Eric MoodyFeb 26, 2026, 02:00 PM ET
CloseEric Moody is a writer for fantasy football, men’s and women’s basketball, and sports betting at ESPN. Eric joined ESPN in 2021 after working as a senior fantasy analyst at Pro Football Network. Prior to that, he spent much of his career as a manager at a Fortune 100 financial services company.
Multiple Authors
ESPN’s fantasy basketball daily cheat sheet is your pregame destination before you set your lineups for that night’s games. Here you’ll read our best advice for the night, including a selection of players you can stream as well as game-by-game injury reports.
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Top streamers | Best bets | DFS picks | Odds & Injury report
What you need to know for Thursday’s games
There are 10 games on Thursday’s NBA slate and nine on the DFS slate. The Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs are playing the second night of a back-to-back.
Editor’s Picks
2 Related
The Minnesota Timberwolves–LA Clippers matchup carries playoff implications as Minnesota continues its push up the Western Conference standings. This third meeting could help shape positioning down the stretch with the season series split 1-1.
Kawhi Leonard remains the centerpiece for the Clippers. He dominated the previous matchup with 41 points and has been outstanding in February, averaging 29.3 PPG, 7.2 RPG and 4.3 APG. Slowing him down will be the Timberwolves’ top defensive priority, likely with Jaden McDaniels drawing the primary assignment.
Offensively, the Timberwolves have been sharp this month, as they rank sixth in offensive rating. Anthony Edwards has led the charge, as he’s averaged 30.3 PPG this month. The interior battle could prove decisive. With Ivica Zubac no longer in the fold, the Clippers lack a true physical counter to Rudy Gobert. The Timberwolves should hold an edge on the glass and in the paint, areas that often determine tight games.
Let’s dig deeper into these and the other storylines on display to identify fantasy streamers, betting angles and DFS plays of interest on Thursday’s slate.
Thursday’s fantasy stream team
Jonathan Kuminga, PF, Atlanta Hawks (rostered in 43.8% of ESPN leagues): Kuminga finished with 54 fantasy points in just 24 minutes against Washington on Tuesday in his Hawks debut after recovering from a left knee bone bruise. He could take on an even larger role against the Wizards once again on Thursday night, especially with Jalen Johnson questionable due to a hip injury after exiting Tuesday’s game in the first quarter. The Wizards have struggled defensively all season, ranking 28th in defensive rating.
*Additional streaming options in ESPN leagues can be found in the Top Daily Fantasy values of the day section.
Moody’s favorite bets for Thursday
Tyrese Maxey OVER 27.5 points (-106)
Maxey has cleared this line in 34 of 56 games this season and remains productive even alongside Joel Embiid, surpassing 27.5 points in 20 of 30 games with Embiid in the lineup. The Miami Heat lead the league in pace, and Maxey has thrived against up-tempo teams all year. Miami also struggles in transition and defending the pick-and-roll ball handler, two areas that play directly into Maxey’s strengths. With this matchup carrying one of the highest totals on the slate, the scoring environment sets up well for another strong offensive performance.
Jerami Grant OVER 20.5 points (-119)
Grant should see an expanded offensive role with Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe ruled out. He has cleared this line in two of three games without both in the lineup this season, averaging 15.3 field goal attempts and 33.2 minutes in those contests while aggressively attacking the rim. The matchup against the Chicago Bulls also works in his favor, as they rank 28th in defensive rating over its last 15 games, struggle to protect the rim and has allowed the second-most points per game to power forwards during that span.
Mark Williams 9+ rebounds (+162)
Williams has cleared this line in seven of his last 10 games, averaging 22.9 minutes and 13.5 rebound chances per contest during that stretch. He also draws a favorable matchup against a Lakers team that has struggled against opposing centers recently. Williams grabbed nine rebounds in the previous meeting on Dec. 23 and has a strong opportunity to reach double-digit boards in this spot.
Top Daily Fantasy values of the day
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$8,100+ salaries
Victor Wembanyama, C, San Antonio Spurs ($10,900)
Wembanyama has been dominant over his last seven games, averaging 53.2 fantasy points while stuffing the stat sheet across multiple categories. He has also logged at least 30 minutes in four of those contests, which is encouraging. Wembanyama draws a strong matchup against a Nets team that ranks 26th in defensive rating this season. The last time he faced Brooklyn, Wemby erupted for 31 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and six blocks.
Tyrese Maxey, PG, Philadelphia 76ers ($10,000)
Maxey has been the engine of the 76ers’ offense all season. He’s averaging 49.0 fantasy points per game, establishing a strong floor and has topped 60 fantasy points in each of his last two outings, highlighting his elite ceiling.
Kevin Durant, SF, Houston Rockets ($8,900)
Durant has delivered well-rounded production in February, putting up 43.1 fantasy points while playing 39.4 minutes per game. He continues to contribute across nearly every statistical category. Durant draws a favorable matchup against an Orlando team that has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to small forwards over its last 15 contests.
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$6,100-$8,000 salaries
Kyle Filipowski, PF/C, Utah Jazz ($7,600)
Filipowski is set to play steady minutes for the remainder of the season due to the Jazz’s frontcourt injury woes, with Jusuf Nurkic and Jaren Jackson Jr. both out for the year. He has scored at least 34 fantasy points in five of his last seven games and continues to produce on both ends of the floor. He now faces a Pelicans defense that ranks 27th in defensive rating this season. New Orleans has also allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to power forwards over its last 30 games.
Donovan Clingan, C, Portland Trail Blazers ($7,300)
Clingan has averaged 45.5 fantasy points per game over his last seven contests and has logged at least 28 minutes in six of them. He draws a favorable matchup against a Bulls team that ranks 25th in defensive rating. Chicago has also allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to centers this year.
Jalen Green, SG, Phoenix Suns ($6,900)
Green has averaged 30.4 fantasy points per game over his last four contests while shooting a dreadful 33.7% from the floor. However, his 36.5% usage rate during that stretch has been eye-opening. Green should continue to see massive usage with the Suns now without Dillon Brooks and Devin Booker. The Lakers have struggled defensively for most of the season and rank 19th in defensive rating over their last 15 games. Despite his recent inefficiency, this sets up as a strong bounce-back spot for Green.
$3,500-$6,000 salaries
Moussa Diabate, C, Charlotte Hornets ($5,800)
Diabate returned from a four-game suspension and made an immediate impact, scoring 37.2 fantasy points in 31 minutes. The matchup sets up favorably for Diabate with Pascal Siakam listed as doubtful and Zubac unlikely to play Thursday. The Pacers have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to centers over their last 15 contests. Diabate is also a viable streaming option in season-long formats, as he’s rostered in 19.4% of ESPN leagues
Precious Achiuwa, PF/C, Sacramento Kings ($4,900)
Achiuwa’s playing time has trended upward with Domantas Sabonis out for the season (torn left meniscus) and Dylan Cardwell sidelined for three to four weeks due to a sprained left ankle. He has averaged 31.6 fantasy points per game over his last four contests and logged at least 30 minutes in three of them. He draws a favorable matchup against a Mavericks team that ranks 24th in defensive rating over its last 15 games. Achiuwa is also a viable streaming option, as he’s rostered in just 13.1% of leagues.
Jamaree Bouyea, PG, Phoenix Suns ($3,100)
Injuries to Booker, Brooks and Jordan Goodwin open the door for Bouyea to see meaningful minutes against the Lakers. He averages 16.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists per 40 minutes, offering a glimpse of his upside if given extended run. Bouyea is also worth a look in deeper formats, as he’s rostered in just 0.1% of leagues.
Projections and Injury Reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook
Charlotte Hornets at Indiana Pacers
7 p.m. ET
Line: Hornets -12.5 (-115) | Pacers +12.5 (-105)
Money line: Hornets -800 | Pacers +550
Total: 229.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Hornets by 7.5, straight up 72%, 228.3 total points.
Injury Report:
Hornets: Liam McNeeley, (OUT – Ankle)
Pacers: Johnny Furphy, (OFS – Knee); Andrew Nembhard, (GTD – Back); Obi Toppin, (GTD – Foot); Pascal Siakam, (GTD – Wrist); Aaron Nesmith, (OUT – Ankle); Ivica Zubac, (OUT – Ankle); Tyrese Haliburton, (OFS – Achilles)
Miami Heat at Philadelphia 76ers
7 p.m. ET
Line: Heat +2.5 (-105) | 76ers -2.5 (-115)
Money line: Heat +124 | 76ers -148
Total: 239.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: 76ers by 0.4, straight up 51%, 241.1 total points.
Injury Report:
Heat: Davion Mitchell, (GTD – Illness); Nikola Jovic, (OUT – Back); Terry Rozier, (OUT – Not Injury Related)
76ers: Joel Embiid, (GTD – Knee); MarJon Beauchamp, (GTD – Illness); Paul George, (OUT – Suspension); Johni Broome, (OUT – Knee)
Washington Wizards at Atlanta Hawks
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Wizards +10.5 (-115) | Hawks -10.5 (-105)
Money line: Wizards +410 | Hawks -550
Total: 237.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Hawks by 15.6, straight up 87%, 237.3 total points.
Injury Report:
Wizards: Kyshawn George, (GTD – Knee); Tristan Vukcevic, (GTD – Hip); Alex Sarr, (OUT – Hamstring); D’Angelo Russell, (OUT – Not Injury Related); Trae Young, (OUT – Knee); Anthony Davis, (OUT – Finger); Cam Whitmore, (OFS – Shoulder)
Hawks: Jalen Johnson, (GTD – Hip); Nickeil Alexander-Walker, (GTD – Foot); Zaccharie Risacher, (GTD – Hip)
San Antonio Spurs at Brooklyn Nets
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Spurs -12.5 (-108) | Nets +12.5 (-112)
Money line: Spurs -675 | Nets +490
Total: 224.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Spurs by 10.9, straight up 79%, 219.3 total points.
Injury Report:
Spurs: David Jones Garcia, (OFS – Ankle)
Nets: None reported
Houston Rockets at Orlando Magic
7:30 p.m. ET on Prime Video
Line: Rockets -2.5 (-115) | Magic +2.5 (-105)
Money line: Rockets -148 | Magic +124
Total: 215.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Rockets by 2.8, straight up 58%, 220.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Rockets: Amen Thompson, (GTD – Quadriceps); Dorian Finney-Smith, (GTD – Ankle); Jae’Sean Tate, (OUT – Knee); Fred VanVleet, (OUT – Knee); Steven Adams, (OFS – Ankle)
Magic: Jalen Suggs, (GTD – Back); Franz Wagner, (OUT – Ankle)
Portland Trail Blazers at Chicago Bulls
8 p.m. ET
Line: Blazers -4.5 (-112) | Bulls +4.5 (-108)
Money line: Blazers -180 | Bulls +150
Total: 234.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI Projection: Blazers by 0.7, straight up 52%, 238.6 total points.
Injury Report:
Blazers: Robert Williams III, (GTD – Foot); Yang Hansen, (GTD – Back); Deni Avdija, (OUT – Back); Shaedon Sharpe, (OUT – Calf); Damian Lillard, (OFS – Achilles)
Bulls: Jalen Smith, (GTD – Calf); Patrick Williams, (GTD – Quadriceps); Anfernee Simons, (OUT – Wrist); Jaden Ivey, (OUT – Knee); Noa Essengue, (OFS – Shoulder); Zach Collins, (OFS – Toe)
Sacramento Kings at Dallas Mavericks
8:30 p.m. ET
Line: Kings +6.5 (-105) | Mavericks -6.5 (-115)
Money line: Kings +220 | Mavericks -270
Total: 236.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Mavericks by 8.4, straight up 74%, 236.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Kings: Keegan Murray, (GTD – Ankle); Dylan Cardwell, (OUT – Ankle); De’Andre Hunter, (OFS – Eye); Domantas Sabonis, (OFS – Knee); Zach LaVine, (OFS – Finger)
Mavericks: Daniel Gafford, (GTD – Ankle); Dereck Lively II, (OFS – Foot); Kyrie Irving, (OFS – Knee)
Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns
9 p.m. ET
Line: Lakers -5.5 (-115) | Suns +5.5 (-105)
Money line: Lakers -218 | Suns +180
Total: 220.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Lakers by 1.9, straight up 56%, 227.9 total points.
Injury Report:
Lakers: Jaxson Hayes, (GTD – Ankle); Rui Hachimura, (GTD – Illness)
Suns: Cole Anthony, (OUT – Not Injury Related); Devin Booker, (OUT – Hip); Jordan Goodwin, (OUT – Calf); Haywood Highsmith, (OUT – Knee); Dillon Brooks, (OUT – Hand)
New Orleans Pelicans at Utah Jazz
9 p.m. ET
Line: Pelicans -5.5 (-102) | Jazz +5.5 (-118)
Money line: Pelicans -192 | Jazz +160
Total: 242.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Pelicans by 4.9, straight up 65%, 249.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Pelicans: Trey Murphy III, (OUT – Shoulder); Yves Missi, (OUT – Calf)
Jazz: Vince Williams Jr., (OFS – Knee); Keyonte George, (GTD – Ankle); Lauri Markkanen, (GTD – Ankle); Jaren Jackson Jr., (OFS – Knee); Jusuf Nurkic, (OFS – Nose); Walker Kessler, (OFS – Shoulder)
Minnesota Timberwolves at LA Clippers
10 p.m. ET on Prime Video
Line: Timberwolves -5.5 (-112) | Clippers +5.5 (-108)
Money line: Timberwolves -218 | Clippers +180
Total: 225.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Timberwolves by 0.3, straight up 51%, 227.0 total points.
Injury Report:
Timberwolves: None reported
Clippers: John Collins, (GTD – Head); Kawhi Leonard, (GTD – Ankle); Darius Garland, (OUT – Toe); Bradley Beal, (OFS – Hip)