ESPN's basketball daily cheat sheet is your pregame destination before you lock in daily fantasy and betting decisions for that night's games. Here you'll find our top insights for the slate, including players to target for your daily fantasy rosters, along with game-by-game injury reports.
What you need to know for Thursday
Thursday's NBA schedule has just three games, but there are some interesting matchups. Two undefeated teams meet in Portland, two winless teams face off in New Orleans, and the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks are both playing on the second night of a back-to-back.
The Cavaliers (3-1) have won three straight heading into their matchup against the Hawks (2-3). Evan Mobley finished with 24 points and 12 rebounds in Wednesday's win over Washington, while Peyton Watson added 22 points. The Hawks, meanwhile, have lost three consecutive games despite strong early-season production from Jalen Johnson.
The Sacramento Kings (0-4) and New Orleans Pelicans (0-4) are both looking for their first win. Zach LaVine has averaged 27.3 points per game for Sacramento. Zion Williamson and the Pelicans will be playing their second game in as many nights.
The Memphis Grizzlies (4-0) and Portland Trail Blazers (3-0) close out the night. Ty Jerome has been outstanding for the Grizzlies, averaging 29.8 points and 6.5 assists per game. But the biggest story is Ja Morant facing Memphis for the first time since being traded to Portland over the summer.
Let's take a closer look at Thursday's matchups, along with some fantasy streamers and betting angles worth considering.
Fantasy stream team
Players available in at least 50% of leagues
Peyton Watson, SF/PF, Cleveland Cavaliers (rostered in 51.0% of ESPN leagues)
Watson has scored at least 24 fantasy points in three consecutive games, including a season-high 45 fantasy points against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday. He's giving Cleveland more versatility on both ends of the floor, attacking the basket and creating opportunities for teammates while providing weak-side rim protection. That ability to contribute offensively and defensively should help him maintain a significant role in the rotation. Watson's steals and blocks make him particularly appealing in category leagues. Watson is worth streaming now but also deserves consideration as a longer-term hold.
Cedric Coward, SF/SG, Memphis Grizzlies (49.4%)
Coward has recorded consecutive double-doubles for the first time in his career, scoring at least 34 fantasy points in both games. He started in each contest and played at least 31 minutes, establishing himself as an important part of Memphis' rotation. Along with his scoring and rebounding, Coward made seven 3-pointers over those two games. His consistent playing time and ability to contribute across multiple categories make him a reliable streaming option in both points and category leagues.
Toumani Camara, SF/PF, Portland Trail Blazers (41.9%)
Camara has played at least 23 minutes and scored at least 26 fantasy points in each of Portland's first three games. The Blazers lead the league in offensive rating, and their improved playmaking has helped Camara become a legitimate threat from beyond the arc. He's getting more open catch-and-shoot opportunities instead of the difficult pull-up 3-pointers he often took last season. Camara also contributes defensively. His shooting will eventually cool, but the improved shot selection makes him an intriguing fantasy streamer.
Jrue Holiday, PG/SG, Portland Trail Blazers (36.3%)
Holiday is coming off the bench behind Damian Lillard and Ja Morant, but Portland's crowded backcourt hasn't limited his fantasy production. He has played at least 26 minutes and scored 37 or more fantasy points in each of his last two games. With Shaedon Sharpe sidelined, Holiday should continue seeing adequate minutes against Memphis. His ability to contribute as a scorer, facilitator and defender makes him a reliable streaming option in all formats.
Moody's favorite bets for Thursday
Evan Mobley points OVER 17.5 (-111)
Mobley has cleared this line in every game this season and averages 20.0 PPG. He finished with 24 against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday, although five made 3-pointers helped boost that total. More importantly, Mobley has attempted at least 12 shots in every game. The Atlanta Hawks are also missing frontcourt depth with Mouhamed Gueye and Henri Veesaar out. The second night of a back-to-back adds some risk, but Mobley's consistent scoring gives him a good chance to clear this line.
Domantas Sabonis rebounds OVER 14.5 (-104)
Sabonis has averaged 16.5 RPG and has snagged at least 14 rebounds in all four games this season. He has also played at least 34 minutes in every game despite the Kings' 0-4 start. The matchup is favorable, with the Pelicans allowing 15.4 rebounds per game to opposing centers. New Orleans will also be without Yves Missi and is playing on the second night of a back-to-back.
Deni Avdija assists OVER 5.5 (-108)
The Blazers have no shortage of ball handlers with Damian Lillard, Ja Morant and Jrue Holiday, but Avdija continues to produce as a passer. He is averaging 6.3 APG and 31.3 MPG, clearing this line in two of his first three games. After playing just 23 minutes in the opener, he logged 38 against the Kings and 33 against the Los Angeles Lakers, handing out six and nine assists, respectively. Avdija's increased playing time and 28.0% usage rate are encouraging, putting him in a good position to clear this line.
Projections and injury reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook
Cleveland Cavaliers at Atlanta Hawks
8 p.m. ET on NBA TV
Line: Cavaliers +1.5 (-115) | Hawks -1.5 (-105)
Money line: Cavaliers -105 | Hawks -115
Total: 237.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Hawks by 0.7, straight up 52%, 237.9 total points.
Injury report:
Cavaliers: None reported
Hawks: Mouhamed Gueye (OUT)
Sacramento Kings at New Orleans Pelicans
8 p.m. ET
Line: Kings +6.5 (-118) | Pelicans -6.5 (-102)
Money line: Kings +195 | Pelicans -238
Total: 235.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Pelicans by 7.6, straight up 72%, 236.2 total points.
Injury report:
Kings: Dylan Cardwell (OUT); Keegan Murray (OUT); Maxime Raynaud (OUT)
Pelicans: Jordan Poole (GTD); Yves Missi (OUT)
Memphis Grizzlies at Portland Trail Blazers
10 p.m. ET
Line: Grizzlies +7.5 (-110) | Blazers -7.5 (-110)
Money line: Grizzlies +235 | Blazers -290
Total: 232.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI Projection: Blazers by 7, straight up 71%, 228.8 total points.
Injury report:
Grizzlies: None reported
Blazers: Shaedon Sharpe (OUT); Chris Youngblood (GTD)