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 Tuesday’s games
There are 11 games on Tuesday’s NBA slate and eight on the DFS slate. No team is playing the second leg of a back-to-back.
The Cleveland Cavaliers–New York Knicks matchup is easily one of the most compelling games on the slate. Sitting in third and fourth place in the East, the teams are separated by just one game. The Cavaliers have been strong at home all season, while the Knicks have a 2-0 edge in the season series, which adds another layer of intrigue to a game that could swing playoff positioning.
The backcourt battle will be a big part of dictating how this game unfolds. Donovan Mitchell and James Harden have given Cleveland an offensive jolt, as the Cavs first in offensive rating this month. On the other side, Jalen Brunson continues to steady the Knicks late in games, and Karl-Anthony Towns‘ presence inside adds balance.
Rebounding and tempo will be the key factors. The Cavaliers play fast and shoot at volume from deep, while the Knicks will need to control possessions and limit second chances against a tall Cleveland frontcourt. The Cavaliers have a slight edge given the home court advantage and their offensive dominance so far in February, but this this feels like a game that comes down to one clean stretch in the final minutes.
As always, let’s dig deeper into these and the other storylines to identify fantasy streamers, betting angles and DFS plays of interest for Tuesday’s slate.
Moody’s fantasy stream team for Tuesday
Isaiah Joe, SG, Oklahoma City Thunder (rostered in 10.4% of ESPN leagues): Joe has started three of nine games in February and has delivered strong production during that stretch, averaging 30.2 fantasy points per game. He contributes across multiple categories and should continue to play a significant role in Oklahoma City’s rotation with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined due to an abdominal injury.
*Additional streaming options in ESPN leagues can be found in the Top Daily Fantasy values of the day section.
Moody’s favorite bets for Tuesday
Donovan Mitchell 30+ points (+134)
Mitchell has scored at least 30 points in 29 of 54 games this season, including four alongside Harden, whose added presence has helped open the floor for Cleveland. Mitchell averages 20.6 field-goal attempts per game and is shooting 49% from the field. Mitchell has scored at least 31 points in both games against the Knicks this season. New York has struggled defending pick-and-roll ball handlers, which sets up well for Mitchell.
Onyeka Okongwu OVER 15.5 points (-106)
Okongwu has cleared this line in 28 of 53 games this season and in 11 of 16 games when bothCJ McCollumand Jalen Johnson are in the lineup. The Washington Wizards rank among the worst defensive teams in the league and have allowed the second-most points per game to centers this season. Although the Atlanta Hawks are heavy favorites, Okongwu should still see enough minutes to clear this number.
Payton Pritchard 20+ points (+107)
Pritchard has been excellent over his last 10 games, scoring at least 20 points in seven of them. The Phoenix Suns will be without Dillon Brooks, which benefits Pritchard, who should see solid minutes and significant field-goal attempts with the second unit. His upside increases further if Jaylen Brown, who is questionable for Tuesday’s matchup due to a right knee contusion, is ruled out. It’s also worth noting that the Boston Celtics are on the front end of a back-to-back with a nationally televised game against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday on ESPN. If Brown is ruled out, I’d consider Pritchard’s 25+ points line, which is currently at (+281).
Top Daily Fantasy values of the day
$8,100+ salaries
Jalen Johnson, PF, Hawks ($10,800): Johnson’s price continues to climb, but he remains difficult to fade. He’s averaging 56.8 fantasy points over his last 14 games and continues to anchor the Hawks’ offense. Tuesday’s matchup against Washington only strengthens his outlook, as the Wizards rank 29th in defensive rating, sixth in pace and have allowed the most fantasy points per game to power forwards this season. The matchup between the Hawks, who rank third in pace, and the Wizards carries the highest total on Tuesday’s slate.
