What’s New

CAMDEN, N.J. — Even with Ben Simmons not playing in Thursday night’s game between the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers, there is plenty of excitement surrounding the game in Philadelphia.

Sixers coach Doc Rivers said after Wednesday’s practice that while he isn’t a fan of the way this Atlantic Division rivalry began, he is a fan of rivalries in general — and thinks the NBA is in great shape with how wide open and competitive the Eastern Conference is.

“I don’t like how, let’s say, this rivalry was started,” Rivers said with a smile. “I’ll pass on all that, let me put it that way. But I love when there’s rivalries. I love when there’s teams that are in the same conference that want to play each other and go after each other. That’s all good.

“The league is in a great place right now. It really is. I mean, you look at the East, there’s five, six teams that legitimately can win the East. In the West, the same thing. So if you’re over at the league, if you’re Adam Silver right now, you’re loving the league, you really are. Because competition is good, right? That’s what we want. We want a good, hard game, with competition. And that’s a great thing, and I think we have it in our league right now.”

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Two of those teams Rivers was referring to — his own, and the Nets — will square off Thursday in the first meeting between the teams since their blockbuster trade last month that saw Simmons and James Harden get swapped before the NBA trade deadline.

The game will be the stiffest test that Harden and Joel Embiid have faced since they began playing games together two weeks ago. Philadelphia has gone 5-0 in games the two superstars have played in together, but none have come against opponents the caliber of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, two elite scorers.

Rivers cautioned against reading too much into an individual game, saying five games is too short a time to make any sweeping judgments.

“Kevin Durant is elite,” Rivers said. “Kyrie is elite. When you give them the ball, they’re really tough to guard. There’s no secrets to that. We’ve got some elite guys here, too, and there’s probably no secrets to that. Both teams are probably still trying to figure out stuff. They’ve had guys in and out all year. Us, too, with the trade.

“So it’s tough to have a real measure after five, either way. But it’s still good to play them. It’s good to play all these teams. I think a little bit at a time, but you learn a little bit at a time.”

What won’t be learned is how Simmons will look with his new teammates, or how he’ll play against his old ones, as he remains sidelined with a back issue.

But that hasn’t stopped Philadelphia from being fired up for the game — and from his old teammates admitting that the contest means more than the typical regular-season affair.

“Absolutely,” Sixers forward Georges Niang said when asked if it means more than a normal game. “I mean, obviously we’re not gonna hide and say what didn’t happen. There was a trade that happened, we got James, they got Ben.

“I’m sure there’s a ton of anticipation for the fans, there’s a ton of anticipation for us, but I think when we get out on the court, it’s another game. Obviously it’s an in-conference rival, but this obviously means a little more for guys on our side, for sure.”

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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 night’s NBA slate

By Jim McCormick and Kyle Soppe

Valuing Vassell: All signs point to Devin Vassell (86% available) returning from a one game absence (groin) and he’s been more productive than most seem willing to admit. He has scored at least 10 points in six straight and has either a block or steal all 13 games he’s appeared in since February 1. He’s shooting 37.5% at home this season and with the Spurs ranking top 5 in pace of play, there’s streaming intrigue here given that San Antonio plays three home games in the next four days.

Save on Smart: Jayson Tatum deservedly gets the headlines in Boston, but don’t lose track of Marcus Smart ($6,500 on DraftKings) if you’re trying for a unique build tonight. He’s averaged 13.8 points, 2.5 made 3’s and 7.7 assists following the All Star Break and he finds himself in a pace up spot against a Hornets team on the second night of a back-to-back.

Star Stash: It’s time to roster Michael Porter Jr., as the gifted forward could return to action in the next few weeks. Rostered in just 55% of leagues, even a slow reintegration to the Nuggets’ lineup could result in some big scoring outings by the end of the month.

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Campaigning: The Suns pulled off a close road win in Orlando last night thanks to some deft playmaking from Cameron Payne (available in 78% of leagues). With Chris Paul ruled out for tonight’s matchup in Miami, Payne is truly a must-add option in all formats and a strong play for assist props given he’s dished out an absurd 36 dimes the last three games.

