Fantasy basketball tips and projections for Tuesday
Other important narratives loom. Will we see the return of reigning MVP Joel Embiid in South Philly as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander visits the 76ers for the only time this season?
Can the Houston Rockets get back to their winning ways against the Minnesota Timberwolves, a team fighting for the top seed in a contentious Western race?
Will this evening’s matchup between the New York Knicks and Miami Heat rekindle late-90s vibes?
We’ll learn a lot about the league this Tuesday evening. Through a fantasy lens, the day affords managers a particularly strong class of streaming candidates below given the widely-available nature of Kelly Olynyk, Miles McBride, and Rui Hachimura. If you have any roster space available, these players are the kind of difference makers to rely on down the stretch.
The margins of your fantasy roster mean even more deep into the fantasy playoffs, so make sure to leverage every bit of information — betting intel, injury reports, and official lineups — as tip-offs approach.
Kelly Olynyk, PF/C, Toronto Raptors (Rostered in 28.9% of ESPN leagues)
Olynyk has been the de facto point guard for the Raptors over the past several weeks. The results, such as regular flirtations with triple-double outcomes, confirm such a role. The Lakers have Anthony Davis on the interior, but Olynyk’s work from the high-post as a distributor is likely to still result in an impressive presence in the box score.
Miles McBride, PG, New York Knicks (13.2%)
The trust of Tom Thibodeau is an Infinity Stone in a fantasy basketball context. Which is to say, there’s immense value in such a bond, as McBride has averaged a Wilt Chamberlin-like 44 MPG over the past week as a core member of Thibs’ rotation. The Knicks are likely to lean on McBride for big minutes in Miami Tuesday night, as his volume shooting and impressive steal rate often surface amid such heavy playing exposure.
Rui Hachimura, SF/PF, Los Angeles Lakers (18.4%)
With impressive double-double performances in three of his past four games, Hachimura is becoming a key complementary force for a Lakers team in need of such production. The Raptors, meanwhile, lack size and rim protection up front, adding to Hachimura’s upside as a glue guy.
Keyonte George, PG/SG, Utah Jazz (13.3%)
Inconsistency can be inherent to a rookie’s production profile, as is the case with George. Then again, he still brings a nice blend of scoring and passing upside to the floor each time out. The Cavs present a solid defense overall but can struggle at the point-of-attack at times. Either way, George should cruise past 30 minutes in this one.
Marvin Bagley III, PF/C, Washington Wizards (12.4%)
The Wizards might get Richaun Holmes back in the lineup tonight against the visiting Bucks, but it’s likely Bagley still nets around 25 minutes and a bevy of touches in the paint to facilitate real double-double potential. For those who need shooting volume, teammate Corey Kispert (6.7%) is a relevant specialist.
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.
