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 Thursday's games
The Sweet 16 tips off in the NCAA men's tournament tonight, but the NBA has its own version with 16 teams in action. Only one of the eight games features two teams currently in playoff position, with the Memphis Grizzlies hitting the road to face the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder have already clinched the top seed in the Western Conference, but the Grizzlies are engaged in a tight race, with only a game separating them from the third seed and home-court advantage in a first-round matchup.
Three other games feature two teams battling for positioning in the play-in standings. The Dallas Mavericks, with Anthony Davis working himself back into the fold, currently reside in the 11th spot in the West and will try to get closer to that vital 10th seed in a game against the Orlando Magic, the eighth seed in the East. In an all-East affair, the seventh-seeded Atlanta Hawks visit the 10th-seeded Miami Heat. Then, out West, the 12th-seeded Portland Trail Blazers get the chance to gain a game on the ninth-seeded Sacramento Kings when they face them on the road.
As always, we will dig deeper into these and the other games on the schedule to identify fantasy hoops streamers and betting angles of interest for Thursday night's games.
Thursday's fantasy stream team
Spencer Dinwiddie, PG, Mavericks (rostered in 37.8% of ESPN leagues): Dinwiddie has become an impact player since moving into the starting lineup for the injury-depleted Mavericks. In those last four starts, he has averaged 19.3 PPG, 9.5 APG, 2.3 SPG and 2.0 3PG in 36.3 MPG.
Scotty Pippen Jr., G, Grizzlies (38.1% rostered): Pippen has been playing a bigger role since Ja Morant went down six games ago, but he has particularly picked it up in his last four. In those games, the last two of which he started, Pippen has averaged 15.0 PPG, 7.5 APG, 5.0 RPG, 1.8 3PG and 1.5 SPG with points-assists double-doubles in two of the games.
Kevin Huerter, SG, Chicago Bulls (19.4%): Huerter has started the last seven games for the Bulls and is putting up solid numbers as a perimeter offensive threat. In those games, he has averaged 15.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.0 APG, 2.4 3PG and 1.3 SPG in 34.6 MPG.
Dre's favorite bets for Thursday
Odds by ESPN BET
Kel'el Ware to record a double-double (+145)
Ware has been a walking double-double over the second half of the month, averaging 14.2 PPG and 10.2 RPG in his last six outings. He posted double-doubles in four of those six games, including going for 14 and 10 on Tuesday. The rookie has yet to post a double-double in three career games against the Hawks, but in his two February matchups against them he totaled 20 points and 23 rebounds across 49 minutes.
Houston Rockets -12.5 (-115) at Utah Jazz
The Rockets are one of the hottest teams in the NBA, winning 10 of their last 11 games to move up to the second seed in the Western Conference. And they will be motivated to keep winning to maintain their 1.5-game lead over the third-seeded Denver Nuggets. The Jazz, meanwhile, are the coldest team in the NBA at a time when losses only impact their positioning in the upcoming NBA lottery. The Jazz aren't just losing, they're losing huge. Their last five losses have been by a combined 128 points.
Trail Blazers +6.5 (-120) at Kings
The Trail Blazers and Kings both enter this game on losing streaks, though it has been a difficult stretch of the schedule for both teams. Portland has fared better of late, even against the tough competition. Before losing their last two games to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics, respectively, the Trail Blazers had won their previous four, including a 19-point victory over the Nuggets and a 16-point win over the Grizzlies. The Kings have lost four straight and eight of 10, with their wins coming over the Cavaliers and Grizzlies but one of their losses a 12-point defeat to the Bulls. I could see this as a toss-up game, but I'll take the Trail Blazers with the points.
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
San Antonio Spurs at Cleveland Cavaliers
7 p.m. ET
Line: Spurs 14.5 (-105) | Cavaliers -14.5 (-115)
Money line: Spurs +700 | Cavaliers -1200
Total: 236.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Cavaliers by 16.7, straight up 90%, 242.0 total points.
