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New this season, ESPN Analytics will also generate daily NBA fantasy projections. By combining historical player and team data and specific game factors ESPN is able to accurately predict player box score stats. Accounting for injuries, trends in playing time, and other factors impacting future performance the statistical models can be used to help NBA fantasy players gain an edge in their league.
What you need to know for Tuesday's games
Often lost in the mix of the trade deadline and the All-Star break is an important stage of the season that features youth movements in rotations around the league. Which to say is, as the season has matured, so have younger professional players. This deep into the campaign, and especially after All-Star weekend, we find front offices and coaches ready to empower younger talent with important roles.
The Houston Rockets, for instance, visit the Indiana Pacers tonight in a game that should see two rising rookies in Ime Udoka's rotation. A quick glance at the injury report ahead of this cross-conference matchup reveals Fred VanVleet, who averages nearly 20 more offensive touches per game than any other Rockets player this season, is sidelined due to a core injury. Glue guy Tari Eason is also listed as out, which means the Rockets are likely to deploy rookies Amen Thompson (14.8% rostered in ESPN leagues) and Cam Whitmore (7.8% rostered) with significant roles. More on these two in the stream team section.
Tuesday's NBA schedule features seven games, four of which claim attractive totals of at least 236.5 points on ESPN BET. Such robust totals often foster paths to fantasy fun.
Such a game tips tonight with the Brooklyn Nets likely to have Ben Simmons back in the lineup against the Dallas Mavericks. With the potential for added possessions against a softer perimeter defense, it's notable that Simmons is a free agent in nearly half of ESPN leagues. Dallas, meanwhile, presents value with wing Josh Green (3.7%) scoring at least 18 in his past three appearances while averaging 3.3 made 3-pointers during this sample.
The Memphis Grizzlies make their annual visit to Madison Square Garden with an injury report that includes 13 players, seven of whom are ruled out ahead of the game, and Jaren Jackson Jr. is doubtful to play given a hip ailment. Such roster erosion vaults several members of the remaining rotation to the stream team below. The host New York Knicks also claim a bevy of plug-and-play options, headlined by Donte DiVincenzo, who rates 17th on the Player Rater among shooting guards over the past two weeks.
Continuing on the theme of emergent young talents for tonight, keep an eye on the Chicago Bulls' Ayo Dosunmu (15.7%) and Keyonte George (4.9%) of the Utah Jazz. Both could play productive roles for their teams today, while any action during the trade deadline this week could truly empower them as lead creators.
Tuesday's Stream Team
This segment nominates three key streaming options ahead of that day's action. A streamer, by our standards, is a player available in at least half of ESPN men's basketball leagues.
Donte DiVincenzo, SG, Knicks (33.8%): The most-added player in ESPN leagues during the past week, "The Big Ragu'' has become a volume scorer and shooter for the Knicks in the wake of losing Julius Randle's high-usage game to injury. Against a depleted opponent tonight, teammate Josh Hart (38.4%) also merits attention for both streaming value and double-double props, given his atypically awesome rebounding rate.
Aaron Nesmith, SF, Pacers (22.2%): Second in pace and first in offensive rating, the Pacers' scheme drives some valuable fantasy outcomes. With Bruce Brown in Toronto, Nesmith has become an important cog in the rotation, one worthy of attention against a Rockets team that could run out a younger lineup.
Josh Green, SG/SF, Mavericks (3.7%): The Dallas rotation presents value via Green's recent spike in scoring, as he has netted at least 18 in his past three appearances while averaging 3.3 made 3-pointers during this sample. The Nets, for their part, could surrender open looks as Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic command added attention.
Vince Williams Jr., SG/SF, Grizzlies (15.5%): It's possible we see Williams active this evening as he works through a wrist ailment. Both he and Santi Aldama figure to claim large roles on this decimated roster tonight against the surging Knicks.
Amen Thompson, SG, Rockets (15.5%): Active hands on defense support a stellar steal rate, while, like his twin brother, Thompson is also adept at cleaning the glass. With a likely run of at least 20 minutes, Thompson is poised for relevant production.