Tyrese Maxey, PG, Philadelphia 76ers ($9,800): Maxey has been outstanding over his last seven games, averaging 47.8 fantasy points and 35.8 minutes per contest. He fills the stat sheet with points, rebounds, assists and steals. Joel Embiid has missed the last five games due to right knee injury management and right shin soreness and is questionable for tonight’s matchup against the Indiana Pacers. Even if he returns, he could be on a minutes restriction. Maxey faces a Pacers defense that has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to point guards over the last 30 games.
Donovan Mitchell, SG, Cavaliers ($9,500): Mitchell has averaged 44.4 fantasy points per game this month while posting a 33.6% usage rate, and he has thrived alongside Harden. Tuesday night’s showdown against the Knicks carries significant postseason implications, as New York holds a narrow edge over Cleveland for the No. 3 seed and the game could serve as a critical tie-breaker. This game also has a narrow spread and one of the higher totals on the slate, an environment that sets up well for Mitchell to stay aggressive offensively.
Jalen Brunson, PG, Knicks ($8,800): Brunson has been highly productive in February, averaging 42.7 fantasy points per game. He should once again carry a significant usage rate with playoff positioning at stake in Tuesday night’s matchup against Cleveland. The last time Brunson faced the Cavaliers, on Christmas Day, he finished with 34 points and four assists. A similar usage level would put him firmly in play at this price.
$6,100-$8,000 salaries
Brandon Miller, SF, Charlotte Hornets ($7,900): Miller’s fantasy production has been inconsistent in February, but Tuesday’s matchup sets up well for a ceiling performance. The Chicago Bulls rank fifth in pace and have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to small forwards over their last 15 contests. Miller’s 30.2% usage rate this season gives him ample opportunity to capitalize in an up-tempo environment.
Kevin Porter Jr., PG/SG, Milwaukee Bucks ($7,800): Porter has scored at least 43 fantasy points in six of his last seven games, including a 54.5-point outing. He should continue to see a high usage rate with Giannis Antetokounmpo already ruled out for Tuesday’s matchup against the Miami Heat. Porter contributes across the stat sheet and now faces a Heat team that leads the league in pace and is fourth in defensive rating.
Kon Knueppel, SG, Hornets ($7,400): Knueppel tied Stephen Curry for the most games with at least 25 points and five three-pointers by a rookie, reaching nine such performances and highlighting what has been an outstanding debut season. He has averaged 37.7 fantasy points over his last 10 games. Tuesday’s matchup is also favorable, as the Bulls rank fifth in pace and have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to shooting guards this season.
Jarrett Allen, C, Cavaliers ($7,200): Allen’s chemistry with Harden is evident, as he has scored at least 30 fantasy points in all six games they’ve played together, including three with of 40 or more. Cleveland should lean heavily on its core contributors with postseason positioningat stake. Allen is well positioned to accumulate points and rebounds in a competitive environment and should deliver strong value at this salary.
Brandin Podziemski, PG/SG, Golden State Warriors ($6,200): Podziemski has shown the ability to produce all-around performances, whether starting or coming off the bench, averaging 35.3 fantasy points over his last five games. He’s in an excellent spot Tuesday against a New Orleans Pelicans team that ranks 27th in defensive rating and has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to shooting guards over the last 30 contests. Podziemski should continue to see ample minutes with Curry still sidelined due to a right knee injury. Podziemski is rostered in just 37.6% of ESPN leagues if you also are in need of a streamer.
$3,000-$6,000 salaries
Gui Santos, SF, Warriors ($5,600): Santos has posted at least 25 fantasy points in 10 consecutive outings. Santos should continue to see steady minutes and a high usage rate with Kristaps Porzingis not expected to return until Thursday. The matchup is favorable as well, as New Orleans has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to power forwards over the last 30 contests. Santos is also a viable streaming option, currently rostered in just 15.8% of ESPN leagues.
Moussa Diabate, C, Hornets ($5,200): Diabate is expected to return to the rotation following a four-game suspension. Prior to the incident that led to his suspension against the Pistons on February 9, he had scored at least 29 fantasy points in back-to-back games. The matchup is favorable as well, with the Bulls playing at an up-tempo pace and allowing the third-most fantasy points per game to centers over the last 30 games. Diabate also profiles as a strong streaming option, currently rostered in just 15.7% of ESPN leagues.
