You can find the ESPN fantasy and gambling cheat sheet, which provides valuable information and data to assist you in making smart betting and fantasy wagering decisions. Caesars Sportsbook provides NBA odds, while fantasy advice is based upon ESPN 10-team leagues.
Jump ahead: Game of the night | Picks and props | Analytics edge
What you need know about Thursday’s slate
By Jim McCormick, Kyle Soppe
Phoenix RisingThe Suns’ amazing season continues even with Chris Paul sidelined. Play has been a key factor in Phoenix’s success. Cameron Payne(58% availability), ranks fifth in NBA assists per games (8.9) for the past 10 matches. Payne will be a key distributor for an efficient offense that has willing shooters. Tonight’s Suns matchup is against a Denver team that has allowed the third most DraftKings points for point guards this season.
Action Jaxson After trying to find his place in rotation since being drafted he finally did. Jaxson Hayes(91%) This has been made a starting job next to Jonas Valanciunas. Hayes finally has fantasy-relevant production. He averaged 14.5 points and seven rebounds over six games. Hayes has even averaged 1.2 3 pointers per game, which adds value to several categories. With Brandon IngramHayes should be listed as doubtful. Hayes will face a Bulls defense, which has allowed 57 DraftKings PPG centers in the past fifteen games.
Back-to-back:Both the Pacers & Grizzlies were hard-fought yesterday, and they could play with their rotation a little tonight. De’Anthony Melton Goga BitadzeTwo names are currently available in more 90% of leagues. Melton has scored 15 triples in his last four contests. He also earned at least four dimes in seven out of the 10 games he played this month. He doesn’t hesitate to let it fly, making him a threat in counting stats. Bitadze is more focused on efficiency, and is shooting almost 72% from the field in March. In five of his six previous games, Bitadze has made multiple 3’s and pulled down at most seven boards. His minutes are trending towards the mid-20’s lately, so it is easy to appreciate what he provides as a streamer during the regular season.
Brooks: Continue following the Grizzlies’ rotation and look for Dillon Brooks(66% available). He will provide scoring and defensive upside.
Information on injury:After suffering a finger injury that prevented him from playing in the 15 previous games, he was able to return to play. OG Anunoby(21% Available) has been upgraded into questionable for tonight’s matchup with Cleveland. While Jarrett AllenIt is still available Lauri MarkkanenThe past week’s average score was 19.3 points and 7.7 boards (47%) Kevin Love(30% – a strong target) has been the goal for 3-point props.
Game of the Night
Line: Nuggets (-4)
Moneyline:Suns (+155), Nuggets (-180), Suns (+15)
Total: 232 points
BPI Projected Total:217.5 points
BPI Win% Suns (51.1%)
Eliminated key players Cameron Johnson, Chris Paul
Notable: The last time there was an under in Denver games was two weeks ago. And the Nuggets are only 3-6 ATS in their nine previous games.
Fantasy streamer: Jae Crowder.Crowder (82% available), has averaged 9.5 PG, 5.2 RPPG, 2.0 APG and 1.4 SPPG in 28.2 MPG. Crowder should see an increase in his usage Cameron JohnsonOut and power forwards have excelled against the Nuggets, with an average of 21.7 PPG and 10.7 RPG this season, as well as 2.0 SPG and 1.11 MPG. Eric Moody
Fantasy Streamer: Bones Hyland (88.7% available) He just goes about his business as usual, keeping it under the radar. His average PPG is now 16.5 (52.3% FG% and 78.6FT%, 51.33 3P%). He has 4.7 APG, 2.5 RPG, and 3.3 3PG in 24.5MPG over the last six games. This gives him consistent value, even when he’s not on the bench. — André Snellings
Your best option: Aaron GordonOver 21.5 Points + Assists + ReboundsGordon has an average of 16 PPG in the last four games, along with 3.0 APG and 5.3 RPG. This is a great time to be a Nuggets player trying to get into the playoffs. Moody
Suns +4 is the best bet.Since Devin BookerThe Suns are back in the lineup at 7-1, with a +14.6-point average scoring margin. Chris Paul Cameron Johnson sidelined. The Nuggets are meanwhile on a rollercoaster ride, having lost four of their seven previous games, with a -1.7-point scoring margin. BPI suggests that the Suns should be slightly favorites on the road in a tossup game. Therefore, the points they’re accumulating here are of added value. — Snellings
Removing the remainder of the slate
Line: Raptors (-5.5).
Moneyline: Raptors (-220), Cavaliers (+180)
Total: 215.0 Points
BPI Projected Total: 215.5 Points
BPI Win% Raptors (67.8%).
Eliminated key players Rajon Rondo, Jarrett Allen
Notable: Nine of the twelve Raptor games have been won by under tickets.
Line: Grizzlies (-12.0).
Moneyline:Grizzlies (+900), Pacers (+600).
Total: 238.0 points
BPI Projected Total:234.5 Points
BPI Win% Grizzlies (82%).
Eliminated key players None
Notable: Unders are currently 3-1, while the Grizzlies are 1-3 ATS Memphis’ past four games in back-to back.
Fantasy streamer: Steven Adams.Adams scored 13 points as well as 13 rebounds during the Grizzlies’ game against the Pacers. It’s possible it could happen again. Adams’ last eight games saw him average 9.0 points per game and 11 rebounds per game.Moody
Line: Bucks (-9.5).
Moneyline: Bucks (-550), Wizards (+400)
Total: 229.5 points
BPI Projected Total:239 points
BPI Win% Bucks (82.6%)
Eliminated key players Kyle Kuzma, Khris Middleton
Notable: After failing to cover six of the seven previous games, the Bucks are now 7-2 ATS in nine of their past nine.
Fantasy streamer: Rui Hachimura.Hachimura (92.5%) is an option for streamers. Kyle Kuzma out. Hachimura averaged 13.3 PPG over the last eight games.Moody
Your best option: Kristaps PorzingisOver 29.5 points + assists + rebound.Porzingis has an average of 21.6 PPG, 3.00 APG, 8.4 RPG, and a usage rate (31%) over the Wizards five previous games. Kuzma on the floor should help Porzingis increase his production.Moody
Line: Pelicans (-2.0)
Moneyline: Pelicans (-130), Bulls (+110)
Total: 225.5 points
BPI Projected Total:223.5 points
BPI Win% Pelicans (70.7%)
Eliminated key players None
Questionable: DeMar DeRozan
Doubtful: Brandon Ingram
Notable: Chicago’s unders are 11-2 in the past 13 games. The Bulls are only 3-10 against them over this stretch.
Best bet: Pelicans -2.0.The Bulls have been in trouble for several weeks now. They are currently 3-9 and have a -7.9 percentage scoring margin. The Pelicans have been having difficulties. Brandon IngramThey’ve been injured but they’ve shown feisty CJ McCollumThere to be the leader. BPI estimates that the Pelicans are favored to win tonight, with a scoring margin of 6.1.
Analytics Edge
BPI projected highest totals
1. Milwaukee Bucks (125.2 points)
2. Memphis Grizzlies (122.4 points)
3. New Orleans Pelicans (114.8 points)
BPI projected lowest totals
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (105.3 points)
2. Denver Nuggets (108. points)
3. Chicago Bulls (108.6 points)
BPI Top Probability to Win (straight up).
1. Milwaukee Bucks (82.6%)
2. Memphis Grizzlies (82%)
3. New Orleans Pelicans (70.7%)