Fantasy basketball picks and betting tips for Thursday's NBA slate - ESPN

The slate for Thursday night features four exciting games, each with its own intriguing storyline.

First up, we have the Detroit Pistons visiting the Charlotte Hornets. This matchup features two Most Improved Player of the Year candidates, Cade Cunningham and LaMelo Ball, as both young stars are off to a nice start to the season. I'll highlight a few fantasy streamers and best bets from this game.

Next, the Minnesota Timberwolves look to extend their win streak to three as they take on the Toronto Raptors in Toronto. There's one bet from this game that immediately caught my eye.

In San Antonio, the Spurs, shorthanded but aiming to get to .500, will host the Utah Jazz. I've got a few streamers and bets to consider from this game too.

And last but certainly not least, the Orlando Magic travel to Los Angeles to face a Lakers team looking to extend their win streak to seven.

Dalton Knecht, SG/SF, Los Angeles Lakers (available in 66.1% of ESPN leagues): Knecht made his third straight start, filling in for Rui Hachimura, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. The sharp-shooting rookie has topped 20 fantasy points in four consecutive games, including three with over 40. He's shooting an incredible 67.7% from beyond the arc during this stretch. Knecht has also played 31+ minutes in three of the last four games and should be a solid play against the Magic on Thursday night.

Malik Beasley, SG, Detroit Pistons (available in 80.8% of ESPN leagues): Beasley keeps producing, even with Tim Hardaway Jr. back in the mix. He has topped 30 fantasy points in four straight games — two of those with over 45 points. Beasley has also played 30+ minutes in three of those outings. His role in the rotation? Still rock solid.

There's still time to