Projections and Injury Reports
Fantasy projections powered by ESPN Analytics* Projections assume all players who are listed as GTD will play. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Players available in at least 50% of ESPN leagues are listed in italics.
Houston Rockets at Indiana Pacers
7 p.m. Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
BPI Projection: Pacers in the 4th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Rockets: Fred VanVleet, (OUT - Thigh); Tari Eason, (OUT - Lower Leg); Victor Oladipo, (OUT - Knee)
Pacers: Jalen Smith, (GTD - Back); Tyrese Haliburton, (GTD - Hamstring)
Rockets projections:
Alperen Sengun, C: 43.8 FPTS (23.5 pts, 10.1 reb, 5.2 ast)
Jalen Green, SG: 37.8 FPTS (22.6 pts, 5.7 reb, 3.9 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Jabari Smith Jr., PF/C: 29.3 FPTS (15.0 pts, 8.3 reb, 1.2 ast)
Cam Whitmore, SF: 24.0 FPTS (14.3 pts, 5.6 reb, 0.9 ast)
Dillon Brooks, SG/SF: 22.8 FPTS (13.2 pts, 3.7 reb, 1.4 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Amen Thompson, SG: 22.1 FPTS (9.9 pts, 6.1 reb, 2.4 ast)
Jae'Sean Tate, SF/PF: 13.0 FPTS (5.3 pts, 3.2 reb, 1.2 ast)
Pacers projections:
Pascal Siakam, PF/C: 40.8 FPTS (23.4 pts, 6.3 reb, 4.6 ast)
Tyrese Haliburton, PG/SG: 32.5 FPTS (15.9 pts, 2.7 reb, 5.6 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Myles Turner, C: 27.3 FPTS (16.0 pts, 6.9 reb, 1.2 ast, 1.5 blk)
Aaron Nesmith, SF: 25.7 FPTS (13.6 pts, 4.8 reb, 1.8 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Bennedict Mathurin, SG/SF: 22.2 FPTS (14.0 pts, 3.5 reb, 1.9 ast)
Buddy Hield, SG/SF: 20.6 FPTS (9.8 pts, 2.6 reb, 2.4 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Jalen Smith, PF/C: 18.8 FPTS (9.5 pts, 5.0 reb, 1.0 ast)
Dallas Mavericks at Brooklyn Nets
7:30 p.m. Barclays Center, New York
BPI Projection: Mavericks in the 3rd highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Mavericks: Dante Exum, (GTD - Knee); Dereck Lively II, (OUT - Nose)
Nets: Ben Simmons, (GTD - Rest); Cameron Johnson, (GTD - Hip); Day'Ron Sharpe, (GTD - Knee); Lonnie Walker IV, (GTD - Hamstring); Dorian Finney-Smith, (OUT - Ankle); Dariq Whitehead, (OUT - Lower Leg)
Mavericks projections:
Luka Doncic, PG: 60.4 FPTS (35.7 pts, 8.1 reb, 9.0 ast, 3.9 3PM)
Kyrie Irving, PG/SG: 46.5 FPTS (26.9 pts, 5.5 reb, 4.8 ast, 2.9 3PM)
Tim Hardaway Jr., SG/SF: 28.3 FPTS (17.0 pts, 3.7 reb, 1.4 ast, 3.1 3PM)
Josh Green, SG/SF: 20.8 FPTS (11.2 pts, 3.8 reb, 2.1 ast)
Derrick Jones Jr., SF: 17.9 FPTS (9.3 pts, 3.4 reb, 0.8 ast)
Grant Williams, PF: 15.5 FPTS (7.6 pts, 3.0 reb, 1.3 ast)
Jaden Hardy, SG: 12.9 FPTS (8.3 pts, 1.1 reb, 1.2 ast)
