Fantasy basketball picks and betting tips for opening night - ESPN

ESPN's fantasy basketball daily cheat sheet is your pregame destination before you set your lineups for that night's games. Here you'll read our best advice for the night, including a selection of players you can stream as well as game-by-game injury reports.

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Top streamers | Best bets | Odds & Injury report

The 2025-26 NBA season tips off Tuesday with two marquee matchups.

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The reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder host the Houston Rockets as OKC raises its first championship banner following a franchise-best 68-14 campaign. Houston, coming off a 52-win season and the addition of Kevin Durant, enters with renewed expectations and a chance to spoil the celebration.

Out West, the Golden State Warriors face the Los Angeles Lakers in a Pacific Division clash. With LeBron James sidelined until mid-November, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves lead a Lakers squad eager to make an early statement. Both games feature elite talent, compelling storylines and strong fantasy and betting angles to open the year.

Rui Hachimura, PF/SF, Los Angeles Lakers (rostered in 16.5% of ESPN leagues): Hachimura is an excellent short-term streamer with LeBron sidelined by a right-side sciatica injury. Hachimura is expected to take on a larger offensive role after averaging 13.1 PPG and 5.3 RPG in 31.7 MPG last year. When James sat last season, Hachimura thrived, posting 19.3 PPG and 6.3 RPG. His expanded minutes and scoring upside make him a strong short-term pickup in all formats.

Cason Wallace, SG, Oklahoma City Thunder (8.4% rostered): Wallace is locked into a larger role to start the season with Jalen Williams ruled out due to a