ESPN's basketball daily cheat sheet is your pregame destination before you lock in daily fantasy and betting decisions for that night's games. Here you'll find our top insights for the slate, including players to target for your daily fantasy rosters, along with game-by-game injury reports.
What you need to know for Tuesday
Jaylen Brown's first regular-season game against the Boston Celtics since being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers is the biggest storyline on Tuesday's six-game NBA slate. The 76ers enter at 9-2, while Jayson Tatum and the Celtics have won three straight to improve to 8-2.
The Oklahoma City Thunder also visit the Portland Trail Blazers for the first of two games between the two teams on consecutive nights. Oklahoma City is 8-2 despite injuries to Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace. Those absences have opened up playing time for younger players, including Aday Mara and Jared McCain. Portland has also gotten off to a strong start at 6-3 but will be without Ja Morant and Shaedon Sharpe. Deni Avdija has already been heavily involved in the offense, and that should continue Tuesday.
Let's take a closer look at Tuesday's matchups, along with some fantasy streamers and betting angles worth considering.
Fantasy stream team
Players available in at least 50% of leagues
Kris Dunn, PG/SG, LA Clippers (41.8% rostered in ESPN leagues)
Dunn has become one of the better sources of defensive production in fantasy hoops. He's averaged 9.1 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 4.4 APG and 2.6 SPG in nearly 30 minutes per game. Dunn has recorded multiple steals in six of nine games, including seven against the Golden State Warriors. His scoring can be inconsistent, but the assists and defensive stats help offset that concern. Dunn's consistent minutes gives him a reliable path to fantasy production against Phoenix. He's especially valuable in category leagues, although his all-around contributions also translate well to points formats.
Jared McCain, SG/PG, Oklahoma City Thunder (32.3%)
McCain should continue to be productive with Oklahoma City's backcourt dealing with injuries, including Wallace's absence. He's averaged 20.2 fantasy points and 25.2 MPG this season. McCain's shooting has been inconsistent, but he's getting enough opportunities to remain relevant in deeper leagues.
Klay Thompson, SG/SF, Miami Heat (29.4%)
Thompson is worth considering for managers in need of points and three-pointers. He's averaged 14.7 PPG and 4.0 triples per game this season. Tuesday's matchup is favorable against a Utah defense that ranks 22nd in defensive rating. Thompson offers little in rebounds and assists, so his value depends heavily on his shooting. However, the matchup gives him a chance for another strong scoring performance, making him an appealing option for managers in category leagues.
Precious Achiuwa, PF/C, Sacramento Kings (25.6%)
Achiuwa could see a substantial workload Tuesday with Maxime Raynaud sidelined and Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray questionable. He played 36 minutes against Miami on Sunday, finishing with seven points, 14 rebounds, two assists and a block. Achiuwa has started eight straight games, he's averaged 9.4 PPG, 7.0 RPG and 1.5 BPG. His production makes him particularly useful for managers looking to improve their rebounding and blocked shots in category leagues. Orlando will also be without Banchero and Jonathan Isaac. Achiuwa's rebounding and defensive production make him a viable streamer, but his outlook improves considerably if Sabonis is ruled out. Managers should monitor Sacramento's injury report before making a move.
Aday Mara, C, Oklahoma City Thunder (21.6%)
Mara continues to benefit from Oklahoma City's depleted frontcourt, with Chet Holmgren and Jaylin Williams sidelined. He finished with 48 fantasy points in 27 minutes against the Washington Wizards on Saturday. Over his last five games, Mara has averaged 10.6 PPG and 7.6 RPG in 24 minutes. His increased playing time and shot-blocking give him considerable upside, although Mara still shares frontcourt minutes with Isaiah Hartenstein. The Thunder also face Portland on consecutive nights, making Mara an excellent option for managers looking to maximize games played this week.
Oso Ighodaro, C, Phoenix Suns (15.3%)
Ighodaro has moved into Phoenix's starting lineup ahead of Khaman Maluach, putting him on the streaming radar. His most impressive performance came against Portland on Nov. 4, when he finished with 40 fantasy points in 23 minutes. Scoring isn't Ighodaro's strength, but his ability to contribute assists from the center position makes him useful in deeper leagues. Phoenix also plays Thursday, another relatively light slate, giving managers an opportunity to get additional production from one roster move.
Brayden Burries, SG, Milwaukee Bucks (15.3%)
Burries is becoming an intriguing streamer after moving into Milwaukee's starting lineup. The rookie has started four straight games ahead of Ryan Rollins and has played at least 29 minutes and scored at least 31 fantasy points in each of his last two games. What's especially encouraging is that Burries has contributed in multiple statistical categories since entering the starting lineup. Tuesday's matchup against the Knicks could be challenging, but the Bucks also play on Wednesday. Burries is firmly on the streaming radar with the potential to develop into a longer-term fantasy option.
Tristan da Silva, SF/PF, Orlando Magic (12.4%)
Da Silva is worth a look with Banchero and Suggs sidelined. He's averaged 24.0 fantasy points and 30.4 MPG this season. Da Silva's also attempted 8.9 three-pointers per game, giving him substantial upside from beyond the arc. He's already demonstrated his upside with 42 fantasy points on November 1st against Boston. Da Silva's increased role and perimeter shooting make him an attractive streamer against Sacramento.
