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.
What you need to know for Tuesday's games
The Boston Celtics host the Charlotte Hornets in a late season matchup that carries important implications as the regular season winds down. Boston enters this game looking like a juggernaut at full strength, with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading a balanced roster that ranks second in offensive rating (119.9), fourth in defensive rating (111.7), and third in net rating (+8.2) this season. With seeding still in play near the top of the Eastern Conference, the Celtics remain motivated to maintain their form and secure positioning.
The Hornets, meanwhile, are in a much tighter race. Currently sitting in the middle of a crowded Eastern Conference standings battle, Charlotte is just a half-game behind the sixth seed, with significant implications between securing a playoff spot and falling into the play-in tournament. The Hornets have been one of the hottest teams in the league, going 8-2 over their past 10 games, driven in part by elite three-point shooting.
The Celtics will look to continue building momentum and fine-tuning their rotations ahead of the playoffs, while the Hornets aim to capitalize on their recent form in what could be their toughest remaining test. With both teams playing strong basketball and sharing similar roster constructions, execution, shooting efficiency, and control of the glass may ultimately determine the outcome.
Let's dig deeper into these storylines to identify fantasy streamers, betting angles and DFS plays of interest on Tuesday's 10-game slate.
Tuesday's fantasy stream team
Kobe Brown, PF, Indiana Pacers (rostered in 2.6% of ESPN leagues)
The Pacers are dealing with multiple injuries and are giving younger, lesser-known players more opportunities as they build toward next season. Brown has stepped into a larger role and taken full advantage, scoring at least 25 fantasy points in five consecutive games, including two with 40-plus. With Pascal Siakam, Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard all ruled out for Tuesday's matchup against Minnesota, Brown also stands out as a strong DFS value at $4,400.
*Additional streaming options in ESPN leagues can be found in the Top Daily Fantasy values of the day section.
Moody's bets for Tuesday
Oklahoma City Thunder -21.5 (+139)
This alternate line stands out with the Lakers in full scramble mode, with no Luka Doncic, no Austin Reaves and LeBron James questionable. These teams just met, and OKC won by 43 with all three active. Since then, Los Angeles' defense has been a major issue, even as role players try to carry the offense. The Thunder capitalize on mistakes and are still motivated to secure the top seed. Even if this turns into a blowout and Oklahoma City eases up late, the gap in health, form and execution makes this number very attainable.
Kevin Durant 37+ points, rebounds and assists (-112)
Durant has recorded at least 37 combined points, rebounds and assists in five of his last 10 games. He's also cleared this number in both matchups against the Suns this season, which isn't surprising given the added motivation in a revenge spot after being labeled a scapegoat for Phoenix's disappointing 2024-25 campaign. Alperen Sengun makes Houston's offense more effective by setting up teammates and creating easier scoring opportunities, allowing players like Durant to focus more on finishing than creating. He's well positioned for success here and should see a high number of field goal attempts, even with Dillon Brooks back in the mix for the Suns.
Top Daily Fantasy Values of the Day
$8,100+ Salaries
Jayson Tatum, PF, Boston Celtics ($10,000)
Tatum has been superb since returning from a torn Achilles, scoring at least 50 fantasy points in six consecutive games, including a 73-point fantasy performance. He's contributed across nearly every statistical category during that stretch, with the exception of blocks. The Hornets rank sixth in defensive rating over the last 15 games, but Tatum still managed 54.8 fantasy points in this matchup back on March 29.
Bam Adebayo, C, Miami Heat ($8,800)
Adebayo continues to produce at a high level, averaging 43.0 fantasy points per game over his last seven contests. That gives him a high floor, and we all remember the career-defining performance he delivered on Mar. 10, when he posted 107.8 fantasy points against the Wizards. The Raptors have allowed the 12th-fewest fantasy points per game to centers over their last 30 games, but that shouldn't deter you, as Adebayo remains one of the top options at the position on this slate.
$6,100-$8,000 Salaries
Tyler Herro, PG/SG, Miami Heat ($7,800)
Herro has scored at least 33 fantasy points in five of his last seven games, including three with 41-plus points. He was able to practice Monday after missing Saturday's game against the Wizards, and all signs point to him returning for this matchup against the Raptors, who rank 10th in defensive rating over the past 15 games. The last time Herro faced Toronto (Feb. 21, 2025), he finished with 28 points and seven assists.
