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.
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Top streamers | Best bets | DFS picks | Odds & injury report
What you need to know for Thursday
There are eight games on Thursday's slate, but the matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and Charlotte Hornets at the American Airlines Center stands out as one of the most intriguing.
Charlotte enters riding real momentum after winning four straight games for the first time in nearly four years, fueled by one of the league's most effective starting lineups. Since the start of 2026, the Hornets have posted elite offensive numbers and tightened up defensively, signaling that their rebuild may be turning into something more.
Dallas, meanwhile, is still searching for rhythm amid injuries and inconsistency. Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving remain sidelined and the Mavericks are coming off a turnover-filled loss to Minnesota. If Klay Thompson returns, it could help stabilize the offense, but ball security and perimeter shooting remain major concerns.
With Kon Knueppel and Cooper Flagg continuing their Rookie of the Year pushes, this game also could double as a measuring stick for two of the league's brightest young stars, although Flagg's status for tonight is uncertain. With Charlotte's disciplined starting unit facing a Dallas team trying to rediscover its footing, this matchup shapes up as a test of momentum versus desperation.
As always, let's dig deeper into these and the other storylines on display to identify fantasy streamers, betting angles and DFS plays of interest on this Thursday slate.
Thursday's fantasy stream team
Ayo Dosunmu, SG, Chicago Bulls (rostered in 25.9% of ESPN leagues): Dosunmu has scored at least 29 fantasy points and played at least 25 minutes in consecutive games. Josh Giddey hasn't played in back-to-back games since late December, so there's a chance he's ruled out here. Either way, Dosunmu is in a strong spot against a Heat team that plays at a fast pace in a game with one of the highest totals on the slate. He's also a strong DFS value at $5,500.
Moussa Diabate, C, Hornets (15.0% rostered): Diabate has been impressive over his last four games, contributing points, rebounds, blocks and steals. He posted 54 fantasy points against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday and now faces a Mavericks defense that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to centers this season.
Moody's bets for Thursday
Anthony Edwards 4+ made 3-pointers (+141)
Edwards has made at least four 3-pointers in seven of his last 10 games and has averaged 8.9 attempts per game over that stretch while shooting 47% from the field. Oklahoma City has led the league in defensive rating this season, but some recent cracks have begun to show. Still, that shouldn't deter bettors here, as Edwards is unlikely to attack the paint often against Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, setting him up for a high-volume night from beyond the arc.
Dillon Brooks OVER 23.5 points and assists (-115)
Brooks has cleared this line in five of his last 10 games and has averaged 16.6 field-goal attempts in 31.9 minutes per contest over that stretch. He's been especially strong at home, clearing this line in 12 out of 17 games this season. While the Detroit Pistons have played excellent defense, Brooks is positioned for success with Devin Booker sidelined due to a right ankle injury, which should boost his usage.
Top Daily Fantasy values of the day
$8,100+ salaries
Tyrese Maxey, PG, Philadelphia 76ers ($9,900)
Maxey has been outstanding this season, averaging 55.1 fantasy points and 39.1 minutes per game. With Sacramento ranking 28th in defensive rating and allowing the ninth-most fantasy points per game to point guards, this matchup sets up well for him.
Joel Embiid, C, 76ers ($9,400)
Embiid is on track to play Thursday and draws a favorable matchup against a Kings team that has allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to centers. He has averaged 55.4 fantasy points over his last five games, making him well worth paying up for in this spot.
$6,100-$8,000 salaries
Ryan Rollins, PG, Milwaukee Bucks ($7,800)
The Bucks will be without both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Porter Jr., which bodes well for Rollins against a Washington Wizards team that ranks 29th in defensive rating and has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to point guards. In seven games this season without Antetokounmpo or Porter, he has averaged 24.7 PPG, 5.1 RPG and 6.7 APG.
Kyshawn George, SG, Wizards ($7,300)
The Bucks are depleted defensively and rank among the top eight teams in fantasy points per game allowed to both point guards and shooting guards. George has been phenomenal over his last seven games and should benefit from the matchup, averaging 42.7 fantasy points per contest over that stretch.
