ESPN’s fantasy basketball daily cheat sheet returns, offering crucial insights and recommendations as players prepare their lineups for a packed schedule of NBA action. With ten games slated for Monday night, fans and fantasy players alike need to stay informed about injuries and streaming options to maximize their fantasy performance.
As the week kicks off, the NBA schedule is marked by the absence of games on Thanksgiving, leaving only six days of action. Thus, managers in weekly fantasy leagues must plan strategically. Notably, two games feature teams with winning records. The Cleveland Cavaliers face the Toronto Raptors in a matchup that promises tension, as the victor will claim the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.
In the Western Conference, the Houston Rockets, who recently acquired Kevin Durant, are set to clash with the Phoenix Suns. Durant is absent due to a personal matter, marking the first game he will miss this season. Meanwhile, Jalen Green of the Suns, the centerpiece of the blockbuster trade, has been sidelined for most of the season, adding another layer of intrigue to the matchup.
Oddly, home teams are underdogs in seven of the ten games, which makes for compelling betting prospects. An example of this trend is highlighted in ESPN BET’s “Home Court Dogs” three-leg parlay, betting on the Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Sacramento Kings—all of whom are listed as underdogs with longshot odds of +7714.
In terms of players to stream, Derik Queen of the New Orleans Pelicans is emerging as a potential breakout star, averaging at least 20 points and 7 rebounds over his recent three games. He could soon be a top contender for Rookie of the Year if he continues at this pace. Collin Gillespie of the Phoenix Suns is another appealing prospect. With Grayson Allen unavailable, Gillespie has stepped into a scoring role, achieving impressive numbers off the bench.
Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies has also established himself as a consistent double-double threat, and Vince Williams Jr. is proving to be a versatile threat in multiple categories with his starting role in light of Ja Morant’s absence.
As for betting predictions, Brandon Ingram is expected to surpass 21.5 points against the Raptors, while Jalen Brunson’s scoring potential is on display as he looks to extend his streak of high-scoring games against the Brooklyn Nets. Additionally, given Williams’ recent high performance, betting on him to achieve a double-double seems like a shrewd choice, especially considering his opponent’s current struggles with defense.
Injury updates are important for fantasy managers and fans alike, especially as several key players are listed as questionable or out for Monday’s matchups. This includes the likes of RJ Barrett, Kyrie Irving, and Ja Morant, among others, affecting team dynamics and strategies significantly.
With so many games and key player developments, Monday shapes up to be an exciting and suspenseful night in the NBA. As the battles unfold, basketball enthusiasts can look forward to insightful performances and thrilling outcomes on the court.