Los Angeles Lakers at Toronto Raptors
7 p.m. Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
BPI Projection: Lakers in the 3rd highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Lakers: Anthony Davis, (GTD – Knee); Jaxson Hayes, (GTD – Calf); LeBron James, (GTD – Ankle); Cam Reddish, (OUT – Personal); Gabe Vincent, (OUT – Knee); Jarred Vanderbilt, (OUT – Foot); Christian Wood, (OUT – Knee); Jalen Hood-Schifino, (OUT – Back)
Raptors: Immanuel Quickley, (GTD – Personal); RJ Barrett, (GTD – Personal); D.J. Carton, (OUT – Ankle); Gary Trent Jr., (OUT – Rest); Ochai Agbaji, (OUT – Hip); Jakob Poeltl, (OUT – Finger); Scottie Barnes, (OUT – Hand); Chris Boucher, (OUT – Knee); Jontay Porter, (OUT – Personal)
Lakers projections:
Anthony Davis, PF/C: 50.6 FPTS (24.1 pts, 12.9 reb, 3.4 ast, 2.1 blk)
LeBron James, SF/PF: 44.5 FPTS (23.6 pts, 7.1 reb, 7.0 ast, 2.2 3PM)
D’Angelo Russell, PG/SG: 38.1 FPTS (19.4 pts, 4.1 reb, 5.9 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Austin Reaves, SG/SF: 37.6 FPTS (17.2 pts, 6.0 reb, 5.8 ast)
Rui Hachimura, SF/PF: 24.4 FPTS (13.9 pts, 5.0 reb, 1.2 ast)
Spencer Dinwiddie, PG/SG: 17.8 FPTS (7.7 pts, 1.9 reb, 3.0 ast)
Jaxson Hayes, PF/C: 11.9 FPTS (5.4 pts, 3.8 reb, 0.8 ast)
Raptors projections:
Kelly Olynyk, PF/C: 32.8 FPTS (16.1 pts, 6.8 reb, 5.4 ast)
Gradey Dick, SG: 24.6 FPTS (14.9 pts, 3.1 reb, 1.7 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Bruce Brown, SG/SF: 24.2 FPTS (11.7 pts, 4.1 reb, 2.8 ast)
Jordan Nwora, SF: 20.7 FPTS (11.6 pts, 4.8 reb, 1.4 ast)
Garrett Temple, SG: 13.9 FPTS (7.6 pts, 3.3 reb, 1.2 ast)
Jalen McDaniels, PF: 12.3 FPTS (6.0 pts, 3.1 reb, 0.8 ast)
Milwaukee Bucks at Washington Wizards
7 p.m. Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
BPI Projection: Bucks in the 4th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo, (GTD – Hamstring); Khris Middleton, (GTD – Ankle); MarJon Beauchamp, (GTD – Back); Patrick Beverley, (GTD – Wrist); Damian Lillard, (OUT – Groin)
Wizards: Jared Butler, (GTD – Ankle); Richaun Holmes, (GTD – Toe); Kyle Kuzma, (OUT – Heel); Landry Shamet, (OUT – Calf); Tyus Jones, (OUT – Back); Bilal Coulibaly, (OUT – Wrist); Isaiah Livers, (OUT – Hip)
Bucks projections:
Giannis Antetokounmpo, PF/C: 53.3 FPTS (31.4 pts, 12.0 reb, 6.0 ast, 1.2 blk)
Khris Middleton, SF: 34.0 FPTS (17.1 pts, 5.6 reb, 5.3 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Malik Beasley, SG: 27.1 FPTS (14.7 pts, 4.9 reb, 1.3 ast, 3.3 3PM)
Bobby Portis, PF/C: 22.6 FPTS (11.5 pts, 6.9 reb, 1.1 ast)
Brook Lopez, C: 22.5 FPTS (11.6 pts, 4.8 reb, 1.4 ast, 2.0 blk)
Patrick Beverley, PG: 14.0 FPTS (5.2 pts, 2.9 reb, 2.4 ast)
