What’s New

Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan missed Thursday night’s 126-109 road loss to the New Orleans Pelicans due to a mild groin strain.

DeRozan had recently been feeling some tightness in his groin, and it got worse during the Bulls’ loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday, Bulls coach Billy Donovan said before Thursday’s game. An MRI revealed a mild strain.

Donovan said the team did not believe the injury was severe, but he wanted to exercise caution.

“DeMar knows his body better than anybody else,” Donovan said before Thursday’s game. “I think he felt like, ‘OK, this could get into something else a little bit more significant if I don’t take care of this.'”

“We just don’t want it to turn into something bigger.”

This will be just the fifth game DeRozan, 32, has missed this season and his first since sitting out the back end of a back-to-back on Jan. 24. He is averaging a career-high 27.6 points on 50.5% shooting with 5.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists.

Donovan said the Bulls expect to have a better idea of DeRozan’s status Friday.

Chicago is in the midst of a five-game road trip, with games in Cleveland, New York and Washington to follow. The Bulls have dropped five of their past six games and are 3-10 in their past 13 contests.

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Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan will not play in Thursday night’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans due to a mild groin strain.

DeRozan had recently been feeling some tightness in his groin, and it got worse during the Bulls’ loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday, Bulls coach Billy Donovan said before Thursday’s game. An MRI revealed a mild strain.

Donovan said the team did not believe the injury was severe, but he wanted to exercise caution.

“DeMar knows his body better than anybody else,” Donovan said before Thursday’s game. “I think he felt like, ‘OK, this could get into something else a little bit more significant if I don’t take care of this.'”

“We just don’t want it to turn into something bigger.”

This will be just the fifth game DeRozan, 32, has missed this season and his first since sitting out the back end of a back-to-back on Jan. 24. He is averaging a career-high 27.6 points on 50.5% shooting with 5.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists.

Donovan said the Bulls expect to have a better idea of DeRozan’s status Friday.

Chicago is in the midst of a five-game road trip, with games in Cleveland, New York and Washington to follow. The Bulls have dropped four of their past five games and are just 3-9 in their past 12 contests entering Thursday’s game.

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The ESPN fantasy and betting cheat sheet is your pregame destination for our best intel and data to help you make smart fantasy and wagering decisions. NBA game odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook, and fantasy advice is based on ESPN 10-team leagues.

Jump ahead: Game of the night | Picks and props | Analytics edge

What you need to know for Thursday’s slate

By Jim McCormick and Kyle Soppe

Phoenix Rising: The Suns’ incredible season has continued even with Chris Paul sidelined. A key part to Phoenix’s success has been the play Cameron Payne (58% available), who ranks fifth in the NBA in assists per game (8.9) over the past 10 games. Payne is a great addition for the final weeks of the season as the key distributor on an efficient offense with willing shooters. The Suns face a Denver team tonight that has allowed the third-most DraftKings points to point guards this season.

Action Jaxson: After struggling to find his place in the rotation since being drafted, Jaxson Hayes (91% available) has shifted into a starting role next to Jonas Valanciunas. Hayes is finally putting together fantasy-relevant production in this role, averaging 14.5 points, seven rebounds, and 1.3 blocks over his past six games. He’s even averaged 1.2 3-pointers per game over this time, adding value across several categories. With Brandon Ingram listed as doubtful, Hayes should start against a Bulls defense that has allowed 57 DraftKings PPG to centers over the past 15 games.

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Back-to-back: Both the Pacers and Grizzlies played hard fought games yesterday and could play with their rotation a bit tonight. De’Anthony Melton and Goga Bitadze are two names available in over 90% of leagues that stood out last night and could again tonight. Melton has made 15 triples over his past four contests with at least four dimes in seven of his 10 games played this month. He’s not at all shy about letting it fly, making him a counting stat threat at the very least. Bitadze relies more on efficiency and is shooting nearly 72% from the field in March. He’s made multiple 3’s or pulled down at least seven boards in five of his past six games. With his minutes trending to the mid-20’s of late, there reason to like what he offers as a streamer down the stretch of the regular season.

Buying Brooks: Sticking with the Grizzlies’ rotation, look for Dillon Brooks (66% available) to provide scoring and defensive upside, as he’s scored at least 20 points in consecutive games and meets a Pacers team that ranks 26th in defensive rating on the season.

Injury Updates: After missing the last 15 games with a finger injury, OG Anunoby (21% available) has been upgraded to questionable for tonight’s matchup with Cleveland. While Jarrett Allen remains out, Lauri Markkanen (47%) has averaged 19 points and 7.7 boards over the past week and Kevin Love (70%) has been a strong target for 3-point props.