Get the Bag: Isaiah Stewart won’t play against the Bulls tonight due to a knee injury. With Stewart leaving the team’s recent win over Atlanta after just 10 minutes of action, Marvin Bagley III (available in 53% of leagues) played 36 minutes and delivered a double-double for the Pistons. Likely to play a large role against a Chicago team that lacks interior defense, Bagley is in a good spot to hit his scoring and rebounding props.

Going Deep: The shorthanded Trail Blazers are heavy underdogs to the Jazz this evening, but there could be some helpful fantasy contributors found deeper on the roster. With Anfernee Simons questionable, we could see guard Brandon Williams (available in 98% of leagues) shine again. Williams erupted for 27 points, 10 combined rebounds and assists, and four steals in the team’s last game. With Portland in need of playmaking, shares of both Williams and Josh Hart could prove rewarding in redraft and DFS competition.

Game of the Night

Line: Heat (-8.5)
Moneyline: Heat (-400), Suns (+300)
Total: 217.5 points
BPI projected total: 210.5 points
BPI win%: Heat (78.3%)

Notable: The Heat at 5-1-2 ATS in their past 8 games and seven of their past 10 at home have gone over the total.

Key players ruled out: Chris Paul, Markieff Morris

Questionable: Cameron Johnson (quadriceps), Caleb Martin (Achilles)

Best bet: Bam Adebayo over 32.5 total points + assists + rebounds. The key will be playing time. Adebayo has gone over 32.5 PAR in nine straight games in which he has played at least 32 minutes. He’s been below the mark in four straight games when he’s played under 32 minutes. In their last three games, the Suns have allowed a frontcourt player to score at least 20 points or grab at least 10 rebounds in every contest (including Julius Randle, who was ejected in the third quarter), with those three players averaging 21.3 PPG and 10.7 RPG. — Andre Snellings

Fantasy streamer: Cameron Payne. The fact that Payne is available in 81.7% of ESPN leagues boggles my mind. He has recorded two double-doubles in his last three games. In addition, Payne has recorded 44 assists in four games since returning from injury. He has had a 26.5% usage rate over that time period. –– Eric Moody

Breaking down the rest of the slate

Line: Jazz (-17.5)
Moneyline: Jazz (-2200), Blazers (+1100)
Total: 221 points
BPI projected total: 221.5 points
BPI win%: Jazz (94.1%)

Key players ruled out: Justise Winslow, Eric Bledsoe

Questionable: Anfernee Simons (quadriceps)

Donovan Mitchell could be in for a big night on Wednesday. AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Notable: On the heels of nine straight unders in home games, each of Utah’s past two in front of their home crowd have gone over Vegas’ total.

Line: Celtics (-7.5)
Moneyline: Celtics (-320), Hornets (+250)
Total: 227 points
BPI projected total: 230 points
BPI win%: Celtics (74.6%)

Key players ruled out: Gordon Hayward

Notable: The books have been unable to properly adjust to the Jayson Tatum explosion, as seven of Boston’s past eight games have gone over the total.

Best bet: Robert Williams III over 22.5 points + rebounds. the Hornets have been a favorable matchup for centers all season long, which bodes well for Williams. Over the last five games, he has averaged a double-double. The Hornets rank 20th in points allowed per 100 possessions and allow opponents to grab a lot of offensive rebounds.

Line: Bulls (-6)
Moneyline: Bulls (-265), Pistons (+215)
Total: 226 points
BPI projected total: 221.5 points
BPI win%: Bulls (59%)

Key players ruled out: Isaiah Stewart, Lonzo Ball, Patrick Williams, Alex Caruso

Questionable: Nikola Vucevic (hamstring)

Notable: The Pistons are 7-0-1 ATS over their past eight games and their past three games have gone under the total.

