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's games
There are eight games on Thursday's NBA slate, with six on the main slate, but the matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers stands out as the most compelling.
Philadelphia enters the night riding a five-game winning streak and playing some of its most consistent basketball of the season. Tyrese Maxey continues to set the tone offensively, while Joel Embiid's production has stabilized Philly on both ends of the floor. Philadelphia has been particularly strong on the road, and their recent ability to control the glass has added another layer to their success. Even amid roster movement ahead of the trade deadline, the 76ers look locked in and confident.
The Lakers return home following a season-long eight-game road trip. Luka Doncic and LeBron James remain the focal points, but defensive consistency and fatigue are lingering concerns. How quickly the Lakers reestablish their rhythm at Crypto.com Arena will go a long way toward determining the outcome.
This game also carries added intrigue given the contrasting styles. The 76ers' speed, size and athleticism pose problems for a Lakers team that has struggled defensively at times, while Los Angeles' star power gives them the ability to swing the game in short bursts. Maxey's expertise in late-game situations and Embiid's interior dominance will be key factors to watch, particularly against a Lakers frontcourt still searching for stability.
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
Jusuf Nurkic, C, Utah Jazz (rostered in 46.9% of ESPN leagues)
The Jazz moved several frontcourt pieces in Tuesday's Jaren Jackson Jr. trade, and JJJ isn't available for Thursday, which positions Nurkic for a significant increase in workload. He's averaged 32.9 fantasy points per game this season and now draws an Atlanta Hawks team that has allowed the 10th-most fantasy points per game to centers. With both teams ranking inside the top three in pace, Nurkic is also firmly in play for DFS contests at $7,400.
Jalen Smith, PF/C, Chicago Bulls (14.1% rostered)
Smith has averaged 13.3 points and 8.4 rebounds in 27.0 minutes per game over his last 11 contests. His ceiling could rise for the rest of the season, as he's expected to step into the Bulls' starting center role following Nikola Vucevic's trade to the Boston Celtics. That expanded opportunity positions Smith as a reliable streaming option moving forward.
Patrick Williams, PF, Bulls (0.7% rostered)
Williams is another rotation player who benefits from Vucevic's departure, even if he continues to come off the bench. He's scored at least 24 fantasy points in two of his last three games and contributes across multiple statistical categories. That versatility adds to his appeal as a streaming option, especially for managers in deeper formats.
Moody's favorite bets for Thursday
Kelly Oubre Jr. 18+ points and assists (-104)
Oubre has cleared 18 combined points and assists in six of his last nine games with Maxey and Joel Embiid active and Paul George sidelined. The matchup is favorable, as the Lakers rank 24th in defensive rating this season and have allowed the most points and the eighth-most assists per game to small forwards. With Oubre locked into 30-plus minutes, this line offers solid value.
Luka Doncic to record a triple-double (+388)
Doncic has been phenomenal this season, averaging 33.4 PPG, 7.9 RPG, and 8.7 APG while carrying a 38.5% usage rate, which would be a career high if it holds. He recorded a triple-double against the 76ers on Dec. 7 and is well positioned to do it again Thursday night against a middle-of-the-pack Philadelphia defense.
Michael Porter Jr. 5+ 3-pointers (+178)
While the Orlando Magic aren't an easy defensive matchup, Brooklyn's offense continues to run through Porter. He's averaged 18.8 field-goal attempts and 9.6 3-point attempts per game, and he's comfortable shooting those triples even if the shot is contested. Porter knocked down eight triples against Orlando on Jan. 7 and, in games where he's attempted at least eight threes this season, he's hit at least five in 44% of them.
Top Daily Fantasy values of the day
$8,100+ salaries
Jalen Johnson, PF, Hawks ($10,500)
Johnson is the engine that powers the Hawks offense and is in the midst of an outstanding season. He has scored at least 64 fantasy points in back-to-back games and continues to carry a high usage rate. The Jazz rank third in pace and have allowed the most fantasy points per game to power forwards this season, making this an ideal matchup. Johnson already demonstrated his upside against Utah earlier this year, posting 31 points, 18 rebounds, and 14 assists in their previous meeting.
Cade Cunningham, PG, Detroit Pistons ($10,200)
Cunningham faces a Washington Wizards team that ranks 29th in defensive rating this season and has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to point guards. He's averaged 51.8 fantasy points per game on the year. Cunningham is listed as questionable for Thursday's matchup due to right wrist injury management, and with the Pistons playing back-to-back games against Washington and the New York Knicks, he could be ruled out. If that happens, Marcus Sasser ($3,000) is a strong pivot option and a viable streamer in season-long formats.
