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Fantasy picks and betting tips for Tuesday's NBA slate

The Hornets' Vasilije Micic has been a standout performer with LaMelo Ball sidelined. Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images

Tuesday night wraps up group play in the Emirates NBA Cup and then it's onto the single-elimination round of the In-Season Tournament. Three of the six group winners are already set, but there's still plenty of uncertainty heading into the final night of group play.

It's an 11-game slate, but the matchup I'm most excited about is the Milwaukee Bucks hitting the road to face the Detroit Pistons.

The Bucks are on fire, winning six straight after a rough start. Both teams are 3-0 in group play, meaning the winner takes East Group B and the loser will have to fight for a wild-card spot to advance to the knockout stage.

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been playing at an MVP level lately, but his Bucks are just 2-6 on the road this season.

There are two bets I really like in this game, and I'll also break down some others to keep an eye on and offer fantasy streamers for Tuesday.


Tuesday's Stream Team

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Stat Stories: Monday's standout NBA fantasy performances

Check out some of the top performers in fantasy NBA from Monday, including Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels.

Malik Monk, SG/SF, Sacramento Kings (available in 53.7% of ESPN leagues)

Kings coach Mike Brown announced Monday that Monk is moving into the starting lineup, which is exciting news for fantasy managers. After a strong performance against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, Monk has now scored 47 or more fantasy points in three straight games. The Houston Rockets will be a tough test defensively, but Monk remains a solid streaming option.

Vasilije Micic, PG/SG, Charlotte Hornets (96.2% available)

Micic has been a standout for the Hornets with LaMelo Ball sidelined by a calf injury, scoring 20+ fantasy points in consecutive games, including 38 against the Atlanta Hawks last Saturday. His versatility shines as he contributes across multiple stat categories, making him an excellent streaming option in both points and category leagues.

Terance Mann, SG/SF, LA Clippers (97.3%)

Even though Mann comes off the bench, he's still a solid fantasy option. He has scored 20+ fantasy points in five of his last six games. The downside? He's averaged just 22.1 minutes per game, limiting his ceiling. On the flip side, the Portland Trail Blazers allow plenty of points, ranking 20th in points allowed per 100 possessions, which could give Mann a boost tonight.

Moody's bets for the day

Odds by ESPN BET

Franz Wagner over 5.5 rebounds (-130)

Wagner has been a standout for the Orlando Magic, especially in games without Paolo Banchero, and his career-high 31.1% usage rate shows just how vital he's been. Wagner has hit this mark in six of his last 10 games while getting 11.0 rebound chances per game, making this prop hard to ignore. Facing the New York Knicks, who allow the eighth-most rebounds to small forwards, Wagner should have plenty of opportunities despite both teams playing at a slower pace. I like his chances to clear this line.

Cade Cunningham over 8.5 assists (-120)

Cunningham is off the injury report ahead of Tuesday night's game. He has hit this line in 10 straight games, averaging 16.8 potential assists and 36.4 minutes per game during that stretch. Cunningham has been an outstanding distributor this season. With so much on the line in this NBA Cup game, expect him to come out strong and deliver a big performance.

Giannis Antetokounmpo over 6.5 assists (+115)

Giannis has hit this line in 12 of his last 20 games, averaging 11.8 potential assists and nearly 35 minutes per game. He's also dishing out 6.6 assists per game this season, so seeing this prop at plus odds caught my attention. Giannis has also cleared this number in three of his last five games against the Detroit Pistons. This could be another night where he shines as a facilitator, setting up his teammates and keeping the Pistons defense guessing.

Julian Champagnie over 17.5 points, rebounds and assists (-125)

Champagnie has been a key contributor for the Spurs lately, clearing this line in eight of his last 10 games while averaging 31.1 minutes per game. He'll face a Phoenix Suns team that ranks in the bottom 10 for defensive rating. With the Spurs in a must-win NBA Cup game, expect Champagnie and the squad to come out firing. This is the kind of game where the effort will be off the charts.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope over 1.5 made 3-pointers (-130)

KCP has cleared this line in three straight games while averaging 8.0 3-point attempts per game. The Knicks have allowed a lot of triples this season, ranking near the top of the league in that category. This is a strong play on Tuesday night with how KCP has been playing.