Best Bet: Pistons +6 over Bulls. The Pistons are not only hot against the spread, but hot overall. They’ve won six of their last eight outright, including victories over teams contending for the postseason like the Celtics, Cavaliers, Raptors, Hawks and Hornets. The Bulls, meanwhile, have lost five straight by an average of 9.2 PPG. — Snellings

Fantasy streamer: Marvin Bagley III. With Isaiah Stewart out, Bagley (56% available) is on the streaming radar. He’s averaged 18 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game in 29 minutes. Bagley’s chemistry with Cade Cunningham should be on full display against the Bulls. — Moody

Best bet: Ayo Dosunmu over 19.5 total points + rebounds + assists Dosunmu should get all the work he can handle since Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso are still out for the Bulls. He has averaged 13 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.0 rebounds over the last four games. The Pistons are 25th in points allowed per 100 possessions and allow opponents to rack up a lot of offensive rebounds.

Line: Bucks (59.5%)
Moneyline: Bucks (-240), Hawks (+195)
Total: 237 points
BPI projected total: 233.5 points
BPI win%: Bucks (59.5%)

Key players ruled out: none

Questionable: Grayson Allen (hip)

Notable: The Hawks have failed to cover seven of their past eight road games, including each of their past four.

Best bet: Bucks -5 over Hawks. The Bucks have been streaking down the stretch, winners of five straight games by an average of 13.6 PPG. The Hawks have been stagnant, going 3-3 in their last six games and 7-8 in their last 15. — Snellings

Line: Lakers (-4)
Moneyline: Lakers (-165), Rockets (+145)
Total: 232.5 points
BPI projected total: 228 points
BPI win%: Lakers (56.4%)

Key players ruled out: Anthony Davis, Dennis Schroder

Questionable: LeBron James (knee), Christian Wood (illness), Garrison Mathews (ankle), Jae’Sean Tate (ankle)

Notable: Saturday’s exciting win over the Warriors was great, but that is the only game the Lakers have covered in the second half of the season.

Line: Timberwolves (-14.5)
Moneyline: Timberwolves (-1125), Thunder (+700)
Total: 229 points
BPI projected total: 227 points
BPI win%: Timberwolves (89.3%)

Key players ruled out: Anthony Edwards, Josh Giddey, Luguentz Dort

Questionable: D’Angelo Russell (hamstring), Jarred Vanderbilt (quadriceps), Patrick Beverley (ankle)

Notable: The T-Wolves are working on their second five-game ATS unbeaten streak in the past five weeks.

Line: Pelicans (-8)
Moneyline: Pelicans (-380), Magic (+290)
Total: 221.5 points
BPI projected total: 217.5 points
BPI win%: Pelicans (77.7%)

Key players ruled out: Markelle Fultz

Questionable: Brandon Ingram (hamstring), Jalen Suggs (ankle)

Notable: The Pelicans have failed to cover in five of their past seven second nights of back-to-backs.

Fantasy streamer: Herbert Jones (85% available) contributes stats across the board for fantasy managers. In his last five games, he has averaged 8.3 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 2.3 SPG, and 1.0 BPG. This season, the Magic have allowed small forwards to average 21 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game. — Moody

Line: Mavericks (-8)
Moneyline: Mavericks (-380), Knicks (+290)
Total: 215.5 points
BPI projected total: 215.5 points
BPI win%: Mavericks (80.4%)

Key players ruled out: Obi Toppin, Nerlens Noel, Cam Reddish, Derrick Rose

Questionable: Jalen Brunson (foot), Mitchell Robinson (illness)

Notable: After Monday night’s comeback in Sacramento, the Knicks have now covered three straight after dropping 10 of their previous 11 ATS. Also of note: seven of the past eight Knick games have gone over the total.

Fantasy streamer: Immanuel Quickley. Quickley has scored 20 or more points four times this season, with three of those performances coming in his past five games. It is my hope that head coach Tom Thibodeau will come to the realization that Quickley (94.5% available) should be the Knicks’ starting point guard instead of Alec Burks.

Line: Raptors (-1)
Moneyline: Raptors (-110), Spurs (-110)
Total: 228.5 points
BPI projected total: 220.5 points
BPI win%: Spurs (51%)

Key players ruled out: Fred VanVleet, Malachi Flynn, OG Anunoby

Notable: The Raptors have failed to cover four straight games and all four of those contests have gone under the total. It hasn’t just the result of a banged up Fred VanVleet: Toronto has failed to cover eight of their past 10.