Pat Connaughton, SG/SF: 13.7 FPTS (5.1 pts, 2.8 reb, 2.0 ast)
Wizards projections:
Deni Avdija, SF/PF: 38.8 FPTS (20.2 pts, 9.5 reb, 4.2 ast)
Jordan Poole, PG/SG: 37.6 FPTS (23.4 pts, 3.4 reb, 5.1 ast, 2.7 3PM)
Marvin Bagley III, PF/C: 28.9 FPTS (15.2 pts, 8.9 reb, 1.2 ast)
Corey Kispert, SG/SF: 28.9 FPTS (16.5 pts, 4.2 reb, 1.8 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Richaun Holmes, PF/C: 21.4 FPTS (9.9 pts, 8.2 reb, 1.2 ast)
Jared Butler, SG: 17.4 FPTS (9.1 pts, 2.2 reb, 2.7 ast)
Anthony Gill, PF: 13.4 FPTS (6.7 pts, 3.9 reb, 1.1 ast)
Oklahoma City Thunder at Philadelphia 76ers
7:30 p.m. Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia
BPI Projection: Thunder in the 5th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Thunder: Jalen Williams, (GTD – Ankle); Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, (GTD – Quadriceps)
76ers: Tyrese Maxey, (GTD – Hip); Joel Embiid, (OUT – Knee); Robert Covington, (OUT – Knee); De’Anthony Melton, (OUT – Back)
Thunder projections:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG/SG: 52.4 FPTS (27.5 pts, 5.6 reb, 6.0 ast)
Jalen Williams, SG/SF/PF: 34.3 FPTS (18.1 pts, 3.7 reb, 4.2 ast)
Chet Holmgren, PF/C: 29.3 FPTS (13.7 pts, 7.1 reb, 2.0 ast, 1.3 blk)
Josh Giddey, PG/SG/PF: 27.1 FPTS (12.4 pts, 6.0 reb, 3.7 ast)
Luguentz Dort, SG/SF: 18.3 FPTS (8.0 pts, 3.4 reb, 1.1 ast)
Cason Wallace, PG/SG: 16.9 FPTS (7.3 pts, 2.6 reb, 1.2 ast)
Isaiah Joe, SG: 15.6 FPTS (7.4 pts, 2.0 reb, 1.2 ast)
76ers projections:
Tyrese Maxey, PG/SG: 44.4 FPTS (25.0 pts, 3.8 reb, 5.5 ast, 2.9 3PM)
Tobias Harris, SF/PF: 34.9 FPTS (16.9 pts, 6.8 reb, 2.5 ast)
Kelly Oubre Jr., SF/PF: 26.9 FPTS (14.3 pts, 4.8 reb, 1.8 ast)
Kyle Lowry, PG: 21.6 FPTS (7.5 pts, 3.1 reb, 3.6 ast)
Paul Reed, PF/C: 18.3 FPTS (8.1 pts, 6.2 reb, 1.0 ast)
Buddy Hield, SG/SF: 17.8 FPTS (7.2 pts, 2.3 reb, 2.3 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Mo Bamba, C: 17.6 FPTS (6.8 pts, 6.5 reb, 1.0 ast, 1.5 blk)
New York Knicks at Miami Heat
7:30 p.m. Kaseya Center, Miami
BPI Projection: Heat in the 9th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Knicks: Duane Washington Jr., (GTD – Knee); Mitchell Robinson, (GTD – Ankle); OG Anunoby, (OUT – Elbow); Julius Randle, (OUT – Shoulder)
Heat: Caleb Martin, (GTD – Ankle); Duncan Robinson, (GTD – Back); Nikola Jovic, (GTD – Knee); Terry Rozier, (GTD – Knee); Tyler Herro, (OUT – Foot); Josh Richardson, (OUT – Shoulder)
Knicks projections:
Jalen Brunson, PG/SG: 42.1 FPTS (25.5 pts, 3.1 reb, 5.5 ast, 2.7 3PM)
Josh Hart, SG/SF: 33.5 FPTS (12.7 pts, 8.7 reb, 4.7 ast)
Donte DiVincenzo, SG: 32.8 FPTS (17.2 pts, 4.4 reb, 2.7 ast, 3.5 3PM)
