate.

Injury Report:
Nets: Ben Simmons, (OUT - Back); Cameron Johnson, (OUT - Toe); Dariq Whitehead, (OUT - Lower Leg); Day'Ron Sharpe, (OUT - Wrist); Dennis Schroder, (OUT - Achilles); Dennis Smith Jr., (OUT - Hip); Dorian Finney-Smith, (OUT - Knee); Keita Bates-Diop, (OUT - Lower Leg)
76ers: De'Anthony Melton, (GTD - Back); Joel Embiid, (GTD - Knee); KJ Martin, (GTD - Toe); Robert Covington, (OUT - Knee)

Nets projections:

  • Cam Thomas, SG: 40.5 FPTS (28.8 pts, 3.6 reb, 3.9 ast, 2.3 3PM)

  • Mikal Bridges, SG/SF: 34.9 FPTS (20.2 pts, 3.9 reb, 3.9 ast, 2.7 3PM)

  • Nic Claxton, PF/C: 30.5 FPTS (14.0 pts, 9.5 reb, 2.0 ast, 2.3 blk)

  • Noah Clowney, PF: 22.7 FPTS (11.8 pts, 5.8 reb, 1.3 ast, 1.4 blk)

  • Lonnie Walker IV, SG/SF: 19.2 FPTS (12.4 pts, 2.3 reb, 1.3 ast, 2.0 3PM)

  • Trendon Watford, PF: 18.3 FPTS (10.3 pts, 4.5 reb, 1.2 ast)

  • Jalen Wilson, PF: 17.8 FPTS (9.5 pts, 4.1 reb, 1.2 ast)

76ers projections:


Denver Nuggets at Memphis Grizzlies
3:30 p.m. FedExForum, Memphis


BPI Projection: Nuggets in the 13th highest-scoring game of the slate.

Injury Report:
Nuggets: Aaron Gordon, (NA - Foot); Collin Gillespie, (GTD - Knee); Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, (NA - Shoulder); Michael Porter Jr., (GTD - Illness); Nikola Jokic, (NA - Hip); Reggie Jackson, (NA - Calf); Zeke Nnaji, (NA - Groin); Vlatko Cancar, (OUT - Knee)
Grizzlies: Brandon Clarke, (GTD - Hand); Derrick Rose, (OUT - Groin); Desmond Bane, (OUT - Back); Ja Morant, (OUT - Shoulder); Jaren Jackson Jr., (OUT - Quadriceps); John Konchar, (OUT - Heel); Lamar Stevens, (GTD - Groin); Luke Kennard, (OUT - Knee); Marcus Smart, (OUT - Finger); Santi Aldama, (OUT - Foot)

Nuggets projections:

Grizzlies projections:


Phoenix Suns at Minnesota Timberwolves
3:30 p.m. Target Center, Minneapolis


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

Injury Report:
Suns: Drew Eubanks, (NA - Ankle); Damion Lee, (OUT - Knee)
Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards, (NA - Illness); Karl-Anthony Towns, (NA - Knee); Jaylen Clark, (OUT - Achilles)

Suns projections:

  • Devin Booker, PG/SG/PF: 47.3 FPTS (28.3 pts, 4.4 reb, 6.5 ast, 2.3 3PM)

  • Kevin Durant, SF/PF: 46.1 FPTS (27.2 pts, 6.2 reb, 5.5 ast, 2.1 3PM)

  • Bradley Beal, PG/SG: 32.9 FPTS (17.7 pts, 4.0 reb, 4.8 ast, 1.8 3PM)

  • Jusuf Nurkic, C: 29.3 FPTS (12.2 pts, 10.9 reb, 3.6 ast)

  • Grayson Allen, SG: 24.4 FPTS (11.5 pts, 3.6 reb, 2.5 ast, 2.3 3PM)

  • Royce O'Neale, SF: 18.0 FPTS (7.1 pts, 4.1 reb, 1.9 ast, 1.8 3PM)

  • Eric Gordon, SG/SF: 13.9 FPTS (6.7 pts, 1.5 reb, 1.5 ast)

Timberwolves projections:


Los Angeles Lakers at New Orleans Pelicans
3:30 p.m. Smoothie King Center, New Orleans