Nets projections:
Mikal Bridges, SG/SF: 35.9 FPTS (21.7 pts, 4.3 reb, 3.6 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Cam Thomas, SG: 28.9 FPTS (19.9 pts, 2.9 reb, 2.6 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Nic Claxton, PF/C: 28.6 FPTS (12.3 pts, 10.2 reb, 2.1 ast, 1.7 blk)
Spencer Dinwiddie, PG/SG: 24.7 FPTS (10.5 pts, 2.7 reb, 4.9 ast)
Ben Simmons, PG/PF: 21.3 FPTS (7.3 pts, 6.2 reb, 4.7 ast)
Cameron Johnson, SF/PF: 20.8 FPTS (9.7 pts, 4.0 reb, 2.0 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Lonnie Walker IV, SG/SF: 18.1 FPTS (9.2 pts, 2.2 reb, 2.0 ast)
Orlando Magic at Miami Heat
7:30 p.m. Kaseya Center, Miami
BPI Projection: Heat in the 7th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Magic: None reported
Heat: Duncan Robinson, (GTD - Concussion); Tyler Herro, (GTD - Head); Dru Smith, (OUT - Knee)
Magic projections:
Paolo Banchero, SF/PF: 40.9 FPTS (25.7 pts, 6.1 reb, 5.5 ast)
Franz Wagner, SG/SF/PF: 36.7 FPTS (21.0 pts, 5.0 reb, 4.0 ast)
Wendell Carter Jr., C: 25.1 FPTS (12.9 pts, 7.0 reb, 1.5 ast)
Jalen Suggs, PG/SG: 24.1 FPTS (12.9 pts, 3.1 reb, 2.4 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Markelle Fultz, PG/SG: 21.3 FPTS (8.6 pts, 2.7 reb, 3.3 ast)
Cole Anthony, PG: 16.0 FPTS (7.3 pts, 2.5 reb, 2.3 ast)
Moritz Wagner, PF/C: 15.8 FPTS (7.8 pts, 2.9 reb, 1.1 ast)
Heat projections:
Jimmy Butler, SF/PF: 36.5 FPTS (21.4 pts, 5.2 reb, 4.2 ast)
Bam Adebayo, C: 35.7 FPTS (19.7 pts, 9.9 reb, 4.0 ast)
Terry Rozier, PG/SG: 34.9 FPTS (18.3 pts, 3.5 reb, 5.2 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Tyler Herro, PG/SG: 30.4 FPTS (16.3 pts, 4.4 reb, 4.1 ast, 2.8 3PM)
Jaime Jaquez Jr., SF: 20.4 FPTS (10.5 pts, 3.1 reb, 2.1 ast)
Caleb Martin, SG/SF: 17.5 FPTS (8.3 pts, 3.5 reb, 1.8 ast)
Josh Richardson, SG/SF: 15.3 FPTS (7.5 pts, 2.2 reb, 1.7 ast)
Memphis Grizzlies at New York Knicks
7:30 p.m. Madison Square Garden, New York
BPI Projection: Knicks in the 5th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Grizzlies: Steven Adams, (OUT - Knee); Derrick Rose, (GTD - Hamstring); Jake LaRavia, (GTD - Ankle); Jaren Jackson Jr., (GTD - Hip); John Konchar, (GTD - Calf); Santi Aldama, (GTD - Lower Body); Vince Williams Jr., (GTD - Wrist); Xavier Tillman, (GTD - Knee); Ziaire Williams, (OUT - Hand); Brandon Clarke, (OUT - Achilles)
Knicks: Duane Washington Jr., (GTD - Thumb); OG Anunoby, (OUT - Elbow); Quentin Grimes, (OUT - Knee); Julius Randle, (OUT - Shoulder); Mitchell Robinson, (OUT - Ankle)
Grizzlies projections:
Jaren Jackson Jr., PF/C: 31.5 FPTS (19.4 pts, 4.8 reb, 2.7 ast, 1.3 blk)