Miles McBride, PG: 28.0 FPTS (16.2 pts, 3.0 reb, 2.3 ast, 2.6 3PM)
Isaiah Hartenstein, PF/C: 21.4 FPTS (9.0 pts, 7.0 reb, 1.9 ast)
Precious Achiuwa, PF/C: 14.9 FPTS (6.5 pts, 4.9 reb, 1.3 ast)
Mitchell Robinson, C: 12.5 FPTS (4.4 pts, 5.8 reb, 0.7 ast)
Heat projections:
Bam Adebayo, C: 37.3 FPTS (19.0 pts, 10.0 reb, 3.9 ast)
Jimmy Butler, SF/PF: 37.1 FPTS (19.2 pts, 5.0 reb, 5.1 ast)
Terry Rozier, PG/SG: 29.1 FPTS (13.5 pts, 3.6 reb, 4.7 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Duncan Robinson, SG/SF: 21.2 FPTS (9.1 pts, 2.6 reb, 2.9 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Caleb Martin, SG/SF: 21.0 FPTS (9.8 pts, 4.3 reb, 1.9 ast)
Jaime Jaquez Jr., SF: 20.6 FPTS (9.5 pts, 3.3 reb, 2.4 ast)
Nikola Jovic, SF: 14.6 FPTS (6.6 pts, 3.6 reb, 1.5 ast)
Houston Rockets at Minnesota Timberwolves
8 p.m. Target Center, Minneapolis
BPI Projection: Timberwolves in the 8th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Rockets: Alperen Sengun, (OUT – Ankle); Steven Adams, (OUT – Knee); Tari Eason, (OUT – Lower Leg)
Timberwolves: Jaylen Clark, (OUT – Achilles); Karl-Anthony Towns, (OUT – Knee)
Rockets projections:
Jalen Green, SG: 42.5 FPTS (25.8 pts, 5.9 reb, 3.9 ast, 2.9 3PM)
Fred VanVleet, PG: 40.9 FPTS (17.6 pts, 3.7 reb, 6.9 ast, 3.1 3PM)
Amen Thompson, SG: 33.4 FPTS (16.0 pts, 9.0 reb, 2.7 ast)
Jabari Smith Jr., PF/C: 25.2 FPTS (12.4 pts, 7.1 reb, 1.3 ast)
Cam Whitmore, SF: 19.4 FPTS (11.7 pts, 4.0 reb, 0.7 ast)
Dillon Brooks, SG/SF: 19.2 FPTS (10.3 pts, 2.9 reb, 1.5 ast)
Jock Landale, C: 15.5 FPTS (7.7 pts, 4.6 reb, 1.3 ast)
Timberwolves projections:
Anthony Edwards, SG/SF: 45.7 FPTS (27.3 pts, 5.3 reb, 5.6 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Rudy Gobert, C: 32.3 FPTS (14.8 pts, 13.2 reb, 1.5 ast, 1.8 blk)
Mike Conley, PG: 25.9 FPTS (10.6 pts, 2.8 reb, 4.6 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Naz Reid, PF/C: 25.2 FPTS (13.2 pts, 6.0 reb, 1.5 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Jaden McDaniels, SF: 22.2 FPTS (12.3 pts, 3.6 reb, 1.3 ast)
Kyle Anderson, SF/PF: 19.7 FPTS (8.2 pts, 3.6 reb, 3.7 ast)
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SG: 13.5 FPTS (6.0 pts, 1.8 reb, 2.0 ast)
San Antonio Spurs at Denver Nuggets
9 p.m. Ball Arena, Denver
BPI Projection: Nuggets in the 6th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Spurs: Dominick Barlow, (OUT – Knee); Keldon Johnson, (OUT – Foot); Charles Bassey, (OUT – Knee); Devin Vassell, (OUT – Foot); Jeremy Sochan, (OUT – Ankle)
Nuggets: Aaron Gordon, (GTD – Foot); Jamal Murray, (GTD – Knee); Nikola Jokic, (GTD – Hip); Zeke Nnaji, (OUT – Thigh); Vlatko Cancar, (OUT – Knee)