Khris Middleton, PF, Dallas Mavericks ($5,000): Middleton has started the last two games with Cooper Flagg sidelined due to a foot injury, and Flagg has already been ruled out for Tuesday’s matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. Middleton has scored at least 32 fantasy points in both games and should continue to play significant minutes. The Nets rank near the bottom of the league in defensive rating, creating a favorable spot for Middleton to build on his recent production. He’s also on the streaming radar in deeper formats, as he is currently rostered in just 6.8% of leagues.
Guerschon Yabusele, PF, Bulls ($4,900): Yabusele has produced at least 31 fantasy points in back-to-back games and has made five starts in the seven games since the trade deadline following Nikola Vucevic‘s departure. With Jalen Smith dealing with a calf injury, Yabusele continues to see expanded minutes in the rotation. Although the Hornets have improved defensively over the last 30 games, Yabusele’s role and price tag make him difficult to fade. Rostered in just 1.8% of leagues, Yabusele also remains firmly on the streaming radar in deeper formats.
Projections and Injury Reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook
Philadelphia 76ers at Indiana Pacers
7 p.m. ET
Line: 76ers -10.5 (-102) | Pacers +10.5 (-118)
Money line: 76ers -455 | Pacers +350
Total: 233.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: 76ers by 5.7, straight up 67%, 234.0 total points.
Injury Report:
76ers: Joel Embiid, (GTD – Lower Leg); MarJon Beauchamp, (GTD – Illness); Paul George, (OUT – Suspension); Johni Broome, (OUT – Knee)
Pacers: Johnny Furphy, (OFS – Knee); Andrew Nembhard, (GTD – Back); Kam Jones, (GTD – Back); Micah Potter, (GTD – Ankle); Pascal Siakam, (GTD – Wrist); T.J. McConnell, (GTD – Hamstring); Aaron Nesmith, (OUT – Ankle); Ivica Zubac, (OUT – Ankle); Obi Toppin, (OUT – Foot); Tyrese Haliburton, (OFS – Achilles)
Washington Wizards at Atlanta Hawks
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Wizards +13.5 (-115) | Hawks -13.5 (-105)
Money line: Wizards +525 | Hawks -750
Total: 239.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Hawks by 15.7, straight up 87%, 239.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Wizards: Justin Champagnie, (GTD – Knee); Tristan Vukcevic, (GTD – Hand); Alex Sarr, (OUT – Hamstring); D’Angelo Russell, (OUT – Not Injury Related); Trae Young, (OUT – Knee); Anthony Davis, (OFS – Finger); Cam Whitmore, (OFS – Shoulder)
Hawks: Jonathan Kuminga, (OUT – Knee)
Dallas Mavericks at Brooklyn Nets
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Mavericks -2.5 (-102) | Nets +2.5 (-118)
Money line: Mavericks -130 | Nets +110
Total: 226.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Mavericks by 4.7, straight up 64%, 224.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Mavericks: Caleb Martin, (GTD – Ankle); Daniel Gafford, (GTD – Ankle); Cooper Flagg, (OUT – Foot); Dereck Lively II, (OFS – Foot)
Nets: None reported
Oklahoma City Thunder at Toronto Raptors
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Thunder +1.5 (-115) | Raptors -1.5 (-105)
Money line: Thunder -102 | Raptors -118
Total: 215.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Thunder by 3.8, straight up 61%, 220.8 total points.