Injury Report:
Spurs: Tre Jones, (OUT - Foot); Sidy Cissoko, (GTD - Ankle); Charles Bassey, (OUT - Knee); Victor Wembanyama, (OUT - Shoulder)
Cavaliers: Ty Jerome, (GTD - Knee); Emoni Bates, (OUT - Personal); Jaylon Tyson, (OUT - Knee)
Spurs projections:
Devin Vassell, SG/SF: 31.7 FPTS (18.5 pts, 4.1 reb, 3.2 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Chris Paul, PG: 25.0 FPTS (9.6 pts, 3.2 reb, 5.3 ast)
Stephon Castle, PG/SG: 24.0 FPTS (13.5 pts, 3.2 reb, 3.9 ast)
Keldon Johnson, SF/PF: 22.4 FPTS (12.5 pts, 4.9 reb, 1.8 ast)
Zach Collins, PF/C: 20.0 FPTS (9.1 pts, 5.7 reb, 2.3 ast)
Jeremy Sochan, PF: 19.0 FPTS (9.9 pts, 5.6 reb, 2.0 ast)
Harrison Barnes, PF: 16.8 FPTS (11.0 pts, 3.1 reb, 1.2 ast)
Cavaliers projections:
Darius Garland, PG: 38.8 FPTS (19.5 pts, 3.2 reb, 6.5 ast, 2.6 3PM)
Donovan Mitchell, PG/SG: 37.1 FPTS (20.2 pts, 3.8 reb, 4.5 ast, 2.8 3PM)
Jarrett Allen, C: 26.0 FPTS (13.1 pts, 8.3 reb, 1.7 ast)
Caris LeVert, SG/SF: 25.8 FPTS (13.2 pts, 2.7 reb, 4.1 ast)
Ty Jerome, PG: 21.1 FPTS (10.9 pts, 2.5 reb, 2.5 ast)
Max Strus, SG/SF: 21.0 FPTS (9.5 pts, 4.2 reb, 2.4 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Sam Merrill, SG: 14.4 FPTS (6.4 pts, 2.3 reb, 1.5 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Dallas Mavericks at Orlando Magic
7 p.m. ET on NBA TV
Line: Mavericks 7.5 (-110) | Magic -7.5 (-110)
Money line: Mavericks +230 | Magic -280
Total: 219.5 (-115 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Magic by 7.4, straight up 73%, 216.2 total points.
Injury Report:
Mavericks: Kyrie Irving, (OUT - Knee); Brandon Williams, (GTD - Back); P.J. Washington, (OUT - Ankle); Daniel Gafford, (OUT - Knee); Dereck Lively II, (OUT - Ankle); Dante Exum, (OUT - Hand); Olivier-Maxence Prosper, (OUT - Wrist); Maxi Kleber, (OUT - Foot)
Magic: Cole Anthony, (GTD - Toe); Jalen Suggs, (OUT - Knee); Moritz Wagner, (OUT - Knee)
Mavericks projections:
Luka Doncic, PG: 54.6 FPTS (29.1 pts, 8.2 reb, 7.2 ast, 3.6 3PM)
Naji Marshall, SF/PF: 28.9 FPTS (14.9 pts, 6.9 reb, 3.2 ast)
Spencer Dinwiddie, PG/SG: 26.1 FPTS (12.9 pts, 3.1 reb, 4.6 ast)
Brandon Williams, PG: 18.8 FPTS (11.8 pts, 2.0 reb, 2.2 ast)
Klay Thompson, SG/SF: 16.8 FPTS (7.2 pts, 3.3 reb, 2.4 ast)
Kessler Edwards, SF: 13.9 FPTS (5.8 pts, 4.2 reb, 1.5 ast)
Jaden Hardy, SG: 11.6 FPTS (7.8 pts, 1.1 reb, 1.2 ast)
Magic projections:
Paolo Banchero, SF/PF: 43.3 FPTS (27.9 pts, 6.6 reb, 4.8 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Franz Wagner, SF/PF: 41.4 FPTS (22.6 pts, 5.8 reb, 5.1 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Cole Anthony, PG: 22.2 FPTS (12.1 pts, 3.5 reb, 2.7 ast)
Wendell Carter Jr., C: 21.8 FPTS (9.9 pts, 8.4 reb, 1.4 ast)
Anthony Black, PG/SG: 18.3 FPTS (9.0 pts, 2.9 reb, 2.7 ast)
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG/SF: 17.8 FPTS (8.8 pts, 1.8 reb, 1.7 ast)
Cory Joseph, PG: 12.5 FPTS (5.3 pts, 1.7 reb, 2.2 ast)
Indiana Pacers at Washington Wizards
7 p.m. ET
Line: Pacers -13.5 (-105) | Wizards 13.5 (-115)
Money line: Pacers -1000 | Wizards +600
Total: 234.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Pacers by 9.7, straight up 78%, 236.6 total points.