Game of the Night

Line: Nuggets (-4)
Moneyline: Nuggets (-180), Suns (+155)
Total: 232 points
BPI Projected Total: 217.5 points
BPI Win%: Suns (51.1%)

Key players ruled out: Cameron Johnson, Chris Paul

Notable: Two weeks ago was the last time an under hit in a Denver game and the Nuggets are just 3-6 ATS over their past nine.

Fantasy streamer: Jae Crowder. Crowder (82% available) in 82% has averaged 9.5 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 2.0 APG, and 1.4 SPG in 28.2 MPG. He should see his usage increase with Cameron Johnson out and power forwards have thrived against the Nuggets, averaging 21.7 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 3.5 APG, 2.0 SPG and 1.11 BPG this season. — Eric Moody

Fantasy Streamer: Bones Hyland (88.7% available) just keeps going about his business under the radar. He’s now averaging 16.5 PPG (52.3 FG%, 78.6 FT%, 51.3 3P%), 4.7 APG, 3.5 RPG and 3.3 3PG in 24.5 MPG over his last six games, providing consistent all-around value even in limited minutes off the bench. — Andre Snellings

Best bet: Aaron Gordon over 21.5 points + assists + rebounds Gordon has averaged 16 PPG, 3.0 APG, and 5.3 RPG over the last four games and is trending up at a perfect time for a Nuggets team fighting for playoff position. — Moody

Best bet: Suns +4. Since Devin Booker returned to the lineup, the Suns are 7-1 with a +14.6 point average scoring margin even with Chris Paul and Cameron Johnson sidelined. The Nuggets, meanwhile, have been up-and-down as of late, losing four of their last seven with a -1.7 point scoring margin during that stretch. According to BPI, the Suns should be slight road favorites in a toss-up game, so the points they’re getting here are added value. — Snellings

Breaking down the rest of the slate

Line: Raptors (-5.5)
Moneyline: Raptors (-220), Cavaliers (+180)
Total: 215.0 points
BPI Projected Total: 215.5 points
BPI Win%: Raptors (67.8%)

Key players ruled out: Rajon Rondo, Jarrett Allen

Notable: Under tickets have cashed in nine of the past 12 Raptor games.

Line: Grizzlies (-12.0)
Moneyline: Grizzlies (-900), Pacers (+600)
Total: 238.0 points
BPI Projected Total: 234.5 points
BPI Win%: Grizzlies (82%)

Key players ruled out: none

Notable: Unders are 3-1 and the Grizzlies are 1-3 ATS in Memphis’ past four games on the backend of a back-to-back.

Fantasy streamer: Steven Adams. Adams had 13 points and 13 rebounds in the Grizzlies last game against the Pacers. It could happen again. Adams has averaged 9.0 PPG and 11 RPG in his last eight games. — Moody

Line: Bucks (-9.5)
Moneyline: Bucks (-550), Wizards (+400)
Total: 229.5 points
BPI Projected Total: 239 points
BPI Win%: Bucks (82.6%)

Key players ruled out: Kyle Kuzma, Khris Middleton

Notable: The Bucks are 7-2 ATS in their past nine after failing to cover six of seven games prior.

Fantasy streamer: Rui Hachimura. Hachimura (92.5% available) is a viable streamer with Kyle Kuzma out. Over the past eight games, Hachimura has averaged 13.3 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.1 APG, and 1.0 SPG. — Moody

Best bet: Kristaps Porzingis over 29.5 points + assists + rebounds. Porzingis has averaged 21.6 PPG, 3.0 APG, and 8.4 RPG with a usage rate of 31% over the Wizards’ past five games. Porzingis’ production should increase with Kuzma off the floor. — Moody

Line: Pelicans (-2.0)
Moneyline: Pelicans (-130), Bulls (+110)
Total: 225.5 points
BPI Projected Total: 223.5 points
BPI Win%: Pelicans (70.7%)

Key players ruled out: none

Questionable: DeMar DeRozan

Doubtful: Brandon Ingram

Notable: Unders are 11-2 in Chicago’s past 13 games (the Bulls are just 3-10 ATS over that stretch)

Best bet: Pelicans -2.0. The Bulls have been struggling for weeks now, going 3-9 with a -7.9 point average scoring margin over their past 12 games. The Pelicans have had some difficulties with Brandon Ingram injured, but they’ve had feisty CJ McCollum there to lead the way. According to BPI, the Pelicans should be favored to win tonight with an estimated scoring margin of 6.1 points.

