Western Conference Playoff Picture Heats Up

With just weeks remaining in the regular season, Tuesday's 7-game slate features critical matchups with major playoff implications. The Western Conference sees three pivotal games that could reshape the standings:

• Nuggets vs. Timberwolves (10 PM ET, TNT): A potential playoff preview with Minnesota holding a 3-0 season series advantage. Nikola Jokic (questionable, ankle) could swing this marquee matchup.

• Warriors at Grizzlies (8 PM ET): Golden State looks to leapfrog Memphis in the standings, riding a 16-2 record with Jimmy Butler III in the lineup.

• Suns at Bucks (7:30 PM ET, TNT): Both teams missing stars (Durant/Lillard) but fighting to avoid further seeding drops.

Top Fantasy Streaming Options

Here are the under-the-radar players providing elite value:

• Adem Bona (PHI, 10% rostered): 📈 12.1 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 2.6 BPG last 8 games
• Matas Buzelis (CHI, 15.1%): 🔥 19.0 PPG, 3.2 3PG over last 5 games
• Peyton Watson (DEN, 8.1%): 🛡️ 2.4 BPG, 1.0 SPG in recent stretch

Expert Betting Angles

André Snellings' top plays for Tuesday:

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo OVER 29.5 points (-120)

   • Averaging 30.4 PPG since Lillard's injury
   • Scored 31 vs. PHX last week

2. Warriors -4.5 (-105) at Grizzlies

   • 16-2 when Curry & Butler play together
   • MEM lost 6 of last 7 by average 14.7 points

3. MIN/DEN OVER 231.5 (-115)

   • Teams combined for 235+ in 2 of 3 meetings
   • DEN averaging 127.5 PPG with Jokic

Injury Report Watch List

Key absences affecting tonight's matchups:

Projected Leaders (Fantasy Points)

• Nikola Jokic (DEN): 56.6 FPTS proj
• Anthony Edwards (MIN): 43.1 FPTS proj
• Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL): 48.9 FPTS proj

All odds via ESPN BET, projections via ESPN Analytics