Victor Wembanyama, C, San Antonio Spurs ($10,000)
Wembanyama remains on a minutes restriction, but he has still scored at least 45 fantasy points in five of his last six games, including two performances of 62 or more. His ability to pile up stats on both ends of the floor gives him an elite fantasy ceiling, even in limited run. The Mavericks have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to centers this season, making this a strong spot for Wembanyama.
Scottie Barnes, PF, Toronto Raptors ($9,100)
Barnes has been on a tear over his last 10 games, averaging 44.8 fantasy points per contest while contributing across nearly every statistical category. He now draws a Bulls team that has allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to power forwards this season, putting Barnes in an excellent position to deliver.
Cooper Flagg, PG/SF, Dallas Mavericks ($8,700)
Flagg has been superb over his last three games, all against teams that rank inside the top 15 in defensive rating over their last 15 contests. He's scored at least 59 fantasy points in each of those games, including one performance of 70. Flagg has taken on an enormous offensive burden for the Mavericks while continuing to contribute across multiple categories. That production should carry over against the Spurs.
$6,100-$8,000 salaries
Jalen Duren, C, Pistons ($7,700)
Duren has been hot over his last four games, scoring at least 39 fantasy points in each contest. His production is driven primarily by points and rebounds, but the matchup elevates his ceiling. The Wizards have allowed the most fantasy points per game to centers this season and rank sixth in pace.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SG/SF, Hawks ($7,000)
Alexander-Walker is on pace to average career highs in his first season with Atlanta and has scored at least 34 fantasy points in four of his last five games. He now faces a Jazz team that has allowed the most fantasy points per game to shooting guards this season. With Utah playing at a fast pace, both Johnson and Alexander-Walker should see elevated workloads in this matchup.
Immanuel Quickley, PG, Raptors ($7,000)
Quickley has averaged 41.5 fantasy points and 33.2 minutes per game over his last eight contests while contributing across multiple statistical categories. The Bulls have struggled defensively all season and rank 22nd in defensive rating over their last 15 games. This sets up another excellent opportunity for Quickley to produce.
Isaiah Collier, PG, Jazz ($6,900)
Collier's usage and minutes have increased in the short term with Keyonte George sidelined by an ankle injury. He capitalized on that opportunity Tuesday, finishing with 62.8 fantasy points against the Indiana Pacers. The Hawks have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to point guards this season, setting up another strong spot. Collier is also an excellent streaming option, as he's rostered in just 30.4% of leagues.
$3,000-$6,000 salaries
Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Charlotte Hornets ($4,700)
Kalkbrenner and Moussa Diabate have split time at center this season, averaging 23.4 and 25.1 minutes respectively. At 7-foot-1 and 256 pounds, Kalkbrenner looks like the better matchup against Alperen Sengun, who stands 6-foot-11 and weighs 243 pounds, compared to Diabate at 6-foot-10 and 210 pounds. Kalkbrenner has produced when given minutes, averaging 14.7 points and 10.5 rebounds per 40 minutes this season.
Projections and Injury Reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook
Washington Wizards at Detroit Pistons
7 p.m. ET
Line: Wizards +14.5 (-112) | Pistons -14.5 (-108)
Money line: Wizards +550 | Pistons -800
Total: 227.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Pistons by 19.5, straight up 91%, 230.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Wizards: D'Angelo Russell, (GTD - Illness); Jaden Hardy, (GTD - Not Injury Related); Tre Johnson, (OUT - Ankle); Trae Young, (OUT - Knee); Anthony Davis, (OUT - Finger); Cam Whitmore, (OFS - Shoulder); Dante Exum, (OFS - Knee)
Pistons: Cade Cunningham, (GTD - Wrist); Kevin Huerter, (GTD - Back); Tobias Harris, (GTD - Hip); Daniss Jenkins, (OUT - Not Injury Related); Dario Saric, (OUT - Not Injury Related); Tolu Smith, (OUT - Calf)
Brooklyn Nets at Orlando Magic
7 p.m. ET
Line: Nets +10.5 (-105) | Magic -10.5 (-115)
Money line: Nets +380 | Magic -500
Total: 214.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI Projection: Magic by 8.6, straight up 74%, 218.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Nets: Ochai Agbaji, (GTD - Not Injury Related); Cam Thomas, (OUT - Personal); Haywood Highsmith, (OUT - Knee)
Magic: Colin Castleton, (OUT - Thumb); Franz Wagner, (OUT - Ankle)
Utah Jazz at Atlanta Hawks
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Jazz +9.5 (-108) | Hawks -9.5 (-112)
Money line: Jazz +310 | Hawks -395
Total: 243.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Hawks by 11.4, straight up 80%, 252.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Jazz: Kevin Love, (GTD - Illness); Lonzo Ball, (GTD - Not Injury Related); Jaren Jackson Jr., (OUT - Not Injury Related); John Konchar, (OUT - Neck); Keyonte George, (OUT - Ankle); Vince Williams Jr., (OUT - Not Injury Related); Elijah Harkless, (OUT - Hamstring); Walker Kessler, (OFS - Shoulder)
Hawks: N'Faly Dante, (OFS - Knee); Jock Landale, (GTD - Not Injury Related); Onyeka Okongwu, (GTD - Mouth); Buddy Hield, (OUT - Not Injury Related); Jonathan Kuminga, (OUT - Knee); Duop Reath, (OFS - Foot)
Chicago Bulls at Toronto Raptors
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Bulls +8.5 (-110) | Raptors -8.5 (-110)
Money line: Bulls +270 | Raptors -340
Total: 225.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Raptors by 7.6, straight up 72%, 231.8 total points.