Spurs projections:
Victor Wembanyama, PF/C: 48.1 FPTS (26.7 pts, 11.9 reb, 5.1 ast, 1.9 3PM, 3.0 blk)
Tre Jones, PG: 33.9 FPTS (14.1 pts, 4.1 reb, 6.9 ast)
Zach Collins, PF/C: 22.2 FPTS (11.9 pts, 5.0 reb, 2.8 ast)
Julian Champagnie, SG/SF: 21.3 FPTS (11.6 pts, 3.9 reb, 1.4 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Cedi Osman, SF: 19.4 FPTS (10.1 pts, 3.7 reb, 1.8 ast)
Malaki Branham, SG: 18.9 FPTS (11.3 pts, 2.3 reb, 1.9 ast)
Blake Wesley, SG: 14.3 FPTS (6.4 pts, 2.2 reb, 2.6 ast)
Nuggets projections:
Nikola Jokic, C: 57.5 FPTS (26.3 pts, 11.9 reb, 7.6 ast)
Michael Porter Jr., SF: 33.4 FPTS (17.7 pts, 6.4 reb, 1.6 ast, 2.7 3PM)
Aaron Gordon, PF: 30.8 FPTS (15.5 pts, 6.4 reb, 3.6 ast)
Reggie Jackson, PG: 26.8 FPTS (14.4 pts, 2.7 reb, 3.8 ast)
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG/SF: 22.6 FPTS (10.7 pts, 2.6 reb, 2.0 ast)
Christian Braun, SG: 16.5 FPTS (8.2 pts, 4.0 reb, 1.5 ast)
Justin Holiday, SG/SF: 13.6 FPTS (6.5 pts, 1.6 reb, 1.1 ast)
Cleveland Cavaliers at Utah Jazz
9 p.m. Delta Center, Salt Lake City
BPI Projection: Cavaliers in the 7th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Cavaliers: Craig Porter, (OUT – Illness); Isaac Okoro, (OUT – Toe); Ty Jerome, (OUT – Ankle); Dean Wade, (OUT – Knee)
Jazz: John Collins, (OUT – Back); Jordan Clarkson, (OUT – Back); Lauri Markkanen, (OUT – Shoulder)
Cavaliers projections:
Donovan Mitchell, PG/SG: 44.6 FPTS (24.4 pts, 4.6 reb, 5.7 ast, 3.1 3PM)
Darius Garland, PG: 34.0 FPTS (18.0 pts, 2.8 reb, 6.0 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Jarrett Allen, C: 32.5 FPTS (15.4 pts, 9.4 reb, 2.8 ast)
Evan Mobley, PF/C: 29.5 FPTS (13.4 pts, 7.7 reb, 3.3 ast)
Caris LeVert, SG/SF: 23.9 FPTS (9.8 pts, 3.3 reb, 4.4 ast)
Max Strus, SG/SF: 23.7 FPTS (9.8 pts, 3.7 reb, 3.3 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Georges Niang, PF: 15.5 FPTS (7.2 pts, 3.0 reb, 1.0 ast)
Jazz projections:
Collin Sexton, PG/SG: 41.3 FPTS (25.9 pts, 3.5 reb, 5.1 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Keyonte George, PG/SG: 33.6 FPTS (18.9 pts, 3.6 reb, 5.3 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Taylor Hendricks, PF: 27.0 FPTS (13.8 pts, 6.7 reb, 1.3 ast)
Brice Sensabaugh, SF: 22.5 FPTS (12.2 pts, 4.4 reb, 2.0 ast)
Walker Kessler, C: 20.7 FPTS (9.2 pts, 7.7 reb, 0.9 ast, 1.8 blk)
Talen Horton-Tucker, SG/SF: 18.8 FPTS (8.4 pts, 2.3 reb, 3.5 ast)
Kris Dunn, PG: 18.0 FPTS (7.1 pts, 3.2 reb, 3.5 ast)
LA Clippers at Sacramento Kings
10 p.m. Golden 1 Center, Sacramento
BPI Projection: Clippers in the highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Clippers: Jordan Miller, (GTD – Thumb); Moussa Diabate, (GTD – Hand)
