Thursday night's seven-game NBA schedule uniquely features five cross-conference matchups. Unfamiliar foes can still create compelling fantasy conditions, such as the Sacramento Kings visiting the Washington Wizards in a game with highest total of the slate at ESPN BET (236.5 points).
The Wizards have been angling for lottery positioning over immediate success in recent weeks, which can translate to big minutes and production from young talent such as Deni Avdija (available in 60% of ESPN men's basketball leagues), the third-year forward has been upgraded to questionable after missing several games and could feast on the glass and as a scoring threat for a depleted Washington rotation. Even the likes of Justin Champagnie (1.3% rostered) could deliver helpful numbers in what bodes to be an up-tempo, offensively driven game.
Another high-scoring game could unfold in Arizona, with the Phoenix Suns hosting the Atlanta Hawks. The total in the desert hovers around 225 points at ESPN BET, a signal of offensive upside. The Hawks have ruled out Jalen Johnson ahead of this one in addition to the expected absences of Trae Young and Saddiq Bey, vaulting De'Andre Hunter (13.4%) and even Onyeka Okongwu (41.5%) into fantasy-relevant roles.
Continuing on this theme of interesting cross-conference contests, the New Orleans Pelicans travel to face the Orlando Magic AS Zion Williamson and Pablo Banchero meet in a matchup of ultra-talented Duke products. Beyond the headliners, we find the Pelicans' perimeter wings, Herbert Jones (29.8%) and Trey Murphy III (37.8%) ascending just in time for the heart of the fantasy postseason.
We might already be witnessing a star emerging for the Houston Rockets; rookie Amen Thompson (29.3%) has posted double-double outcomes in two of his past three outings and is set to face the Chicago Bulls' team with a depleted wing depth chart. The absences of Alperen Sengun and Cam Whitmore nearly assures big minutes for Thompson Thursday night.
Being aware and adept at reacting to such lineup shifts is integral to fantasy success at any time of the season, but March and April are uniquely challenging and, conversely, rewarding. With this in mind, be sure to leverage our updated injury index and any insights betting lines and totals might suggest about how matchups might unfold.
Thursday's Stream Team
Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets (Rostered in 29.3% of ESPN leagues)
Continuing to assess this rookie's rise is a worthy exercise given how easy it is to overlook elite defensive rates as a driving force for fantasy success. For instance, did you know that Thompson is 24th overall in added value via steals on the Player Rater during the past month and, even more impressively, 16th in added impact via blocked shots. Facing a depleted Chicago roster should aid Thompson's value.
Trey Murphy III, SG/SF, New Orleans Pelicans (37.8%)
The concept of a 3-and-D player archetype can be overused, but it absolutely applies when discussing Murphy; he's a sharp perimeter defender and volume shooter. Regularly shooting at least eight 3-pointers in most games, the scoring and shooting outcomes can prove impressive. Tonight should see him consume a similarly valuable workload against Orlando.
Keyonte George, PG/SG, Utah Jazz (24.9%)
A recent surge in scoring success adds to an already nice profile as a key creator for the Utah offense. A matchup with the Mavericks inspires some upside.
Ayo Dosunmu, SG, Chicago Bulls (27.7%)
Even if White and Caruso are active, this combo guard's size and aggressive live dribble offensive skills should surfaces against Thompson and an otherwise leaky Houston backcourt.
Jalen Suggs, PG/SG, Orlando Magic (20.7%)
Somewhat like Thompson, Suggs is a guard with atypically strong defensive rates as the main element to his statistical impact. This said, a recent leap in offense suggests Suggs could be more dynamic against CJ McCollum and the New Orleans backcourt.
Projections and injury reports
Fantasy projections powered by ESPN Analytics. * Projections assume all players who are listed as GTD will play. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Players available in at least 50% of ESPN leagues are listed in italics.