Injury Report:
Bulls: Collin Sexton, (GTD - Not Injury Related); Jaden Ivey, (GTD - Not Injury Related); Julian Phillips, (GTD - Wrist); Ousmane Dieng, (GTD - Not Injury Related); Tre Jones, (GTD - Hamstring); Guerschon Yabusele, (OUT - Not Injury Related); Josh Giddey, (OUT - Hamstring); Zach Collins, (OUT - Toe); Noa Essengue, (OFS - Shoulder)
Raptors: Jakob Poeltl, (OUT - Back); Trayce Jackson-Davis, (OUT - Not Injury Related); Chucky Hepburn, (OUT - Knee)
Charlotte Hornets at Houston Rockets
8 p.m. ET
Line: Hornets +3.5 (-110) | Rockets -3.5 (-110)
Money line: Hornets +130 | Rockets -155
Total: 217.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI Projection: Rockets by 4.8, straight up 64%, 222.8 total points.
Injury Report:
Hornets: Coby White, (GTD - Not Injury Related); Mike Conley, (GTD - Not Injury Related); Tidjane Salaun, (GTD - Illness); Tyus Jones, (GTD - Not Injury Related); KJ Simpson, (OUT - Hip)
Rockets: Dorian Finney-Smith, (GTD - Ankle); Fred VanVleet, (OUT - Knee); Steven Adams, (OFS - Ankle)
San Antonio Spurs at Dallas Mavericks
8:30 p.m. ET
Line: Spurs -6.5 (-118) | Mavericks +6.5 (-102)
Money line: Spurs -278 | Mavericks +225
Total: 228.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Spurs by 5.3, straight up 66%, 231.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Spurs: Dylan Harper, (GTD - Ankle); Jeremy Sochan, (GTD - Quadriceps); Kelly Olynyk, (GTD - Foot); Lindy Waters III, (GTD - Knee); David Jones Garcia, (OFS - Ankle)
Mavericks: AJ Johnson, (GTD - Not Injury Related); Brandon Williams, (GTD - Lower Leg); Daniel Gafford, (GTD - Ankle); Khris Middleton, (GTD - Not Injury Related); Malaki Branham, (GTD - Not Injury Related); Marvin Bagley III, (GTD - Not Injury Related); P.J. Washington, (OUT - Concussion); Kyrie Irving, (OUT - Knee); Dereck Lively II, (OFS - Foot)
Golden State Warriors at Phoenix Suns
10 p.m. ET
Line: Warriors +6.5 (-110) | Suns -6.5 (-110)
Money line: Warriors +205 | Suns -250
Total: 215.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Suns by 1.6, straight up 55%, 226.2 total points.
Injury Report:
Warriors: Kristaps Porzingis, (OUT - Illness); Stephen Curry, (OUT - Knee); Seth Curry, (OUT - Back); Jimmy Butler III, (OFS - Knee)
Suns: Devin Booker, (GTD - Ankle); Jalen Green, (GTD - Hip)
Philadelphia 76ers at Los Angeles Lakers
10 p.m. ET
Line: 76ers +4.5 (-115) | Lakers -4.5 (-105)
Money line: 76ers +145 | Lakers -175
Total: 233.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Lakers by 2.6, straight up 58%, 234.6 total points.
Injury Report:
76ers: Joel Embiid, (GTD - Ankle); Paul George, (OUT - Suspension)
Lakers: Adou Thiero, (OUT - Knee)
