Fantasy basketball picks, DFS and betting tips for Thursday’s NBA games
NBA Slate Offers Intriguing Matchups Amidst Injury Concerns
The NBA returns to a fuller schedule Thursday night after a couple of days dominated by the NBA Cup quarterfinals, presenting a compelling mix of storylines, from championship contenders navigating injury hurdles to emerging players seizing expanded roles. Four games are on the docket, headlined by a rematch between the Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings, a contest brimming with playoff implications and individual brilliance.
Road Warriors and Rising Stars in Sacramento
All eyes will be on Golden 1 Center as the Denver Nuggets, currently boasting a remarkable 10-game road winning streak, visit the Sacramento Kings. This marks the fourth meeting between these Western Conference rivals this season, with Denver holding a 2-1 edge. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically with key injuries plaguing both sides. Sacramento will be without the services of both Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine, placing a heavier burden on veteran Russell Westbrook. Westbrook proved a thorn in the Nuggets’ side during their previous loss, and Denver will need to contain his playmaking and scoring to secure a victory.
On the Denver side, the focus will be on Nikola Jokic, who is consistently in a prime position to record a triple-double. The Nuggets’ success hinges on their ability to control the paint and leverage Jokic’s all-around dominance. The absence of Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun further complicates matters, creating opportunities for other players to step up.
Fantasy Basketball Streamers to Watch
For fantasy basketball managers looking to bolster their lineups, several players are poised for increased production. Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks is a solid streaming option, particularly with Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined with a calf strain. Portis has averaged 15.3 points and 6.1 rebounds in games without the “Greek Freak” this season.
In Boston, Neemias Queta is emerging as a valuable center, providing size, rebounding, and rim protection. He’s averaged an impressive 11.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks over his last five games. For those seeking a DFS value, Queta’s $5,300 price tag makes him an attractive option. The Celtics also have Jordan Walsh, who has started 12 straight games and is proving to be a disruptive force on both ends of the floor.
Don’t overlook Jose Alvarado of the New Orleans Pelicans. While typically a reserve, Alvarado has played significant minutes in the last two games, exceeding 33 fantasy points in each. He’s a solid streamer and DFS value against a defensively vulnerable Portland Trail Blazers team.
Betting Insights and Value Plays
Looking at the betting landscape, several opportunities stand out. DraftKings Sportsbook is offering intriguing odds on several player props. Consider a bet on Derik Queen to exceed 27.5 points, rebounds, and assists (-120). Queen has demonstrated a maturity beyond his rookie status, and the Trail Blazers’ struggles against centers make this a favorable matchup.
Another compelling bet is on Jamal Murray to surpass 6.5 assists (-135) against the Kings. Murray has consistently cleared this line in their previous encounters, and the Kings’ pace and defensive vulnerabilities create an ideal environment for him to thrive as a facilitator. Finally, keep an eye on Peyton Watson to go over 18.5 points and rebounds (-108), benefiting from increased playing time due to Denver’s injuries.
Daily Fantasy Standouts and Injury Updates
For Daily Fantasy players, Nikola Jokic remains a top-tier option at center, consistently delivering double-doubles and poised to exploit the Kings’ defensive weaknesses. Deni Avdija of the Portland Trail Blazers is also a strong value play, averaging career-high numbers and facing a Pelicans team with a poor defensive rating.
Injury reports continue to shape the landscape. The NBA is currently experiencing a surge in injuries, with approximately 200 players listed on injury reports as of December 12, 2025. This figure represents a 15% increase compared to the same period last year, highlighting the physical demands of the 82-game season and the increasing need for player health and safety protocols. The impact of these injuries extends beyond individual teams, influencing betting lines, fantasy basketball strategies, and the overall competitive balance of the league.
As the season progresses, staying informed about injury updates and player performance will be crucial for success in both fantasy basketball and sports betting. The NBA continues to be a league defined by its dynamic nature, and Thursday’s slate promises to deliver another chapter of compelling storylines and exciting action.
ARTICOL ORIGINAL:
ESPN’s fantasy basketball daily cheat sheet is your pregame destination before you set your lineups for that night’s games. Here you’ll read our best advice for the night, including a selection of players you can stream as well as game-by-game injury reports.