Kings: Malik Monk, (OUT – Knee); Kevin Huerter, (OUT – Shoulder)
Clippers projections:
Kawhi Leonard, SF/PF: 43.0 FPTS (23.8 pts, 5.8 reb, 3.5 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Paul George, SG/SF/PF: 36.8 FPTS (21.0 pts, 4.5 reb, 3.3 ast, 3.0 3PM)
James Harden, PG/SG: 36.6 FPTS (15.0 pts, 5.0 reb, 7.6 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Ivica Zubac, C: 25.9 FPTS (12.1 pts, 8.8 reb, 1.2 ast)
Norman Powell, SG/SF: 20.3 FPTS (12.0 pts, 2.6 reb, 1.1 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Russell Westbrook, PG: 19.6 FPTS (9.1 pts, 3.0 reb, 3.1 ast)
Terance Mann, SG/SF: 15.4 FPTS (6.8 pts, 2.7 reb, 1.3 ast)
Kings projections:
De’Aaron Fox, PG: 50.9 FPTS (27.4 pts, 4.7 reb, 5.9 ast, 2.9 3PM)
Domantas Sabonis, PF/C: 42.1 FPTS (18.4 pts, 11.4 reb, 6.8 ast)
Keegan Murray, SF/PF: 28.7 FPTS (14.4 pts, 5.2 reb, 1.5 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Harrison Barnes, SF/PF: 23.0 FPTS (13.0 pts, 3.2 reb, 1.2 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Keon Ellis, SG: 21.6 FPTS (10.7 pts, 3.8 reb, 1.3 ast)
Trey Lyles, PF: 13.7 FPTS (6.6 pts, 3.3 reb, 0.8 ast)
Davion Mitchell, PG: 11.3 FPTS (5.3 pts, 1.6 reb, 1.3 ast)
Dallas Mavericks at Golden State Warriors
10 p.m. Chase Center, San Francisco
BPI Projection: Warriors in the 2nd highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Mavericks: Dereck Lively II, (GTD – Lower Leg); Josh Green, (OUT – Ankle)
Warriors: Javonte Green, (GTD – Personal); Jonathan Kuminga, (GTD – Knee); Klay Thompson, (GTD – Foot); Dario Saric, (OUT – Knee)
Mavericks projections:
Luka Doncic, PG: 58.3 FPTS (32.1 pts, 8.8 reb, 9.2 ast, 3.7 3PM)
Kyrie Irving, PG/SG: 44.7 FPTS (25.4 pts, 4.6 reb, 5.0 ast, 2.9 3PM)
P.J. Washington, PF: 24.7 FPTS (13.0 pts, 6.0 reb, 1.3 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Daniel Gafford, PF/C: 23.4 FPTS (10.5 pts, 7.4 reb, 1.5 ast, 1.6 blk)
Tim Hardaway Jr., SG/SF: 19.0 FPTS (9.8 pts, 2.5 reb, 1.7 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Dereck Lively II, C: 16.2 FPTS (7.3 pts, 4.7 reb, 1.0 ast)
Derrick Jones Jr., SF: 14.5 FPTS (7.5 pts, 2.5 reb, 1.0 ast)
Warriors projections:
Stephen Curry, PG: 38.8 FPTS (22.6 pts, 3.9 reb, 5.0 ast, 4.0 3PM)
Trayce Jackson-Davis, PF: 26.9 FPTS (12.3 pts, 8.5 reb, 1.6 ast, 1.5 blk)
Klay Thompson, SG/SF: 24.8 FPTS (14.3 pts, 3.1 reb, 2.5 ast, 2.9 3PM)
Draymond Green, PF/C: 24.6 FPTS (8.3 pts, 6.8 reb, 5.3 ast)
Andrew Wiggins, SF/PF: 23.7 FPTS (13.9 pts, 4.7 reb, 2.0 ast)
Chris Paul, PG: 20.9 FPTS (6.5 pts, 3.4 reb, 5.0 ast)
Brandin Podziemski, SG: 20.8 FPTS (8.5 pts, 4.9 reb, 2.9 ast)