Kevin Durant over 6.5 rebounds (-130)

Durant has hit this line in seven of his 12 games this season, averaging 10.2 rebound chances and 37.3 minutes per game. Now, while the Spurs have Victor Wembanyama protecting the paint, they still allow the second-most rebounds per game to small forwards. Durant will certainly be busy scoring on Tuesday night, but don't be surprised if he racks up some rebounds too.

Projections and Injury Reports

Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds by ESPN BET

Players in italics are available in a majority of ESPN Leagues


Philadelphia 76ers at Charlotte Hornets
7 p.m. ET

Line: 76ers -4.5 (-105) | Hornets +4.5 (-115)
Money line: 76ers -185 | Hornets +155
Total: 211.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Hornets by 0.5, straight up 52%, 213.4 total points.

Injury Report:
76ers: Caleb Martin, (GTD - Back); Kyle Lowry, (GTD - Hip); Reggie Jackson, (GTD - Knee); Joel Embiid, (OUT - Knee); Andre Drummond, (OUT - Ankle)
Hornets: Grant Williams, (OUT - Knee); DaQuan Jeffries, (GTD - Hand); Mark Williams, (GTD - Foot); Miles Bridges, (OUT - Knee); LaMelo Ball, (OUT - Calf); Tre Mann, (OUT - Back)

76ers projections:

Hornets projections:


Washington Wizards at Cleveland Cavaliers
7 p.m. ET

Line: Wizards +16.5 (-115) | Cavaliers -16.5 (-105)
Money line: Wizards +900 | Cavaliers -1700
Total: 234.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Cavaliers by 14.9, straight up 88%, 237.9 total points.

Injury Report:
Wizards: Saddiq Bey, (OUT - Knee); Kyle Kuzma, (OUT - Ribs); Tristan Vukcevic, (OUT - Knee)
Cavaliers: Max Strus, (OUT - Ankle); Dean Wade, (GTD - Ankle); Ty Jerome, (GTD - Illness); Emoni Bates, (OUT - Knee)

Wizards projections:

Cavaliers projections:

  • Donovan Mitchell, PG/SG: 42.8 FPTS (24.3 pts, 5.1 reb, 3.9 ast, 3.2 3PM)

  • Darius Garland, PG: 35.9 FPTS (19.1 pts, 2.6 reb, 6.0 ast, 2.5 3PM)

  • Evan Mobley, PF/C: 32.5 FPTS (16.5 pts, 10.2 reb, 2.9 ast, 1.5 blk)

  • Jarrett Allen, C: 29.1 FPTS (13.9 pts, 10.7 reb, 1.5 ast)

  • Caris LeVert, SG/SF: 23.8 FPTS (11.8 pts, 3.0 reb, 3.4 ast)

  • Ty Jerome, PG: 17.5 FPTS (8.7 pts, 1.4 reb, 2.8 ast)

  • Isaac Okoro, SG/SF: 15.5 FPTS (7.6 pts, 2.5 reb, 1.5 ast)


Milwaukee Bucks at Detroit Pistons
7 p.m. ET

Line: Bucks -2.5 (-120) | Pistons +2.5 (EVEN)
Money line: Bucks -160 | Pistons +135
Total: 220.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Pistons by 1.9, straight up 56%, 224.9 total points.

Injury Report:
Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo, (GTD - Illness); MarJon Beauchamp, (GTD - Hamstring); Taurean Prince, (GTD - Quadriceps); Khris Middleton, (OUT - Ankle)
Pistons: Bobi Klintman, (OUT - Calf)

Bucks projections:

Pistons projections:


Orlando Magic at New York Knicks
7:30 p.m. ET on TNT

Line: Magic +4.5 (-110) | Knicks -4.5 (-110)
Money line: Magic +155 | Knicks -185
Total: 214.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Knicks by 0.9, straight up 53%, 217.3 total points.