Analytics Edge

BPI highest projected totals

1. Milwaukee Bucks (125.2 points)
2. Memphis Grizzlies (122.4 points)
3. New Orleans Pelicans (114.8 points)

BPI lowest projected totals

1. Cleveland Cavaliers (105.3 points)
2. Denver Nuggets (108. points)
3. Chicago Bulls (108.6 points)

BPI top probability to win (straight up)

1. Milwaukee Bucks (82.6%)
2. Memphis Grizzlies (82%)
3. New Orleans Pelicans (70.7%)

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During the first 10 days of NFL free agency, the Chicago Bears have made a decent amount of moves.

The only reservations from Bears fans, however, is the fact that none of them have been deemed as “major.” So far, Ryan Poles has brought in mostly mid-tier free agents at various positions, and a few which will come in and start.

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The NBA playoffs are less than a month away and both conferences feature seeding races that are sure to come down to the wire. Several top teams are missing key players who could return in time for the playoffs and help their teams’ postseason hopes.

The No. 5 Chicago Bulls and No. 6 Cleveland Cavaliers are separated by one game and missing Lonzo Ball and Jarrett Allen, respectively. The Cavs are just one game ahead of the Toronto Raptors and hoping to avoid the play-in tournament.

The Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets and Atlanta Hawks are No. 8, No. 9 and No. 10 in the East, respectively, entering Thursday’s games, all separated by one game and each missing key players. Will Ben Simmons make his Nets debut this season? Can Gordon Hayward return in time and help LaMelo Ball make a playoff run?

In the West, the struggling Golden State Warriors finally got Draymond Green back from a two-month absence, only to lose Stephen Curry. The Warriors are struggling to hold off the Utah Jazz, who are just three games out of the No. 3 seed. The Denver Nuggets are just a game and a half above the Minnesota Timberwolves for the No. 6 seed, but could get some much-needed help for Nikola Jokic in the coming weeks.

The Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans are locked in a race for home-court advantage in a potential play-in game, with both teams awaiting the returns of their stars. Can Anthony Davis help LeBron James save the Lakers’ season? Will Zion Williamson finally make his season debut?

Here’s the latest on where injured players stand during the last week of March.

Eastern Conference

John Collins

Out since March 13 with a plantar fascia tear in his right foot and a right finger sprain

The Hawks announced on March 17 that Collins would be reevaluated in 10-14 days following a nonsurgical procedure on his foot. Collins sat out seven games while nursing the foot injury before returning to the team on March 4. He played four games but clearly wasn’t himself, averaging just 9.3 points on 35.9% shooting — down from his season averages of 16.2 points and 52.6%. Danilo Gallinari has filled in admirably as a starter with Collins out of the lineup, but Atlanta could use Collins’ scoring punch as it fights for positioning in the Eastern Conference play-in race. — Andrew Lopez

Ben Simmons

Has not played since June 20

Simmons has not played this season after requesting a trade out of Philadelphia last summer. He was dealt to the Nets prior to last month’s trade deadline, but still hasn’t been cleared to practice as he continues to deal with a herniated disc in his back. It remains to be seen if Simmons will play this season. Nets coach Steve Nash remains optimistic, but Simmons hasn’t been able to do anything on the floor in weeks. The Nets have played some of their best basketball of the season recently, winning six of their past seven games behind the power of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Nets players and coaches continue to say that Simmons is in good spirits. The Nets’ postseason hopes would benefit from Simmons’ perimeter defense and the way he can push the ball offensively, but there is still no time set for his return. — Nick Friedell

Gordon Hayward

Out since Feb. 7 with a sprained left ankle

Hayward spoke to the media last week for the first time since February and said that the plan was to progress to contact this week and “see how it responds and kind of take it from there.” Charlotte is 26-22 when Hayward plays this season and 11-14 when he doesn’t. For a young, energetic team, Hayward’s steadiness, precise shooting — he’s hitting 39% of his 3s — and ability to create alongside Ball give Charlotte a big boost. If he can return before the play-in tournament, he’ll make the Hornets a far tougher team to eliminate. — Tim Bontemps

Lonzo Ball

Out since Jan. 14 with a left knee injury

Ball will be reevaluated on March 31 after the Bulls “pulled back” the rehab process on his knee earlier this week because he wasn’t responding properly to the recovery program following arthroscopic knee surgery in January. Ball will be shut down from running until at least the end of the month, which puts a return during the regular season in jeopardy even if he starts to show improvement by then. Without Ball, the Bulls have moved Alex Caruso into the starting lineup and will count on second-round pick Ayo Dosunmu off the bench to continue to pick up the slack defensively. — Jamal Collier