New Orleans Pelicans at Orlando Magic7 p.m. Amway Center, Orlando
BPI Projection: Pelicans in the 7th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Pelicans: Matt Ryan, (GTD - Illness); Dyson Daniels, (OUT - Knee)
Magic: None reported
Pelicans projections:
Zion Williamson, PF: 39.0 FPTS (23.4 pts, 6.3 reb, 4.7 ast)
Brandon Ingram, SF/PF: 38.3 FPTS (23.2 pts, 4.9 reb, 5.3 ast)
CJ McCollum, PG/SG: 34.6 FPTS (18.7 pts, 3.9 reb, 4.3 ast, 2.8 3PM)
Trey Murphy III, SG/SF: 24.7 FPTS (12.0 pts, 3.8 reb, 1.8 ast, 2.9 3PM)
Herbert Jones, SF/PF: 22.8 FPTS (10.6 pts, 3.6 reb, 2.6 ast)
Jonas Valanciunas, C: 18.8 FPTS (8.5 pts, 6.2 reb, 1.4 ast)
Jose Alvarado, PG: 15.7 FPTS (7.6 pts, 2.1 reb, 1.9 ast)
Magic projections:
Paolo Banchero, SF/PF: 37.1 FPTS (23.1 pts, 5.7 reb, 5.4 ast)
Franz Wagner, SG/SF/PF: 33.3 FPTS (18.1 pts, 4.5 reb, 3.6 ast)
Wendell Carter Jr., C: 22.6 FPTS (11.0 pts, 6.2 reb, 1.5 ast)
Cole Anthony, PG: 19.6 FPTS (10.3 pts, 3.2 reb, 2.4 ast)
Jalen Suggs, PG/SG: 19.1 FPTS (9.1 pts, 2.6 reb, 2.1 ast)
Moritz Wagner, PF/C: 15.4 FPTS (7.3 pts, 3.6 reb, 0.8 ast)
Gary Harris, SG: 14.4 FPTS (6.1 pts, 1.7 reb, 1.3 ast)
Sacramento Kings at Washington Wizards7 p.m. Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
BPI Projection: Kings in the 4th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Kings: Kevin Huerter, (GTD - Shoulder); Sasha Vezenkov, (GTD - Ankle); Trey Lyles, (OUT - Knee)
Wizards: Deni Avdija, (GTD - Knee); Richaun Holmes, (GTD - Illness); Eugene Omoruyi, (OUT - Ankle); Landry Shamet, (OUT - Calf); Marvin Bagley III, (OUT - Back); Tyus Jones, (OUT - Back); Bilal Coulibaly, (OUT - Wrist); Isaiah Livers, (OUT - Hip)
Kings projections:
De'Aaron Fox, PG: 51.2 FPTS (28.2 pts, 4.9 reb, 6.3 ast, 2.9 3PM)
Domantas Sabonis, PF/C: 48.7 FPTS (20.8 pts, 13.0 reb, 7.4 ast)
Keegan Murray, SF/PF: 30.0 FPTS (14.3 pts, 5.9 reb, 1.6 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Malik Monk, SG/SF: 29.6 FPTS (16.0 pts, 3.3 reb, 4.4 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Keon Ellis, SG: 22.5 FPTS (13.3 pts, 4.1 reb, 1.2 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Harrison Barnes, SF/PF: 20.4 FPTS (11.3 pts, 2.7 reb, 1.1 ast)
Mason Jones, SG: 11.8 FPTS (5.3 pts, 1.7 reb, 1.2 ast)
Wizards projections:
Kyle Kuzma, SF/PF: 40.8 FPTS (24.6 pts, 6.5 reb, 4.4 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Jordan Poole, PG/SG: 36.1 FPTS (22.5 pts, 3.5 reb, 5.2 ast, 2.7 3PM)
Corey Kispert, SG/SF: 25.0 FPTS (13.2 pts, 3.5 reb, 2.2 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Richaun Holmes, PF/C: 19.8 FPTS (9.8 pts, 6.5 reb, 1.3 ast)
Patrick Baldwin Jr., SF: 16.9 FPTS (8.9 pts, 4.9 reb, 1.2 ast)
Jared Butler, SG: 13.9 FPTS (6.8 pts, 2.0 reb, 2.4 ast)
Justin Champagnie, SF: 12.3 FPTS (4.8 pts, 3.0 reb, 0.9 ast)
Chicago Bulls at Houston Rockets8 p.m. Toyota Center, Houston
BPI Projection: Rockets in the 6th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Bulls: Alex Caruso, (GTD - Ankle); Coby White, (GTD - Hip); Julian Phillips, (OUT - Foot); Lonzo Ball, (OUT - Knee); Patrick Williams, (OUT - Foot); Zach LaVine, (OUT - Foot)
Rockets: Cam Whitmore, (OUT - Knee); Alperen Sengun, (OUT - Ankle); Steven Adams, (OUT - Knee); Tari Eason, (OUT - Lower Leg)
Bulls projections:
DeMar DeRozan, SG/SF: 44.0 FPTS (27.1 pts, 4.5 reb, 5.5 ast)