Injury Report:
Pacers: Isaiah Jackson, (OUT - Achilles)
Wizards: Marvin Bagley III, (OUT - Concussion); Kyshawn George, (GTD - Ankle); Malcolm Brogdon, (GTD - Ankle); Saddiq Bey, (OUT - Knee); Bilal Coulibaly, (OUT - Hamstring); Corey Kispert, (OUT - Thumb)
Pacers projections:
Tyrese Haliburton, PG/SG: 40.3 FPTS (17.8 pts, 3.4 reb, 7.3 ast, 2.8 3PM)
Pascal Siakam, PF: 36.0 FPTS (21.2 pts, 6.5 reb, 3.6 ast)
Myles Turner, C: 27.8 FPTS (15.6 pts, 6.4 reb, 1.8 ast, 1.9 3PM, 2.2 blk)
Andrew Nembhard, PG/SG: 25.7 FPTS (11.7 pts, 3.2 reb, 5.0 ast)
Bennedict Mathurin, SG/SF: 23.1 FPTS (14.4 pts, 4.6 reb, 2.0 ast)
Aaron Nesmith, SF: 18.4 FPTS (10.0 pts, 3.4 reb, 1.3 ast)
Obi Toppin, PF: 17.1 FPTS (8.9 pts, 3.4 reb, 1.6 ast)
Wizards projections:
Jordan Poole, PG/SG: 30.0 FPTS (17.4 pts, 2.4 reb, 3.4 ast, 2.7 3PM)
Alexandre Sarr, PF/C: 26.2 FPTS (13.0 pts, 7.8 reb, 2.5 ast, 1.7 blk)
Carlton Carrington, PG/SG: 23.3 FPTS (10.0 pts, 4.1 reb, 4.1 ast)
Kyshawn George, SG/SF: 19.5 FPTS (9.3 pts, 3.4 reb, 2.4 ast)
Justin Champagnie, SF: 18.8 FPTS (7.4 pts, 5.6 reb, 1.4 ast)
Malcolm Brogdon, PG/SG: 17.7 FPTS (9.9 pts, 2.5 reb, 2.9 ast)
Jonas Valanciunas, C: 16.5 FPTS (7.9 pts, 5.4 reb, 1.9 ast)
Atlanta Hawks at Miami Heat
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Hawks 1.5 (-105) | Heat -1.5 (-115)
Money line: Hawks +105 | Heat -125
Total: 226.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Heat by 2.6, straight up 59%, 230.0 total points.
Injury Report:
Hawks: Trae Young, (GTD - Achilles); Keaton Wallace, (OUT - Shoulder); Clint Capela, (OUT - Hand); Jalen Johnson, (OUT - Shoulder); Kobe Bufkin, (OUT - Shoulder); Larry Nance Jr., (OUT - Knee); Seth Lundy, (GTD - Ankle)
Heat: Alec Burks, (GTD - Back); Duncan Robinson, (GTD - Back); Nikola Jovic, (OUT - Hand); Dru Smith, (OUT - Achilles)
Hawks projections:
Trae Young, PG: 44.3 FPTS (24.7 pts, 3.4 reb, 8.8 ast, 2.7 3PM)
Dyson Daniels, PG/SG: 30.4 FPTS (12.6 pts, 5.1 reb, 4.7 ast)
Onyeka Okongwu, C: 28.8 FPTS (13.7 pts, 10.2 reb, 2.5 ast)
De'Andre Hunter, SF/PF: 23.4 FPTS (13.4 pts, 3.4 reb, 1.7 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Zaccharie Risacher, PF/SF: 19.4 FPTS (12.1 pts, 3.8 reb, 1.3 ast)
Mouhamed Gueye, PF: 13.8 FPTS (6.5 pts, 3.7 reb, 0.8 ast)
Vit Krejci, PG: 13.2 FPTS (5.4 pts, 2.2 reb, 2.4 ast)
Heat projections:
Bam Adebayo, C: 41.3 FPTS (21.5 pts, 8.9 reb, 4.5 ast)
Tyler Herro, PG/SG: 39.4 FPTS (22.1 pts, 4.3 reb, 5.8 ast, 3.2 3PM)
Kel'el Ware, C: 20.7 FPTS (8.8 pts, 8.7 reb, 1.2 ast, 1.2 blk)
Haywood Highsmith, SF: 16.2 FPTS (6.4 pts, 3.3 reb, 1.8 ast)
Alec Burks, SG: 15.5 FPTS (8.3 pts, 2.4 reb, 1.2 ast)
Terry Rozier, PG/SG: 13.6 FPTS (5.7 pts, 1.9 reb, 2.6 ast)
Thomas Bryant, C: 10.8 FPTS (6.2 pts, 2.1 reb, 0.8 ast)
Los Angeles Lakers at Chicago Bulls
8 p.m. ET
Line: Lakers -3.5 (-105) | Bulls 3.5 (-115)
Money line: Lakers -155 | Bulls +135
Total: 233.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Lakers by 9.3, straight up 78%, 237.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Lakers: Anthony Davis, (GTD - Thigh); Jalen Hood-Schifino, (GTD - Illness)