Bobby Portis, PF/C, Bucks ($7,000)
Portis, like Rollins, should be leaned on more with Antetokounmpo and Porter ruled out. Washington is a matchup fantasy managers want to exploit, and Portis has averaged 33.2 fantasy points per game over his last five games without that duo, positioning him as a strong option to insert into lineups. The Wizards also rank among the league's worst at defending power forwards and centers in fantasy. Portis (51.1% rostered) is also a viable streaming option if available in your league.
Kon Knueppel, SG, Hornets ($6,700)
Knueppel and his former Duke roommate are close friends and Rookie of the Year contenders. Assuming Flagg dresses, they will face each other for the first time in their professional careers. Knueppel should find success against a middle-of-the-road Mavericks defense, making this a great opportunity to showcase his talent for voters. Knueppel has averaged 33.4 fantasy points per game over his last eight contests.
Jonas Valanciunas, C, Denver Nuggets ($6,500)
Valanciunas just posted one of his best performances of the season in only his second game back from a calf injury, finishing with 39.5 fantasy points in 31 minutes. With Brooklyn ranking 26th in defensive rating this season, this is a matchup he should be able to capitalize on. Valanciunas (15.9% rostered) is also a viable streaming option if he's still available in your league.
Jaime Jaquez Jr., SF/PF, Miami Heat ($6,300)
Jaquez has provided a spark off the bench, operating almost exclusively as a reserve this season while remaining a valuable contributor in his third year with the Heat. He has scored at least 28 fantasy points in four of his last six games and can help fill multiple roles for a Miami team without Tyler Herro. With Chicago ranking 24th in defensive rating this season, the matchup bodes well for Jaquez.
$3,000-$6,000 salaries
Kyle Kuzma, SF/PF, Bucks ($6,000)
Kuzma has started four consecutive games and should continue to see increased usage amid uncertainty surrounding Antetokounmpo's future in Milwaukee. He has scored at least 34 fantasy points in back-to-back games and should find success against his former team, the Wizards, who have struggled mightily on the defensive end this season. Kuzma (23.2% rostered) is also on the streaming radar for managers in need.
Khris Middleton, PF, Wizards ($5,100)
Middleton has averaged just 22.1 fantasy points in 24.5 minutes per game this season, but his production has picked up recently. Over his last five games, he has averaged 28.9 fantasy points and 27.4 minutes per contest. Traded from the Bucks during the 2024-25 season after spending most of his career there as a three-time All-Star and NBA champion, Middleton should be motivated against his former team. With the Bucks dealing with multiple injuries and ranking 27th in defensive rating over the last 15 games, this matchup sets up well for him. Middleton (4.4% rostered) is also worth considering as a streaming option in deeper leagues.
Jared McCain, PG/SG, 76ers ($3,300)
McCain has recently been increasing his floor time following a five-game stretch in which he played a total of only one minute -- and impressed with at least 25 fantasy points in 23 minutes in consecutive games. He offers strong value against a Kings team that has been horrendous defensively and has struggled against guards all season. McCain (9.9% rostered) is also a solid streaming option in deeper leagues.
Projections and Injury Reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook
Sacramento Kings at Philadelphia 76ers
7 p.m. ET
Line: Kings +11.5 (-108) | 76ers -11.5 (-112)
Money line: Kings +390 | 76ers -520
Total: 227.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI Projection: 76ers by 8.7, straight up 73%, 235.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Kings: Malik Monk, (GTD - Ankle); Russell Westbrook, (GTD - Foot); Keegan Murray, (OUT - Ankle)
76ers: Joel Embiid, (GTD - Knee); Paul George, (GTD - Knee); Quentin Grimes, (GTD - Ankle); MarJon Beauchamp, (OUT - Ankle)
Milwaukee Bucks at Washington Wizards
7 p.m. ET
Line: Bucks -2.5 (-110) | Wizards +2.5 (-110)
Money line: Bucks -135 | Wizards +114
Total: 223.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Bucks by 4.1, straight up 62%, 231.6 total points.
