Sunday's NBA: DFS Plays and Streamer Gems

Sunday slates in the NBA always feel a little different. Fewer games, tighter rotations, and sometimes, a couple of teams just mailing it in. We've got five games on the docket today, starting with the Celtics and Pacers at 5 PM EST, and running through the Nuggets and Warriors in the nightcap. If you're chasing those last-minute fantasy playoff pushes or building out a daily lineup, there are a few spots worth honing in on.

Let's start in Boston. The Celtics are a machine, but the Pacers are desperate. Tyrese Haliburton has been a wizard with the ball, averaging 10.9 assists per game, and he's going to need every one of them to keep pace with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Tatum dropped 30 points and 8 boards against the Pistons on Friday, showing no signs of slowing down. For DFS, I'm looking at Pascal Siakam. He's been far more consistent since the trade to Indiana, posting 24 points and 7 rebounds in their last outing against the Lakers. His price point often doesn't reflect his upside, especially in a game where the Pacers will need to score in bunches.

Then there's the Knicks and Sixers. This one's always chippy. Philadelphia's still without Joel Embiid, which means more opportunities for Tyrese Maxey, who's been electric, averaging 25.9 points and 6.3 assists. But the Knicks' defense has been stifling, holding opponents to under 100 points in three of their last five games. My contrarian play here? Donte DiVincenzo. He's quietly stepped up for New York, hitting six threes and scoring 21 points against the Nets on Saturday. The usage is there, and he’s often overlooked for Brunson. He's a strong streamer if you need some threes and points.

Real talk: the Pistons and Pelicans game is tough. Detroit’s lost eight straight, and frankly, they’re just not a good basketball team right now. Cade Cunningham is doing his best, putting up 20.4 points and 7.4 assists on the season, but he doesn't have enough help. On the other side, Zion Williamson has been a force, averaging 22.9 points and 5.5 rebounds. He torched the Blazers for 30 points and 6 assists on Friday. He's a core DFS play for me today. The Pelicans have too much firepower, and Zion often thrives against weaker defensive units.

The Suns and Thunder game has shootout potential. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a legitimate MVP candidate, leading the league with 30.7 points per game. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker will try to match that firepower. Booker had 35 points against the Hawks on Thursday, showcasing his ability to take over. My hot take: the Suns win this one. People are sleeping on how well Bradley Beal has been integrating into that offense lately. He had 20 points and 7 assists in their last game, and he's finally looking comfortable. He's a sneaky DFS play.

Finally, the nightcap: Nuggets and Warriors. Nikola Jokic is doing Nikola Jokic things, averaging 26 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 9 assists. He's a walking triple-double and always a safe, albeit expensive, DFS anchor. Steph Curry, meanwhile, is coming off a 31-point performance against the Grizzlies. The Warriors need wins to climb the Western Conference standings. I'm taking a flier on Draymond Green as a fantasy streamer. He had 10 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists on Friday. He’s going to be motivated against Jokic, and those peripheral stats can win you a week.

Here's my bold prediction for the day: Maxey drops 40 points against the Knicks, but the Sixers still lose by double-digits.