Thu Dec 11 01:30:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the ESPN Fantasy Basketball cheat sheet for the NBA Cup knockout round:

NBA Cup Western Conference Semifinal Matchups Set: Fantasy and Betting Insights

As the NBA Cup knockout round continues, ESPN’s Fantasy Basketball Cheat Sheet offers crucial pre-game advice for fantasy managers and bettors. Tonight’s matchups determine the Western Conference semifinalists: the Phoenix Suns face the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the San Antonio Spurs take on the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Thunder are heavily favored against the Suns (+14.5 on DraftKings), especially with Devin Booker’s questionable status due to a groin strain. In their previous meeting, the Thunder won by only four points with Booker in the lineup. ESPN suggests keeping an eye on Suns guard Collin Gillespie as a potential streaming option; he has started five of the last six games and averages 21.0 points, 5.0 assists and 4.4 3-pointers in his five starts. The Thunder’s Cason Wallace, rostered in 15.3% of ESPN leagues, is highlighted as a valuable source of steals.

In the late game, the Lakers are favored (-7.5) over the Spurs. The Spurs will be without Victor Wembanyama (calf), while the Lakers are at full strength with the return of LeBron James and Austin Reaves. LeBron James is a solid prop bet; ESPN suggests taking the over on 12.5 total rebounds and assists.

For DFS players, Luka Doncic ($12,000) is the top prospect, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($10,600) provides consistent performance. Mid-range options include the Suns’ Dillon Brooks ($6,500) and Lakers’ Deandre Ayton ($6,300). Value plays include the Spurs’ Harrison Barnes ($4,900) and Dylan Harper ($4,700).

Injury reports from Rotowire.com show several players listed as “GTD” (game-time decision) for both games, so fantasy players should pay close attention before setting their lineups.

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