Injury Report:
Bucks: Kevin Porter Jr., (OUT - Oblique); Giannis Antetokounmpo, (OUT - Calf); Taurean Prince, (OUT - Neck)
Wizards: Alex Sarr, (GTD - Illness); Marvin Bagley III, (OUT - Back); Tristan Vukcevic, (OUT - Hamstring); Trae Young, (OUT - Knee); Cam Whitmore, (OFS - Shoulder)
Houston Rockets at Atlanta Hawks
8 p.m. ET
Line: Rockets -3.5 (-108) | Hawks +3.5 (-112)
Money line: Rockets -162 | Hawks +136
Total: 225.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Rockets by 3.3, straight up 59%, 232.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Rockets: Fred VanVleet, (OUT - Knee); Steven Adams, (OFS - Ankle)
Hawks: N'Faly Dante, (OFS - Knee); Onyeka Okongwu, (GTD - Face); Zaccharie Risacher, (GTD - Knee); Kristaps Porzingis, (OUT - Achilles)
Miami Heat at Chicago Bulls
8 p.m. ET
Line: Heat -1.5 (-105) | Bulls +1.5 (-115)
Money line: Heat -115 | Bulls -105
Total: 240.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Heat by 2.6, straight up 58%, 245.2 total points.
Injury Report:
Heat: Davion Mitchell, (GTD - Shoulder); Tyler Herro, (GTD - Ribs); Terry Rozier, (OUT - Not Injury Related)
Bulls: Tre Jones, (GTD - Hamstring); Emanuel Miller, (OUT - Illness); Yuki Kawamura, (OUT - Oblique); Zach Collins, (OUT - Toe)
Charlotte Hornets at Dallas Mavericks
8:30 p.m. ET
Line: Hornets -4.5 (-102) | Mavericks +4.5 (-118)
Money line: Hornets -175 | Mavericks +145
Total: 228.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Hornets by 0.9, straight up 53%, 230.0 total points.
Injury Report:
Hornets: KJ Simpson, (GTD - Hip); Mason Plumlee, (OUT - Groin)
Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, (GTD - Ankle); Klay Thompson, (GTD - Knee); Kyrie Irving, (OUT - Knee); Anthony Davis, (OUT - Finger); Dante Exum, (OFS - Knee); Dereck Lively II, (OFS - Foot)
Brooklyn Nets at Denver Nuggets
9 p.m. ET
Line: Nets +7.5 (-115) | Nuggets -7.5 (-105)
Money line: Nets +235 | Nuggets -290
Total: 210.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI Projection: Nuggets by 3.4, straight up 60%, 222.8 total points.
Injury Report:
Nets: Terance Mann, (GTD - Back); Cam Thomas, (OUT - Hamstring); Egor Demin, (OUT - Foot); Noah Clowney, (OUT - Back); Ziaire Williams, (OUT - Calf); Haywood Highsmith, (OUT - Knee)
Nuggets: Jamal Murray, (GTD - Hamstring); Jonas Valanciunas, (GTD - Calf); Aaron Gordon, (OUT - Hamstring); Christian Braun, (OUT - Ankle); Cameron Johnson, (OUT - Knee); Nikola Jokic, (OUT - Knee); Tamar Bates, (OUT - Foot)
Detroit Pistons at Phoenix Suns
9 p.m. ET
Line: Pistons -4.5 (-105) | Suns +4.5 (-115)
Money line: Pistons -180 | Suns +150
Total: 215.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Pistons by 3.3, straight up 60%, 224.8 total points.
Injury Report:
Pistons: Caris LeVert, (GTD - Illness)
Suns: Collin Gillespie, (GTD - Hand); Isaiah Livers, (GTD - Illness); Jalen Green, (GTD - Hamstring); Devin Booker, (OUT - Ankle)
Oklahoma City Thunder at Minnesota Timberwolves
9:30 p.m. ET
Line: Thunder -5.5 (-118) | Timberwolves +5.5 (-102)
Money line: Thunder -218 | Timberwolves +180
Total: 225.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Thunder by 5.9, straight up 66%, 230.0 total points.
Injury Report:
Thunder: Ajay Mitchell, (GTD - Abdomen); Cason Wallace, (GTD - Hip); Alex Caruso, (OUT - Thigh); Jalen Williams, (OUT - Hamstring); Nikola Topic, (OUT - Groin); Thomas Sorber, (OFS - Knee)
Timberwolves: Terrence Shannon Jr., (OUT - Foot)