Bulls: Coby White, (GTD - Toe); E.J. Liddell, (GTD - Illness); Nikola Vucevic, (GTD - Back); Ayo Dosunmu, (OUT - Shoulder)
Lakers projections:
LeBron James, SF/PF: 44.7 FPTS (24.0 pts, 8.7 reb, 7.5 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Anthony Davis, PF/C: 40.0 FPTS (22.2 pts, 11.1 reb, 3.6 ast, 1.6 blk)
Austin Reaves, SG/SF: 38.4 FPTS (19.9 pts, 4.3 reb, 6.2 ast, 2.8 3PM)
Rui Hachimura, SF/PF: 21.7 FPTS (12.4 pts, 4.3 reb, 1.2 ast)
Jaxson Hayes, C: 14.9 FPTS (7.2 pts, 4.8 reb, 1.4 ast)
Max Christie, SG: 12.7 FPTS (4.2 pts, 3.5 reb, 2.1 ast)
Gabe Vincent, PG: 12.2 FPTS (5.4 pts, 1.4 reb, 1.5 ast)
Bulls projections:
Josh Giddey, PG/SG/PF: 39.4 FPTS (17.8 pts, 8.6 reb, 6.0 ast)
Coby White, PG/SG: 38.3 FPTS (23.7 pts, 3.6 reb, 4.3 ast, 3.1 3PM)
Nikola Vucevic, C: 35.0 FPTS (16.5 pts, 9.8 reb, 3.6 ast)
Zach LaVine, SG/SF: 31.6 FPTS (19.0 pts, 3.6 reb, 4.4 ast, 2.7 3PM)
Lonzo Ball, PG: 18.0 FPTS (5.6 pts, 3.9 reb, 2.6 ast)
Matas Buzelis, SF: 16.1 FPTS (9.0 pts, 4.0 reb, 1.2 ast)
Patrick Williams, PF: 15.1 FPTS (8.0 pts, 2.8 reb, 1.5 ast)
Memphis Grizzlies at Oklahoma City Thunder
8 p.m. ET
Line: Grizzlies 10.5 (-110) | Thunder -10.5 (-110)
Money line: Grizzlies +380 | Thunder -550
Total: 236.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Thunder by 8.7, straight up 76%, 242.8 total points.
Injury Report:
Grizzlies: Ja Morant, (OUT - Hamstring); Brandon Clarke, (OUT - Knee); Jake LaRavia, (GTD - Thumb); Marcus Smart, (GTD - Finger)
Thunder: Cason Wallace, (GTD - Knee); Jalen Williams, (GTD - Hip); Aaron Wiggins, (OUT - Achilles); Ousmane Dieng, (OUT - Calf); Ajay Mitchell, (OUT - Toe); Nikola Topic, (OUT - Knee)
Grizzlies projections:
Desmond Bane, SG/SF: 36.0 FPTS (18.8 pts, 6.2 reb, 5.2 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Jaren Jackson Jr., PF/C: 27.2 FPTS (18.5 pts, 4.4 reb, 1.8 ast, 1.3 blk)
Santi Aldama, SF/PF/C: 25.1 FPTS (10.9 pts, 5.9 reb, 3.3 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Scotty Pippen Jr., PG/SG: 22.1 FPTS (10.8 pts, 3.4 reb, 3.7 ast)
Jaylen Wells, SG: 17.3 FPTS (9.3 pts, 3.2 reb, 1.7 ast)
Luke Kennard, SG: 16.7 FPTS (7.1 pts, 2.2 reb, 3.2 ast)
Zach Edey, C: 15.6 FPTS (6.8 pts, 6.8 reb, 1.4 ast)
Thunder projections:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG: 53.3 FPTS (32.4 pts, 4.8 reb, 6.4 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Jalen Williams, SF/PF/C: 34.2 FPTS (18.6 pts, 4.1 reb, 4.4 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Chet Holmgren, C: 26.5 FPTS (14.8 pts, 7.9 reb, 1.9 ast, 2.2 blk)
Isaiah Hartenstein, C: 24.5 FPTS (9.3 pts, 9.4 reb, 3.5 ast)
Luguentz Dort, SG/SF: 20.6 FPTS (10.6 pts, 4.0 reb, 1.3 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Cason Wallace, SG: 18.1 FPTS (7.7 pts, 2.8 reb, 2.3 ast)
Isaiah Joe, SG: 17.3 FPTS (9.1 pts, 2.6 reb, 1.6 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Houston Rockets at Utah Jazz
9 p.m. ET
Line: Rockets -12.5 (-115) | Jazz 12.5 (-105)
Money line: Rockets -900 | Jazz +550
Total: 227.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Rockets by 9.2, straight up 77%, 229.6 total points.