Jarrett Allen

Out since March 6 with a fractured left middle finger

Allen chose not to get surgery on his injured finger and the hope is that he’ll be able to return to the court for the Cavaliers before the end of the regular season. Allen has broken out in a big way this season, forming one of the league’s best interior defensive tandems alongside rookie Evan Mobley. He’s helped the Cavaliers turn into one of the league’s best stories this year with their surprising bid for a playoff spot. Whether Cleveland is able to remain in the top six in the East and avoid the play-in tournament could very well come down to whether Allen is able to return before the playoffs. — Bontemps

Western Conference

Jamal Murray

Out since April 12 with a torn left ACL

Murray has been working his way back and there is a chance he could be sent down to the G League for a block of practices, but a return this season is up in the air. The Nuggets are going to take things very slow with their star guard, who will be a year removed from tearing his ACL when the play-in tournament begins. Nuggets coach Michael Malone told reporters on Sunday that Murray is “not close” to playing in a game. Denver has nine games remaining in the regular season and the Nuggets’ approach has typically been to play things safe with the health of their top players and prospects. Jokic has carried the Nuggets, who trail the Dallas Mavericks by two games for the fifth spot in the West, but the Timberwolves are making a push for the sixth seed. — Ohm Youngmisuk

Michael Porter Jr.

Out since Nov. 6 with a lower back injury

Porter underwent lumbar spine surgery on Dec. 1 and his agent, Mark Bartlestein, told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski in late February that Porter was progressing toward a possible return in March. Jokic has been sensational all season playing at an MVP level again, but Porter would be a big boost for the Nuggets with his 3-point shooting and rebounding. Denver is going to play it safe with their promising young forward, who has undergone three back procedures since November 2017, his freshman year at Missouri. The Nuggets could be a title contender next season with a healthy trio of Jokic, Murray and Porter, so Denver will proceed with caution. — Youngmisuk

Stephen Curry

Out since March 16 with a left foot strain

The Warriors will be without Curry for at least another week and a half as he recovers from a sprained ligament in his left foot. They have won just one game since his injury. The Memphis Grizzlies passed the Warriors for the No. 2 seed in Green’s two-month absence and now the Utah Jazz are closing in with just three games to separate them. Third-year guard Jordan Poole, who started in place of Klay Thompson ahead of his return, finds himself in the starting lineup again with Curry out. Poole has put up 29, 28, 26 and 30 points in the past four games, respectively, and has scored at least 20 points per game since March 3. Curry, Thompson and Green have played just 11 minutes together this season and are running out of time to find a rhythm together before the playoffs. — Kendra Andrews

Kawhi Leonard

Out since June 14 with a torn right ACL

Leonard suffered the injury in the second round of the 2021 playoffs against the Jazz and has not played since. He had surgery on July 13, but the Clippers still do not have a timetable for his return. The Clippers are entrenched in the eighth spot in the West and on their way to the play-in tournament. By all accounts, Leonard has been working hard and looks to be in good shape, but the Clippers will be extra cautious with their franchise star. If they make it out of the play-in tournament, however, and Paul George and Norman Powell also return, Leonard would just need clearance from the medical staff to play again. And that door has been left open. — Youngmisuk

Paul George

Out since Dec. 22 with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow

George opted to let his elbow heal with rest instead of undergoing surgery to leave the door open for a return, but no timetable has been set. It could have been a death sentence for the Clippers’ season when the team announced on Christmas Day that George would be out indefinitely with Leonard also out, but Tyronn Lue and the Clippers are headed for the play-in tournament, currently eighth in the West. Still, the Clippers could desperately use George’s offense. The star guard has made progress: George has been seen shooting with his right hand from short to midrange and was cleared for minimal contact in 4-on-4 against the Clippers coaches. There are only three weeks left before the play-in tournament and the Clippers will be cautious with George, but seeing him back on the court is a positive sign. — Youngmisuk

Anthony Davis

Out since Feb. 16 with a right mid-foot sprain

If everything continues to progress well in Davis’ rehab, the All-Star big man could be suiting up for games by the first week of April, at the earliest, sources told ESPN. The Lakers have gone 18-7 in the past two postseasons when Davis and James were in the lineup and able to finish the game. That’s the stat that keeps L.A.’s locker room believing, despite how difficult this season has been. The Lakers struggled to adjust without him at first, going 2-9 out of the All-Star break, but started to find a mix that works by giving more time to role players like Stanley Johnson, Austin Reaves and Wenyen Gabriel to replicate the defensive-minded presence that Davis provides, while letting James continue to shoulder the offensive burden. If Davis can get back, there won’t be much time to ramp things up before the play-in tournament, but if his immediate return to high-level play coming off an MCL sprain in January is any indicator, a ramp up might not be needed. — Dave McMenamin