Injury Report:
Magic: Gary Harris, (OUT - Hamstring); Trevelin Queen, (OUT - Undisclosed); Paolo Banchero, (OUT - Oblique)
Knicks: Mitchell Robinson, (OUT - Ankle); Kevin McCullar Jr., (OUT - Knee); Precious Achiuwa, (OUT - Hamstring)

Magic projections:

Knicks projections:

  • Jalen Brunson, PG: 40.2 FPTS (25.1 pts, 2.9 reb, 6.4 ast, 2.2 3PM)

  • Karl-Anthony Towns, PF/C: 38.0 FPTS (20.8 pts, 10.9 reb, 3.3 ast, 1.9 3PM)

  • Josh Hart, SG/SF: 33.2 FPTS (13.7 pts, 7.4 reb, 5.6 ast)

  • Mikal Bridges, SG/SF: 30.5 FPTS (17.2 pts, 3.6 reb, 3.7 ast, 2.3 3PM)

  • OG Anunoby, SF/PF: 28.5 FPTS (16.1 pts, 4.7 reb, 2.3 ast, 2.1 3PM)

  • Miles McBride, PG: 17.7 FPTS (9.2 pts, 2.2 reb, 2.1 ast)

  • Cameron Payne, PG/SG: 16.0 FPTS (7.2 pts, 1.4 reb, 3.1 ast)


Indiana Pacers at Toronto Raptors
7:30 p.m. ET

Line: Pacers -3.5 (-115) | Raptors +3.5 (-105)
Money line: Pacers -145 | Raptors +120
Total: 238.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Pacers by 2.1, straight up 57%, 238.9 total points.

Injury Report:
Pacers: Isaiah Jackson, (OUT - Achilles); James Wiseman, (OUT - Achilles); Andrew Nembhard, (GTD - Knee); Aaron Nesmith, (OUT - Ankle); Ben Sheppard, (OUT - Oblique)
Raptors: Gradey Dick, (GTD - Calf); Bruce Brown, (OUT - Knee); Kelly Olynyk, (OUT - Back); Immanuel Quickley, (OUT - Elbow)

Pacers projections:

Raptors projections:


Utah Jazz at Oklahoma City Thunder
8 p.m. ET

Line: Jazz +13.5 (-110) | Thunder -13.5 (-110)
Money line: Jazz +650 | Thunder -1000
Total: 223.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Thunder by 11.5, straight up 82%, 226.9 total points.

Injury Report:
Jazz: Taylor Hendricks, (OUT - Lower Leg); Jordan Clarkson, (OUT - Foot); Kyle Filipowski, (OUT - Lower Leg)
Thunder: Chet Holmgren, (OUT - Hip); Nikola Topic, (OUT - Knee); Alex Caruso, (OUT - Hip); Jaylin Williams, (OUT - Hamstring); Ousmane Dieng, (OUT - Finger)

Jazz projections:

Thunder projections:


Memphis Grizzlies at Dallas Mavericks
8:30 p.m. ET

Line: Grizzlies +3.5 (-105) | Mavericks -3.5 (-115)
Money line: Grizzlies +145 | Mavericks -170
Total: 243.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Mavericks by 0.5, straight up 52%, 236.6 total points.

Injury Report:
Grizzlies: GG Jackson II, (OUT - Foot); Vince Williams Jr., (OUT - Ankle); Zach Edey, (OUT - Ankle)
Mavericks: Dante Exum, (OUT - Wrist); Dereck Lively II, (GTD - Knee); Klay Thompson, (GTD - Foot); Naji Marshall, (OUT - Illness)

Grizzlies projections:

Mavericks projections:


San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns
9 p.m. ET

Line: Spurs +7.5 (-110) | Suns -7.5 (-110)
Money line: Spurs +250 | Suns -300
Total: 229.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Suns by 5.3, straight up 67%, 229.7 total points.