Injury Report:
Rockets: Amen Thompson, (GTD - Ankle); Steven Adams, (GTD - Wrist); Reed Sheppard, (OUT - Thumb)
Jazz: Jordan Clarkson, (OUT - Foot); John Collins, (OUT - Ankle); Taylor Hendricks, (OUT - Lower Leg)
Rockets projections:
Jalen Green, SG: 39.5 FPTS (22.4 pts, 5.2 reb, 4.1 ast, 2.8 3PM)
Alperen Sengun, C: 38.7 FPTS (19.0 pts, 9.2 reb, 5.1 ast)
Fred VanVleet, PG: 35.6 FPTS (15.5 pts, 3.8 reb, 5.2 ast, 2.7 3PM)
Amen Thompson, SG/SF/PF: 28.0 FPTS (13.2 pts, 6.9 reb, 3.8 ast)
Tari Eason, SF/PF: 25.7 FPTS (11.6 pts, 6.0 reb, 1.6 ast)
Dillon Brooks, SG/SF: 25.0 FPTS (13.7 pts, 3.4 reb, 2.2 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Jabari Smith Jr., PF/C: 16.5 FPTS (8.0 pts, 4.5 reb, 1.0 ast)
Jazz projections:
Keyonte George, PG/SG: 25.1 FPTS (13.3 pts, 2.7 reb, 4.8 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Collin Sexton, PG/SG: 24.9 FPTS (15.7 pts, 2.3 reb, 3.5 ast)
Walker Kessler, C: 24.1 FPTS (10.8 pts, 10.5 reb, 2.0 ast, 3.0 blk)
Isaiah Collier, PG: 22.1 FPTS (9.8 pts, 3.5 reb, 5.3 ast)
Kyle Filipowski, PF: 18.2 FPTS (9.2 pts, 6.0 reb, 1.6 ast)
Johnny Juzang, SG/SF: 14.5 FPTS (7.6 pts, 2.7 reb, 1.4 ast)
Brice Sensabaugh, SF: 14.2 FPTS (7.5 pts, 2.2 reb, 2.0 ast)
Portland Trail Blazers at Sacramento Kings
10 p.m. ET
Line: Blazers 6.5 (-120) | Kings -6.5 (EVEN)
Money line: Blazers +200 | Kings -240
Total: 225.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Kings by 5.2, straight up 67%, 232.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Blazers: Jerami Grant, (GTD - Knee); Toumani Camara, (GTD - Foot); Deandre Ayton, (OUT - Calf); Bryce McGowens, (OUT - Ribs); Robert Williams III, (OUT - Knee)
Kings: Devin Carter, (GTD - Illness); Malik Monk, (GTD - Illness); De'Aaron Fox, (OUT - Finger)
Blazers projections:
Deni Avdija, SF/PF: 36.6 FPTS (20.0 pts, 8.7 reb, 4.6 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Anfernee Simons, PG/SG: 33.4 FPTS (20.0 pts, 2.5 reb, 4.3 ast, 2.9 3PM)
Shaedon Sharpe, SG/SF: 30.2 FPTS (18.9 pts, 4.7 reb, 3.2 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Toumani Camara, SF/PF: 26.3 FPTS (11.9 pts, 5.2 reb, 2.7 ast)
Jerami Grant, PF: 24.7 FPTS (15.5 pts, 2.9 reb, 2.0 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Scoot Henderson, PG: 22.6 FPTS (12.4 pts, 2.3 reb, 3.9 ast)
Donovan Clingan, C: 20.0 FPTS (7.8 pts, 9.1 reb, 1.8 ast, 1.7 blk)
Kings projections:
Domantas Sabonis, PF/C: 36.8 FPTS (16.1 pts, 11.0 reb, 5.9 ast)
DeMar DeRozan, SF/PF: 36.6 FPTS (22.1 pts, 3.4 reb, 4.9 ast)
Malik Monk, SG/SF: 33.6 FPTS (17.1 pts, 3.1 reb, 5.7 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Kevin Huerter, SG/SF: 26.6 FPTS (11.3 pts, 4.4 reb, 3.1 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Keegan Murray, SF/PF: 25.6 FPTS (13.6 pts, 5.6 reb, 1.6 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Keon Ellis, SG: 19.2 FPTS (7.7 pts, 2.6 reb, 2.1 ast)
Trey Lyles, PF: 14.4 FPTS (5.8 pts, 3.9 reb, 1.7 ast)