Vince Williams Jr., SF: 23.0 FPTS (9.3 pts, 5.8 reb, 2.1 ast)
Santi Aldama, PF/C: 22.3 FPTS (10.4 pts, 5.3 reb, 1.8 ast)
David Roddy, PF: 19.7 FPTS (9.7 pts, 4.7 reb, 1.6 ast)
Luke Kennard, SG: 19.6 FPTS (8.1 pts, 3.2 reb, 2.6 ast, 2.0 3PM)
GG Jackson, PF: 15.5 FPTS (7.7 pts, 3.2 reb, 1.1 ast)
John Konchar, SG/SF: 15.4 FPTS (5.3 pts, 4.7 reb, 1.5 ast, 1.3 blk)
Knicks projections:
Jalen Brunson, PG/SG: 45.4 FPTS (27.1 pts, 3.6 reb, 6.2 ast, 2.8 3PM)
Donte DiVincenzo, SG: 33.1 FPTS (16.8 pts, 4.0 reb, 3.0 ast, 3.3 3PM)
Josh Hart, SG/SF: 32.5 FPTS (12.0 pts, 7.7 reb, 3.7 ast)
Precious Achiuwa, PF/C: 31.2 FPTS (15.8 pts, 8.6 reb, 1.7 ast, 1.4 blk)
Isaiah Hartenstein, PF/C: 26.7 FPTS (10.1 pts, 9.1 reb, 2.0 ast)
Evan Fournier, SG/SF: 17.1 FPTS (8.6 pts, 1.9 reb, 1.5 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Miles McBride, PG: 14.3 FPTS (8.1 pts, 1.7 reb, 1.1 ast)
Minnesota Timberwolves at Chicago Bulls
8 p.m. United Center, Chicago
BPI Projection: Timberwolves in the 6th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Timberwolves: Jaylen Clark, (OUT - Achilles)
Bulls: Alex Caruso, (GTD - Thigh); Coby White, (GTD - Ankle); Dalen Terry, (GTD - Ankle); Torrey Craig, (GTD - Heel); Patrick Williams, (OUT - Foot); Lonzo Ball, (OUT - Knee); Zach LaVine, (OUT - Foot)
Timberwolves projections:
Karl-Anthony Towns, PF/C: 41.1 FPTS (24.2 pts, 8.1 reb, 3.7 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Anthony Edwards, SG/SF: 40.7 FPTS (25.6 pts, 4.9 reb, 5.5 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Rudy Gobert, C: 33.1 FPTS (15.8 pts, 13.7 reb, 1.3 ast, 1.8 blk)
Mike Conley, PG: 24.6 FPTS (8.9 pts, 2.8 reb, 5.1 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Jaden McDaniels, SF: 20.3 FPTS (10.9 pts, 3.1 reb, 1.5 ast)
Naz Reid, PF/C: 19.7 FPTS (10.6 pts, 4.6 reb, 1.2 ast)
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SG: 15.8 FPTS (6.8 pts, 2.0 reb, 2.6 ast)
Bulls projections:
DeMar DeRozan, SG/SF: 42.2 FPTS (25.4 pts, 4.5 reb, 5.4 ast)
Coby White, PG/SG: 39.3 FPTS (21.0 pts, 5.0 reb, 5.5 ast, 2.8 3PM)
Nikola Vucevic, C: 38.7 FPTS (17.8 pts, 11.2 reb, 3.4 ast)
Ayo Dosunmu, SG: 26.7 FPTS (14.8 pts, 3.7 reb, 2.3 ast)
Alex Caruso, PG/SG: 26.1 FPTS (12.2 pts, 4.4 reb, 2.9 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Andre Drummond, C: 18.3 FPTS (8.9 pts, 7.1 reb, 0.6 ast)
Torrey Craig, SF/PF: 15.2 FPTS (6.7 pts, 4.3 reb, 0.9 ast)
Oklahoma City Thunder at Utah Jazz
9 p.m. Delta Center, Salt Lake City
