![\"\"](\"https:\/\/a.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=\/i\/columnists\/full\/moody_eric.png&h=80&w=80&scale=crop\")
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Eric MoodyDec 22, 2025, 01:00 PM ET<\/p>\n
Close<\/a>Eric 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.<\/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 The NBA Cup in now the rearview mirror, but the league immediately throws a scheduling wrinkle with Christmas week. Monday features a seven-game slate, Christmas Eve goes dark while Christmas Day has five games — but Tuesday features 28 of 30 teams in action. The week then settles into rhythm with nine-game slates on both Friday and Saturday.<\/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 Looking at Monday, the most intriguing game has the Dallas Maveric<\/a>ks<\/a> hitting the road to face the New Orleans Pelicans<\/a>. Dallas enters this matchup as a slight underdog despite winning six of its last nine games. New Orleans is riding a four-game win streak built on a balanced attack, the emergence of rookie Derik Queen<\/a> and a controlled return of Zion Williamson<\/a> off the bench. Dallas counters with the continued rise of Cooper Flagg<\/a> and strong interior play from Naji Marshall<\/a>, but injuries and a demanding road stretch raise the stakes. With the season series split and both teams trending upward, this matchup feels bigger than the records suggest.<\/p>\n Let’s break down the action and find some fantasy streamers and betting angles to make the most of tonight’s slate.<\/p>\n Monday’s fantasy stream team<\/p>\n Duncan Robinson<\/a>, SF, Detroit Pistons<\/a> (5.7% rostered): Robinson is a strong streaming option against a Portland team that ranks 21st in defensive rating and has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to small forwards. He’s averaged 19.6 fantasy points over his last 10 games and is a solid add for managers in deeper formats. At $4,000, Robinson shouldn’t be overlooked as a DFS option, too.<\/p>\n Cam Spencer<\/a>, SG, Memphis Grizzlies<\/a> (28.3%): Ja Morant<\/a> and Vince Williams Jr.<\/a> won’t play Monday night against Oklahoma City, which allows Spencer to play heavy minutes, handle the ball more and see a significant usage bump. He’s produced at least 35 fantasy points in each of his last six games. While the Thunder lead the league in defensive rating, Spencer remains a solid streaming option for managers in need. He’s also a great DFS value at $6,200.<\/p>\n Moody’s bets for Monday<\/p>\n LaMelo Ball<\/a> OVER 7.5 assists (-128)<\/p>\n Ball returned after missing three games with a left ankle bone bruise, and has cleared this line in one of two games since, logging 29 minutes against Atlanta on Dec. 18, and 23 minutes against Detroit on Dec. 20. He posted double-digit potential assists in both games, showing he can produce even in limited minutes. Ball has also cleared this line in five of eight games this season when playing between 23 and 29 minutes. He should find success against a Cleveland Cavaliers<\/a> team that ranks near the bottom of the league in defensive rating over the last four games.<\/p>\n Editor’s Picks<\/p>\n 2 Related<\/p>\n Paolo Banchero<\/a> UNDER 25.5 points (-117)<\/p>\n Even with Franz Wagner<\/a> and Jalen Suggs<\/a> unlikely to play, the under remains appealing for Banchero. He’s gone under this line in seven of his last 10 games. The matchup is also challenging, as a quarter of Banchero’s scoring comes in transition, an area the Warriors have defended well this season. Draymond Green<\/a> presents another difficult matchup and Golden State has allowed the ninth-fewest points per game to power forwards. On top of that, the Warriors rank near the bottom of the league in pace over the last 10 games. All signs point to a muted scoring night for Banchero.<\/p>\n Saddiq Bey<\/a> to score 25+ points, rebounds and assists (+245)<\/p>\n Bey has been superb over the last 10 games, clearing this number seven times. During that span, he’s averaged 14.2 field-goal attempts in 32.5 minutes while shooting 49% from the field. The matchup between the Pelicans and Mavericks features a narrow spread, which implies a competitive game. Dallas also allows the ninth-most rebounds and the fourth-most assists per game to small forwards. Bey is an excellent streamer, available in just 36.5% of leagues and priced as a strong DFS value at $6,000.<\/p>\n Top Daily Fantasy values of the day<\/p>\n Play Daily Fantasy NBA at DraftKings<\/p>\n $8100+ salaries<\/p>\n Anthony Davis<\/a>, PF\/C, Dallas Mavericks ($9,200)<\/p>\n Davis has scored at least 42 fantasy points in four consecutive games and draws an elite matchup against a Pelicans defense that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to centers this season.