Injury Report:
Thunder: Alex Caruso, (GTD – Ankle); Chet Holmgren, (GTD – Back); Ajay Mitchell, (OUT – Ankle); Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, (OUT – Abdomen); Jalen Williams, (OUT – Hamstring); Thomas Sorber, (OFS – Knee)
Raptors: Jakob Poeltl, (GTD – Back); Chucky Hepburn, (OUT – Knee)
New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers
7:30 p.m. ET on Peacock
Line: Knicks +4.5 (-118) | Cavaliers -4.5 (-102)
Money line: Knicks +142 | Cavaliers -170
Total: 232.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Cavaliers by 1.1, straight up 53%, 237.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Knicks: Miles McBride, (OUT – Pelvis)
Cavaliers: Max Strus, (OUT – Foot)
Charlotte Hornets at Chicago Bulls
8 p.m. ET
Line: Hornets -8.5 (-110) | Bulls +8.5 (-110)
Money line: Hornets -340 | Bulls +270
Total: 232.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Hornets by 5, straight up 65%, 232.3 total points.
Injury Report:
Hornets: Coby White, (GTD – Calf); Ryan Kalkbrenner, (GTD – Ankle); Liam McNeeley, (OUT – Ankle)
Bulls: Jalen Smith, (GTD – Calf); Anfernee Simons, (OUT – Wrist); Jaden Ivey, (OUT – Knee); Noa Essengue, (OFS – Shoulder); Zach Collins, (OFS – Toe)
8 p.m. ET
Line: Heat -6.5 (-108) | Bucks +6.5 (-112)
Money line: Heat -250 | Bucks +205
Total: 226.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Heat by 4.7, straight up 64%, 234.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Heat: Davion Mitchell, (GTD – Illness); Nikola Jovic, (GTD – Back); Terry Rozier, (OUT – Not Injury Related)
Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo, (OUT – Calf); Taurean Prince, (OUT – Neck)
Golden State Warriors at New Orleans Pelicans
8 p.m. ET
Line: Warriors -1.5 (-110) | Pelicans +1.5 (-110)
Money line: Warriors -122 | Pelicans +102
Total: 228.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Warriors by 0.1, straight up 50%, 234.7 total points.
Injury Report:
Warriors: Al Horford, (GTD – Toe); De’Anthony Melton, (GTD – Knee); Draymond Green, (GTD – Back); Kristaps Porzingis, (OUT – Illness); Stephen Curry, (OUT – Knee); Seth Curry, (OUT – Back); Jimmy Butler III, (OFS – Knee)
Pelicans: Micah Peavy, (OUT – Toe); Trey Murphy III, (OUT – Shoulder); Yves Missi, (OUT – Calf)
Boston Celtics at Phoenix Suns
9 p.m. ET
Line: Celtics -6.5 (-115) | Suns +6.5 (-105)
Money line: Celtics -250 | Suns +205
Total: 205.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Celtics by 6, straight up 68%, 218.7 total points.
Injury Report:
Celtics: Jaylen Brown, (GTD – Knee); Jayson Tatum, (OUT – Achilles)
Suns: Grayson Allen, (GTD – Ankle); Cole Anthony, (OUT – Not Injury Related); Devin Booker, (OUT – Hip); Jordan Goodwin, (OUT – Calf); Haywood Highsmith, (OUT – Knee); Dillon Brooks, (OUT – Hand)
Minnesota Timberwolves at Portland Trail Blazers
10 p.m. ET on Peacock
Line: Timberwolves -6.5 (-118) | Blazers +6.5 (-102)
Money line: Timberwolves -265 | Blazers +215
Total: 236.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Timberwolves by 6.2, straight up 68%, 236.1 total points.
Injury Report:
Timberwolves: Naz Reid, (GTD – Shoulder)
Blazers: Deni Avdija, (OUT – Back); Shaedon Sharpe, (OUT – Calf); Damian Lillard, (OFS – Achilles)
Orlando Magic at Los Angeles Lakers
10:30 p.m. ET
Line: Magic +5.5 (-115) | Lakers -5.5 (-105)
Money line: Magic +170 | Lakers -205
Total: 230.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Lakers by 2.7, straight up 58%, 231.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Magic: Jalen Suggs, (GTD – Back); Franz Wagner, (OUT – Ankle)
Lakers: Jaxson Hayes, (GTD – Ankle)
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