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Jump ahead: Game of the night | Picks and props | Analytics edge
Here's what you need to know about Thursday's slate
By Jim McCormick, Kyle Soppe
Drum Beat:The Nets are starting to see consistent play Andre Drummond (44% available). Drummond is 12th in the league for rebounding chances in the last 10 games. This has great potential for Brooklyn. You can expect high-percentage pick-and-roll looks and heavy minutes against a big Milwaukee lineup.
Lake Effect Malik Monk (74%) Averaged 24.7 and 3.7 points over the three previous games, as the primary scoring option for Lakers with LeBron James Anthony Davis sidelined. James and Davis have been ruled out for tonight's match against the Jazz. Monk is an attractive candidate with 10 3-point attempts, and a high usage rate for a Los Angeles team.
Wing MenAtlanta has been through some problems with both frontcourts John Collins Danilo Gallinari injured. Collins will not play against the Cavaliers. Bogdan Bogdanovic(26% Available) Kevin HuerterThese fantasy starters will be strong (85%). Huerter averaged 20.7 points last week to go along with solid peripherals.
Detroit Depth: Isaiah Stewart(35% available) Stewart made multiple 3-pointers in consecutive game for the first-time in his professional career. This has made him a popular target and has increased the odds of scoring another tonight against Philadelphia. Stewart is eighth in NBA with 17.8 rebounding chance per game over the last 10 games. He has been a valuable player even while he faces challenges. Joel EmbiidThe post. Marvin Bagley III(40%) Brooklyn struggled earlier in the week. But, he could be a success if he is matched against Embiid’s exploitable backups.
Punt Play Isaiah HartensteinYou can find him in more than 85 leagues. He is only $5,100 on DraftKings tonight, despite being up against a Bulls rebounding team. Paul GeorgeHartenstein's return to the court was the focus of Tuesday's win. However, Hartenstein has quietly continued his work and averaged 14.7 point on 15-of-22 (68.9%) shooting over the past three matches. Hartenstein has been scoring a nice bump, but he also averaged 6.0 rebound and 5.0 assists per games during that stretch. There are many attractive stars on tonight's roster. Hartenstein is an excellent place to find salary relief, if you want two of them.
Super Punt Play: It's clear that Cavaliers believe it is possible to go big consistently and with great results. Evan MobleyAt least three games Moses BrownIt's an attractive option. We know there's upside here. With the Thunder, he also had 9.4 and 10.3 points per game respectively. Brown will face a below-average Hawks rebounding team that has allowed 236.1 points per game on them in their last 10 games. There are both reasonable DFS roster build options if you play your cards correctly and with a short slate. Giannis Antetokounmpo Kevin DurantYou will succeed if you believe that this game is special.
Game of the Night
Milwaukee Bucksat Brooklyn Nets
7:30 p.m. ET, Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY
Line:Nets (-2.0).
Moneyline:Nets (-120), Bucks (+1100)
Total:243 points
BPI Projected Total235.5 points
BPI Win% Nets (50.5%)
Eliminated key players None
Notable: In Milwaukee's last 12 road games, overs have won 8-4.
Best bet is Bucks +2.0 points. The Bucks are in peak form as they prepare to the postseason. They have won 10 out of their past 12 games (+7.0 score margin). Giannis AntetokounmpoA host of playoffs-caliber players will face the Nets. While the Nets have been solid but seem to be experiencing some growing pains, Kyrie IrvingIt is back to full-time. The Nets are now 2-2 (+0.3 score margin) in the four games they have played with Irving and have failed three times to cover. — André Snellings
Fantasy streamer: Brook Lopez. Lopez's workload keeps increasing. Over his last four games, Lopez averaged 12.5 PPG (4.3 RPG), 1.0 APG, 1.0 BPG, and 2.0 BPG in 25.7 MPG. Lopez (59% available) will be able to put up solid numbers with the Nets struggling to defend consistently. Eric Moody
Removing the remainder of the slate
Philadelphia 76ersat Detroit Pistons
7 p.m. ET, Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, MI
Line: 76ers (-10.5)
Moneyline:Pistons (+400), 76ers (-550).
Total:223 points
BPI Projected Total 219.5 points
BPI Win% 76ers (70.5%)
Eliminated key players None
Notable: Is it better to be less than more? In nine of their previous nine games that were below the total, the Pistons are 7-1-1 ATS.