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Top streamers | Best bets | DFS picks | Odds & injury report
What you need to know for Thursday’s games
For the last two days, the NBA schedule has been limited to the NBA Cup quarterfinals, but we will get four games on Thursday night. The matchup I’m most looking forward to is the Denver Nuggets traveling to Sacramento to face the Kings. This is the fourth meeting between these teams this season, and Denver is looking to extend its 10-game road winning streak.
Both sides are banged up, but the Nuggets have taken two of the first three matchups and now face a Sacramento squad missing Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine. The Kings will lean heavily on Russell Westbrook, who hurt Denver in their lone loss, while the Nuggets will look to control the paint behind Nikola Jokic, playing in a prime spot for a triple-double.
Let’s break down the action and find some fantasy streamers and betting angles to make the most of tonight’s slate.
Thursday’s fantasy stream team
Bobby Portis, PF, Milwaukee Bucks (rostered in 40.6% of ESPN leagues)
Portis is a solid streamer, especially for managers needing points, rebounds, and threes. While he’s in the midst of a down statistical year relative to his usual per-game production, the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo due to a strained right calf should give him plenty of opportunities to boost his output. He’s averaged 15.3 PPG and 6.1 RPG in games without Antetokounmpo this season.
Neemias Queta, C, Boston Celtics (30.2%)
Queta’s size, rebounding and rim protection will be needed against the Bucks. He’s a good source of points, rebounds and blocks. Queta has averaged 11.2 PPG, 9.0 RPG and 1.6 BPG in his last five games. He provides managers with a stable fantasy floor and is a nice value ($5,300) for those in need of a center in DFS.
Jordan Walsh, SF, Celtics (13.1%)
Walsh has started 12 straight games thanks to his strong play on both ends of the floor. His length allows him to guard top scorers, generate steals, and rebound well, and he’s remained highly efficient despite a usage rate of just 11.9% over that time frame. Walsh has logged 26-plus minutes in three straight contests and has surpassed 42 fantasy points in two of them, making him a solid streamer or DFS value at $4,700.
Jose Alvarado, PG, New Orleans Pelicans (7.0%)
Alvarado contributes to multiple statistical categories and has averaged just 22.5 MPG this season backing up Jeremiah Fears. However, he’s played at least 30 minutes in both of the last two games, scored 33-plus fantasy points in each. Alvarado is a solid streamer and DFS value ($4,800) against a Trail Blazers team that ranks 20th in defensive rating.
Moody’s bets for Thursday
Derik Queen OVER 27.5 points, rebounds and assists (-120)
Queen plays with star-level confidence and clutch poise, showing a maturity and mindset far beyond a typical rookie. He’s cleared this line in four of the seven games where he’s played at least 28 minutes and Zion Williamson has been out. In those games, Queen has averaged 13.3 field-goal attempts, 14.1 rebound chances and 6.7 potential assists. The Trail Blazers have struggled against centers all season, allowing the fifth-most PPG to the position, and they’ll be without Donovan Clingan, who has been ruled out due to a leg injury. He’s also an intriguing DFS value at $6,900 if you’re looking to save salary at center.
Jamal Murray OVER 6.5 assists (-135)
Murray faces the Kings for the fourth time this season, and he’s cleared this line in all three previous matchups. He averaged 14.3 potential assists and 8.0 assists per game in those contests. Murray’s also cleared this line in six of nine games without Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon this season. The Kings rank 8th in pace and 26th in defensive rating, creating an ideal environment for him to thrive as a facilitator on the road in Sacramento.
Peyton Watson OVER 18.5 points and rebounds (-108)
Watson has stepped up in an expanded role for a Nuggets team missing multiple starters. He’s gone over this line in five of his last nine games without Gordon and Braun in the lineup. In those games, Watson has averaged 12.0 field-goal attempts, 10.6 rebound chances, and 32.5 minutes, all of which position him well to clear this mark. The Kings aren’t a strong defensive team, further boosting his outlook.