Brandon Ingram

Out since March 8 with a strained right hamstring

Ingram is still listed as out, but the team is hopeful he can return on the upcoming three-game homestand. The Pelicans are 5-17 when Ingram sits this season, but three of those wins have come in the past five games as the team has been able to lean on CJ McCollum. New Orleans has been a .500 team with Ingram this season (25-25) and also a .500 mark (5-5) with McCollum and Ingram together. As the Pelicans battle the Lakers for the No. 9 spot and home court for a play-in game, a healthy Ingram will give New Orleans an added boost. — Lopez

Larry Nance Jr.

Out since Jan. 5 with a right knee injury

Nance had surgery on Feb. 11 after being traded in the deal with the Portland Trail Blazers that also sent McCollum to New Orleans. He has yet to play for the Pelicans this season, but he has been upgraded to probable and the team expects him to make his debut Thursday. Nance has been shooting and jumping for a couple of weeks as he prepares to make his Pelicans debut. Nance could slot in at power forward next to Jonas Valanciunas or Willy Hernangomez, or play alongside Jaxson Hayes, who the Pelicans have given starting power forward minutes to. It’s not out of the question to play Nance at the small forward spot with Hayes and Valanciunas, either. He’ll give the Pelicans another veteran presence as they make their final push. — Lopez

Zion Williamson

Has not played all season with a fractured right foot

There has been no timetable given for a return to play, if Williamson returns at all this season after fracturing the fifth metatarsal in his right foot in offseason workouts. Williamson has had setbacks throughout the year and his return has been constantly delayed. He returned to New Orleans earlier this month after spending nearly two months rehabbing in Portland. He was seen Wednesday playing one-on-one with player development coach Corey Brewer, elevating on his jump shot, going off the dribble and dunking multiple times. The Pelicans are a game behind the No. 9 Lakers, fighting for home court in a potential play-in matchup. — Lopez

Chris Paul

Out since Feb. 16 with a fractured right thumb

Paul fractured his thumb in the final game before the All-Star break, an injury that was expected to sideline him for six to eight weeks. He might beat that timetable in making his return. He’s been going through shooting drills for the past two weeks and taking other steps toward getting back in game action. The Suns, meanwhile, haven’t just survived without Paul. Phoenix has thrived since the All-Star break, going 11-4 in that span and preventing any team from remotely threatening the Suns in the fight for the NBA’s best record. Paul’s absence might have even had a silver lining. The 36-year-old perennial All-Star point guard should have fresh legs for the playoffs, which the Suns will enter as title favorites. — Tim MacMahon

Image credits: John Bazemore/AP Photo; Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images; Brian Westerholt/USA TODAY Sports; Kamil Krzaczynski/USA TODAY Sports; Carlos Osorio/AP Photo; Ashley Landis/AP Photo; Jeff Chiu/AP Photo; Kelvin Kuo/USA TODAY Sports; Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA TODAY Sports; Chuck Cook/USA TODAY Sports; Chris Coduto/Getty Images

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Rutgers senior Ron Harper Jr. will declare for the 2022 NBA draft, he told ESPN on Wednesday.

“I’m ready to put myself out there to get myself in the best position possible to be drafted,” Harper said. “I’m going all-in.”

Harper, a projected second-round pick, was named an Associated Press All-American honorable mention and second-team All-Big Ten selection after averaging 15.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists for the Scarlet Knights, who made consecutive NCAA tournament appearances for the first time since 1976 during his tenure.

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Harper will go down as one of the best players in Rutgers history after helping turn around a program that finished in last place in its first three seasons in the Big Ten prior to his arrival but would have made three straight tournament appearances had the coronavirus pandemic not forced the cancellation of their season in March 2020. The NBA is again requiring college seniors to make themselves eligible for the NBA draft by formally declaring for the early-entry list in writing, as fourth-year players like Harper can return for a “super senior” fifth year if interested.

“The last few years at Rutgers were unbelievable,” Harper said. “Nobody would imagine we’d be where we are today when I arrived. When I came on an unofficial recruiting visit, Coach (Steve) Pikiell said he wants to turn Rutgers back into a winning culture and get back to the NCAA tournament. Now, if you don’t make the tournament, it’s a failure. This has been a great journey with my teammates, coaching staff and our fans. We turned Jersey Mike’s Arena into one of the toughest places to play in college basketball. It wasn’t like that when I got here. That’s a product of what we were able to accomplish since my freshman year.”

