Fantasy basketball picks, DFS and betting tips for Wednesday’s NBA games

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.

Jump ahead
Top streamers | Best bets | DFS picks | Odds & Injury report

What you need to know for Wednesday’s games

This is a huge night in the Association. With the All-Star break starting tomorrow, the league packed the schedule with a whopping 14 games. There are six games in which both teams would be in postseason action if the season ended today, including two Eastern Conference tilts between two teams both in the top six seeds.

The sixth-seeded Philadelphia 76ers host the third-seeded New York Knicks tonight, the fourth time this season these teams will have played. The 76ers have won two of the three matchups, with both wins coming in New York and the Knicks winning the only game in Philadelphia. The average total score in those three games is 231 points, higher than the total line of 222.5 points on DraftKings, indicating that we might expect some offensive fireworks.

In Toronto, the fifth-seeded Raptors host the top-seeded Detroit Pistons for their first head-to-head matchup this season. Both teams have won seven of their last 10 games and two in a row, but the Pistons will be without both Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart, who were suspended for their roles in Monday night’s brawl with the Charlotte Hornets.

These are only two of many games tonight, so there will be storylines all over the place. Let’s sift through all the action and identify several fantasy streamers, betting angles and DFS plays of interest for tonight’s games.

Dre’s fantasy stream team for Wednesday

Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Miami Heat (rostered in 0.9% of ESPN leagues): After having averaged only 5.4 PPG through his first few months in the NBA, Jakucionis exploded for career-high scoring efforts in each of his last two games, with 22 and 20 points, respectively. He knocked down six 3-pointers in each game while playing an average of 29 minutes and looks to continue his hot shooting tonight against the Pelicans.

Quenton Jackson, PG/SG, Indiana Pacers (1.0% rostered): Jackson has only played in two of the last four games for the Pacers, but he started last night’s game with Johnny Furphy sidelined for the year. In his last two games, Jackson popped for 24 points and three steals in one game followed by 19 points and six assists last night. With Furphy out, Jackson could have a larger role moving forward.

Cason Wallace, SG, Oklahoma City Thunder (22.3%): Wallace has taken advantage of a larger role with MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined for the past three games, averaging 16.0 PPG, 5.0 APG and 3.0 SPG in 33.0 MPG.

Pat Spencer, PG, Golden State Warriors (4.3%): Spencer has moved into the Warriors’ starting lineup with Stephen Curry injured and has stepped up to average 17.0 PPG, 6.0 APG and 3.0 3PG in his last three outings.

Danny Wolf, PF, Brooklyn Nets (1.1%): Wolf has scored in double figures in three straight games for the first time in his young career. His play was rewarded with a spot start in his last game, and overall he is averaging 14.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG and 1.7 3PG over his last three games.

Dre’s favorite bets for Wednesday

Cade Cunningham OVER 25.5 points (-119)

Cunningham will be called to step up even more than his typical levels with his two top centers out of action tonight. Cunningham has scored at least 26 points in three of his last four and five of his last seven games overall. He also has a big size advantage tonight against a shorter Raptors’ point guard unit that is surrendering an NBA-high 27.0 PPG to opposing point guards.

Ayo Dosunmu OVER 13.5 points (-117)

It didn’t take long for Dosunmu to settle in with his new Timberwolves teammates and start producing. He has scored double figures in each of his first two games with the Timberwolves, including dropping 21 points off the bench last game. Dosunmu was playing well before the trade, and overall is averaging 18.8 PPG in his last eight games with at least 17 points in six of the eight games. And he could have an even larger role than usual on Wednesday if Anthony Edwards, a late addition to the injury report with an illness, is unable to go.

Joel Embiid OVER 28.5 points (-114)

Embiid is questionable after sitting Monday for knee injury maintenance. He hasn’t missed consecutive games since December, and when he has been on the court of late, he has been cooking. Embiid has averaged 33.1 PPG in his last 10 outings, with at least 29 points scored in nine of the 10 games. One of those 10 games was against his Wednesday opponents, the Knicks, and he dropped 38 points on them in 36 minutes.

Trey Murphy III OVER 22.5 points (-118)

Murphy is in a shooting zone headed into the All-Star break. In his last four games, including a blowout where he played limited minutes in his last outing, Murphy has averaged 29.5 PPG and 6.5 3PG on 53.8 FG% and 54.2% from behind the arc. Murphy brings his hot shooting into tonight’s game against a Heat squad that plays the fastest pace in the NBA, which means there should be even more opportunities than usual for Murphy to get his shots up.