Tre Jones, PG/SG, Chicago Bulls ($6,900)
Jones has averaged 15.0 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 5.7 APG and 1.3 SPG in 37 games as a starter this season, which gives you a solid idea of his floor heading into tonight's matchup against the Wizards. Josh Giddey has already been ruled out, so Jones should see adequate minutes and have a high usage rate. The Wizards have been bad on defense, ranking 29th in defensive rating over the past 15 games while also playing at the third-fastest pace. With Jones rostered in 46.3% of ESPN leagues, he's firmly on the streaming radar.
$3,500-$6,000 Salaries
Jaime Jaquez Jr., SG/SF, Miami Heat ($5,500)
Jaquez has scored at least 30 fantasy points in four consecutive games and played at least 30 minutes in three of them. The third-year wing has become the engine of the Heat's second unit, which drives his DFS appeal, especially at this price point, making him a strong value option.
Nolan Traore, PG, Brooklyn Nets ($5,400)
Traore has scored at least 26 fantasy points in seven of his past nine games, although his minutes have fluctuated. The Bucks rank 26th in defensive rating over the past 15 games and have also allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to point guards over their past 30 games. Traore is firmly on the streaming radar, as he's rostered in just 1.5% of ESPN leagues.
Nolan Traore nails the 3-point shot vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Projections and Injury Reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook
Chicago Bulls at Washington Wizards
7 p.m. ET
Line: Bulls -6.5 (-102) | Wizards +6.5 (-118)
Money line: Bulls -225 | Wizards +185
Total: 251.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Bulls by 8.1, straight up 74%, 244.7 total points.
Injury Report:
Bulls: Collin Sexton, (GTD - Finger); Lachlan Olbrich, (GTD - Foot); Anfernee Simons, (OUT - Wrist); Josh Giddey, (OUT - Hamstring); Matas Buzelis, (OUT - Illness); Zach Collins, (OFS - Toe)
Wizards: Bilal Coulibaly, (GTD - Heel); Justin Champagnie, (GTD - Knee); Tre Johnson, (GTD - Foot); Tristan Vukcevic, (GTD - Knee); Alex Sarr, (OUT - Toe); Anthony Davis, (OUT - Finger); Trae Young, (OUT - Quadriceps); D'Angelo Russell, (OUT - Not Injury Related); Cam Whitmore, (OFS - Shoulder); Kyshawn George, (OFS - Elbow)
Minnesota Timberwolves at Indiana Pacers
7 p.m. ET
Line: Timberwolves -12.5 (-115) | Pacers +12.5 (-105)
Money line: Timberwolves -800 | Pacers +550
Total: 232.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Timberwolves by 10, straight up 78%, 235.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards, (OUT - Knee); Jaden McDaniels, (OUT - Knee)
Pacers: Johnny Furphy, (OFS - Knee); Ben Sheppard, (GTD - Hip); Jarace Walker, (GTD - Back); Obi Toppin, (GTD - Foot); Aaron Nesmith, (OUT - Neck); Andrew Nembhard, (OUT - Back); Pascal Siakam, (OUT - Ankle); T.J. McConnell, (OUT - Hamstring); Ivica Zubac, (OFS - Ribs); Tyrese Haliburton, (OFS - Achilles)
Milwaukee Bucks at Brooklyn Nets
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Bucks -2.5 (-108) | Nets +2.5 (-112)
Money line: Bucks -142 | Nets +120
Total: 220.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Bucks by 2.2, straight up 57%, 218.2 total points.
Injury Report:
Bucks: Bobby Portis, (OUT - Wrist); Gary Trent Jr., (OUT - Hip); Giannis Antetokounmpo, (OUT - Knee); Kyle Kuzma, (OUT - Achilles); Myles Turner, (OUT - Ankle); Ryan Rollins, (OUT - Hip); Kevin Porter Jr., (OFS - Knee)
Nets: Ben Saraf, (GTD - Back); Nic Claxton, (OUT - Hand); Noah Clowney, (OUT - Ankle); Terance Mann, (OUT - Achilles); Ziaire Williams, (OUT - Foot); Danny Wolf, (OFS - Ankle); Day'Ron Sharpe, (OFS - Thumb); Egor Demin, (OFS - Foot); Michael Porter Jr., (OFS - Hamstring)
Miami Heat at Toronto Raptors
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Heat +1.5 (-112) | Raptors -1.5 (-108)
Money line: Heat +100 | Raptors -120
Total: 240.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Raptors by 1.4, straight up 54%, 239.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Heat: Norman Powell, (GTD - Illness); Tyler Herro, (GTD - Personal); Nikola Jovic, (OUT - Ankle); Terry Rozier, (OUT - Not Injury Related)
Raptors: Collin Murray-Boyles, (GTD - Quadriceps); Immanuel Quickley, (GTD - Foot); Sandro Mamukelashvili, (GTD - Knee); Chucky Hepburn, (OUT - Knee)
Charlotte Hornets at Boston Celtics
8 p.m. ET
Line: Hornets +4.5 (-105) | Celtics -4.5 (-115)
Money line: Hornets +170 | Celtics -205
Total: 220.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Celtics by 1.5, straight up 55%, 218.3 total points.