Nikola Vucevic, C: 39.3 FPTS (20.2 pts, 10.1 reb, 3.2 ast)
Ayo Dosunmu, SG: 34.5 FPTS (18.2 pts, 3.7 reb, 4.6 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Alex Caruso, PG/SG: 32.5 FPTS (12.7 pts, 4.3 reb, 3.9 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Torrey Craig, SF/PF: 18.9 FPTS (9.1 pts, 5.2 reb, 1.3 ast)
Jevon Carter, PG: 17.0 FPTS (10.8 pts, 1.8 reb, 1.4 ast)
Andre Drummond, C: 17.0 FPTS (8.6 pts, 6.5 reb, 0.6 ast)
Rockets projections:
Fred VanVleet, PG: 37.6 FPTS (17.5 pts, 3.8 reb, 6.5 ast, 3.1 3PM)
Jalen Green, SG: 37.4 FPTS (23.1 pts, 5.3 reb, 3.6 ast, 2.6 3PM)
Jabari Smith Jr., PF/C: 31.8 FPTS (16.6 pts, 8.7 reb, 1.7 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Amen Thompson, SG: 26.6 FPTS (12.6 pts, 7.4 reb, 1.8 ast)
Dillon Brooks, SG/SF: 20.3 FPTS (11.5 pts, 3.1 reb, 1.5 ast)
Jeff Green, PF: 14.0 FPTS (8.3 pts, 2.4 reb, 1.0 ast)
Jock Landale, C: 12.8 FPTS (5.8 pts, 4.3 reb, 1.0 ast)
Brooklyn Nets at Milwaukee Bucks8 p.m. Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee
BPI Projection: Bucks in the 3rd highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Nets: Nic Claxton, (GTD - Illness); Dorian Finney-Smith, (OUT - Ankle); Ben Simmons, (OUT - Back); Dariq Whitehead, (OUT - Lower Leg)
Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo, (GTD - Hamstring)
Nets projections:
Cam Thomas, SG: 36.7 FPTS (24.1 pts, 4.0 reb, 3.2 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Mikal Bridges, SG/SF: 34.4 FPTS (18.9 pts, 4.2 reb, 3.9 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Dennis Schroder, PG: 32.2 FPTS (17.1 pts, 3.2 reb, 5.5 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Nic Claxton, PF/C: 29.0 FPTS (12.7 pts, 9.1 reb, 2.4 ast, 1.8 blk)
Cameron Johnson, SF/PF: 18.6 FPTS (8.6 pts, 3.3 reb, 1.7 ast)
Dennis Smith Jr., PG: 16.4 FPTS (6.0 pts, 2.5 reb, 2.9 ast)
Jacob Gilyard, PG: 14.1 FPTS (3.9 pts, 1.5 reb, 3.0 ast)
Bucks projections:
Damian Lillard, PG: 44.0 FPTS (25.4 pts, 4.4 reb, 6.8 ast, 2.9 3PM)
Khris Middleton, SF: 29.0 FPTS (15.1 pts, 4.2 reb, 4.3 ast)
Bobby Portis, PF/C: 23.1 FPTS (12.1 pts, 6.3 reb, 1.2 ast)
Malik Beasley, SG: 23.1 FPTS (11.7 pts, 3.8 reb, 1.4 ast, 2.8 3PM)
Brook Lopez, C: 21.0 FPTS (10.9 pts, 4.3 reb, 1.5 ast, 2.0 blk)
Patrick Beverley, PG: 15.1 FPTS (6.0 pts, 2.9 reb, 2.3 ast)
Jae Crowder, SF/PF: 15.1 FPTS (6.1 pts, 3.3 reb, 1.0 ast)
Utah Jazz at Dallas Mavericks8:30 p.m. American Airlines Center, Dallas
BPI Projection: Mavericks in the highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Jazz: Jordan Clarkson, (GTD - Groin); Lauri Markkanen, (GTD - Quadriceps)
Mavericks: Brandon Williams, (GTD - Wrist); Josh Green, (OUT - Ankle)
Jazz projections:
Lauri Markkanen, SF/PF: 34.4 FPTS (19.3 pts, 7.0 reb, 2.4 ast, 2.8 3PM)
Collin Sexton, PG/SG: 30.7 FPTS (17.5 pts, 3.2 reb, 4.3 ast)
John Collins, PF: 25.3 FPTS (13.2 pts, 8.3 reb, 1.0 ast)
Keyonte George, PG/SG: 24.3 FPTS (13.4 pts, 3.0 reb, 4.3 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Walker Kessler, C: 19.7 FPTS (8.4 pts, 7.7 reb, 1.3 ast, 2.1 blk)
Kris Dunn, PG: 18.0 FPTS (6.6 pts, 3.4 reb, 3.4 ast)
Taylor Hendricks, PF: 17.1 FPTS (7.8 pts, 4.8 reb, 1.1 ast)
Mavericks projections:
Luka Doncic, PG: 60.2 FPTS (33.1 pts, 8.9 reb, 9.0 ast, 3.8 3PM)
