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Fantasy basketball picks and betting tips for Monday

Precious Achiuwa makes for a solid streaming option against the Rockets. Evan Bernstein/Getty Images

ESPN's fantasy basketball daily cheat sheet is your pregame destination before you set your lineups for the 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 Monday's games

One matchup stands out from the rest on Monday's 10-game NBA slate, as the Minnesota Timberwolves should be eager to get back in the win column as they host the Sacramento Kings.

Minnesota is looking to bounce back at home, sitting seventh in the Western Conference with a 12-11 record on their home floor. Sacramento, meanwhile, is 10th and comes in on a two-game skid.

One bet from this matchup immediately caught my eye, but there are other bets and fantasy streamers you should know about. Let's break it all down.

Monday's fantasy stream team

Stephon Castle, PG/SG, San Antonio Spurs (available in 71.2% of ESPN leagues): Castle remains a strong streaming option, even with De'Aaron Fox recently traded to the Spurs. Fox is still in the process of traveling to San Antonio, completing his physical and getting up to speed with the roster and game plan before making his Spurs debut. In the meantime, Castle has been productive, scoring 29 or more fantasy points in four straight games. Tonight's matchup between the Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies has one of the highest totals on the slate, which only adds to Castle's streaming appeal.

Jaden McDaniels, SF, Minnesota Timberwolves (55.6%): McDaniels has been on a roll, scoring 29 or more fantasy points in 10 of his last 12 games, including five with 40 or more. With Julius Randle sidelined, McDaniels should continue to have a significant role in the Timberwolves' rotation. He's a versatile, defensive-minded player who contributes across multiple statistical categories, making him a strong streaming option moving forward.

Precious Achiuwa, PF/C, New York Knicks (96.6%): Achiuwa stepped up big on Saturday, putting up 38 fantasy points in 29 minutes against the Lakers after OG Anunoby left early with a foot injury. With Anunoby's status uncertain, Achiuwa is firmly on the streaming radar as a reliable source of points, rebounds and steals. He's averaged 12.7 points, 11.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists per 40 minutes this season, showing what he can do when given ample minutes.

Moody's favorite bets for Monday

Domantas Sabonis over 6.5 assists (-130): With Fox gone, Malik Monk is expected to slide into the starting point guard role for the Kings. This move could also allow Sabonis to take on more of a distributing role. Sabonis has been excellent in this capacity, surpassing 13 potential assists per game in seven of the last 10 games. It's a great opportunity for Sabonis to continue thriving, even against a tough Timberwolves defense.

Portland Trail Blazers to win (+165): The Trail Blazers have been on a roll lately, winning five of their last six games. During that stretch, they've ranked No. 10 in offensive rating and No. 2 in defensive rating. On Saturday, they took down the Phoenix Suns in commanding fashion. Portland looked sharp, with all starters playing well,controlling the tempo and keeping Phoenix from making a comeback. The Blazers also have the advantage of playing at home tonight. The Suns, sitting at 10-14 on the road, haven't been great away from Phoenix, which doesn't bode well for them in this matchup.

Miles Bridges over 8.5 rebounds (-105): Bridges has hit this line in three of his last five games, averaging 15.0 rebound chances and 33.8 minutes per game. Now, let's dive a little deeper: LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller are out for this game, and Bridges has cleared this line in five straight games without them. The matchup is also in his favor, as the Wizards give up the most rebounds per game to opponents. That makes him an even stronger play tonight.

Walker Kessler over 23.5 points, rebounds and assists (-110): Kessler has been a reliable performer, clearing this line in 59% of his games this season. Notably, he's surpassed this mark in 85% of the 20 games where he's played at least 30 minutes. Even with John Collins and Lauri Markkanen back in the lineup for the Jazz, Kessler should continue to thrive. He's cleared this line in six of the last 10 games they've both played together. With the Pacers ranking as a middle-of-the-road defense, this sets up as a favorable matchup for Kessler.

Amen Thompson over 20.5 points and assists (-125): Fred VanVleet has been ruled out for tonight's game against the Knicks due to an ankle injury, which opens up opportunities for other players in the rotation, including Thompson. During the past 15 games, Thompson has averaged 17.8 points and 4.5 assists in 38.8 minutes. With VanVleet sidelined, Thompson could take over as the Rockets' point guard against a middle-of-the-pack Knicks defense. He's cleared this line in two of the last three games when VanVleet hasn't been in the lineup.