Fantasy Streamer: Killian Hayes. Hayes has performed very well in the last five games. Hayes has an average of 11 PPG, 6 RPG, 4 APG, 4.0 SPG, 2.0 SPG, and 1.0 BPG. His back injury caused him to lose 11 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.0 SPG and 1.0 BPG. Cory JosephHe may not play, and his record is questionable. Hayes is a good streaming option. Moody
Pistons +0.5 points are the best bet. Since the All Star break, the Pistons were a cover machine. They went 15-2-2 against the spread. They are scoring 10.5 points against an average 76ers team at home. Philadelphia has a 7-6 record and a +0.1 scoring margin in their 13 previous games. — Snellings
Your best option: Joel EmbiidOver 42.5 points + rebound. In 12 games against Pistons, Embiid's career has seen him average 28 PPG and 11 rebounds per game. On Tuesday, Embiid posted his 40th double-double against the Bucks. The Pistons rank 22nd for points per 100 possessions allowed and 28th for offensive rebounds. Moody
Cleveland CavaliersAt Atlanta Hawks
7:30 p.m. ET, State Farm Arena Atlanta, GA
Line: Hawks (-5)
Moneyline: Hawks (+230), Cavaliers (+190).
Total:222.5 Points
BPI Projected Total 228 points
BPI Win%Hawks (73.5%)
Eliminated key players Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
Notable:In seven of their back-toback games, the Cavaliers have a record of 0-6-1 ATS. Last night they played the Mavericks.
Fantasy Streamer: Lamar Stevens. Stevens, who is 99.0% available, is a Cavaliers deep-sleeper. In the last couple of weeks, he has been productive with an average of 13.7 PPG (4.3 RPG), 0.7 3PG, and 0.75 SPG in his six past games. After starting five of the previous five games, he has been sitting on the bench for four of the past six games. Jarrett Allen Evan MobleyHe'll get regular minutes and plenty of opportunities. — Snellings
Fantasy streamer: Moses Brown. Evan MobleyBrown was unable to play due to an ankle injury, so he played Wednesday against the Mavericks. He ended the game with 12 points and nine assists in 21 minutes. Brown is an option for streamers in deeper formats. Brown is available for 98% of ESPN leagues.Moody
Your best option: De'Andre HunterMore than 14.5 pointsHunter scored 18 points against Thunder, and has averaged 12 free-throws and 15 points in his nine previous games. In his five career games against Cavaliers, Hunter has scored 16.4 PPG.
LA Clippersat Chicago Bulls
8 p.m. ET, United Center Chicago (IL)
Line:Bulls (-3.5).
Moneyline:Bulls (-170), Clippers (+145)
Total: 222.5 points
BPI Projected Total 216 points
BPI Win%Clippers (52.7%)
Eliminated key players none
Notable:Nine of the twelve games were under the total. Each of the Clippers' previous three games were over.
Your best option: Clippers +3.5. Clippers are a completely different team. Paul GeorgeThe lineup is strong, as was evident in their comeback win against the Jazz on Tuesday. The Bulls have been struggling for over a month. In fact, they lost 11 of their 16 previous games, with an average scoring margin of -6.3. — Snellings
Your best option: Nikola VucevicOver 32.5 Points + Assists + Rebounds. Vucevic's four previous games have seen him average 19 PPG and 9.0 RPG. He also had 3.0 APG, 3.0 BPG, 1.5 SPG, 1.0 SPG, and 3.00 APG. On Tuesday night, he had a usage rate 29% against the Wizards. Billy DonovanRecently, he said publicly that the Bulls should include him more. This season, the average center has scored 24.6 PPG, 16RPG, and 3.6 APG against Clippers.Moody
Los Angeles LakersAt Utah Jazz
10 p.m. ET, VivintSmart Home Arena, Salt Lake City (UT).
Line: Jazz (-12.5)
Moneyline: Jazz (-700), Lakers (+475)
Total:225.5 Points
BPI Projected Total226 points
BPI Win% Jazz (83.7%)
Eliminated key players LeBron James, Anthony Davis
Notable: While the Lakers' problems are well-documented, how about the Jazz failing to cover five of their previous five games?
Fantasy streamer: Malik Monk. Monk (70% availability) has been a great offensive player for the Lakers in recent times. Over the last three games, he has averaged 24.7, 1.7, 3.7, and 1.0 PPG in 31 minutes. With LeBron James Anthony DavisMonk will be used heavily in the future. — Moody
Analytics Edge
BPI projected highest totals
1. Utah Jazz (118.6 points)
2. Atlanta Hawks (117.8 points)
3. Brooklyn Nets (117.7 points)
BPI projected lowest totals
1. Detroit Pistons (106.9 points)
2. Chicago Bulls (107.6 points)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (107.7 points)
BPI Top Probability to Win (straight up).
1. Utah Jazz (83.7%)
2. Atlanta Hawks (73.5%)
3. Philadelphia 76ers (70.5%)
