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Houston Rockets @ Detroit Pistons

Game Time: 3:00 pm ET

BetMGM Lines

HOU 4.5 (-190), DET +155 (+4.5)
Game Total 220.5

Key Storylines

Even I don’t understand Ime Udoka’s rotation: The very different amount of minutes all of Houston’s key players are experiencing in this early season is an indication of coach Ime Udoka scheme of still not finding a reliable rotation to settle into. This is one of the main causes why a majority of Rockets players are seeing so many inconsistent numbers three weeks into the start of the NBA. Even Jalen Green, who came off swinging with his best stretch as a pro to start a season, has already winded down in performance.

There are stream opportunities due to this as well, with players who have a very low roster percentage like Dillon Brooks, Tari Eason and Steven Adams, coming up with interesting games from time to time.

The same could be said for Detroit too: J.B. Bickerstaff’s Pistons are in a similar situation, but mostly due to having a big list of prospects who can contribute, and since Detroit is not likely to make the playoffs, it’s only right to give everyone a chance to show what they got in hopes of finding the best players on their roster. Jalen Duren’s ankle injury has upped the minutes on Isaiah Stewart and Paul Reed, with Tim Hardaway Jr, Malik Beasley and Simone Fontecchio chipping in minutes as hot as their play gets.

Stream of the Game

Isaiah Stewart is the clear target while Jalen Duren remains out, he’s next up in the depth order for Detroit in that position. On the Houston side, Brooks and Eason are your best bet for stats if they’re available in your league.

Alternatives: Steven Adams (rebounds, blocks) if he plays, Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr (points, 3s, steals), Paul Reed, Simone Fontecchio (points, rebounds).

Boston Celtics @ Milwaukee Bucks

Game Time: 3:30 pm ET

BetMGM Lines

BOS -3.5 (-160), MIL +3.5 (+135)
Game Total 229.5

Key Storylines

Jaylen Brown’s absence will enhance others: Due to a hip injury, the Celtics star might continue to be unavailable after missing the last four games, which means Derrick White and Jrue Holiday are the next ones in order to lead Boston through victory (with Jayson Tatum too, of course). And after slow starts, both veterans are settling nicely with solid games in their past four contests. As well, breakout player Neemias Queta has been a key part of Joe Mazzulla’s second unit, taking minutes away from Xavier Tillman and Luke Kornet, which could continue to be the case while Kristaps Porzingis remains out.

Nothing has changed with Milwaukee: You could try streaming the same guys (Taurean Prince, Gary Trent Jr. and Pat Connaughton) but do it at your own risk knowing they have been mediocre at best, and the young wing in Andre Jackson Jr. left Friday’s game with a hip injury, so his inclusion in the starting lineup is at doubt to continue at the moment. There really is nothing else to say about Doc Rivers’ embarrassing squad.

Stream of the Game

Al Horford and Neemias Queta are the choice, and is not close.

Alternatives: Sam Hauser (points, 3s), Taurean Prince, Gary Trent Jr. (they get minutes).

New York Knicks @ Indiana Pacers

Game Time: 05:00 pm ET

BetMGM Lines

NYK -2.5 (-155), IND +2.5 (+125)
Game Total 227.5

Key Storylines

The core is cooking: Karl-Anthony Towns addition is looking better and better as time goes on, and everybody else within the starting lineup is starting to look as sharp as ever during the start of the season. With Tom Thibodeau the streaming options on New York will always be thin, but since there’s enough injuries in the main rotation to have other players excel more in this early season, taking a gamble on them is not the worst choice.

What’s wrong with Hali?: When we thought he was getting back on his feet, Tyrese Haliburton dropped a stinker against the Charlotte Hornets with just six points in 2-11 shooting. The inconsistency in Indiana’s star is concerning but is still too early to draw conclusions.

Meanwhile, T.J McConnell has done great numbers in limited minutes thanks to Andrew Nembhard’s knee tendinitis. There’s a real minute battle there and the winner will surely be whoever can stay the fittest, as McConnell is also nursing an illness at the moment. Watch out for Jarace Walker as well, since Isaiah Jackson’s Achilles injury will probably have him set as the main frontcourt backup for the time being outside of Obi Toppin and other small configurations.

Stream of the Game

Miles McBride has been a good scoring source for New York with very little roster percentage. Meanwhile, whoever can play between McConnell and Nembhard is in line to get good minutes.

Alternatives: Jarace Walker (points, rebounds, blocks), Jericho Sims (rebounds), Obi Toppin (points, rebounds), Ben Sheppard (points, 3s).

Washington Wizards @ Orlando Magic

Game Time: 06:00 pm ET

BetMGM Lines

WAS +8.5 (+290), ORL -8.5 (-375)
Game Total 221.5

Key Storylines

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