Injury Report:
Hornets: Coby White, (GTD - Groin); PJ Hall, (OUT - Ankle)
Celtics: None reported
Utah Jazz at New Orleans Pelicans
8 p.m. ET
Line: Jazz +11.5 (-105) | Pelicans -11.5 (-115)
Money line: Jazz +440 | Pelicans -600
Total: 242.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Pelicans by 9.5, straight up 77%, 245.9 total points.
Injury Report:
Jazz: Ace Bailey, (GTD - Knee); Kyle Filipowski, (GTD - Back); Elijah Harkless, (OUT - Hamstring); Isaiah Collier, (OUT - Hamstring); Keyonte George, (OUT - Hamstring); Lauri Markkanen, (OUT - Hip); Jaren Jackson Jr., (OFS - Knee); Jusuf Nurkic, (OFS - Nose); Walker Kessler, (OFS - Shoulder)
Pelicans: Dejounte Murray, (GTD - Hand); Karlo Matkovic, (GTD - Back); Bryce McGowens, (OUT - Toe); Trey Murphy III, (OUT - Ankle)
Sacramento Kings at Golden State Warriors
10 p.m. ET
Line: Kings +-- (o234.5) | Warriors ()
Money line: Kings +Golden State Warriors | Warriors 0
Total: 115 (675 O, -1050 U)
BPI Projection: Warriors by 9.9, straight up 78%, 232.9 total points.
Injury Report:
Kings: DeMar DeRozan, (GTD - Hamstring); Isaiah Stevens, (OUT - Ankle); Keegan Murray, (OUT - Ankle); Russell Westbrook, (OUT - Toe); De'Andre Hunter, (OFS - Eye); Domantas Sabonis, (OFS - Knee); Drew Eubanks, (OFS - Thumb); Zach LaVine, (OFS - Finger)
Warriors: Kristaps Porzingis, (GTD - Knee); Stephen Curry, (GTD - Knee); Gui Santos, (OUT - Pelvis); Al Horford, (OUT - Calf); Quinten Post, (OUT - Foot); Jimmy Butler III, (OFS - Knee); Moses Moody, (OFS - Knee)
Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Lakers
10:30 p.m. ET
Line: Thunder +Spread (Spread Juice) | Lakers ()
Money line: Thunder +ML | Lakers 0
Total: Game Over (Over Juice O, Under Juice U)
BPI Projection: Thunder by 10.5, straight up 79%, 228.3 total points.
Injury Report:
Thunder: Jalen Williams, (OUT - Hamstring); Thomas Sorber, (OFS - Knee)
Lakers: LeBron James, (GTD - Foot); Marcus Smart, (OUT - Ankle); Austin Reaves, (OUT - Oblique); Luka Doncic, (OUT - Hamstring)
Dallas Mavericks at LA Clippers
10:30 p.m. ET
Line: Mavericks +Spread (Spread Juice) | Clippers ()
Money line: Mavericks +ML | Clippers 0
Total: Game Over (Over Juice O, Under Juice U)
BPI Projection: Clippers by 9.3, straight up 76%, 231.0 total points.
Injury Report:
Mavericks: Brandon Williams, (GTD - Illness); Caleb Martin, (GTD - Heel); Daniel Gafford, (GTD - Shoulder); Marvin Bagley III, (GTD - Shoulder); Dereck Lively II, (OFS - Foot); Kyrie Irving, (OFS - Knee)
Clippers: Isaiah Jackson, (OUT - Ankle); Bradley Beal, (OFS - Hip); Yanic Konan Niederhauser, (OFS - Foot)
Houston Rockets at Phoenix Suns
11 p.m. ET
Line: Rockets +Spread (Spread Juice) | Suns ()
Money line: Rockets +ML | Suns 0
Total: Game Over (Over Juice O, Under Juice U)
BPI Projection: Rockets by 1.4, straight up 55%, 218.7 total points.
Injury Report:
Rockets: Fred VanVleet, (OUT - Knee); Steven Adams, (OFS - Ankle)
Suns: Haywood Highsmith, (OUT - Knee)
