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eric moody
ESPN’s fantasy basketball daily cheat sheet is your pregame destination before setting your lineup for that night’s game. Here you’ll read our best advice for the night, including a selection of players you can stream as well as a game-by-game injury report.
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Top Streamers | Best Bets DFS picks Probability and Injury Report
What you need to know for Tuesday’s games
There are six NBA games on Tuesday’s slate, including a big matchup between the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics at TD Garden.
The Knicks are looking to extend their winning streak to five games and have won seven of their last 10, although they are just 3-5 overall. They will again be without OG Anunoby, who is out with a hamstring injury.
In this match, both the teams are playing excellent defence. Jalen Brunson continues to control New York’s offense with elite efficiency, while Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo have fueled the Knicks’ physical approach on both ends. On the other hand, Jaylen Brown’s scoring versatility and Derrick White’s two-way impact lead the Celtics (6-4 at home), with Peyton Pritchard’s shooting and Neemias Queta’s interior presence providing valuable support.
Let’s break down the action and find some fantasy streamers and betting angles to make the most of tonight’s slate.
tuesday fantasy stream team
Saddiq Bey, SF/PF, New Orleans Pelicans (31.6% rostered in ESPN leagues)
The Pelicans have faced a lot of uncertainty this season, with Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole going in and out of the lineup, while rookies Derrick Queen and Jeremiah Fears have shown typical ups and downs. Through it all, Bey has been steady and brilliant. He logged at least 28 minutes and topped 36 fantasy points in five straight games, including a 51-point outburst. The Minnesota Timberwolves are not an easy matchup defensively, but Bey’s minutes and usage should remain strong.
Miles McBride, PG, New York Knicks (7.4% rostered)
McBride has gone from being a spark-plug bench defender to a reliable starter who plays tough defense and knocks down 3-pointers at a high rate. He is averaging 35.6 minutes and 33.6 fantasy points over his last three games. McBride should remain in the first unit as long as OG Anunoby is out with a hamstring injury. He is in good shape as a streamer against the Boston Celtics.
Dominic Barlow, PF/C, Philadelphia 76ers (3.7%)
Barlow has played well over his last three games, and both his minutes and fantasy production are increasing. In that span, he averaged 31 fantasy points at 33.6 MPG. His huge wingspan, energy and defensive presence allow him to contribute in almost every statistical category. With Joel Embiid out of Tuesday’s game and Andre Drummond playing with a knee problem, Barlow could see increased activity. The Washington Wizards rank 30th in defensive rating and fifth in pace, which creates a strong environment for Barlow to put up fantasy points.
Cam Spencer, SG, Memphis Grizzlies (2.7%)
Spencer’s efficient scoring and steady role with the Grizzlies’ second unit make him an excellent streamer for managers in need of points, assists and 3-pointers. He has averaged 29.4 fantasy points in 23.6 minutes per game in his last five contests. With Ja Morant still sidelined and Memphis in need of an offensive spark off the bench, Spencer’s role should be safe in the short term.
Moody’s bets for Tuesday
Anthony Edwards over 39.5 points + rebounds + assists (-113)
Edwards has been phenomenal this season and ranks seventh in the league with 28.9 PPG. He has crossed that line in seven of his last 10 games and has posted a 30.4% usage rate over that span. The Timberwolves are double-digit favorites on Tuesday, but Edwards should play enough minutes to help clear this line and keep the New Orleans Pelicans at bay. New Orleans has allowed the most PPG, 10th most RPG to shooting guards this season and is lowest in the league in defensive rating.
Josh Hart to record a double-double (+127)
Hart led the New York Knicks in rebounds, assists and steals against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday and has been stellar in his last three games, posting a double-double in two of them. During that span, he has averaged 20.3 ppg, 11.7 rpg and 7.0 apg in 36.2 mpg and continues to post strong rebound-chance and potential-assist numbers. The Celtics have allowed the sixth-most rebounds per game to shooting guards this season.
Dylan Harper over 11.5 points (+100)
Harper averaged only 17.2 MPG over his last three games, but he remained efficient, posting 9.0 FGA and 11.7 PPG while shooting 51.9% from the field over that span. For the season, Harper has cleared the line in six of nine games. Memphis has allowed the ninth-most PPG to shooting guards this season, and the Grizzlies are in the middle of the pack in defensive rating. With Stephen Castle still out with a hip flexor strain, Harper should see plenty of work.
Zach Eddy over 11.5 rebounds (-130)
AD has been dominant on the glass in their last five games and has cleared the line in four of them. His only loss came on November 24 against the Denver Nuggets when he played only six minutes. He has averaged an impressive 22.8 rebound opportunities over that span. With no Victor Wembanyama on the floor for the San Antonio Spurs, AD should have a clear path to dominate the boards and cross the line.
Top daily fantasy prices of the day
Play Daily Fantasy NBA on DraftKings
$8100+ salary
Tyrese Maxey, PG, Philadelphia 76ers ($9,900)
The Maxi offers a high floor with huge ceiling potential. He’s averaging 54.9 fantasy points and has a usage rate of 31.2% this season, and now he faces a Wizards team that ranks 29th in points allowed per 100 possessions and fifth in pace, which is a recipe for Maxey to deliver another excellent performance.
Julius Randle, PF, Minnesota Timberwolves ($8,200)
Randle has averaged 40.3 fantasy points per game over his last six contests, including two performances with at least 50. The matchup against the Pelicans is fascinating, as New Orleans ranks 26th in points allowed per 100 possessions and has no one defensively who can stop Randle.
$6100-$8000 salary
Zach Eddy, C, Grizzlies ($7,200)
AD is coming off a huge performance against a Sacramento Kings team that was without Domantas Sabonis, finishing with 62.2 fantasy points. Spurs are without Wembey, and Luke Cornet won’t be able to add someone with Eddie’s size and physicality.