Harper was not heavily recruited throughout much of his high school career at Don Bosco Prep in New Jersey. He played AAU for Ring City, a team founded by his mother, Maria, who played Division I college basketball at the University of New Orleans and is now an assistant coach at Don Bosco, and father, Ron Harper Sr.

“I feel like this is kind of crazy to see how far I’ve come,” Harper Jr. said. “It’s been a long, hard journey. Nothing easy about it. No handouts. Nothing given.”

Harper said he struggled early in his career with the pressure of being compared to his father, a five-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers. Known as a prolific scorer early in his NBA career, Harper Sr. transitioned into a lockdown defender and instrumental part of Phil Jackson’s triangle offense with his experience and passing savvy.

“It was hard at first. I struggled with carrying my dad’s name and being compared to him in every way,” Harper Jr. said. “I’ve learned how to do deal with it, accept what that comes with and be grateful. He has a lot of great advice and things he can teach me now. I feel like I owe it to him, to play my hardest, because I’m also wearing his name on the back of my jersey.”

Harper Jr. was one of just 24 players to be named an AP All-American honorable mention. That was a product not only of his perimeter shooting ability — converting 40% of his 3-pointers this season — but also his late-game heroics, making several memorable game-winning shots and other clutch plays that helped Rutgers secure a spot in the NCAA tournament.

Harper also emerged as a versatile defender as his career moved on, often starting games at power forward despite standing only 6-6 but regularly switching onto smaller players and using his 6-11 wingspan to contest jump shots, deny passes off the ball, rotate to help teammates, and use his instincts to get in passing lanes and protect the rim.

Harper says he sees himself evolving into a 3-and-D-style role player at the NBA level in the Robert Covington mold.

“The NBA is more spaced-out basketball; there are different defensive rules. I had to take a lot of contested 3-pointers this year. Those will be open ones in the NBA. The biggest thing NBA teams will see is I’m more athletic than a lot of people realize. I’m going to get my body in the best shape possible to help with that, including improving my eating habits.”

Harper says he plans on being another in a long line of second-generation players to exceed expectations in the NBA.

“When you’re around the game and people that understand it, it makes it easy to succeed at every level,” he said. “I’ve exceeded everyone’s expectations because people around me know the game and know what I need to do to help my team win, and I plan on continuing to do that.

“Being a second-generation player, there is a tendency to overlook us at times because of the expectations and comparisons that come with that. Everyone on in our circle knows what we need to do and tune out the noise, and that keeps us on track.”

Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft expert and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analytics service utilized by NBA, NCAA and international teams.

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The ESPN fantasy and betting cheat sheet is your pregame destination for our best intel and data to help you make smart fantasy and wagering decisions. NBA game odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook, and fantasy advice is based on ESPN 10-team leagues.

Jump ahead: Game of the night | Picks and props | Analytics edge

What you need to know for Wednesday’s slate

By Jim McCormick and Kyle Soppe

Dime Time: The Grizzlies will be without Ja Morant, positioning Tyus Jones (97% available) as the team’s starting point guard in a matchup with a Brooklyn team that has surrendered 49.8 DraftKings PPG to point guards, the fifth-highest in the NBA. During his last two starts in place of Morant, Jones has averaged nine assists and sank multiple 3-pointers in each outing.

Bullish on Bullock: Luka Doncic will sit tonight and while his play-making role will sorely be missed, it does open up plenty of usage for other players against the worst defense in the NBA. Reggie Bullock (97% available) carries significant downside, but the reward stands to outweigh the risk for roto leaguers looking to stream shooting. Over the past two weeks, Bullock has launched 59 shots … 49 have come from 3-point land. He does have 16 rebounds over his past three games and has added a block in three of four contests, so there is some hope for additional value on top of strictly a 3PM streamer/punt play.

Niang Gang: Georges Niang (98% available) doesn’t carry the star power of his teammates, but don’t rule him out as a viable option down the stretch. His minutes have increased in three straight games and he’s averaged over 11 PPG (2.8 3PM) for the month of March. The upside is limited given the usage of those around him, but he’s clearly carved out a role on a team that has seven games in the next 12 days.

Bankable: Drew Eubanks (91% available) hometown kid that has worked his way into a meaningful role for the Trail Blazers over the past few weeks. He has averaged 14.6 points and 8.2 rebounds over his past five games, including a team-leading 13.8 rebounding chances per game. Eubanks has become a solid streaming option and has collected at least eight rebounds in five of his last six games.

Royal Depth: With Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox likely in street clothes, it’s time to roster Davion Mitchell (94% available). The defensive-minded rookie popped for 28 points and nine dimes in Sacramento’s loss to the Suns and should be busy against Indiana’s soft perimeter defense. It’s also worth noting Donte DiVinvenzo (62% available) enjoys the largest leap in usage rate on the team when both Fox and Sabonis off the floor.