Top Daily Fantasy values of the day

By Eric Moody

$8,100+ salaries

Cade Cunningham, PG, Detroit Pistons ($10,200): Cunningham is worth paying up for, as his usage will be even higher with Jalen Duren suspended. The Raptors have struggled defensively against opposing point guards over the last 15 games. Cunningham has averaged 51.4 fantasy points per game this season.

Jaylen Brown, SG/SF, Boston Celtics ($9,800): Brown averages 47.6 fantasy points per game this season and is posting a career-high 37.5% usage rate. The Celtics should be motivated to bounce back after a lopsided loss to the Knicks on Sunday. The Chicago Bulls rank 25th in defensive rating and fifth in pace, setting up a favorable spot for Brown. He finished with 54.5 fantasy points against the Bulls on January 24.

Donovan Mitchell, SG, Cleveland Cavaliers ($9,500): Mitchell has scored at least 51 fantasy points in three consecutive games, with two of them coming alongside new addition James Harden. The matchup against the Washington Wizards is a favorable one. The Wizards rank sixth in pace and have been one of the league’s weakest defensive teams, allowing the third-most fantasy points per game to shooting guards this season. Mitchell also finished with 65.5 fantasy points the last time he faced Washington on December 12.

James Harden, PG, Cavaliers ($9,000): Harden has scored at least 40 fantasy points in two consecutive games since being traded to the Cavaliers. Cleveland is a huge favorite against the Wizards, and Washington’s defense ranks 29th in defensive rating while allowing the eighth-most fantasy points per game to point guards this season. The backcourt partnership between Harden and Mitchell is already translating into strong fantasy production.

$6,100-$8,000 salaries

Kevin Porter Jr., PG/SG, Milwaukee Bucks ($7,500): Porter has scored at least 44 fantasy points and played at least 29 minutes in three straight games since returning from a six-game absence due to an oblique strain. With Giannis Antetokounmpo still sidelined by a calf injury, the Bucks should continue to rely heavily on Porter, who finished with 44.5 fantasy points against the Orlando Magic on Monday.

DeMar DeRozan, SF, Sacramento Kings ($7,000): DeRozan is an intriguing option with the Kings currently decimated by injuries. While he hasn’t topped 31 fantasy points for three straight games, he still carries a high ceiling against a Jazz team that ranks 29th in defensive rating over the past 15 games. He has averaged 21.6 PPG, 3.4 RPG and 4.3 APG in the 39 games this season in which he’s played at least 30 minutes.

Jarrett Allen, C, Cavaliers ($7,000): Allen has been dominant in the paint lately with Evan Mobley sidelined due to a calf injury, averaging 44.0 fantasy points per game over his last six contests. Allen has also developed strong chemistry with Harden and should find success against a Wizards defense that has allowed the most fantasy points per game to centers.

$3,000-$6,000 salaries

Ace Bailey, SG/SF, Utah Jazz ($6,000): Most of Bailey’s fantasy value comes from scoring, but he also contributes across nearly every other statistical category. Bailey is averaging 29.5 fantasy points over his last seven games and has logged at least 34 minutes in five of them. The Kings have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to shooting guards this season.

Dylan Cardwell, PF/C, Kings ($5,300): The Kings have the worst record in the league and have begun prioritizing the development of younger players like Cardwell. He has scored at least 29 fantasy points and logged at least 25 minutes in three consecutive games. Utah ranks 30th in defensive rating, third in pace and allows the seventh-most fantasy points per game to power forwards this season. With Domantas Sabonis still sidelined by a back injury, Cardwell should see ample minutes in this matchup.

Maxime Raynaud, C, Kings ($5,000): Raynaud is in a similar spot to Cardwell. Raynaud has averaged 29.4 fantasy points and 28.5 minutes per game over his last six games and now faces a Jazz team that has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to centers this season. Both teams have struggled defensively, and this game carries one of the highest totals on the slate, creating a great environment for Raynaud and Cardwell to thrive.

Devin Carter, PG/SG, Kings ($4,500): The Kings are decimated by injuries, with Sabonis, Russell Westbrook, Zach LaVine and Keegan Murray all sidelined, which opens the door for Carter. He has scored at least 22 fantasy points in four straight games. Carter should also benefit from a matchup against a struggling Jazz defense.

Projections and injury reports

Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook

Atlanta Hawks at Charlotte Hornets
7 p.m. ET

Line: Hawks +5.5 (-118) | Hornets -5.5 (-102)
Money line: Hawks +170 | Hornets -205
Total: 234.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Hornets by 2.4, straight up 57%, 235.8 total points.

