ESPN's daily fantasy basketball cheat sheet serves as an essential pregame guide for managers and bettors preparing their lineups for Sunday's NBA action. This comprehensive resource offers expert advice, including top streaming options, best bets, daily fantasy sports (DFS) picks, and detailed injury reports and odds for a busy slate of 10 games, involving two-thirds of the league.

A significant theme for Sunday is the anticipated return of several key players. Jrue Holiday is expected back for the Portland Trail Blazers against the New York Knicks after a 27-game absence due due to a calf injury, bringing experience and stability to the young roster. In the same matchup, Josh Hart is set to re-enter the Knicks' rotation, potentially impacting Miles McBride and Tyler Kolek. For the Toronto Raptors, Scottie Barnes is likely to return against the Philadelphia 76ers after a brief knee ailment, though the strong defensive capabilities of both teams could limit scoring. Managers are advised to watch for games with point totals exceeding 230, as only two of the ten games feature double-digit point spreads, suggesting a day filled with competitive contests and more predictable player usage.

The "Sunday's Fantasy Stream Team" highlights several players poised for strong performances. Peyton Watson, a small forward/power forward for the Denver Nuggets (rostered in 39.4% of ESPN leagues), has been a standout waiver-wire pickup, consistently producing at least 21 points in five consecutive games. His expanded role has seen him take an offensive leap and improve his already elite defensive rates, making him a strong pick against Milwaukee. Cam Spencer, a shooting guard/point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies (25.0% rostered), has emerged as the primary creator for his team, fearlessly shooting from deep and initiating pick-and-rolls, positioning him well against the Brooklyn backcourt. Keldon Johnson, a small forward/power forward for the San Antonio Spurs (19.6% rostered), delivered an impressive double-double against Boston and is expected to maintain a significant offensive workload against the Timberwolves, especially with Devin Vassell sidelined. Julian Champagnie, another Spurs forward (14.2% rostered), is noted for his consistent hustle, strong rebounding, and energy, averaging a 15-point double-double over the past week while the team's forward rotation remains condensed.

McCormick's favorite bets for Sunday include two player props. DeMar DeRozan OVER 6.5 total assists + rebounds is favored due to his rising usage, generating more passes and assist opportunities. Even as underdogs, the Kings are expected to rely heavily on DeRozan as a core playmaker, particularly with Domantas Sabonis sidelined, despite the Rockets being an elite rebounding team. CJ McCollum OVER 16.5 total points + assists is another strong bet, despite it being his debut with Atlanta. While his minutes are uncertain, McCollum's health and prior near-40-minute performance with Washington, combined with Atlanta's dire need for his offensive creation and secondary playmaking alongside Jalen Johnson, make this a compelling prop. His ability to create for others and command defensive gravity against the Warriors is expected to lead to numerous assists.

For Daily Fantasy Sports, top value picks are provided across different salary tiers. In the $8,100+ salary bracket, Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,000) of the Milwaukee Bucks is a high-priced but high-potential option, poised to dominate a Denver frontcourt missing its top two centers (Nikola Jokic and Jonas Valanciunas). Stephen Curry ($9,000) of the Golden State Warriors offers a coveted combination of a high floor and impressive ceiling against an Atlanta team that might lose defensive impact with McCollum's debut. For the $6,100-$8,000 salary range, Peyton Watson ($7,500) of the Nuggets is highlighted again, due for a major workload against the Bucks with Jamal Murray questionable and Nikola Jokic out. Kyshawn George ($6,200) of the Wizards, now empowered as a lead offensive engine post-veteran departures, is set to elevate his fantasy profile, especially with Trae Young sidelined, giving him significant ball-handling duties against the Suns. In the $5,000-$6,000 tier, Dillon Brooks ($5,900) of the Phoenix Suns is a rare role player who influences team identity with his fearless shot-taking and defense, facing a favorable matchup against the Wizards. Christian Braun ($5,200) of the Nuggets, despite lacking recent production, is expected to play around 30 minutes against the Bucks and has the potential to exceed value as a strong two-way player.

The Sunday slate also features comprehensive injury reports and odds for each game, aggregated by Rotowire.com with odds from DraftKings Sportsbook and projections from ESPN Analytics. Key matchups include the New Orleans Pelicans at Orlando Magic (Magic -6.5, Total 234.5), where the Pelicans are without Herbert Jones, Jose Alvarado, and Dejounte Murray. The Brooklyn Nets face the Memphis Grizzlies (Grizzlies -7.5, Total 220.5), with Ja Morant still out for Memphis. The Philadelphia 76ers visit the Toronto Raptors (76ers -4.5, Total 221.5), with Joel Embiid questionable for the 76ers and Scottie Barnes (GTD) for the Raptors. The New York Knicks play the Portland Trail Blazers (Knicks -4.5, Total 229.5), noting the anticipated returns of Josh Hart (GTD) and Jrue Holiday (GTD). The San Antonio Spurs take on the Minnesota Timberwolves (Timberwolves -2.5, Total 234.5), with Devin Vassell out for the Spurs. The Miami Heat challenge the Oklahoma City Thunder (Thunder -13.5, Total 234.5), with Terry Rozier out for Miami. The Milwaukee Bucks are at the Denver Nuggets (Bucks -1.5, Total 220.5), a game heavily impacted by potential absences of Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, Jamal Murray, and Nikola Jokic for Denver. The Washington Wizards visit the Phoenix Suns (Suns -13.5, Total 229.5), with Jalen Green out for the Suns. The Atlanta Hawks face the Golden State Warriors (Warriors -5.5, Total 235.5), where Kristaps Porzingis is questionable and Trae Young is out for Atlanta. Finally, the Houston Rockets play the Sacramento Kings (Rockets -13.5, Total 222.5), with Alperen Sengun (GTD) and Fred VanVleet (OUT) for the Rockets, and Domantas Sabonis (OUT) for the Kings.