Injury Report:
Spurs: Jeremy Sochan, (GTD - Thumb); Tre Jones, (OUT - Shoulder)
Suns: Bradley Beal, (GTD - Calf); Jusuf Nurkic, (OUT - Thigh); Collin Gillespie, (OUT - Ankle)

Spurs projections:

Suns projections:

  • Devin Booker, PG/SG: 45.8 FPTS (28.0 pts, 3.2 reb, 6.3 ast, 2.6 3PM)

  • Kevin Durant, PF: 39.9 FPTS (27.1 pts, 6.7 reb, 3.6 ast, 2.3 3PM)

  • Tyus Jones, PG: 30.9 FPTS (13.1 pts, 2.5 reb, 5.9 ast, 2.0 3PM)

  • Bradley Beal, SG/SF: 29.0 FPTS (17.3 pts, 3.1 reb, 3.1 ast, 2.1 3PM)

  • Royce O'Neale, SF: 19.5 FPTS (7.7 pts, 5.0 reb, 1.9 ast, 1.8 3PM)

  • Grayson Allen, PG/SG: 18.8 FPTS (10.8 pts, 2.7 reb, 1.4 ast, 2.3 3PM)

  • Oso Ighodaro, C/PF: 14.4 FPTS (6.3 pts, 5.2 reb, 1.2 ast)


Golden State Warriors at Denver Nuggets
10 p.m. ET on TNT

Line: Warriors +4.5 (EVEN) | Nuggets -4.5 (-120)
Money line: Warriors +160 | Nuggets -190
Total: 237.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Nuggets by 4.7, straight up 65%, 232.9 total points.

Injury Report:
Warriors: De'Anthony Melton, (OUT - Knee); Draymond Green, (GTD - Calf); Quinten Post, (GTD - Thumb); Stephen Curry, (GTD - Knee)
Nuggets: Vlatko Cancar, (OUT - Knee); DaRon Holmes II, (OUT - Achilles); Aaron Gordon, (GTD - Calf); Peyton Watson, (GTD - Groin)

Warriors projections:

Nuggets projections:


Houston Rockets at Sacramento Kings
10 p.m. ET

Line: Rockets +1.5 (-110) | Kings -1.5 (-110)
Money line: Rockets +105 | Kings -125
Total: 227.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Rockets by 2, straight up 57%, 227.1 total points.

Injury Report:
Rockets: None reported
Kings: Devin Carter, (OUT - Shoulder); Kevin Huerter, (GTD - Ankle); Trey Lyles, (OUT - Calf)

Rockets projections:

Kings projections:

  • De'Aaron Fox, PG: 44.8 FPTS (27.2 pts, 4.1 reb, 6.2 ast, 2.3 3PM)

  • Domantas Sabonis, PF/C: 42.5 FPTS (20.8 pts, 11.3 reb, 6.6 ast)

  • DeMar DeRozan, SF/PF: 36.0 FPTS (21.9 pts, 3.5 reb, 4.4 ast)

  • Malik Monk, SG/SF: 29.7 FPTS (16.5 pts, 3.2 reb, 3.9 ast, 2.0 3PM)

  • Keegan Murray, SF/PF: 26.5 FPTS (13.2 pts, 7.1 reb, 1.7 ast, 1.8 3PM)

  • Kevin Huerter, SG/SF: 14.8 FPTS (6.6 pts, 2.2 reb, 1.8 ast)

  • Keon Ellis, SG: 11.8 FPTS (5.4 pts, 1.6 reb, 1.0 ast)


Portland Trail Blazers at LA Clippers
10:30 p.m. ET

Line: Blazers +8.5 (-110) | Clippers -8.5 (-110)
Money line: Blazers +290 | Clippers -380
Total: 220.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Clippers by 4.8, straight up 66%, 219.8 total points.

Injury Report:
Blazers: Matisse Thybulle, (OUT - Ankle); Scoot Henderson, (GTD - Quadriceps); Robert Williams III, (OUT - Concussion); Donovan Clingan, (OUT - Knee)
Clippers: P.J. Tucker, (OUT - Not Injury Related); Kevin Porter Jr., (OUT - Ankle); Kobe Brown, (OUT - Back); Kawhi Leonard, (OUT - Knee)

Blazers projections:

Clippers projections: