Fantasy basketball picks and betting suggestions for Saturday

ESPN’s fantasy basketball every day cheat sheet is your pregame vacation spot earlier than you set your lineups for the night time’s video games. Right here you will learn our greatest recommendation for the night time, together with a number of gamers you’ll be able to stream in addition to game-by-game damage reviews and participant projections.

What you’ll want to know for Saturday’s video games

Very like the day’s soccer schedule, Saturday’s NBA slate incorporates a sequence of huge level spreads. Of the day’s six video games, just one — the Phoenix Suns visiting the Detroit Pistons — has a line of fewer than 8.5 factors.

Regardless of the potential for blowouts, at the moment’s distinctive schedule nonetheless helps some robust streaming candidates, particularly as accidents are influencing rotations across the league. Joel Embiid stays sidelined for the Philadelphia 76ers, for example, which ends up in extra manufacturing alternatives for a sure two-way glue man we focus on within the part under.

It is also deep sufficient into the season to regulate valuations of the influence some gamers can provide, such because the current leap in manufacturing from Scoot Henderson in Portland. Henderson’s tough rookie 12 months made him an afterthought in fantasy drafts this fall, however, as you will learn under, he is turning the web page in Yr 2.

Let’s take a better take a look at the gamers and matchups for Saturday and discover fantasy and betting angles of curiosity.

Saturday’s fantasy stream staff

Onyeka Okongwu, C, Atlanta Hawks (rostered in 29.5% of ESPN leagues): Having shifted previous Clint Capela within the frontcourt pecking order, Okongwu is the Atlanta pivot to roster going ahead. Right now affords a matchup with a Boston staff that might run out smaller appears within the second leg of a back-to-back sequence for the Celtics. With some huge rebounding numbers not too long ago, Okongwu brings a strong flooring and upside to the courtroom at the moment.

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Who tops this weeks NBA Energy Rankings?

Try the newest high 10 of the NBA Energy Rankings.

Scoot Henderson, PG, Portland Path Blazers (32.0%): The aforementioned level guard has been flashing new ranges of scoring and playmaking confidence in current video games. With the staff lastly empowering a youthful forged of skills in most rotation appears, Henderson now appears to have earned an precise runway to develop. Right now’s matchup with the Rockets presents a problem towards a high protection, however one price watching to see how his sport has matured.

Alexandre Sarr, PF/C, Washington Wizards (31.7%): It isn’t widespread for a high choose to be posting large numbers with out actually any consideration, however the Wizards admittedly do not have many eyes on them most nights. If you’re watching, you will know Sarr has grow to be extra comfy on the NBA flooring and is producing some rewarding strains these days. With speedy influence as a rim protector and a matchup with an undersized Golden State lineup at the moment, Sarr might shine.

Kelly Oubre Jr., SG/SF, Philadelphia 76ers (47.0%): With Embiid dealing with lingering knee points, Oubre’s upside rises in that the massive man leaves tons of offensive utilization and touches to filter all through the lineup. Oubre is the uncommon participant for Philadelphia keen to assault the glass, which has resulted in some enjoyable double-double outcomes. The Pacers, in the meantime, typically run small.

McCormick’s favourite bets for Saturday

Odds by ESPN BET

Devin Booker over 34.5 factors + assists (-125)

With Bradley Beal listed as uncertain and Booker’s superior capability to modify between creation and scoring duties, this line seems interesting because the Suns look to take down a younger Pistons staff in Detroit. One other issue working in Booker’s favor is direct matchup benefits with Detroit’s backcourt.

Sarr over 1.5 blocks (even)

With some almost elite rim safety charges as a rookie and with a guard-centric Warriors offense up subsequent, Sarr has a number of paths to swatting a number of pictures at the moment. An actual key has been extra management of his foul tendencies inside, which permits Sarr to remain on the ground for extra affordable stretches. At the same time as a rookie, blocks come naturally for Sarr.

Philadelphia 76ers +9.5 factors

As a season-ticket holder of this staff, I can inform you that they are not superb with or with out Embiid this season. They’re, nonetheless, posting extra aggressive outings in such eventualities, particularly because it turns into a actuality that Embiid will not be himself for fairly a while. The 76ers are nonetheless rolling out a succesful lineup and in addition work at one of many slowest paces offensively, which might assist restrict the Pacers’ potential to drag away.

Projections and Damage Experiences

Basketball Energy Index by ESPN Analytics. Damage aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds by ESPN BET

Gamers in italics can be found in a majority of ESPN Leagues

Phoenix Suns at Detroit Pistons
4 p.m. ET

Line: Suns -1.5 (-120) | Pistons +1.5 (EVEN)
Cash line: Suns -110 | Pistons -110
Whole: 226.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Pistons by 0.9, straight up 53%, 229.2 complete factors.

Damage Report:
Suns: Bradley Beal, (GTD – Ankle); Jusuf Nurkic, (OUT – Sickness)
Pistons: Jaden Ivey, (OUT – Decrease Leg)

Suns projections:

• Devin Booker, PG/SG: 47.6 FPTS (29.4 pts, 4.1 reb, 6.6 ast, 2.8 3PM)

• Kevin Durant, PF: 40.3 FPTS (26.8 pts, 6.3 reb, 4.9 ast, 2.1 3PM)

• Bradley Beal, SG/SF: 26.6 FPTS (15.7 pts, 3.2 reb, 3.2 ast, 1.8 3PM)

• Tyus Jones, PG: 24.8 FPTS (11.3 pts, 2.2 reb, 4.7 ast, 1.8 3PM)

• Ryan Dunn, SF: 18.9 FPTS (9.6 pts, 4.6 reb, 1.5 ast)

• Royce O’Neale, SF: 18.5 FPTS (7.8 pts, 4.0 reb, 2.1 ast, 2.0 3PM)

• Grayson Allen, PG/SG: 18.4 FPTS (9.4 pts, 2.7 reb, 2.0 ast, 2.0 3PM)

Pistons projections:

• Cade Cunningham, PG/SG: 46.3 FPTS (25.8 pts, 5.7 reb, 8.0 ast, 2.2 3PM)

• Tobias Harris, SF/PF: 25.9 FPTS (12.2 pts, 5.8 reb, 3.0 ast)

• Jalen Duren, C: 24.2 FPTS (11.4 pts, 9.5 reb, 2.1 ast)

• Malik Beasley, SG: 22.7 FPTS (12.7 pts, 2.6 reb, 1.7 ast, 3.2 3PM)

• Ausar Thompson, SF/PF: 17.0 FPTS (8.1 pts, 5.0 reb, 1.6 ast)

• Isaiah Stewart, PF/C: 16.4 FPTS (5.8 pts, 5.8 reb, 2.2 ast)

• Tim Hardaway Jr., SG/SF: 14.6 FPTS (8.2 pts, 2.3 reb, 1.5 ast)

Atlanta Hawks at Boston Celtics
7 p.m. ET

Line: Hawks +9.5 (-105) | Celtics -9.5 (-115)
Cash line: Hawks +340 | Celtics -450
Whole: 235.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Celtics by 10.9, straight up 81%, 236.1 complete factors.

Damage Report:
Hawks: De’Andre Hunter, (GTD – Foot); Jalen Johnson, (GTD – Shoulder); Trae Younger, (GTD – Ribs); Zaccharie Risacher, (OUT – Thigh); Cody Zeller, (OUT – Private); Larry Nance Jr., (OUT – Hand); Kobe Bufkin, (OUT – Shoulder)
Celtics: None reported

Hawks projections:

• Trae Younger, PG: 43.9 FPTS (25.3 pts, 3.0 reb, 8.3 ast, 2.8 3PM)

• Jalen Johnson, PF: 35.6 FPTS (18.0 pts, 8.5 reb, 5.3 ast)

• Dyson Daniels, PG/SG: 25.2 FPTS (11.5 pts, 4.5 reb, 3.5 ast)

• De’Andre Hunter, SF/PF: 23.0 FPTS (15.0 pts, 3.0 reb, 1.6 ast, 2.0 3PM)

• Onyeka Okongwu, C: 18.9 FPTS (8.8 pts, 5.8 reb, 2.1 ast)

• Clint Capela, C: 18.6 FPTS (8.9 pts, 7.4 reb, 1.1 ast)

• Bogdan Bogdanovic, SG/SF: 18.1 FPTS (10.2 pts, 1.8 reb, 2.1 ast, 1.8 3PM)

Celtics projections:

• Jayson Tatum, SF/PF: 49.2 FPTS (27.3 pts, 8.4 reb, 6.1 ast, 3.7 3PM)

• Jaylen Brown, SG/SF: 39.5 FPTS (22.6 pts, 5.3 reb, 5.4 ast, 2.0 3PM)

• Kristaps Porzingis, PF/C: 27.4 FPTS (16.5 pts, 6.7 reb, 1.4 ast, 1.9 3PM, 1.5 blk)

• Jrue Vacation, PG/SG: 26.2 FPTS (11.6 pts, 4.3 reb, 4.1 ast, 1.8 3PM)

• Derrick White, PG/SG: 25.5 FPTS (13.4 pts, 3.5 reb, 3.4 ast, 2.8 3PM)

• Payton Pritchard, PG: 16.2 FPTS (5.8 pts, 2.7 reb, 3.0 ast)

• Al Horford, PF/C: 12.7 FPTS (4.1 pts, 3.7 reb, 1.7 ast)

Philadelphia 76ers at Indiana Pacers
7 p.m. ET

Line: 76ers +9.5 (-110) | Pacers -9.5 (-110)
Cash line: 76ers +300 | Pacers -400
Whole: 224.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Pacers by 12.2, straight up 84%, 227.5 complete factors.

Damage Report:
76ers: Andre Drummond, (GTD – Toe); Guerschon Yabusele, (GTD – Knee); Paul George, (GTD – Groin); Caleb Martin, (OUT – Groin); Kyle Lowry, (OUT – Hip); KJ Martin, (OUT – Foot); Joel Embiid, (OUT – Knee); Jared McCain, (OUT – Knee)
Pacers: Isaiah Jackson, (OUT – Achilles); James Wiseman, (OUT – Achilles)

76ers projections:

• Tyrese Maxey, PG/SG: 49.7 FPTS (30.1 pts, 3.5 reb, 6.4 ast, 3.3 3PM)

• Paul George, SF/PF: 37.1 FPTS (19.3 pts, 6.3 reb, 4.7 ast, 2.4 3PM)

• Kelly Oubre Jr., SG/SF: 30.3 FPTS (16.1 pts, 6.6 reb, 1.9 ast)

• Guerschon Yabusele, PF: 18.3 FPTS (6.9 pts, 6.0 reb, 2.4 ast)

• Andre Drummond, C: 17.7 FPTS (9.5 pts, 6.6 reb, 1.1 ast)

• Ricky Council IV, SG: 15.6 FPTS (10.1 pts, 3.0 reb, 1.2 ast)

• Eric Gordon, SG/SF: 13.6 FPTS (8.0 pts, 1.4 reb, 1.4 ast)

Pacers projections:

• Pascal Siakam, PF: 39.4 FPTS (21.8 pts, 8.0 reb, 3.7 ast)

• Tyrese Haliburton, PG/SG: 38.4 FPTS (17.8 pts, 3.7 reb, 6.8 ast, 2.8 3PM)

• Andrew Nembhard, PG/SG: 29.2 FPTS (13.8 pts, 4.2 reb, 5.2 ast)

• Myles Turner, C: 28.1 FPTS (15.8 pts, 6.8 reb, 1.8 ast, 1.9 blk)

• Bennedict Mathurin, SG/SF: 24.0 FPTS (14.6 pts, 4.9 reb, 2.2 ast)

• Obi Toppin, PF: 16.6 FPTS (8.4 pts, 3.4 reb, 1.5 ast)

• Jarace Walker, PF: 15.8 FPTS (7.3 pts, 3.2 reb, 2.0 ast)

Washington Wizards at Golden State Warriors
8:30 p.m. ET

Line: Wizards +13.5 (-115) | Warriors -13.5 (-105)
Cash line: Wizards +550 | Warriors -900
Whole: 228.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Warriors by 9.9, straight up 79%, 229.9 complete factors.

Damage Report:
Wizards: Malcolm Brogdon, (OUT – Foot); Marvin Bagley III, (OUT – Knee); Saddiq Bey, (OUT – Knee)
Warriors: De’Anthony Melton, (OUT – Knee); Draymond Inexperienced, (GTD – Sickness); Kyle Anderson, (OUT – Hamstring); Brandin Podziemski, (OUT – Stomach); Jonathan Kuminga, (OUT – Ankle)

Wizards projections:

• Jordan Poole, PG/SG: 32.9 FPTS (19.0 pts, 2.8 reb, 4.1 ast, 2.8 3PM)

• Kyle Kuzma, SF/PF: 25.1 FPTS (15.1 pts, 4.9 reb, 2.5 ast)

• Bilal Coulibaly, SG/SF: 25.1 FPTS (12.2 pts, 4.7 reb, 3.7 ast)

• Carlton Carrington, PG/SG: 23.4 FPTS (9.8 pts, 4.0 reb, 4.0 ast)

• Alexandre Sarr, PF/C: 22.9 FPTS (11.2 pts, 6.2 reb, 2.4 ast)

• Corey Kispert, SG/SF: 18.8 FPTS (10.5 pts, 2.2 reb, 2.1 ast, 1.8 3PM)

• Kyshawn George, SG/SF: 18.6 FPTS (9.5 pts, 3.1 reb, 2.0 ast)

Warriors projections:

• Stephen Curry, PG: 42.0 FPTS (23.4 pts, 4.6 reb, 5.7 ast, 4.1 3PM)

• Andrew Wiggins, SF/PF: 27.6 FPTS (17.1 pts, 3.7 reb, 2.1 ast, 2.0 3PM)

• Draymond Inexperienced, PF/C: 24.3 FPTS (9.5 pts, 5.0 reb, 4.7 ast)

• Buddy Hield, SG/SF: 19.7 FPTS (10.2 pts, 2.8 reb, 1.8 ast, 2.4 3PM)

• Trayce Jackson-Davis, PF/C: 19.3 FPTS (9.4 pts, 6.8 reb, 1.9 ast)

• Moses Moody, SG/SF: 15.3 FPTS (9.4 pts, 1.7 reb, 1.2 ast)

• Kevon Looney, C: 14.2 FPTS (5.6 pts, 4.6 reb, 1.9 ast)

Cleveland Cavaliers at Minnesota Timberwolves
9 p.m. ET

Line: Cavaliers -6.5 (-105) | Timberwolves +6.5 (-115)
Cash line: Cavaliers -240 | Timberwolves +200
Whole: 226.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Cavaliers by 5, straight up 66%, 227.1 complete factors.

Damage Report:
Cavaliers: Evan Mobley, (GTD – Calf); Isaac Okoro, (GTD – Shoulder); Emoni Bates, (OUT – Knee); Luke Travers, (OUT – Ankle)
Timberwolves: Donte DiVincenzo, (GTD – Toe); Leonard Miller, (GTD – Sickness); Terrence Shannon Jr., (OUT – Foot)

Cavaliers projections:

• Donovan Mitchell, PG/SG: 35.5 FPTS (19.4 pts, 4.0 reb, 3.8 ast, 2.9 3PM)

• Darius Garland, PG: 33.4 FPTS (18.8 pts, 2.2 reb, 5.5 ast, 2.5 3PM)

• Evan Mobley, PF/C: 28.7 FPTS (16.0 pts, 7.4 reb, 2.8 ast)

• Jarrett Allen, C: 27.1 FPTS (13.3 pts, 8.7 reb, 2.1 ast)

• Caris LeVert, SG/SF: 22.6 FPTS (11.2 pts, 2.4 reb, 3.7 ast)

• Max Strus, SG/SF: 19.1 FPTS (8.3 pts, 3.4 reb, 3.1 ast, 1.8 3PM)

• Ty Jerome, PG: 17.8 FPTS (8.1 pts, 2.2 reb, 3.2 ast)

Timberwolves projections:

• Anthony Edwards, SG/SF: 46.8 FPTS (28.1 pts, 5.8 reb, 5.1 ast, 3.7 3PM)

• Julius Randle, PF: 34.4 FPTS (20.0 pts, 7.2 reb, 4.4 ast)

• Rudy Gobert, C: 25.3 FPTS (12.0 pts, 9.7 reb, 1.7 ast, 1.6 blk)

• Donte DiVincenzo, SG: 24.8 FPTS (12.0 pts, 3.5 reb, 2.9 ast, 2.5 3PM)

• Jaden McDaniels, SF: 22.9 FPTS (11.0 pts, 5.0 reb, 1.5 ast)

• Naz Reid, PF/C: 22.1 FPTS (12.2 pts, 4.3 reb, 1.7 ast, 1.8 3PM)

• Mike Conley, PG: 19.0 FPTS (7.9 pts, 1.9 reb, 3.1 ast)

Houston Rockets at Portland Path Blazers
10 p.m. ET

Line: Rockets -11.5 (-110) | Blazers +11.5 (-110)
Cash line: Rockets -650 | Blazers +425
Whole: 223.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Rockets by 6.9, straight up 72%, 223.8 complete factors.

Damage Report:
Rockets: Jock Landale, (OUT – Private); Jabari Smith Jr., (OUT – Hand)
Blazers: Deni Avdija, (GTD – Ankle); Jerami Grant, (GTD – Face); Donovan Clingan, (OUT – Ankle); Matisse Thybulle, (OUT – Ankle)

Rockets projections:

• Alperen Sengun, C: 39.8 FPTS (20.3 pts, 9.6 reb, 4.9 ast)

• Jalen Inexperienced, SG: 36.7 FPTS (23.4 pts, 4.2 reb, 3.1 ast, 2.8 3PM)

• Fred VanVleet, PG: 35.2 FPTS (14.9 pts, 3.5 reb, 5.8 ast, 2.5 3PM)

• Amen Thompson, SG/SF/PF: 31.6 FPTS (15.4 pts, 9.1 reb, 3.1 ast, 1.3 blk)

• Tari Eason, SF/PF: 24.3 FPTS (11.1 pts, 6.0 reb, 1.1 ast)

• Dillon Brooks, SG/SF: 23.0 FPTS (12.6 pts, 3.5 reb, 1.9 ast, 2.1 3PM)

• Cam Whitmore, SF: 18.5 FPTS (10.8 pts, 3.0 reb, 1.4 ast)

Blazers projections:

• Anfernee Simons, PG/SG: 33.8 FPTS (18.6 pts, 2.6 reb, 5.3 ast, 2.7 3PM)

• Jerami Grant, PF: 27.1 FPTS (16.0 pts, 3.3 reb, 2.8 ast, 2.0 3PM)

• Shaedon Sharpe, SG/SF: 26.3 FPTS (16.1 pts, 3.2 reb, 2.9 ast, 2.0 3PM)

• Deni Avdija, SF/PF: 25.5 FPTS (13.9 pts, 5.5 reb, 2.9 ast)

• Scoot Henderson, PG: 24.9 FPTS (13.5 pts, 2.7 reb, 4.1 ast)

• Deandre Ayton, C: 23.6 FPTS (11.9 pts, 7.6 reb, 1.4 ast)

• Toumani Camara, SF/PF: 21.9 FPTS (10.0 pts, 4.8 reb, 1.9 ast)