Top Daily Fantasy values of the day
Play Daily Fantasy NBA at DraftKings
$8,100+ salaries
Nikola Jokic, C, Nuggets ($12,900)
Jokic leads the league with 21 double-doubles this season, and he now faces a Kings team that ranks 26th in defensive rating. He’s already had 80-plus fantasy points in four games this season, and this matchup sets up well for him to hit that mark again.
Deni Avdija, SF/PF, Portland Trail Blazers ($9,700)
Avdija is putting up All-Star-caliber numbers this season, averaging career highs in points and assists while shooting 47.4% from the floor. With the Pelicans ranking 30th in defensive rating, Avdija is positioned to dominate in this matchup.
$6,100-$8,000 salaries
Kevin Porter Jr., SG/PG, Bucks ($7,600)
Porter is a strong value at this price for a Bucks without Antetokounmpo. In the two games he’s played without Giannis this season, Porter has posted 44.8 and 59.0 fantasy points.
Ivica Zubac, C, LA Clippers ($7,200)
Zubac ranks third in the league in double-doubles, trailing only Jokic and Karl-Anthony Towns. He’s been phenomenal over his last eight games, averaging 39.0 fantasy points per contest.
$3,500-$6,000 salaries
Malik Monk, SG/PG/SF, Sacramento Kings ($4,800)
With LaVine and Dennis Schroder out, the Kings’ starting shooting guard becomes one of the best value plays on the slate, and Monk will likely get the nod. In seven games this season with at least 27 minutes, he’s averaged 28.8 fantasy points, putting him in a strong spot again tonight.
Projections and injury reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook
LA Clippers at Houston Rockets
8 p.m. ET
Line: Clippers +9.5 (-112) | Rockets -9.5 (-108)
Money line: Clippers +330 | Rockets -425
Total: 221.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Rockets by 9.4, straight up 75%, 226.1 total points.
Injury Report:
Clippers: Bradley Beal, (OFS – Hip); Derrick Jones Jr., (OUT – Knee)
Rockets: Dorian Finney-Smith, (OUT – Ankle); Fred VanVleet, (OUT – Knee); Tari Eason, (OUT – Oblique)
Boston Celtics at Milwaukee Bucks
8 p.m. ET
Line: Celtics -9.5 (-102) | Bucks +9.5 (-118)
Money line: Celtics -395 | Bucks +310
Total: 222.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI Projection: Celtics by 7.5, straight up 71%, 227.6 total points.
Injury Report:
Celtics: Jayson Tatum, (OUT – Achilles); Amari Williams, (OUT – Hand); Ron Harper Jr., (OUT – Knee); Chris Boucher, (OUT – Illness)
Bucks: Taurean Prince, (OUT – Neck); AJ Green, (GTD – Shoulder); Giannis Antetokounmpo, (OUT – Calf)
Portland Trail Blazers at New Orleans Pelicans
8 p.m. ET
Line: Blazers -4.5 (-108) | Pelicans +4.5 (-112)
Money line: Blazers -185 | Pelicans +154
Total: 240.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Blazers by 4.1, straight up 62%, 241.3 total points.
Injury Report:
Blazers: Blake Wesley, (OUT – Foot); Damian Lillard, (OFS – Achilles); Robert Williams III, (GTD – Illness); Yang Hansen, (GTD – Face); Donovan Clingan, (OUT – Lower Leg); Jrue Holiday, (OUT – Calf); Matisse Thybulle, (OUT – Thumb); Scoot Henderson, (OUT – Hamstring)
Pelicans: Dejounte Murray, (OUT – Achilles); Jordan Poole, (GTD – Quadriceps); Zion Williamson, (OUT – Thigh)
Denver Nuggets at Sacramento Kings
10 p.m. ET
Line: Nuggets -9.5 (-120) | Kings +9.5 (EVEN)
Money line: Nuggets -485 | Kings +370
Total: 240.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Nuggets by 11.7, straight up 80%, 240.6 total points.
Injury Report:
Nuggets: Aaron Gordon, (OUT – Hamstring); Christian Braun, (OUT – Ankle); Julian Strawther, (OUT – Back)
Kings: Dennis Schroder, (GTD – Hip); Zach LaVine, (OUT – Thumb); Domantas Sabonis, (OUT – Knee)