<\/p>\n Stephen Curry<\/a>, PG, Golden State Warriors<\/a> ($9,000)<\/p>\n Curry has scored at least 53 fantasy points in three of his last four games. Despite Orlando’s strong defensive reputation, the absence of Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner significantly weakens the Magic’s perimeter defense, and they have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points in the league to point guards this season.<\/p>\n Keyonte George<\/a>, PG, Utah Jazz<\/a> ($8,200)<\/p>\n George has scored at least 50 fantasy points in four consecutive games, including one outing with 63.5. He maintains a high-usage role for the Jazz — regardless of Lauri Markkanen<\/a>‘s status — and should thrive against a Nuggets team dealing with multiple injuries.<\/p>\n $6100-$8000 salaries<\/p>\n Derrick White<\/a>, PG\/SG, Boston Celtics<\/a> ($7,800)<\/p>\n White has been on a tear, averaging 41.4 fantasy points per game in December. The Pacers’ 25th-ranked defensive rating so far this month makes this a strong spot.<\/p>\n Brandon Miller<\/a>, SF, Charlotte Hornets<\/a> ($7,600)<\/p>\n Miller is coming off a disappointing performance against Detroit on Saturday, finishing with 26.8 fantasy points. However, he scored 53.8 and 54.2 fantasy points in the prior two games. Miller is well positioned for success against a Cavaliers team that has struggled defensively in recent weeks.<\/p>\n Donovan Clingan<\/a>, C, Portland Trail Blazers<\/a> ($6,500)<\/p>\n Clingan has played well and capitalized on the Kings’ woes at the center position during the past two games. He’s logged at least 30 minutes and scored at least 38 fantasy points in consecutive games. The Pistons present a difficult matchup, but at this price, it’s difficult to fade Clingan.<\/p>\n Wendell Carter Jr<\/a>., C, Orlando Magic<\/a> ($5,400)<\/p>\n Carter focused on becoming a better shooter this offseason, and it’s paying dividends so far. He’s shooting a career-high 43.6% from the field and has scored at least 33 fantasy points in four straight games. He also contributes across multiple statistical categories.<\/p>\n $3500-$6000 salaries<\/p>\n Isaiah Collier<\/a>, PG, Utah Jazz ($4,200)<\/p>\n Collier is a capable backup to George and shouldn’t be overlooked if you’re looking for value at guard. He’s averaged 36.2 fantasy points per game over his last three games.<\/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: Hornets +9.5 (-115) | Cavaliers -9.5 (-105) Injury Report:<\/p>\n Hornets: Collin Sexton<\/a>, (GTD – Quadriceps); LaMelo Ball<\/a>, (GTD – Wrist); Ryan Kalkbrenner<\/a>, (GTD – Elbow); Grant Williams<\/a>, (OUT – Knee)<\/p>\n Cavaliers: , (GTD – Illness); Donovan Mitchell<\/a>, (GTD – Illness); Max Strus<\/a>, (OUT – Foot)<\/p>\n Line: Pacers +12.5 (-115) | Celtics -12.5 (-105) Injury Report:<\/p>\n Pacers: Obi Toppin<\/a>, (OUT – Foot); Tyrese Haliburton<\/a>, (OFS – Achilles); Johnny Furphy<\/a>, (GTD – Ankle); , (GTD – Knee); Aaron Nesmith<\/a>, (OUT – Knee); Ben Sheppard<\/a>, (OUT – Calf)<\/p>\n Celtics: Jayson Tatum<\/a>, (OUT – Achilles); Jaylen Brown<\/a>, (GTD – Illness); Jordan Walsh<\/a>, (GTD – Illness)<\/p>\n Line: Mavericks +1.5 (-120) | Pelicans -1.5 (EVEN) Injury Report:<\/p>\n Mavericks: Kyrie Irving<\/a>, (OUT – Knee); Dante Exum<\/a>, (OFS – Knee); Dereck Lively II<\/a>, (OFS – Foot); Cooper Flagg<\/a>, (GTD – Back); Klay Thompson<\/a>, (GTD – Knee); Max Christie<\/a>, (GTD – Illness)<\/p>\n Pelicans: Dejounte Murray<\/a>, (OUT – Achilles); Herbert Jones<\/a>, (GTD – Head)<\/p>\n Line: Jazz +13.5 (-115) | Nuggets -13.5 (-105) Injury Report:<\/p>\n Jazz: Walker Kessler<\/a>, (OFS – Shoulder); Lauri Markkanen<\/a>, (GTD – Groin); Kevin Love<\/a>, (OUT – Rest); Georges Niang<\/a>, (OUT – Foot)<\/p>\n Nuggets: Aaron Gordon<\/a>, (OUT – Hamstring); Christian Braun<\/a>, (OUT – Ankle); Peyton Watson<\/a>, (GTD – Side)<\/p>\n Line: Grizzlies +15.5 (-112) | Thunder -15.5 (-108) Injury Report:<\/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); , (OUT – Calf); Ja Morant<\/a>, (OUT – Ankle); Vince Williams Jr.<\/a>, (OUT – Knee)<\/p>\n Thunder: Nikola Topic<\/a>, (OUT – Groin); Thomas Sorber<\/a>, (OFS – Knee); Aaron Wiggins<\/a>, (GTD – Groin); Alex Caruso<\/a>, (GTD – Finger); Chet Holmgren<\/a>, (GTD – Back); Isaiah Hartenstein<\/a>, (OUT – Lower Leg); Jaylin Williams<\/a>, (OUT – Heel); Ousmane Dieng<\/a>, (OUT – Calf)<\/p>\n Line: Magic +5.5 (-105) | Warriors -5.5 (-115) Injury Report:<\/p>\n Magic: Jalen Suggs<\/a>, (GTD – Hip); Tristan da Silva<\/a>, (GTD – Shoulder); Colin Castleton<\/a>, (OUT – Hand); Franz Wagner<\/a>, (OUT – Ankle); Moritz Wagner<\/a>, (OUT – Knee)<\/p>\n Warriors: Al Horford<\/a>, (OUT – Back); Seth Curry<\/a>, (OUT – Thigh)<\/p>\n Line: Pistons -5.5 (-115) | Blazers +5.5 (-105) Injury Report:<\/p>\n Pistons: Jalen Duren<\/a>, (GTD – Hip); Ronald Holland II<\/a>, (GTD – Knee)<\/p>\n Blazers: Blake Wesley<\/a>, (OUT – Foot); Damian Lillard<\/a>, (OFS – Achilles); Jerami Grant<\/a>, (GTD – Achilles); Jrue Holiday<\/a>, (OUT – Calf); Matisse Thybulle<\/a>, (OUT – Thumb); Scoot