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

Washington Wizards at Charlotte Hornets
7 p.m. ET

Line: Wizards +4.5 (-105) | Hornets -4.5 (-115)
Money line: Wizards +165 | Hornets -195
Total: 217.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Wizards by 1.4, straight up 55%, 221.2 total points.

Injury Report:
Wizards: Marvin Bagley III, (OUT - Knee); Saddiq Bey, (OUT - Knee)
Hornets: Vasilije Micic, (GTD - Ankle); Cody Martin, (OUT - Abdomen); LaMelo Ball, (OUT - Ankle); Grant Williams, (OUT - Knee); Tre Mann, (OUT - Back)

Wizards projections:

Hornets projections:


Atlanta Hawks at Detroit Pistons
7 p.m. ET

Line: Hawks +4.5 (-115) | Pistons -4.5 (-105)
Money line: Hawks +150 | Pistons -175
Total: 235.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Pistons by 6.7, straight up 71%, 234.3 total points.

Injury Report:
Hawks: Trae Young, (GTD - Achilles); Bogdan Bogdanovic, (OUT - Personal); Clint Capela, (OUT - Back); Cody Zeller, (OUT - Personal); Jalen Johnson, (OUT - Shoulder); Kobe Bufkin, (OUT - Shoulder)
Pistons: Jaden Ivey, (OUT - Lower Leg)

Hawks projections:

Pistons projections:


Houston Rockets at New York Knicks
7:30 p.m. ET

Line: Rockets +6.5 (-110) | Knicks -6.5 (-110)
Money line: Rockets +200 | Knicks -240
Total: 224.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Knicks by 1.4, straight up 55%, 227.2 total points.

Injury Report:
Rockets: Alperen Sengun, (GTD - Calf); Fred VanVleet, (OUT - Ankle); Jabari Smith Jr., (OUT - Hand)
Knicks: Josh Hart, (GTD - Knee); OG Anunoby, (GTD - Foot); Pacome Dadiet, (OUT - Toe); Mitchell Robinson, (OUT - Ankle)

Rockets projections:

Knicks projections:


San Antonio Spurs at Memphis Grizzlies
8 p.m. ET

Line: Spurs +4.5 (-110) | Grizzlies -4.5 (-110)
Money line: Spurs +155 | Grizzlies -185
Total: 242.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Grizzlies by 7, straight up 72%, 241.6 total points.

Injury Report:
Spurs: Zach Collins, (GTD - Not Injury Related); Sidy Cissoko, (OUT - Not Injury Related); Victor Wembanyama, (GTD - Illness)
Grizzlies: Ja Morant, (GTD - Shoulder); Cam Spencer, (OUT - Thumb); Marcus Smart, (OUT - Finger); Vince Williams Jr., (OUT - Ankle)

Spurs projections:

Grizzlies projections:


Sacramento Kings at Minnesota Timberwolves
8 p.m. ET

Line: Kings +5.5 (-120) | Timberwolves -5.5 (EVEN)
Money line: Kings +165 | Timberwolves -195
Total: 221.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Kings by 0.6, straight up 52%, 224.1 total points.

Injury Report:
Kings: De'Aaron Fox, (GTD - Not Injury Related)
Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards, (GTD - Illness); Naz Reid, (GTD - Finger); Julius Randle, (OUT - Groin); Donte DiVincenzo, (OUT - Toe)

Kings projections:

  • Domantas Sabonis, PF/C: 43.9 FPTS (19.5 pts, 14.8 reb, 6.7 ast)

  • De'Aaron Fox, PG: 41.8 FPTS (23.0 pts, 4.7 reb, 6.1 ast, 2.0 3PM)

  • Malik Monk, SG/SF: 36.1 FPTS (18.9 pts, 3.8 reb, 5.9 ast, 2.3 3PM)

  • DeMar DeRozan, SF/PF: 32.7 FPTS (21.3 pts, 3.5 reb, 3.4 ast)

  • Keegan Murray, SF/PF: 24.9 FPTS (13.0 pts, 6.3 reb, 1.5 ast, 1.9 3PM)

  • Keon Ellis, SG: 15.9 FPTS (6.5 pts, 2.4 reb, 1.6 ast)

  • Trey Lyles, PF: 13.5 FPTS (6.0 pts, 4.5 reb, 0.9 ast)

Timberwolves projections:


Milwaukee Bucks at Oklahoma City Thunder
8 p.m. ET

Line: Bucks +11.5 (-105) | Thunder -11.5 (-115)
Money line: Bucks +450 | Thunder -700
Total: 232.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Thunder by 6.5, straight up 70%, 226.9 total points.