Injury Report:

Hawks: Dyson Daniels, (GTD – Ankle); Jalen Johnson, (GTD – Knee); Zaccharie Risacher, (GTD – Quadriceps); Jonathan Kuminga, (OUT – Knee)

Hornets: Coby White, (OUT – Calf); Liam McNeeley, (OUT – Ankle)

Washington Wizards at Cleveland Cavaliers
7 p.m. ET

Line: Wizards +17.5 (-108) | Cavaliers -17.5 (-112)
Money line: Wizards +850 | Cavaliers -1450
Total: 240.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Cavaliers by 21.7, straight up 93%, 238.7 total points.

Injury Report:

Wizards: Anthony Gill, (GTD – Hand); Bilal Coulibaly, (GTD – Heel); Kyshawn George, (GTD – Ankle); D’Angelo Russell, (OUT – Not Injury Related); Trae Young, (OUT – Knee); Anthony Davis, (OFS – Finger); Cam Whitmore, (OFS – Shoulder)

Cavaliers: Evan Mobley, (OUT – Calf); Max Strus, (OUT – Foot)

Milwaukee Bucks at Orlando Magic
7 p.m. ET

Line: Bucks +9.5 (-105) | Magic -9.5 (-115)
Money line: Bucks +370 | Magic -485
Total: 221.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Magic by 9.1, straight up 75%, 225.5 total points.

Injury Report:

Bucks: Pete Nance, (GTD – Ankle); Giannis Antetokounmpo, (OUT – Calf); Taurean Prince, (OUT – Neck)

Magic: Colin Castleton, (OUT – Thumb)

Chicago Bulls at Boston Celtics
7:30 p.m. ET

Line: Bulls +12.5 (-105) | Celtics -12.5 (-115)
Money line: Bulls +455 | Celtics -625
Total: 225.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI Projection: Celtics by 12.8, straight up 83%, 231.1 total points.

Injury Report:

Bulls: Jalen Smith, (GTD – Calf); Josh Giddey, (GTD – Hamstring); Tre Jones, (GTD – Hamstring); Zach Collins, (OUT – Toe); Noa Essengue, (OFS – Shoulder)

Celtics: John Tonje, (GTD – Undisclosed); Neemias Queta, (GTD – Ankle); Sam Hauser, (GTD – Back); Jayson Tatum, (OUT – Achilles)

Indiana Pacers at Brooklyn Nets
7:30 p.m. ET

Line: Pacers +4.5 (-102) | Nets -4.5 (-118)
Money line: Pacers +154 | Nets -185
Total: 216.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Pacers by 2, straight up 56%, 221.8 total points.

Injury Report:

Pacers: Johnny Furphy, (OFS – Knee); Ethan Thompson, (GTD – Thumb); Jarace Walker, (GTD – Illness); Ivica Zubac, (OUT – Ankle); Obi Toppin, (OUT – Foot); Tyrese Haliburton, (OFS – Achilles)

Nets: Nic Claxton, (GTD – Hip); Noah Clowney, (GTD – Ankle); Michael Porter Jr., (OUT – Knee)

New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers
7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN

Line: Knicks +2.5 (-115) | 76ers -2.5 (-105)
Money line: Knicks +114 | 76ers -135
Total: 222.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Knicks by 3.4, straight up 60%, 231.9 total points.

Injury Report:

Knicks: Mitchell Robinson, (GTD – Ankle); OG Anunoby, (GTD – Toe); Miles McBride, (OUT – Pelvis)

76ers: Dominick Barlow, (GTD – Illness); Joel Embiid, (GTD – Knee); Quentin Grimes, (GTD – Illness); Paul George, (OUT – Suspension)

Detroit Pistons at Toronto Raptors
7:30 p.m. ET

Line: Pistons -1.5 (-108) | Raptors +1.5 (-112)
Money line: Pistons -120 | Raptors +EVEN
Total: 222.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI Projection: Pistons by 3.6, straight up 61%, 224.9 total points.

Injury Report:

Pistons: Ronald Holland II, (OUT – Personal); Tolu Smith, (OUT – Calf)

Raptors: Jakob Poeltl, (GTD – Back); Chucky Hepburn, (OUT – Knee); Collin Murray-Boyles, (OUT – Thumb)

LA Clippers at Houston Rockets
8 p.m. ET

Line: Clippers +8.5 (102) | Rockets -8.5 (-122)
Money line: Clippers +295 | Rockets -375
Total: 208.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Rockets by 3.9, straight up 62%, 216.5 total points.

