Fantasy basketball picks, DFS and betting tips for Thursday’s NBA games

Eric MoodyMar 5, 2026, 03:30 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.

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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 nine games on Thursday’s NBA slate and six on the DFS slate.

Editor’s Picks

2 Related

The San Antonio Spurs–Detroit Pistons matchup features two of the league’s hottest teams and carries potential playoff implications for both conferences. Detroit enters Thursday night at 45-15, holding the top spot in the Eastern Conference, while San Antonio sits 44-17, second in the Western Conference. The Spurs return to the Frost Bank Center after a successful Rodeo Road Trip in which they went 8-1, and they will look to extend their five-game home winning streak against one of the league’s most balanced teams.

Detroit has been one of the league’s best rebounding teams, ranking fourth with 46.3 RPG, and is led by Jalen Duren, who averages 10.8 boards. Cade Cunningham continues to drive the Pistons’ offense, averaging 25.2 PPG and 9.9 APG, while Detroit relies on its physical defense.

For San Antonio, everything continues to run through Victor Wembanyama, who’s averaged 23.4 PPG, 11.1 RPG and 2.9 BPG this season. His ability to anchor the defense and draw attention offensively opens opportunities for teammates like De’Aaron Fox, who’s averaged 18.6 PPG while providing the Spurs with another dynamic scoring option. San Antonio will look to replicate the defensive pressure that limited Detroit in their last matchup, though the return of Isaiah Stewart gives the Pistons another physical presence inside to challenge Wembanyama.

As always, 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

Precious Achiuwa, PF/C, Sacramento Kings (rostered in 26.4% of ESPN leagues): Achiuwa has carved out a consistent role in the Kings’ rotation, especially with Keegan Murray dealing with an ankle injury. He has averaged 35.2 fantasy points per game over the last nine games. Achiuwa is in a great spot against a Pelicans defense that ranks 26th in defensive rating this season.

*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

Victor Wembanyama OVER 35.5 points and rebounds (-113)

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The matchup between the Spurs and Pistons should be competitive given the narrow spread, and Detroit will likely be looking for some retribution after losing the last meeting between these teams on Feb. 23. Wembanyama did clear this line in that game, but it was the three-point shooting of Devin Vassell and Julian Champagnie that ultimately doomed the Pistons. Detroit may adjust defensively this time around, which could provide additional opportunities for Wemby to go to work. The Pistons have also struggled against bigs who can shoot from deep, and they allow the most free throw attempts in the league. Wemby has cleared this line in 13 of the 19 games in which he has played at least 30 minutes this season.

Jakob Poeltl Double-Double (+336)

Poeltl has played in only 27 games this season but has averaged 9.7 PPG and 7.4 RPG in 25.1 minutes. He draws an old school center matchup against Rudy Gobert, which should keep him on the floor for extended stretches. That creates a strong chance Poeltl plays more than 25 minutes Thursday night, especially with Collin Murray-Boyles ruled out. The Raptors may also need additional production from Poeltl if Brandon Ingram, who is currently questionable, is unable to play. Over the last two seasons, Poeltl has averaged 15.3 PPG and 11.0 RPG in games where he has played at least 30 minutes.

Top Daily Fantasy values of the day

Play DFS basketball at DraftKings.

$8,100+ salaries

Victor Wembanyama, C, San Antonio Spurs ($10,900)

Wembanyama should see ample minutes against the Pistons in what projects to be a competitive game based on the spread. The Pistons have been a strong defensive team overall this season, but they have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to centers over the last seven games.

Paolo Banchero, PF, Orlando Magic ($9,600)

Banchero has been tasked with carrying much of the offensive load for the Magic recently, especially with Franz Wagner still sidelined due to a sore left ankle. He has averaged 49.2 fantasy points per game over the last seven contests. The Mavericks have struggled defensively recently, ranking 28th in defensive rating over the last 15 games, and have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to power forwards over that span.

Bam Adebayo, C, Miami Heat ($8,400)

The Nets rank 27th in defensive rating this season and have allowed the 10th most fantasy points per game to centers. Adebayo has been superb recently, scoring at least 43 fantasy points while playing at least 35 minutes in three consecutive games. He should be well positioned to deliver against Brooklyn on Thursday night.

$6,100-$8,000 salaries

Keyonte George, PG, Utah Jazz ($7,900)

George has been superb since returning from an ankle sprain, especially over the last two games, where he has scored at least 41 fantasy points in each contest. The Wizards rank sixth in pace and 29th in defensive rating this season, which sets up well for George in this matchup.

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Kyle Filipowski, PF, Utah Jazz ($7,500)

Filipowski has averaged 29.7 fantasy points in 23.6 minutes per game over the eight games Jusuf Nurkic has been out. While the minutes have been somewhat limited, Filipowski draws an appealing matchup against the Wizards. He should thrive against a Wizards team that has allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to power forwards over the last 30 games. Filipowski is also a strong streaming option, as he’s rostered in just 26.7% of ESPN leagues.

Reed Sheppard, PG/SG, Houston Rockets ($6,300)

Sheppard has been a menace on both ends of the court recently. He has scored at least 30 fantasy points in four consecutive games, including 60.8 against the Washington Wizards on Monday. Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. have both been out with injuries (and are questionable for tonight’s game), which has opened the door for Sheppard to take on a larger role.

$3,500-$6,000 salaries

Justin Champagnie, PF/C, Washington Wizards ($5,200)

Champagnie has been solid recently, scoring at least 22 fantasy points in five consecutive games, including a 32.5-point performance against the Magic on Tuesday. He should see ample minutes against the Jazz due to the Wizards’ injury woes. Utah has allowed the most fantasy points per game to power forwards over the last 30 games. Champagnie is also a viable streamer, as he’s rostered in just 4.2% of leagues.

Jevon Carter, PG/SG, Orlando Magic ($3,900)

Carter has played at least 30 minutes in two consecutive games, which is encouraging as it suggests his role in the Magic’s rotation may be stabilizing. Inconsistent production and playing time have limited his upside since being traded from the Chicago Bulls. However, Carter presents solid value, especially with Anthony Black questionable, against a Mavericks team that has allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to point guards this season. He’s also an intriguing streaming option in deeper leagues, with a roster percentage of just 0.1%.

Leaky Black, SF/PF, Washington Wizards ($3,400)

Black has scored at least 16 fantasy points while playing at least 30 minutes in two consecutive games. The Wizards have been decimated by injuries, so Black should continue to see meaningful minutes. He faces a Jazz team that ranks 30th in defensive rating this season. Black should also be on the radar for managers 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

Dallas Mavericks at Orlando Magic
7 p.m. ET

Line: Mavericks +8.5 (-105) | Magic -8.5 (-115)
Money line: Mavericks +300 | Magic -380
Total: 230.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Magic by 3.1, straight up 59%, 232.7 total points.

Injury Report:

Mavericks: Brandon Williams, (GTD – Quadriceps); Cooper Flagg, (GTD – Foot); Klay Thompson, (GTD – Thigh); Naji Marshall, (GTD – Finger); Marvin Bagley III, (OUT – Neck); Dereck Lively II, (OFS – Foot); Kyrie Irving, (OFS – Knee)

Magic: Anthony Black, (GTD – Quadriceps); Wendell Carter Jr., (GTD – Ankle); Franz Wagner, (OUT – Ankle)

Utah Jazz at Washington Wizards
7 p.m. ET

Line: Jazz +3.5 (-105) | Wizards -3.5 (-115)
Money line: Jazz +142 | Wizards -170
Total: 243.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Wizards by 0.5, straight up 51%, 246.5 total points.

Injury Report:

Jazz: Vince Williams Jr., (OFS – Knee); Lauri Markkanen, (OUT – Hip); Jaren Jackson Jr., (OFS – Knee); Jusuf Nurkic, (OFS – Nose); Walker Kessler, (OFS – Shoulder)

Wizards: Anthony Gill, (GTD – Illness); Alex Sarr, (OUT – Hamstring); Jamir Watkins, (OUT – Ankle); Tristan Vukcevic, (OUT – Thigh); Kyshawn George, (OUT – Elbow); Anthony Davis, (OUT – Finger); D’Angelo Russell, (OUT – Not Injury Related); Cam Whitmore, (OFS – Shoulder)

Brooklyn Nets at Miami Heat
7:30 p.m. ET

Line: Nets +13.5 (-115) | Heat -13.5 (-105)
Money line: Nets +525 | Heat -750
Total: 226.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Heat by 10.9, straight up 79%, 227.8 total points.

Injury Report:

Nets: Egor Demin, (OUT – Foot)

Heat: Nikola Jovic, (OUT – Back); Simone Fontecchio, (OUT – Groin); Norman Powell, (OUT – Groin); Terry Rozier, (OUT – Not Injury Related)

Golden State Warriors at Houston Rockets
7:30 p.m. ET on Prime Video

Line: Warriors +8.5 (-108) | Rockets -8.5 (-112)
Money line: Warriors +300 | Rockets -380
Total: 213.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Rockets by 4.1, straight up 62%, 222.8 total points.

Injury Report:

Warriors: Gary Payton II, (GTD – Ankle); Kristaps Porzingis, (OUT – Illness); Moses Moody, (OUT – Wrist); Will Richard, (OUT – Ankle); Seth Curry, (OUT – Back); Stephen Curry, (OUT – Knee); Jimmy Butler III, (OFS – Knee)

Rockets: Alperen Sengun, (GTD – Illness); Amen Thompson, (GTD – Ankle); Jabari Smith Jr., (GTD – Ankle); Jae’Sean Tate, (OUT – Knee); Fred VanVleet, (OUT – Knee); Steven Adams, (OFS – Ankle)

Toronto Raptors at Minnesota Timberwolves
8 p.m. ET

Line: Raptors +5.5 (-110) | Timberwolves -5.5 (-110)
Money line: Raptors +195 | Timberwolves -238
Total: 225.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI Projection: Timberwolves by 5.7, straight up 67%, 228.5 total points.

Injury Report:

Raptors: Brandon Ingram, (GTD – Thumb); Chucky Hepburn, (OUT – Knee); Collin Murray-Boyles, (OUT – Thumb)

Timberwolves: Joe Ingles, (OUT – Personal)

Detroit Pistons at San Antonio Spurs
8 p.m. ET

Line: Pistons +3.5 (-112) | Spurs -3.5 (-108)
Money line: Pistons +130 | Spurs -155
Total: 228.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Spurs by 0.3, straight up 51%, 227.0 total points.

Injury Report:

Pistons: None reported

Spurs: Harrison Barnes, (OUT – Ankle); Harrison Ingram, (OUT – Undisclosed); David Jones Garcia, (OFS – Ankle)

Chicago Bulls at Phoenix Suns
9 p.m. ET

Line: Bulls +10.5 (-115) | Suns -10.5 (-105)
Money line: Bulls +400 | Suns -535
Total: 224.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI Projection: Suns by 6, straight up 68%, 231.3 total points.

Injury Report:

Bulls: Jalen Smith, (GTD – Calf); Josh Giddey, (GTD – Ankle); Matas Buzelis, (GTD – Ankle); Patrick Williams, (GTD – Quadriceps); Anfernee Simons, (OUT – Wrist); Jaden Ivey, (OUT – Knee); Noa Essengue, (OFS – Shoulder); Zach Collins, (OFS – Toe)

Suns: Mark Williams, (OUT – Foot); Jordan Goodwin, (OUT – Calf); Dillon Brooks, (OUT – Hand)

Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets
10 p.m. ET on Prime Video

Line: Lakers +5.5 (-115) | Nuggets -5.5 (-105)
Money line: Lakers +164 | Nuggets -198
Total: 240.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Nuggets by 5.3, straight up 66%, 238.0 total points.

Injury Report:

Lakers: Maxi Kleber, (GTD – Back)

Nuggets: Cameron Johnson, (GTD – Ankle); Aaron Gordon, (OUT – Hamstring); Spencer Jones, (OUT – Shoulder); Peyton Watson, (OUT – Hamstring)

New Orleans Pelicans at Sacramento Kings
10 p.m. ET

Line: Pelicans -5.5 (-110) | Kings +5.5 (-110)
Money line: Pelicans -205 | Kings +170
Total: 234.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Pelicans by 3.5, straight up 61%, 236.6 total points.

Injury Report:

Pelicans: Trey Murphy III, (GTD – Neck); Zion Williamson, (GTD – Ankle)

Kings: Keegan Murray, (OUT – Ankle); Dylan Cardwell, (OUT – Ankle); De’Andre Hunter, (OFS – Eye); Domantas Sabonis, (OFS – Knee); Zach LaVine, (OFS – Finger)