Bogdan Balling: Bogdan Bogdanovic (27% available) has scored at least 30 points in two of his last three games and tonight meets a Pistons team that has allowed nearly 43 DraftKings PPG to shooting guards. The Hawks have posted an elite offensive rating of 130 (points per 100 possessions) with Bogdanovic on the floor over the past three games, evidence his production is influencing the team’s recent success. A solid streaming addition — even in shallower leagues — Bogdanovic is also a strong target for scoring props given the soft matchup.

Game of the Night

Line: Nets (-2.5)
Moneyline: Nets (-135), Grizzlies (+115)
Total: 236 points
BPI Projected Total: 229.5 points
BPI Win%: Grizzlies (61.9%)

Key players ruled out: Ja Morant

Questionable: Seth Curry (ankle)

Doubtful: Goran Dragic (knee)

Notable: The books have yet to figure out how to evaluate the Nets on the road. In their past nine games outside of Brooklyn, they are 7-0-2 ATS with over tickets cashing in seven of those games.

Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets has 189 points over his last five games, all on the road. Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images

Fantasy Streamer: Patty Mills. With Seth Curry (ankle) questionable and Goran Dragic (knee) doubtful, Mills (82% available) will have a bigger role in Memphis tonight. He has averaged 16.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per 40 minutes. — Eric Moody

Best bet: Nets -1.0. The Grizzlies have been solid without Ja Morant this season, but the Nets have been sizzling of late when Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant are both available. The Nets have won the past three games that both have played in by a whopping 82 points, including a 29-point blowout of the Atlantic-leading 76ers in Philadelphia. Facing a Morant-less Grizzlies squad, the Nets should have the advantage.— Andre Snellings

Breaking down the rest of the slate

Line: 76ers (-7.5)
Moneyline: 76ers (-320), Lakers (+250)
Total: 229.5 points
BPI Projected Total: 225.5 points
BPI Win%: 76ers (65.8%)

Key players ruled out:

Questionable: LeBron James (knee), Talen Horton-Tucker (ankle)

Notable: The Lakers can’t string victories together, but overs have been cashing on a consistent basis (6-2 over the past eight).

Best bet: James Harden over 40.5 points + assists rebounds. Harden has averaged 21 PPG, 10 APG, and 6.6 RPG in March, while shooting 40 percent from the field. The Lakers have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to point guards and the fourth-most to shooting guards. Harden should have a field day in Los Angeles. — Moody

Line: Hornets (-6.5)
Moneyline: Hornets (-280), Knicks (+230)
Total: 226 points
BPI Projected Total: 219.5 points
BPI Win%: Hornets (68.1%)

Key players ruled out: none

Questionable: Julius Randle

Notable: Three of New York’s past four games have gone under the total, a number that might not seem significant until you realize that just three of their previous 10 games went under.

Line: Hawks (-5.5)
Moneyline: Hawks (-230), Pistons (+190)
Total: 225 points
BPI Projected Total: 220 points
BPI Win%: Hawks (52.8%

Key players ruled out: none

Notable: We’ve seen three straight Detroit games go over the total after a run where six of seven cashed under tickets.

Line: Pacers (-5.5)
Moneyline: Pacers (-230), Kings (+190)
Total: 236 points
BPI Projected Total: 236.5 points
BPI Win%: Pacers (64.4%)

Key players ruled out: De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis

Questionable: Isaiah Jackson (concussion), Tyrese Haliburton, Chris Duarte (toe)

Notable: The Pacers are just 7-13 ATS over their past 20 (2-8 ATS over that run at home).

Fantasy Streamer: Goga Bitadze (96.0% available) has started the last two games for the Pacers with Isaiah Jackson out and totaled 35 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals in those two games. He’s averaged 16.0 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.6 3PG, 1.2 BPG and 0.8 SPG in 22.4 MPG in his past five games — Snellings

Line: Celtics (-5)
Moneyline: Celtics (-220), Jazz (+180)
Total: 219.5 points
BPI Projected Total: 221.5 points
BPI Win%: Celtics (67.7%)

Key players ruled out: none

Notable: Three straight Boston games have gone over the total. In fact, 11 of their past 15 have gone over as the books seem to be overcorrecting for their elite defense.

Line: Heat (-7)
Moneyline: Heat (-280), Warriors (+230)
Total: 214.5 points
BPI Projected Total: 214 points
BPI Win%: Heat (74.9%)

Key players ruled out: Stephen Curry

Notable: After a nice 6-2-2 run ATS, the Heat have failed to cover in each of their past four games.