Moody's bets to make on Tuesday
Odds by DraftKings
and subject to change.
Andrew Wiggins UNDER 11.5 points+assists (-106)
Wiggins has averaged 8.3 PPG and 1.6 APG in 26.4 MPG this season. He's stayed under this line in four of his past five games, with just 7.8 combined points and assists per game during that stretch. Miami moved him to the bench Sunday against Sacramento, and even though he played 32 minutes, Wiggins finished with just six points and one assist. Utah has struggled defensively, which is worth considering, but Wiggins simply hasn't been involved enough offensively to have much confidence in him clearing this line.
Wendell Carter Jr. OVER 8.5 rebounds (-128)
Carter has grabbed at least nine rebounds in seven of Orlando's nine games, including four of his past five. He's averaged 9.6 RPG in 33.5 MPG and has pulled down 13 and 11 in his past two outings. Sacramento has struggled on the glass, and its frontcourt could be shorthanded. Raynaud has been ruled out, while Sabonis is questionable with a knee injury. Carter has been playing consistent minutes, and I like his chances of reaching at least nine rebounds against the Kings.
Tyrese Maxey OVER 2.5 made 3-pointers (-107)
Maxey has made at least three triples in six of his first 11 games, including three of his past five. He went three for seven from beyond the arc Sunday against Chicago and continues to play heavy minutes. Boston is a difficult matchup, but Maxey had a lot of success against the Celtics last season. He made at least three triples in all four meetings, averaging 4.5 per game. Maxey's playing time and shot volume are encouraging, especially in a matchup where Philadelphia will need his scoring.
Darius Acuff Jr. 25+ points (+102)
Acuff has been one of Sacramento's bright spots early this season. He's averaged 25.9 PPG in 37.0 MPG, including 27.8 points over his past five outings. The rookie has scored at least 25 points in five of 10 games, including 32 against Miami on Sunday. Acuff now faces an Orlando defense that's allowed 116.2 PPG, ranking 22nd in the league. Acuff hasn't always been efficient, but he's playing significant minutes and a ton of shot attempts. At plus money, I like his chances of reaching 25 points.
Projections and Injury Reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook
Milwaukee Bucks at New York Knicks
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Bucks +15.5 (-115) | Knicks -15.5 (-105)
Money line: Bucks +670 | Knicks -1040
Total: 221.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI Projection: Knicks by 17.8, straight up 91%, 220.9 total points.
Injury Report:
Bucks: Tyler Herro (GTD)
Knicks: Josh Hart (GTD)
Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers
8 p.m. ET
Line: Celtics -1.5 (-113) | 76ers +1.5 (-107)
Money line: Celtics -117 | 76ers -101
Total: 216.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: 76ers by 0.6, straight up 52%, 219.6 total points.
Injury Report:
Celtics: None reported
76ers: Ariel Hukporti (OFS); Adem Bona (OUT); Dominick Barlow (OUT)
LA Clippers at Phoenix Suns
9 p.m. ET
Line: Clippers +3.5 (-112) | Suns -3.5 (-108)
Money line: Clippers +140 | Suns -167
Total: 224.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Suns by 5.1, straight up 66%, 225.6 total points.
Injury Report:
Clippers: Jordan Miller (OUT); Cam Christie (GTD); Brandon Ingram (OUT); Yanic Konan Niederhauser (OUT); Bradley Beal (OUT)
Suns: Mark Williams (OUT); Jordan Goodwin (GTD)
Miami Heat at Utah Jazz
9 p.m. ET
Line: Heat -8.5 (-105) | Jazz +8.5 (-115)
Money line: Heat -359 | Jazz +286
Total: 227.5 (-106 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Heat by 2.6, straight up 58%, 236.7 total points.
Injury Report:
Heat: Giannis Antetokounmpo (GTD)
Jazz: Lauri Markkanen (GTD); Keyonte George (OUT); Jusuf Nurkic (OUT); Jaren Jackson Jr. (OUT)
Orlando Magic at Sacramento Kings
10 p.m. ET
Line: Magic -6.5 (-104) | Kings +6.5 (-116)
Money line: Magic -229 | Kings +190
Total: 223.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Magic by 8.5, straight up 75%, 226.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Magic: Jonathan Isaac (OUT); Jalen Suggs (OUT); Izaiyah Nelson (OUT); Noah Penda (OUT); Paolo Banchero (OUT)
Kings: Ben Simmons (OFS); Domantas Sabonis (GTD); Keegan Murray (GTD); Maxime Raynaud (OUT)
Oklahoma City Thunder at Portland Trail Blazers
11 p.m. ET
Line: Thunder -1.5 (-114) | Blazers +1.5 (-106)
Money line: Thunder -130 | Blazers +110
Total: 224.5 (-106 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Thunder by 2.9, straight up 59%, 221.1 total points.
Injury Report:
Thunder: Chet Holmgren (OUT); Cason Wallace (OUT); Jalen Williams (OFS); Jaylin Williams (OUT); Thomas Sorber (OUT)
Blazers: Vit Krejci (OUT); Shaedon Sharpe (OUT); Ja Morant (OUT)
