The NBA returns in full force on Thursday with a jam-packed 13-game slate that will have major implications in both fantasy basketball leagues and sports betting markets. After the excitement of the NBA Cup, the league’s 30 teams jump back into the regular season fray, with 26 of them taking the court on this busy night. From intriguing individual matchups to high-stakes showdowns between contenders, Thursday’s slate offers no shortage of compelling storylines for fans and bettors alike.
Fantasy Basketball Streaming Targets for Thursday
With so many teams in action, fantasy basketball managers will have a plethora of streaming options to choose from on Thursday. Here are some of the top widely-available players to consider adding for a one-night boost:
Zach Edey, C, Memphis Grizzlies
The rookie big man returned from an ankle injury on Sunday and put up a solid line in limited minutes. Edey gets a juicy matchup against the Warriors on Thursday and should see plenty of opportunity with Jaren Jackson Jr. banged up. He’s an elite source of points, rebounds and blocks.
Ayo Dosunmu, SG, Chicago Bulls
Dosunmu has thrived as a starter for Chicago lately, averaging 15.7 points and 5.5 assists over his last 11 games. With Josh Giddey questionable, Dosunmu could be looking at an even larger workload against Boston and is a strong streaming play for points, assists and defensive stats.
Kevin Porter Jr., PG/SG, LA Clippers
Porter has carved out a solid role off the Clippers bench and is coming off three straight games with at least 28 fantasy points. Terance Mann’s finger injury opens up more backcourt minutes, positioning Porter as an appealing streamer against Dallas.
Must-Watch NBA Matchups on Thursday
From a real-life NBA perspective, Thursday’s slate features several marquee matchups that could shake up the standings. Perhaps no game is more anticipated than a clash between the Knicks and Timberwolves in Minnesota.
It will mark Karl-Anthony Towns’ first game against his former team since the stunning trade that sent him to New York just days before the season. Towns and New York will be looking to continue their hot start against a Wolves squad still finding their identity in the post-KAT era.
The Nuggets visiting Portland also has massive implications in the Northwest division. Led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, Denver sits atop the West but face a stiff road test against Damian Lillard and a Blazers team desperate to gain ground. With both squads relatively healthy, this projects as a high-scoring affair between elite offenses.
Top Bets for Thursday’s NBA Slate
With 13 games on tap, there’s no shortage of betting opportunities to take advantage of on Thursday. Here are some of our favorite wagers to target:
Kevin Durant Over 4.5 Total 1st Quarter Points (-130)
Durant has consistently gotten off to hot starts this season, eclipsing this total in 14 of his 15 games so far. He’s in a smash spot against a Pacers defense that bleeds points to opposing power forwards. Back KD to come out firing early.
Payton Pritchard Over 14.5 Points (-130)
The Celtics youngster has emerged as a reliable source of instant offense off the bench, scoring 15 or more in eight of his last 10 outings. He faces a Bulls defense on Thursday that plays at the league’s fastest pace and ranks bottom-five in points allowed to shooting guards. Pritchard should feast.
Jalen Suggs Under 29.5 Points, Rebounds & Assists (-110)
Although Suggs should see a bump in usage with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner out for Orlando, the matchup against OKC sets up very tough. The Thunder boast the NBA’s stingiest defense and have been especially effective at limiting point guards. Expect them to make life difficult on the young Magic star.
Be sure to closely monitor injury reports leading up to tip-off, as lineup changes can have major betting implications on a large slate like this. But by focusing your investments on these top streaming targets, marquee matchups and high-value betting opportunities, you can position yourself for a profitable Thursday night of fantasy basketball and NBA action. Let the games begin!
Dosunmu has thrived as a starter for Chicago lately, averaging 15.7 points and 5.5 assists over his last 11 games. With Josh Giddey questionable, Dosunmu could be looking at an even larger workload against Boston and is a strong streaming play for points, assists and defensive stats.
Kevin Porter Jr., PG/SG, LA Clippers
Porter has carved out a solid role off the Clippers bench and is coming off three straight games with at least 28 fantasy points. Terance Mann’s finger injury opens up more backcourt minutes, positioning Porter as an appealing streamer against Dallas.
Must-Watch NBA Matchups on Thursday
From a real-life NBA perspective, Thursday’s slate features several marquee matchups that could shake up the standings. Perhaps no game is more anticipated than a clash between the Knicks and Timberwolves in Minnesota.
It will mark Karl-Anthony Towns’ first game against his former team since the stunning trade that sent him to New York just days before the season. Towns and New York will be looking to continue their hot start against a Wolves squad still finding their identity in the post-KAT era.
The Nuggets visiting Portland also has massive implications in the Northwest division. Led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, Denver sits atop the West but face a stiff road test against Damian Lillard and a Blazers team desperate to gain ground. With both squads relatively healthy, this projects as a high-scoring affair between elite offenses.
Top Bets for Thursday’s NBA Slate
With 13 games on tap, there’s no shortage of betting opportunities to take advantage of on Thursday. Here are some of our favorite wagers to target:
Kevin Durant Over 4.5 Total 1st Quarter Points (-130)
Durant has consistently gotten off to hot starts this season, eclipsing this total in 14 of his 15 games so far. He’s in a smash spot against a Pacers defense that bleeds points to opposing power forwards. Back KD to come out firing early.
Payton Pritchard Over 14.5 Points (-130)
The Celtics youngster has emerged as a reliable source of instant offense off the bench, scoring 15 or more in eight of his last 10 outings. He faces a Bulls defense on Thursday that plays at the league’s fastest pace and ranks bottom-five in points allowed to shooting guards. Pritchard should feast.
Jalen Suggs Under 29.5 Points, Rebounds & Assists (-110)
Although Suggs should see a bump in usage with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner out for Orlando, the matchup against OKC sets up very tough. The Thunder boast the NBA’s stingiest defense and have been especially effective at limiting point guards. Expect them to make life difficult on the young Magic star.
Be sure to closely monitor injury reports leading up to tip-off, as lineup changes can have major betting implications on a large slate like this. But by focusing your investments on these top streaming targets, marquee matchups and high-value betting opportunities, you can position yourself for a profitable Thursday night of fantasy basketball and NBA action. Let the games begin!