Line: Nuggets (-4.5)
Moneyline: Nuggets (-190), Kings (+160)
Total: 237 points
BPI projected total: 223 points
BPI win%: Nuggets (70.1%)

Key players ruled out: Richaun Holmes

Questionable: Will Barton (ankle), Jeremy Lamb (hip)

Notable: Overs have come through in 10 of Sacramento’s past 14 games and the Kings actually have a winning record ATS over that stretch (8-6).

Line: Clippers (-4.5)
Moneyline: Clippers (-190), Wizards (+160)
Total: 219 points
BPI projected total: 221 points
BPI win%: Wizards (52%)

Key players ruled out: Robert Covington

Questionable: Raul Neto (ankle)

Notable: The Wizards are 4-1-1 ATS over their past six games and over tickets have cashed in five of those contests.

Analytics edge

ESPN’s NBA Basketball Power Index (BPI) is a measure of team strength developed by the ESPN Analytics team.

BPI highest-projected totals

1. Minnesota Timberwolves (120.8 points)
2. Utah Jazz (119.3 points)
3. Milwaukee Bucks (118.5 points)

BPI lowest-projected totals

1. Phoenix Suns (101 points)
2. Portland Trail Blazers (101.9 points)
3. New York Knicks (103.1 points)

BPI top probability to win (straight up)

1. Utah Jazz (94.1%)
2. Minnesota Timberwolves (89.3%)
3. Dallas Mavericks (80.4%)

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It’s no secret that the Chicago Bears have some work to do on their roster to truly compete. However, I think the biggest misconception surrounding team building is that teams need to find the quarterback first. The Broncos’ team-building process over the last few years shows that isn’t necessarily true.

After winning the Super Bowl in 2015, Denver only posted one winning record in 2016 when they went 9-7. The next five seasons saw them win no more than seven games in any season. However, while they were losing, Denver wasn’t out every offseason spending all their cap on high-end free agents or making aggressive trades in the draft.

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The Chicago Bears are still trying to build. They have a new general manager and head coach in place which is a great start. Now, they are hoping that the news about Russell Wilson makes their chances of reaching the postseason better.

The day started (Tuesday) with bad news for Chicago. Aaron Rodgers is going to be returning to the Green Bay Packers. There are contradicting reports coming out on the contract’s details but he confirmed that he will be back. Now, the Bears will have to continue seeing him in the way of the division.

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Patrick Kane and the Chicago Blackhawks absolutely destroyed the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night. They won by a final score of 8-3 at the United Center. Kane, along with a few other players, had big games which allowed Chicago to collect a big win.

Of course, like most nights, Kane was at the center of it all. For the first time in his career, he had six points in one game (one goal and five assists). It was the most productive game that Kane has ever had which is saying something because he is going to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

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Tuesday saw the NFL explode with major news throughout the day. The Chicago Bears found out the fate of Aaron Rodgers, and it appears they’ll have to deal with him for a little while longer.

Aside from Rodgers staying in Green Bay, the Seattle Seahawks traded quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos, who were also in on Rodgers before he ultimately chose to stay.

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It seemed like just a little while ago the Chicago Bulls were in sole possession of first place in the Eastern Conference. Now, they sit in the four seed and are completely reeling.

Losers of five in a row, the Bulls look out of sorts and are searching for answers. They are only a half-game ahead of the Boston Celtics and are in danger of dropping to bottom half of the top-8.

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Chicago Cubs reliever Codi Heuer reportedly underwent Tommy John surgery earlier this week and will miss all of the 2022 season. He shared a photo on his Instagram on Tuesday post-surgery.

“Horses don’t stop, they keep going,” Heuer posted along with a picture of his arm in a brace. “Can’t wait to be back with the best fans in baseball again.”

Heuer, 25, was acquired along with Nick Madrigal in the Craig Kimbrel deal with the Chicago White Sox at the trade deadline last summer. Before coming over to the north side, the Missoula, MT native posted a 5.12 ERA in 40 outings with the White Sox. He was hit-or-miss, owning 9.1 K/9 and 10.5 H9 metrics.

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