Injury Report:

Clippers: Darius Garland, (OUT – Toe); Bradley Beal, (OFS – Hip)

Rockets: Fred VanVleet, (OUT – Knee); Steven Adams, (OFS – Ankle)

Portland Trail Blazers at Minnesota Timberwolves
8 p.m. ET

Line: Blazers +5.5 (-110) | Timberwolves -5.5 (-110)
Money line: Blazers +190 | Timberwolves -230
Total: 234.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Timberwolves by 7.5, straight up 71%, 236.3 total points.

Injury Report:

Blazers: Kris Murray, (OUT – Back); Shaedon Sharpe, (OUT – Calf); Matisse Thybulle, (OUT – Knee); Damian Lillard, (OFS – Achilles)

Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards, (GTD – Illness); Terrence Shannon Jr., (OUT – Foot)

Miami Heat at New Orleans Pelicans
8 p.m. ET

Line: Heat +1.5 (-115) | Pelicans -1.5 (-105)
Money line: Heat -105 | Pelicans -115
Total: 231.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Heat by 1.4, straight up 54%, 242.3 total points.

Injury Report:

Heat: Andrew Wiggins, (GTD – Toe); Norman Powell, (OUT – Back); Pelle Larsson, (OUT – Elbow); Terry Rozier, (OUT – Not Injury Related); Tyler Herro, (OUT – Ribs)

Pelicans: Micah Peavy, (GTD – Toe); Dejounte Murray, (OUT – Achilles)

Oklahoma City Thunder at Phoenix Suns
9 p.m. ET

Line: Thunder -7.5 (-112) | Suns +7.5 (-108)
Money line: Thunder -270 | Suns +220
Total: 217.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Thunder by 5.7, straight up 67%, 222.9 total points.

Injury Report:

Thunder: Ajay Mitchell, (OUT – Abdomen); Nikola Topic, (OUT – Illness); Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, (OUT – Abdomen); Thomas Sorber, (OFS – Knee)

Suns: Cole Anthony, (GTD – Not Injury Related); Grayson Allen, (OUT – Knee); Isaiah Livers, (OUT – Shoulder)

Sacramento Kings at Utah Jazz
9 p.m. ET

Line: Kings +5.5 (-102) | Jazz -5.5 (-118)
Money line: Kings +180 | Jazz -218
Total: 230.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Jazz by 3.8, straight up 61%, 244.4 total points.

Injury Report:

Kings: De’Andre Hunter, (OUT – Eye); Domantas Sabonis, (OUT – Back); Keegan Murray, (OUT – Ankle); Malik Monk, (OUT – Illness); Russell Westbrook, (OUT – Ankle); Zach LaVine, (OUT – Finger)

Jazz: Elijah Harkless, (OUT – Hamstring); Keyonte George, (OUT – Ankle); Walker Kessler, (OFS – Shoulder)

Memphis Grizzlies at Denver Nuggets
9 p.m. ET

Line: Grizzlies +13.5 (-110) | Nuggets -13.5 (-110)
Money line: Grizzlies +490 | Nuggets -675
Total: 238.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Nuggets by 3.2, straight up 60%, 239.9 total points.

Injury Report:

Grizzlies: Cedric Coward, (GTD – Knee); Walter Clayton Jr., (GTD – Calf); Brandon Clarke, (OUT – Calf); Ja Morant, (OUT – Elbow); Santi Aldama, (OUT – Knee); Zach Edey, (OUT – Ankle)

Nuggets: Christian Braun, (GTD – Ankle); Jamal Murray, (GTD – Hip); Nikola Jokic, (GTD – Ankle); Spencer Jones, (GTD – Concussion); Aaron Gordon, (OUT – Hamstring); Peyton Watson, (OUT – Hamstring); Tamar Bates, (OUT – Foot)

San Antonio Spurs at Golden State Warriors
10 p.m. ET on ESPN

Line: Spurs -7.5 (-112) | Warriors +7.5 (-108)
Money line: Spurs -250 | Warriors +205
Total: 220.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Spurs by 2.4, straight up 57%, 228.4 total points.

Injury Report:

Spurs: Lindy Waters III, (GTD – Knee); Stephon Castle, (GTD – Pelvis); David Jones Garcia, (OFS – Ankle)

Warriors: De’Anthony Melton, (GTD – Lower Body); Will Richard, (GTD – Knee); Kristaps Porzingis, (OUT – Achilles); Seth Curry, (OUT – Back); Stephen Curry, (OUT – Knee); Jimmy Butler III, (OFS – Knee)