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

Injury Report:
Lakers: Anthony Davis, (NA - Eye); Christian Wood, (OUT - Knee); Jarred Vanderbilt, (OUT - Foot); Jalen Hood-Schifino, (OUT - Back)
Pelicans: Brandon Ingram, (GTD - Knee); Naji Marshall, (GTD - Shoulder)

Lakers projections:

Pelicans projections:


Dallas Mavericks at Oklahoma City Thunder
3:30 p.m. Paycom Center, Oklahoma City


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

Injury Report:
Mavericks: Daniel Gafford, (NA - Elbow); Maxi Kleber, (NA - Back); Dante Exum, (NA - Foot); Dereck Lively II, (OUT - Knee); Derrick Jones Jr., (OUT - Shoulder); Greg Brown III, (OUT - Personal); Kyrie Irving, (OUT - Hamstring); Luka Doncic, (OUT - Ankle); P.J. Washington, (OUT - Ankle)
Thunder: None reported

Mavericks projections:

Thunder projections:


Detroit Pistons at San Antonio Spurs
3:30 p.m. Frost Bank Center, San Antonio


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

Injury Report:
Pistons: Cade Cunningham, (GTD - Knee); Jalen Duren, (GTD - Back); Simone Fontecchio, (GTD - Toe); Ausar Thompson, (OUT - Illness); Isaiah Stewart, (OUT - Hamstring); Quentin Grimes, (OUT - Knee); Stanley Umude, (OUT - Ankle)
Spurs: Zach Collins, (GTD - Thumb); Cedi Osman, (OUT - Ankle); Charles Bassey, (OUT - Knee); Devin Vassell, (OUT - Foot); Dominick Barlow, (OUT - Knee); Jeremy Sochan, (OUT - Ankle); Keldon Johnson, (OUT - Foot); Malaki Branham, (OUT - Concussion); Victor Wembanyama, (OUT - Ankle)

Pistons projections:

Spurs projections:


Utah Jazz at Golden State Warriors
3:30 p.m. Chase Center, San Francisco


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

Injury Report:
Jazz: Collin Sexton, (GTD - Illness); John Collins, (OUT - Back); Jordan Clarkson, (OUT - Back); Kris Dunn, (OUT - Foot); Lauri Markkanen, (OUT - Shoulder); Walker Kessler, (OUT - Nose)
Warriors: Javonte Green, (GTD - Rest); Chris Paul, (NA - Hamstring); Draymond Green, (NA - Knee); Jonathan Kuminga, (GTD - Pelvis); Klay Thompson, (NA - Knee); Stephen Curry, (NA - Ankle); Gary Payton II, (GTD - Calf)

Jazz projections:

Warriors projections:


Houston Rockets at LA Clippers
3:30 p.m. Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles


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

Injury Report:
Rockets: Alperen Sengun, (OUT - Ankle); Dillon Brooks, (NA - Groin); Fred VanVleet, (GTD - Hip); Jae'Sean Tate, (OUT - Ankle); Steven Adams, (OUT - Knee); Tari Eason, (OUT - Lower Leg)
Clippers: James Harden, (NA - Foot); Kawhi Leonard, (OUT - Knee)

Rockets projections:

Clippers projections:


Portland Trail Blazers at Sacramento Kings
3:30 p.m. Golden 1 Center, Sacramento


BPI Projection: Kings in the 14th highest-scoring game of the slate.

Injury Report:
Blazers: Anfernee Simons, (GTD - Knee); Deandre Ayton, (GTD - Back); Jabari Walker, (GTD - Knee); Scoot Henderson, (NA - Hip); Jerami Grant, (OUT - Hamstring); Malcolm Brogdon, (OUT - Elbow); Matisse Thybulle, (OUT - Ankle); Robert Williams III, (OUT - Knee); Shaedon Sharpe, (OUT - Abdomen); Toumani Camara, (OUT - Ribs)
Kings: Trey Lyles, (NA - Illness); Malik Monk, (OUT - Knee); Kevin Huerter, (OUT - Shoulder)

Blazers projections:

Kings projections:

*NBA fantasy projections are generated by ESPN Analytics by combining historical player and team data as well as specific game factors ESPN 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.