Kyrie Irving, PG/SG: 46.3 FPTS (25.5 pts, 5.2 reb, 5.5 ast, 2.9 3PM)
P.J. Washington, PF: 22.2 FPTS (11.1 pts, 5.3 reb, 1.4 ast)
Daniel Gafford, PF/C: 22.1 FPTS (9.8 pts, 7.6 reb, 1.2 ast, 1.7 blk)
Dereck Lively II, C: 18.4 FPTS (7.8 pts, 5.7 reb, 1.1 ast, 1.3 blk)
Derrick Jones Jr., SF: 16.0 FPTS (7.9 pts, 3.3 reb, 1.0 ast)
Dante Exum, PG: 15.7 FPTS (7.3 pts, 2.3 reb, 2.6 ast)
New York Knicks at Denver Nuggets9 p.m. Ball Arena, Denver
BPI Projection: Nuggets in the 5th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Knicks: Julius Randle, (OUT - Shoulder); Mitchell Robinson, (OUT - Ankle); OG Anunoby, (OUT - Elbow)
Nuggets: Zeke Nnaji, (GTD - Back); Vlatko Cancar, (OUT - Knee)
Knicks projections:
Jalen Brunson, PG/SG: 43.4 FPTS (26.6 pts, 3.1 reb, 5.8 ast, 2.7 3PM)
Josh Hart, SG/SF: 34.4 FPTS (13.8 pts, 8.6 reb, 4.3 ast)
Donte DiVincenzo, SG: 31.0 FPTS (16.6 pts, 4.1 reb, 2.9 ast, 3.3 3PM)
Precious Achiuwa, PF/C: 23.0 FPTS (10.8 pts, 7.0 reb, 1.7 ast)
Bojan Bogdanovic, SF/PF: 22.9 FPTS (15.5 pts, 2.6 reb, 1.1 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Isaiah Hartenstein, PF/C: 22.0 FPTS (8.9 pts, 7.2 reb, 2.1 ast)
Miles McBride, PG: 14.4 FPTS (7.3 pts, 1.8 reb, 1.3 ast)
Nuggets projections:
Nikola Jokic, C: 52.9 FPTS (24.6 pts, 10.7 reb, 7.5 ast)
Jamal Murray, PG: 40.8 FPTS (22.1 pts, 4.0 reb, 6.5 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Michael Porter Jr., SF: 30.7 FPTS (15.7 pts, 6.4 reb, 1.6 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Aaron Gordon, PF: 26.3 FPTS (12.5 pts, 5.2 reb, 3.3 ast)
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG/SF: 18.9 FPTS (8.5 pts, 2.3 reb, 2.0 ast)
Christian Braun, SG: 14.4 FPTS (7.2 pts, 3.5 reb, 1.2 ast)
Peyton Watson, SF: 13.5 FPTS (7.0 pts, 2.9 reb, 0.9 ast)
Atlanta Hawks at Phoenix Suns10:30 p.m. Footprint Center, Phoenix
BPI Projection: Suns in the 2nd highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Hawks: Seth Lundy, (GTD - Back); Wesley Matthews, (GTD - Illness); AJ Griffin, (OUT - Lower Leg); Jalen Johnson, (OUT - Ankle); Kobe Bufkin, (OUT - Toe); Mouhamed Gueye, (OUT - Elbow); Trae Young, (OUT - Finger); Saddiq Bey, (OUT - Knee)
Suns: Josh Okogie, (GTD - Abdomen); Damion Lee, (OUT - Knee)
Hawks projections:
Dejounte Murray, PG/SG: 44.3 FPTS (24.5 pts, 5.1 reb, 6.7 ast, 2.6 3PM)
Bogdan Bogdanovic, SG/SF: 32.4 FPTS (16.7 pts, 4.0 reb, 3.8 ast, 3.1 3PM)
Clint Capela, C: 25.8 FPTS (12.5 pts, 9.9 reb, 1.1 ast)
Onyeka Okongwu, PF/C: 24.2 FPTS (11.7 pts, 7.8 reb, 1.0 ast, 1.3 blk)
De'Andre Hunter, SF/PF: 21.6 FPTS (13.4 pts, 3.2 reb, 1.2 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Bruno Fernando, C: 19.2 FPTS (9.8 pts, 7.3 reb, 1.0 ast)
Vit Krejci, PG: 12.7 FPTS (4.8 pts, 2.6 reb, 1.7 ast)
Suns projections:
Devin Booker, PG/SG/PF: 48.9 FPTS (27.1 pts, 5.0 reb, 6.5 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Kevin Durant, SF/PF: 48.1 FPTS (28.4 pts, 6.5 reb, 5.9 ast)
Bradley Beal, PG/SG: 37.9 FPTS (20.3 pts, 4.1 reb, 5.1 ast)
Jusuf Nurkic, C: 28.2 FPTS (11.8 pts, 9.3 reb, 3.6 ast)
Grayson Allen, SG: 28.2 FPTS (12.6 pts, 4.1 reb, 3.1 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Royce O'Neale, SF: 19.7 FPTS (7.4 pts, 4.3 reb, 2.2 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Eric Gordon, SG/SF: 17.5 FPTS (8.5 pts, 1.5 reb, 2.1 ast, 1.8 3PM)