Henderson<\/a>, (OUT – Hamstring)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Eric MoodyDec 22, 2025, 01:00 PM ET CloseEric Moody is a writer for fantasy football, men’s and women’s…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":365667,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[557],"tags":[64,63,590,85],"class_list":{"0":"post-365666","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\/365666","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=365666"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/365666\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/365667"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=365666"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=365666"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=365666"}],"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:\/\/a.espncdn.com\/lm-static\/Fantasy%20Refresh%20Inline%20Ads\/1320x528\/fba-1320x528_01.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/a.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=\/i\/teamlogos\/nba\/500\/cha.png?w=110&h=110&transparent=true\")
![](\"https:\/\/a.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=\/i\/teamlogos\/nba\/500\/cle.png?w=110&h=110&transparent=true\")
Charlotte Hornets<\/a> at Cleveland Cavaliers<\/a>
7 p.m. ET on Peacock<\/p>\n
Money line: Hornets +310 | Cavaliers -395
Total: 238.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Cavaliers by 10.9, straight up 78%, 235.7 total points.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/a.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=\/i\/teamlogos\/nba\/500\/ind.png?w=110&h=110&transparent=true\")
![](\"https:\/\/a.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=\/i\/teamlogos\/nba\/500\/bos.png?w=110&h=110&transparent=true\")
Indiana Pacers<\/a> at Boston Celtics<\/a>
7:30 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
Money line: Pacers +440 | Celtics -600
Total: 225.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Celtics by 11.2, straight up 79%, 224.7 total points.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/a.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=\/i\/teamlogos\/nba\/500\/dal.png?w=110&h=110&transparent=true\")
![](\"https:\/\/a.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=\/i\/teamlogos\/nba\/500\/no.png?w=110&h=110&transparent=true\")
Dallas Mavericks<\/a> at New Orleans Pelicans<\/a>
8 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
Money line: Mavericks -108 | Pelicans -112
Total: 240.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Mavericks by 1.2, straight up 54%, 239.9 total points.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/a.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=\/i\/teamlogos\/nba\/500\/utah.png?w=110&h=110&transparent=true\")
![](\"https:\/\/a.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=\/i\/teamlogos\/nba\/500\/den.png?w=110&h=110&transparent=true\")
Utah Jazz<\/a> at Denver Nuggets<\/a>
9 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
Money line: Jazz +575 | Nuggets -850
Total: 250.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI Projection: Nuggets by 16.8, straight up 91%, 250.8 total points.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/a.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=\/i\/teamlogos\/nba\/500\/mem.png?w=110&h=110&transparent=true\")
![](\"https:\/\/a.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=\/i\/teamlogos\/nba\/500\/okc.png?w=110&h=110&transparent=true\")
Memphis Grizzlies<\/a> at Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a>
9:30 p.m. ET on Peacock<\/p>\n
Money line: Grizzlies +800 | Thunder -1350
Total: 230.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Thunder by 16.9, straight up 91%, 228.9 total points.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/a.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=\/i\/teamlogos\/nba\/500\/orl.png?w=110&h=110&transparent=true\")
![](\"https:\/\/a.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=\/i\/teamlogos\/nba\/500\/gs.png?w=110&h=110&transparent=true\")
Orlando Magic<\/a> at Golden State Warriors<\/a>
10 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
Money line: Magic +190 | Warriors -230
Total: 226.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Warriors by 2.9, straight up 59%, 225.3 total points.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/a.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=\/i\/teamlogos\/nba\/500\/det.png?w=110&h=110&transparent=true\")
![](\"https:\/\/a.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=\/i\/teamlogos\/nba\/500\/por.png?w=110&h=110&transparent=true\")
Detroit Pistons<\/a> at Portland Trail Blazers<\/a>
10 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
Money line: Pistons -238 | Blazers +195
Total: 234.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Pistons by 5, straight up 64%, 236.7 total points.<\/p>\n