BPI Projection: Jazz in the 2nd highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Thunder: Cason Wallace, (GTD - Shoulder); Davis Bertans, (GTD - Knee); Jalen Williams, (GTD - Ankle); Jaylin Williams, (GTD - Achilles); Lindy Waters III, (GTD - Ankle); Ousmane Dieng, (GTD - Hip); Tre Mann, (GTD - Personal); Vasilije Micic, (GTD - Ankle); Isaiah Joe, (OUT - Chest)
Jazz: None reported
Thunder projections:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG/SG: 52.6 FPTS (30.3 pts, 5.2 reb, 6.2 ast)
Chet Holmgren, PF/C: 32.0 FPTS (15.2 pts, 7.8 reb, 2.8 ast, 2.7 blk)
Josh Giddey, PG/SG/PF: 25.8 FPTS (11.3 pts, 6.0 reb, 4.3 ast)
Luguentz Dort, SG/SF: 17.3 FPTS (8.2 pts, 3.5 reb, 0.9 ast)
Cason Wallace, PG/SG: 16.4 FPTS (6.9 pts, 2.9 reb, 1.2 ast)
Aaron Wiggins, SG: 15.7 FPTS (7.6 pts, 3.6 reb, 1.2 ast)
Jaylin Williams, C: 14.1 FPTS (5.1 pts, 4.4 reb, 1.1 ast)
Jazz projections:
Lauri Markkanen, SF/PF: 42.5 FPTS (24.1 pts, 8.9 reb, 2.2 ast, 3.2 3PM)
John Collins, PF: 29.8 FPTS (15.7 pts, 8.8 reb, 1.3 ast)
Collin Sexton, PG/SG: 27.9 FPTS (16.1 pts, 2.4 reb, 4.2 ast)
Jordan Clarkson, SG: 26.7 FPTS (16.0 pts, 3.2 reb, 4.2 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Keyonte George, PG/SG: 19.4 FPTS (11.2 pts, 2.1 reb, 3.0 ast)
Kelly Olynyk, PF/C: 18.4 FPTS (6.9 pts, 4.0 reb, 3.4 ast)
Simone Fontecchio, SF: 17.7 FPTS (8.7 pts, 3.6 reb, 1.4 ast)
Milwaukee Bucks at Phoenix Suns
10 p.m. Footprint Center, Phoenix
BPI Projection: Suns in the highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Bucks: Andre Jackson Jr., (GTD - Wrist); Brook Lopez, (GTD - Personal); Damian Lillard, (GTD - Ankle); Giannis Antetokounmpo, (GTD - Knee); Khris Middleton, (GTD - Knee)
Suns: Damion Lee, (OUT - Knee)
Bucks projections:
Giannis Antetokounmpo, PF/C: 54.4 FPTS (31.3 pts, 10.8 reb, 5.8 ast, 1.3 blk)
Damian Lillard, PG: 40.5 FPTS (23.6 pts, 4.1 reb, 6.1 ast, 2.8 3PM)
Khris Middleton, SF: 28.8 FPTS (14.7 pts, 4.5 reb, 4.5 ast)
Brook Lopez, C: 24.0 FPTS (12.2 pts, 5.5 reb, 1.5 ast, 2.6 blk)
Bobby Portis, PF/C: 23.1 FPTS (11.6 pts, 6.9 reb, 1.1 ast)
Malik Beasley, SG: 18.5 FPTS (8.3 pts, 4.0 reb, 1.2 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Jae Crowder, SF/PF: 11.0 FPTS (4.3 pts, 2.5 reb, 1.1 ast)
Suns projections:
Devin Booker, PG/SG/PF: 52.0 FPTS (31.0 pts, 5.7 reb, 7.0 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Kevin Durant, SF/PF: 48.0 FPTS (27.7 pts, 6.4 reb, 6.3 ast)
Bradley Beal, PG/SG: 36.3 FPTS (19.6 pts, 4.8 reb, 5.3 ast)
Jusuf Nurkic, C: 28.0 FPTS (11.5 pts, 9.0 reb, 3.7 ast)
Grayson Allen, SG: 21.0 FPTS (9.0 pts, 3.9 reb, 2.7 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Eric Gordon, SG/SF: 18.3 FPTS (9.3 pts, 1.9 reb, 2.0 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Drew Eubanks, PF: 14.7 FPTS (6.4 pts, 4.9 reb, 1.0 ast)