Line: Suns (-1.5)
Moneyline: Suns (-125), Timberwolves (+105)
Total: 236 points
BPI Projected Total: 228.5 points
BPI Win%: Timberwolves (54%)

Key players ruled out: Cameron Johnson, Chris Paul

Questionable: Karl-Anthony Towns (forearm)

Notable: The Timberwolves have covered 10 of their past 12 games and one of those failures to cover was Monday night, a game in which they did cover the opening line.

Line: Magic (-2)
Moneyline: Magic (-130), Thunder (+110)
Total: 219 points
BPI Projected Total: 220 points
BPI Win%: Magic (53.7%)

Key players ruled out: none

Questionable: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (ankle)

Notable: Have the Thunder become a value? They’ve covered four straight and seen five of their past six go over the total. In fact, 13 of the past 16 Oklahoma City have gone over the number.

Line: Mavericks (-9.5)
Moneyline: Mavericks (-450), Rockets (+350)
Total: 225.5 points
BPI Projected Total: 219.5 points
BPI Win%: Mavericks (75.3%)

Key players ruled out: Luka Doncic (ankle) and Davis Bertans (knee)

Notable: The Mavericks have seen six of their past eight games go under the number and face a bottom-5 team tonight in terms of offensive efficiency.

Fantasy Streamer: Dorian Finney-Smith. Finney-Smith will benefit from Luka Doncic and Davis Bertans being out. He’s averaged 12.4 PPG, 5.0 RPG, and 1.6 APG over the past five games and should flourish against a Rockets team that ranks last in the league in points allowed per 100 possessions. — Moody

Best bet: Rockets +10 over Mavericks. The Mavericks just aren’t the same team without Doncic, sporting a 6-10 record in the 16 games he’s missed this season. While the Rockets are a lottery team, the Mavs without Doncic shouldn’t be giving 10 points against anyone. The last time they faced the Rockets without Doncic, Houston won by 24 points. — Snellings

Line: Spurs (-8)
Moneyline: Spurs (-330), Blazers (+260)
Total: 233.5 points
BPI Projected Total: 224.5 points
BPI Win%: Spurs (68.9%)

Key players ruled out: Lonnie Walker IV, Romeo Langford

Notable: It would seem that the books have adjusted properly on what the Blazers are (or aren’t) doing. Portland is 4-2 ATS in their past six on the heels of dropping six-in-a-row.

Fantasy Streamer: Brandon Williams. Williams (92% available) has stepped up in Anfernee Simons‘ absence. he’s averaged 16.3 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 3.0 APG and 1.1 SPG over the past 12 games while shooting 40.7% from the field. — Moody

Fantasy Streamer: Devin Vassell. Vassell (88% available) has filled the void left by Lonnie Walker IV (back) and Romeo Langford (hamstring). He’s averaged 14 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.2 APG and 1.4 SPG over the past five games and the Trail Blazers are one of the worst defensive teams in the league, ranking 29th in points allowed per 100 possessions. — Moody

Fantasy Streamer: Trendon Watford (80.1% available) is averaging 17.1 PPG (50.5 FG%, 83.3 FT%), 5.7 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.3 BPG, 1.1 SPG and 0.7 3PG in his last seven outings. — Snellings

Best bet: Dejounte Murray over 42.5 points + assists + rebounds. Murray has averaged 21 PPG, 9.3 APG, and 8.4 RPG with a usage rate of 27% this season. He faces a Trail Blazers team that allows the fourth-most fantasy points per game. Murray has triple-double potential for tonight. — Moody

Analytics Edge

BPI highest projected totals

1. Indiana Pacers (120.5 points)
2. Memphis Grizzlies (116.2 points)
3. Sacramento Kings (116.2 points)

BPI lowest projected totals

1. Golden State Warriors (103.3 points)
2. Houston Rockets (105.8 points)
3. New York Knicks (107.2 points)

BPI top probability to win (straight up)

1. Dallas Mavericks (75.3%)
2. Miami Heat (74.9%)
3. San Antonio Spurs (68.9%)

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In yet another shocking turn of events this offseason, star wide receiver Tyreek Hill has been granted permission to find a trade partner as his extension talks have stalled. Enter: the Chicago Bears.

The connection is obvious, the need is obvious, the money is there. Will it happen? Obviously, Ryan Poles’ tallest task ahead of him is to give Justin Fields weapons to work with and build a strong team around him. He noted in his press conference that his philosophy is to be selective in free agency and build through the draft, but how do trades factor into this?

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