Injury Report:
Bucks: Bobby Portis, (GTD - Personal); Liam Robbins, (GTD - Undisclosed)
Thunder: Alex Caruso, (GTD - Ankle); Cason Wallace, (GTD - Shoulder); Jalen Williams, (GTD - Wrist); Chet Holmgren, (OUT - Hip); Ajay Mitchell, (OUT - Toe); Nikola Topic, (OUT - Knee)

Bucks projections:

Thunder projections:


New Orleans Pelicans at Denver Nuggets
9 p.m. ET

Line: Pelicans +10.5 (-110) | Nuggets -10.5 (-110)
Money line: Pelicans +400 | Nuggets -600
Total: 241.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Nuggets by 9.6, straight up 78%, 238.3 total points.

Injury Report:
Pelicans: Daniel Theis, (GTD - Thumb); Jordan Hawkins, (GTD - Illness); Brandon Ingram, (OUT - Ankle); Herbert Jones, (OUT - Shoulder); Dejounte Murray, (OUT - Achilles)
Nuggets: Peyton Watson, (OUT - Knee); Russell Westbrook, (OUT - Hamstring); Vlatko Cancar, (OUT - Knee); DaRon Holmes II, (OUT - Achilles)

Pelicans projections:

Nuggets projections:


Indiana Pacers at Utah Jazz
9 p.m. ET

Line: Pacers -7.5 (-105) | Jazz +7.5 (-115)
Money line: Pacers -290 | Jazz +240
Total: 239.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Pacers by 5.5, straight up 68%, 238.6 total points.

Injury Report:
Pacers: Enrique Freeman, (GTD - Illness); Isaiah Jackson, (OUT - Achilles); James Wiseman, (OUT - Achilles)
Jazz: Drew Eubanks, (GTD - Not Injury Related); Patty Mills, (GTD - Not Injury Related); Cody Williams, (OUT - Ankle); Taylor Hendricks, (OUT - Lower Leg)

Pacers projections:

Jazz projections:


Orlando Magic at Golden State Warriors
10 p.m. ET

Line: Magic +2.5 (-105) | Warriors -2.5 (-115)
Money line: Magic +130 | Warriors -150
Total: 210.5 (-115 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Warriors by 1.2, straight up 54%, 210.8 total points.

Injury Report:
Magic: Jalen Suggs, (GTD - Quadriceps); Moritz Wagner, (OUT - Knee)
Warriors: De'Anthony Melton, (OUT - Knee); Draymond Green, (GTD - Calf); Jonathan Kuminga, (OUT - Ankle)

Magic projections:

Warriors projections:


Phoenix Suns at Portland Trail Blazers
10 p.m. ET

Line: Suns -5.5 (-105) | Blazers +5.5 (-115)
Money line: Suns -210 | Blazers +175
Total: 228.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Suns by 2, straight up 57%, 228.8 total points.

Injury Report:
Suns: None reported
Blazers: Robert Williams III, (GTD - Hand); Matisse Thybulle, (OUT - Ankle)

Suns projections:

  • Devin Booker, PG/SG: 47.9 FPTS (29.4 pts, 4.1 reb, 6.8 ast, 2.7 3PM)

  • Kevin Durant, PF: 39.5 FPTS (26.2 pts, 5.7 reb, 4.7 ast, 2.2 3PM)

  • Tyus Jones, PG: 25.1 FPTS (11.3 pts, 2.1 reb, 4.8 ast, 1.8 3PM)

  • Bradley Beal, SG/SF: 24.4 FPTS (14.1 pts, 2.6 reb, 3.3 ast)

  • Grayson Allen, PG/SG: 20.0 FPTS (9.7 pts, 3.0 reb, 2.2 ast, 2.1 3PM)

  • Ryan Dunn, SF: 17.9 FPTS (8.8 pts, 4.3 reb, 1.5 ast)

  • Royce O'Neale, SF: 16.5 FPTS (6.8 pts, 3.5 reb, 1.8 ast, 1.8 3PM)

Blazers projections: