![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766257211_902_mccormick_jim.png&h=80&w=80&scale=crop.png\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Jim McCormickDec 20, 2025, 12:19 PM ET<\/p>\n
Close<\/a>Jim McCormick is a contributing writer for fantasy football and men’s basketball at ESPN.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Jump ahead A stocked Saturday slate features 10 games, including an anticipated meeting between Western Conference contenders the Houston Rockets<\/a> and Denver Nuggets<\/a>. There aren’t many important injuries in the picture today, which is always welcomed.<\/p>\n An important trend is competitive matchups, as only two games have double-digit point spreads on Saturday, while five games have lines of fewer than three points. This suggests a series of competitive games could unfold.<\/p>\n Play the No. 1 fantasy game for free<\/p>\n Create or join a fantasy basketball league on ESPN. Your championship run starts today!<\/p>\n Sign up today!<\/a><\/p>\n Fantasy managers and bettors tend to appreciate predictability, at least in regards to opportunity rates like minutes and usage. It’s more likely for both stars and rotation members to produce to their averages when there is greater confidence requisite ingredients such as shots and rebounding chances will be present.<\/p>\n Another theme is backcourt value, as a number of surging and widely available guards lead today’s streaming and prop endorsements. In a league where nearly every player on the court can shoot, it’s become critical to have live dribble creators.<\/p>\n With an eye on finding productive fantasy streamers and betting angles of interest, let’s take a look at the day ahead in the NBA.<\/p>\n Saturday’s fantasy stream team<\/p>\n Cam Spencer<\/a>, SG, Memphis Grizzlies<\/a> (rostered in 22% of ESPN leagues): Speaking of emergent guards, Spencer and his brother Pat have been revelations for their respective teams. Spencer has a level of confidence bordering on irrational, one that serves him well as a pick-and-roll creator for a team lacking depth. The Wizards present an inviting matchup given their high pace and generous defense.<\/p>\n Editor’s Picks<\/p>\n 2 Related<\/p>\n Herbert Jones<\/a>, SF\/PF, New Orleans Pelicans<\/a> (15.4%): A defensive wizard fresh from a game with eight steals, Jones has some of the best hands in the league. Whether on-ball or roving the lanes, Jones has the deflection and hustle rates to create chaos for opponents. The scoring is helpful and somewhat needed given a lack of rebounding for his size and position, but we’re really here for the extreme defensive production. Jones will be busy chasing Pascal Siakam<\/a> tonight.<\/p>\n Isaiah Collier<\/a>, PG, Utah Jazz<\/a> (14.4%): Keyonte George<\/a>‘s ascent as a special scoring guard is a great story for the Jazz. Lost in the shuffle has been Collier, who hasn’t been the key playmaker for this team the way he did as an impressive rookie last year. There is momentum, however, as Collier is fresh from a 13-dime showing. Orlando is a good test for Collier today.<\/p>\n 0:19<\/p>\n Isaiah Collier steals and scores for Jazz<\/p>\n Isaiah Collier steals and scores for Jazz.<\/p>\n Maxime Raynaud<\/a>, C, Sacramento Kings<\/a> (8.4%): Center isn’t a very deep position in fantasy in that it’s tough to find worthy plug-and-play options. Raynaud is an exception in that he’s not merely serving a rotation role in place of Domantas Sabonis<\/a>, but actually consuming a good bit of possessions. Last night’s 29-point opus reads like an outlier, but still impressive. The Trail Blazers have size and rim protection, so this will be a nice challenge for Raynaud.<\/p>\n McCormick’s bets for Saturday<\/p>\n Cooper Flagg OVER 5.5 rebounds (-148) <\/p>\n The hype is real and the production is only growing. Even with Anthony Davis<\/a> likely in the mix tonight, Philadelphia’s lack of rotational size and rebounding is fairly consistent. Flagg should be able to crash the offensive glass and also help end possessions facing Paul George<\/a> and Dominick Barlow<\/a> on the defensive end.<\/p>\n Jabari Smith Jr<\/a>. OVER 8.5 rebounds (+115)<\/p>\n It’s likely Smith takes on a help defense role this evening against the Nuggets. He’ll be important in closing out on Cam Johnson and helping on Nikola Jokic<\/a>, but this roving role also opens up a lot of rebounding potential. With size, length, and the freedom to find loose balls, Smith is a strong play for both this line and even double-double outcomes.<\/p>\n Top Daily Fantasy values of the day<\/p>\n $8,100+ salaries<\/p>\n Cade Cunningham<\/a>, PG, Detroit Pistons<\/a> ($10,600): This massive lead guard is in a strong position to exceed value tonight against a Charlotte Hornets<\/a> defense that struggles to contain penetration when LaMelo Ball<\/a> is the point-of-attack defender. The blowout potential is worthy of our attention, which means you’ll want some Tyrese Maxey<\/a> lineups.<\/p>\n $6,100-$8,000 salaries<\/p>\n Jaren Jackson Jr<\/a>., PF\/C, Memphis Grizzlies ($7,700): A slow start to the season produced some worry about Jackson, but a recent uptick in production and usage has been rewarding. The Wizards will struggle with curbing Jackson’s craft down low, while his rim protection skills remain elite and should surface against these young Washington guards.<\/p>\n Cooper Flagg<\/a>, SG, Dallas Mavericks<\/a> ($7,100): Putting it all together on offense well ahead of the expected timeline, Flagg is a fantasy force at a great value given what should be plus matchups against a Philadelphia rotation that’s very thin when it comes to guarding larger wings and forwards.<\/p>\n $3,500-$6,000 salaries<\/p>\n Jaylen Wells<\/a>, SF, Memphis Grizzlies ($5,300): The Grizzlies have a long injury list, vaulting Wells into a larger role on both sides of the floor. The Wizards are simply an ideal target and make it possible to stack Spencer, Jackson, and Wells at great values. A Memphis stack allows for spending big in the backcourt on the likes of Cunningham and Maxey.<\/p>\n Projections and injury reports<\/p>\n Basketball Power Index<\/a> by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook<\/a>.<\/p>\n Line: Rockets -1.5 (-108) | Nuggets +1.5 (-112) Injury Report:<\/p>\n Rockets: Dorian Finney-Smith<\/a>, (OUT – Ankle); Fred VanVleet<\/a>, (OUT – Knee); Tari Eason<\/a>, (OUT – Lower Leg)<\/p>\n Nuggets: Aaron Gordon<\/a>, (OUT – Hamstring); Christian Braun<\/a>, (OUT – Ankle); Peyton Watson<\/a>, (GTD – Side)<\/p>\n Line: Mavericks +3.5 (-120) | 76ers -3.5 (EVEN) Injury Report:<\/p>\n Mavericks: Kyrie Irving<\/a>, (OUT – Knee); Dante Exum<\/a>, (OFS – Knee); Dereck Lively II<\/a>, (OFS – Foot); Anthony Davis<\/a>, (GTD – Illness); Klay Thompson<\/a>, (GTD – Knee)<\/p>\n 76ers: Joel Embiid<\/a>, (GTD – Illness); Kelly Oubre Jr.<\/a>, (OUT – Knee); Trendon Watford<\/a>, (OUT – Thigh)<\/p>\n Line: Celtics -1.5 (-108) | Raptors +1.5 (-112) Injury Report:<\/p>\n Celtics: Jayson Tatum<\/a>, (OUT – Achilles)<\/p>\n Raptors: Jakob Poeltl<\/a>, (GTD – Back); RJ Barrett<\/a>, (OUT – Knee)<\/p>\n Line: Pacers +1.5 (-112) | Pelicans -1.5 (-108) Injury Report:<\/p>\n Pacers: Obi Toppin<\/a>, (OUT – Foot); Tyrese Haliburton<\/a>, (OFS – Achilles); Tony Bradley<\/a>, (GTD – Thumb); Aaron Nesmith<\/a>, (OUT – Knee); Ben Sheppard<\/a>, (OUT – Calf)<\/p>\n Pelicans: Dejounte Murray<\/a>, (OUT – Achilles)<\/p>\n Line: Hornets +10.5 (-110) | Pistons -10.5 (-110) Injury Report:<\/p>\n Hornets: Collin Sexton<\/a>, (GTD – Quadriceps); Pat Connaughton<\/a>, (GTD – Calf); Tre Mann<\/a>, (GTD – Knee); Grant Williams<\/a>, (OUT – Knee)<\/p>\n Pistons: Isaac Jones<\/a>, (GTD – Knee); Caris LeVert<\/a>, (GTD – Knee); Duncan Robinson<\/a>, (GTD – Hip)<\/p>\n Line: Wizards +12.5 (-102) | Grizzlies -12.5 (-118) Injury Report:<\/p>\n Wizards: Khris Middleton<\/a>, (GTD – Knee); Malaki Branham<\/a>, (GTD – Thumb); Corey Kispert<\/a>, (OUT – Thumb)<\/p>\n Grizzlies: John Konchar<\/a>, (OUT – Thumb); Javon Small<\/a>, (OUT – Toe); Zach Edey<\/a>, (OUT – Ankle); Scotty Pippen Jr.<\/a>, (OUT – Toe); Ty Jerome<\/a>, (OUT – Calf); Ja Morant<\/a>, (OUT – Ankle); Vince Williams Jr.<\/a>, (OUT – Knee)<\/p>\n Line: Suns +6.5 (-120) | Warriors -6.5 (EVEN) Injury Report:<\/p>\n Suns: Grayson Allen<\/a>, (GTD – Knee); Isaiah Livers<\/a>, (GTD – Hip); Koby Brea<\/a>, (OUT – Concussion); Jalen Green<\/a>, (OUT – Hamstring)<\/p>\n Warriors: Seth Curry<\/a>, (OUT – Thigh); Al Horford<\/a>, (OUT – Back)<\/p>\n Line: Magic -7.5 (-112) | Jazz +7.5 (-108) Injury Report:<\/p>\n Magic: Jalen Suggs<\/a>, (GTD – Hip); Jonathan Isaac<\/a>, (GTD – Hip); Tristan da Silva<\/a>, (GTD – Shoulder); Franz Wagner<\/a>, (OUT – Ankle); Moritz Wagner<\/a>, (OUT – Knee); Colin Castleton<\/a>, (OUT – Hand)<\/p>\n Jazz: Walker Kessler<\/a>, (OFS – Shoulder); Lauri Markkanen<\/a>, (GTD – Groin); Georges Niang<\/a>, (OUT – Foot)<\/p>\n Line: Blazers -4.5 (-110) | Kings +4.5 (-110) Injury Report:<\/p>\n Blazers: Blake Wesley<\/a>, (OUT – Foot); Damian Lillard<\/a>, (OFS – Achilles); Jerami Grant<\/a>, (GTD – Achilles); Matisse Thybulle<\/a>, (OUT – Thumb); Jrue Holiday<\/a>, (OUT – Calf); Scoot Henderson<\/a>, (OUT – Hamstring)<\/p>\n Kings: Drew Eubanks<\/a>, (OUT – Thumb); Domantas Sabonis<\/a>, (OUT – Knee); Doug McDermott<\/a>, (GTD – Knee); Zach LaVine<\/a>, (OUT – Ankle)<\/p>\n Line: Lakers -1.5 (-108) | Clippers +1.5 (-112) Injury Report:<\/p>\n Lakers: Rui Hachimura<\/a>, (GTD – Groin); Austin Reaves<\/a>, (OUT – Calf); Deandre Ayton<\/a>, (OUT – Elbow); Gabe Vincent<\/a>, (OUT – Back)<\/p>\n Clippers: Bradley Beal<\/a>, (OFS – Hip); Cam Christie<\/a>, (GTD – Foot); Yanic Konan Niederhauser<\/a>, (OUT – Knee); Derrick Jones Jr.<\/a>, (OUT – Knee)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Jim McCormickDec 20, 2025, 12:19 PM ET CloseJim McCormick is a contributing writer for fantasy football and men’s…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":360986,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[557],"tags":[64,63,590,85],"class_list":{"0":"post-360985","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nba","8":"tag-au","9":"tag-australia","10":"tag-nba","11":"tag-sports"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/360985","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=360985"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/360985\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/360986"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=360985"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=360985"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=360985"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Top streamers<\/a> | Best bets<\/a> | DFS picks<\/a> | Odds & Injury report<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/fba-1320x528_01.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nplay<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766257212_872_hou.png\")
![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766257212_422_den.png\")
Houston Rockets<\/a> at Denver Nuggets<\/a>
5 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
Money line: Rockets -120 | Nuggets +EVEN
Total: 236.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Nuggets by 0.7, straight up 52%, 239.5 total points.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766257213_817_dal.png\")
![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766257213_991_phi.png\")
Dallas Mavericks<\/a> at Philadelphia 76ers<\/a>
7 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
Money line: Mavericks +130 | 76ers -155
Total: 226.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: 76ers by 5.7, straight up 66%, 235.5 total points.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766257213_607_bos.png\")
![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766257214_159_tor.png\")
Boston Celtics<\/a> at Toronto Raptors<\/a>
7 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
Money line: Celtics -120 | Raptors +EVEN
Total: 223.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Celtics by 0.8, straight up 52%, 224.0 total points.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766257214_556_ind.png\")
![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766257214_753_no.png\")
Indiana Pacers<\/a> at New Orleans Pelicans<\/a>
7 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
Money line: Pacers +110 | Pelicans -130
Total: 235.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Pelicans by 3.3, straight up 60%, 237.3 total points.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766257215_482_cha.png\")
![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766257215_52_det.png\")
Charlotte Hornets<\/a> at Detroit Pistons<\/a>
7:30 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
Money line: Hornets +390 | Pistons -520
Total: 232.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Pistons by 10.4, straight up 77%, 231.8 total points.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766257215_629_wsh.png\")
![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766257216_180_mem.png\")
Washington Wizards<\/a> at Memphis Grizzlies<\/a>
8 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
Money line: Wizards +525 | Grizzlies -750
Total: 231.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Grizzlies by 14.6, straight up 87%, 235.8 total points.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766257216_971_pho.png\")
![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766257216_833_gs.png\")
Phoenix Suns<\/a> at Golden State Warriors<\/a>
8:30 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
Money line: Suns +200 | Warriors -245
Total: 227.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Warriors by 6.4, straight up 68%, 225.3 total points.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766257216_175_orl.png\")
![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/utah.png\")
Orlando Magic<\/a> at Utah Jazz<\/a>
9:30 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
Money line: Magic -290 | Jazz +235
Total: 236.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Magic by 9.7, straight up 76%, 240.0 total points.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766257217_279_por.png\")
![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766257217_777_sac.png\")
Portland Trail Blazers<\/a> at Sacramento Kings<\/a>
10 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
Money line: Blazers -185 | Kings +154
Total: 238.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Blazers by 2.9, straight up 58%, 240.2 total points.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766257218_154_lal.png\")
![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766257218_595_lac.png\")
Los Angeles Lakers<\/a> at LA Clippers<\/a>
10:30 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
Money line: Lakers -118 | Clippers -102
Total: 231.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Lakers by 1.2, straight up 54%, 228.8 total points.<\/p>\n