We're set for a six-game slate Thursday night, one that features some noteworthy names that have already been ruled out, as well as a couple of players carrying questionable tags. Every game also features at least one postseason contender, setting up an intriguing night of action.
Slate Overview
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Listed spreads/totals are from FanDuel Sportsbook and current as of Thursday, April 2 at 12:00 a.m. EDT:
- Minnesota Timberwolves at Detroit Pistons (-2) (O/U: 224.5)
- Phoenix Suns at Charlotte Hornets (-4.5) (O/U: 220.5)
- Los Angeles Lakers at Oklahoma City Thunder (-9) (O/U: 227.5)
- New Orleans Pelicans at Portland Trail Blazers (-6.5) (O/U: 232.5)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (-10.5) at Golden State Warriors (O/U: 226.5)
- San Antonio Spurs (-4.5) at Los Angeles Clippers (O/U: 231.5)
As has often been the case recently, we have a double-digit favorite on the slate, but otherwise, we could be set for a highly competitive night. The spreads seem to imply as much, and while projected totals are relatively subdued compared to some other nights, there's a better-than-average chance of big minutes for key players.
Injury Situations to Monitor
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Anthony Edwards, MIN (knee): QUESTIONABLE
If Edwards can't suit up, Bones Hyland and Terrance Shannon could handle the majority of shooting guard minutes, while the rest of the starting five will see plenty of additional usage.
Trey Murphy, NOP (ankle): QUESTIONABLE
If Murphy remains out Thursday, Jordan Hawks and Jeremiah Fears could handle the majority of minutes at shooting guard.
Other notable injuries:
Cade Cunningham, DET (chest): OUT
Stephen Curry, GSW (knee): OUT
Kristaps Porzingis, GSW (illness): OUT
Gui Santos, GSW (pelvis): OUT
Jaden McDaniels, MIN (knee): OUT
De'Anthony Melton, GSW (thumb): OUT
Jerami Grant, POR (calf): OUT
Gary Payton, GSW (knee): OUT
Shaedon Sharpe, POR (calf): OUT
Elite Players
We have four players with five-figure salaries on Thursday's slate: Victor Wembanyama ($12,900), Luka Doncic ($12,800), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($10,600) and Kawhi Leonard ($10,000).
Wembanyama erupted for 76.1 FD points against the Warriors on Wednesday, his second straight game over 76 FD points. He's now scored at least 63 FD points in four of the last five contests, but Thursday's game will be his third in four nights.
Doncic has posted 62.1 and 72 FD points in his last two games, and he hasn't been under 50 FD points since March 3.
SGA piled up 59.5 FD points against the Pistons on Monday, and he's eclipsed 51 FD points in three of the last six contests overall.
Leonard has scored over 40 FD points in four of the last six contests, and he should have a bit of extra incentive against his old Spurs squad.
Expected Chalk
Other likely chalk plays include:
Deni Avdija, POR ($9,400)
Avdija put up 51.2 FD points in his most recent game Tuesday against the Clippers, and his upside should keep him very popular at his salary.
Donovan Mitchell, CLE ($9,300)
Mitchell has had a couple of down games recently, but he's still averaging 44.2 FD points for the season and has eclipsed 38 in four of the last six games overall.
James Harden, CLE ($9,200)
Harden posted just 18.5 FD points against the Lakers on Tuesday, but he'd scored over 44 FD points in six of the previous seven games and should therefore enjoy a high roster rate at his salary.
Devin Booker, PHO ($9,000)
Booker has scored over 42 FD points in three straight and should be in for a solid allotment of playing time in what projects as a competitive game versus the Hornets.
Jalen Duren, DET ($8,800)
Duren will continue to play without Cade Cunningham on Thursday and has scored over 46 FD points in three of the last four games, factors that should lock in his popularity at a sub-$9K salary.
Key Values
Toumani Camara, POR vs. NOP ($5,800)
Camara checks into Thursday riding a stretch of strong production, as he's averaged 16.7 points (on 56.5 percent shooting, including 50.0 percent from behind the arc), 4.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.4 steals across 30.9 minutes over his last nine games. The versatile wing is averaging 28.6 FD points in that span as well, and he's posted at least 32 FD points on four occasions in the sample as well. The matchup against the Pelicans lines up well Thursday, as New Orleans is allowing 46.8 FD points per contest to the position over the last 15 games, along with the fourth-highest offensive efficiency rating to the position (25.4) on the season. Camara is averaging 29.2 FD points and shooting 40.0 percent from distance in three games against New Orleans as well, furthering his case.
Ajay Mitchell, OKC vs. LAL ($5,500)
Mitchell has been a key asset off the bench and occasional spot starter for the Thunder all season, and he comes into Thursday's marquee matchup against the Lakers averaging 13.5 points (on 49.5 percent shooting), 3.5 assists and 3.3 rebounds over 26.2 minutes in the 10 games he's played since returning from a 20-game absence due to ankle and abdomen injuries. Mitchell has started in six of those contests, but even though he's slated to come off the bench Thursday, he's facing a Lakers team he produced 28.1 FD points across 26 minutes against in a start back on Nov. 12. Los Angeles is also surrendering 47.7 percent shooting to second-unit players this season, furthering his case at a salary he's already delivered over a 5x return on in 27 of 53 games.
Julian Champagnie, SAN at LAC ($5,200)
Champagnie eclipsed 20 FD points for the fourth straight game Wednesday against the Warriors, and over the 14 contests before the win over Golden State, he'd eclipsed 24 FD points on eight occasions. Champagnie shot 47.3 percent, including 40.0 percent from distance, over the entirety of that span, and he's averaged 27.2 FD points against the Clippers in two previous games this season while shooting 50.0 percent, including 45.5 percent from behind the arc. While he's clearly not a primary offensive option, his value salary and the matchup make him an interesting value play for tournaments.
ALSO CONSIDER: Derik Queen, NOP at POR ($4,900)