Immanuel Quickley, PG/SG, Raptors ($7,100)
Quickley has been one of the few bright spots for the Raptors this season, averaging 35.4 fantasy points per game in November. He is favored against a Portland Trail Blazers team that ranks 22nd in points allowed per 100 possessions and third in pace.
Josh Hart, SF, SG, Knicks ($7,100)
Hart’s all-round performance has been invaluable, as he has recorded 47 rebounds, 28 assists and 11 steals over his last four games. That activity has translated into strong fantasy numbers, as he has topped 49 fantasy points in three straight games, including two with at least 53.
$3500-$6000 salary
Donte DiVincenzo, SG/PG, Timberwolves ($5,700)
DiVincenzo has played well in his last seven games, providing points, triples, rebounds and steals. He averaged 28.3 fantasy points per game during that span and should have his ceiling against a Pelicans team that is one of the worst defensive teams in the league.
Keldon Johnson, SF/PF, Spurs ($5,500)
Johnson should continue to see solid minutes with a Spurs team playing without Wembley and Stephen Castle. Over his last six games, Johnson has averaged 32.1 fantasy points per game. He should have success against the Grizzlies’ middle defense.
Dominic Barlow, PF/C, 76ers ($4,800)
Barlow appears to have the confidence of head coach Nick Nurse, and with Embiid out and Drummond dealing with an injury, he should play ample minutes against a terrible Wizards team that ranks in the top three in fantasy points per game, allowing power forwards and centers to power through.
Estimates and Injury Reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury Aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook
Washington Wizards at Philadelphia 76ers
7pm ET
Line: Wizards +13.5 (-115) | 76ers -13.5 (-105)
money line: Wizards +550 | 76ers -800
Total: 235.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI projection: 76ers by 12, straight up 82%, 242.2 total points.
Injury Report:
Magician: Sharife Cooper, (GTD – Calf); Alex Sarr, (outside-thigh); Corey Kispert, (outside – thumb); Trey Johnson, (out – hip)
76ers: Andre Drummond, (GTD – knee); Paul George, (GTD – knee); Quentin Grimes, (GTD – Calf); Joel Embiid, (out – knee); Kelly Oubre Jr., (out – knee); Trendon Watford, (outside-thigh)
Portland Trail Blazers at Toronto Raptors
7:30 pm ET
Line: Blazers +5.5 (-115) | Raptor -5.5 (-105)
money line: Blazers +180 | Raptors-218
Total: 231.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI projection: Raptors by 7.4, up 71% straight, 234.8 total points.
Injury Report:
Blazers: Blake Wesley, (out – ft); Damian Lillard, (OFS – Achilles); Donovan Klingon, (GTD – Disease); Junior Holiday, (outside-calf); Matisse Thybulle, (outside – thumb); Scooter Henderson, (out – hamstring)
Raptors: RJ Barrett, (out – knee)
New York Knicks at Boston Celtics
8pm ET on NBC
Line: Knicks -1.5 (even) | Celtics +1.5 (-120)
money line: Nix-108 | celtics-112
Total: 230.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI projection: Knicks by 2.2, up straight 56%, 225.6 total points.
Injury Report:
Knicks: Kevin McCullers Jr., (GTD – groin); Trey Jemison III, (GTD – I); OG Anunoby, (out – hamstring); Landry Shamet, (outside – shoulder)
Celtics: Jayson Tatum, (out – Achilles); Derrick White, (GTD – calf); Neemias Quetta, (GTD – Ankle)
Minnesota Timberwolves at New Orleans Pelicans
8 pm et
Line: Timberwolves -10.5 (-105) | Pelicans +10.5 (-115)
money line: Timberwolves -470 | Pelican +360
Total: 234.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI projection: Timberwolves by 8, up 72% straight, 234.3 total points.
Injury Report:
Timberwolves: None reported
Pelicans: Dejounte Murray, (out – Achilles); Jordan Hawkins, (GTD – illness); Trey Murphy III, (GTD – elbow); Herbert Jones, (out – calf); Jordan Poole, (out – quadriceps); Karlo Matkovic, (out – calf)
Memphis Grizzlies at San Antonio Spurs
8 pm et
Line: Grizzlies +4.5 (even) | Spurs -4.5 (-120)
money line: Grizzlies +170 | Spurs-205
Total: 232.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI projection: An increase of 6.3, directly up 68%, 231.8 total points.
Injury Report:
Grizzlies: Scottie Pippen Jr., (outside – toe); Ty Jerome, (outside – calf); Jock Landell, (GTD – Ankle); Javon Short, (outside-toe); Ja Morant, (outside – calf); Brandon Clarke, (out – knee)
Spurs: Stephen Castle, (out – hip); Harrison Ingram, (out – unknown); Jordan McLaughlin, (out – hamstring); Victor Vembanyama, (outside – calf)
Oklahoma City Thunder at Golden State Warriors
11pm ET on NBC
Line: Thunder -11.5 (-115) | Warriors +11.5 (-105)
money line: Thunder-600 | warrior +440
Total: 222.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI projection: Thunder from 10.2, up 77% straight, 223.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Thunder: Nikola Topic, (out – groin); Thomas Sorber, (OFS – knee); Alex Caruso, (out – quadriceps); Luguentz Dort, (outside – thigh); Isaiah Hartenstein, (out – calf)
Warriors: Draymond Green, (GTD – ft); Jimmy Butler III, (GTD – lower body); Tracey Jackson-Davis, (GTD – knee); Al Horford, (outside-back); Alex Toohey, (out – knee); D’Anthony Melton, (out – knee); Stephen Curry, (out – quadriceps)
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