Thursday Night NBA Showdown: Key Fantasy Picks and Betting Insights for the Final Pre-All-Star Break Games

Thursday Night NBA Showdown: Key Fantasy Picks and Betting Insights for the Final Pre-All-Star Break Games

Introduction Thursday marks the final day of NBA action before the All-Star Break, making it a pivotal night for fantasy basketball enthusiasts and sports bettors alike. With potential lineup changes and heightened variability in player performances, strategizing your fantasy lineups and betting selections is more crucial than ever.

Fantasy Picks

Max Christie, Dallas Mavericks Available in 80.3% of ESPN leagues, Christie has been a consistent performer since joining the Mavericks. Starting Wednesday, he tallied 17 points, five rebounds, four assists, a steal, and a 3-pointer. With Dallas on a back-to-back, Christie could see increased responsibilities if veterans like Kyrie Irving or Klay Thompson are rested.

Rob Dillingham, Minnesota Timberwolves Dillingham, available in 94.0% of ESPN leagues, has been playing the best basketball of his rookie season. In his last four games with at least 20 minutes, he averaged 13.0 PPG, 6.0 APG, and 1.5 3PG. Against a formidable Oklahoma City Thunder team, Dillingham could benefit from potential blowout scenarios and increased rest for starters.

Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz Clarkson, available in 70.0% of ESPN leagues, has been on a scoring tear since moving into the Jazz's starting lineup. Over his last four games, he averaged 23.0 PPG, 4.8 APG, and 4.3 3PG. Facing the Clippers, who he recently scored 24 points against, Clarkson is poised for another strong performance.

Thursday's Top Bets

Amen Thompson to Record a Double-Double (-122) Thompson’s athleticism and motor make him a strong candidate to secure a double-double against the Warriors, especially with Houston needing a win.

Max Christie over 14.5 Points (-110) Christie has scored at least 15 points in all five games with the Mavericks, averaging 18.3 PPG over the past three. If Irving or Thompson rests, expect Christie to exceed this mark.

Trey Murphy III over 23.5 Total Points (-125) With Zion Williamson likely out, Murphy should see increased playing time. He's averaged 25.5 PPG in the last 13 games without Williamson, making this bet a solid choice.

Injury Reports and Projections

Golden State Warriors at Houston Rockets Injury Report: Warriors: OUT - Jonathan Kuminga Rockets: GTD - Cody Zeller, OUT - Fred VanVleet, Jabari Smith Jr., Steven Adams, Tari Eason

BPI Projection: Warriors by 1.2, straight up 54%, total points 221.3

Sacramento Kings at New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report: Kings: None reported Pelicans: GTD - Brandon Boston, Jamal Cain, Kelly Olynyk; OUT - Dejounte Murray, Herbert Jones

BPI Projection: Kings by 4.4, straight up 64%, total points 234.5

Miami Heat at Dallas Mavericks Injury Report: Heat: GTD - Duncan Robinson, Kevin Love, Terry Rozier; OUT - Dru Smith Mavericks: GTD - Dante Exum; OUT - Caleb Martin, Dwight Powell, P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II

BPI Projection: Heat by 1.3, straight up 54%, total points 222.4

Oklahoma City Thunder at Minnesota Timberwolves Injury Report: Thunder: OUT - Alex Caruso, Ajay Mitchell, Nikola Topic; GTD - Cason Wallace, Ousmane Dieng Timberwolves: GTD - Jesse Edwards; OUT - Donte DiVincenzo, Julius Randle

BPI Projection: Thunder by 8.5, straight up 76%, total points 219.4