Thursday night brings a modest five-game slate, offering a breather after a busy week. With the Cleveland Cavaliers missing four starters, they find themselves as significant underdogs against the Indiana Pacers. This shift pushes DFS players to focus on games featuring the more competitive matchups like the Knicks-Pistons and Timberwolves-Grizzlies.

Key players for the night include Giannis Antetokounmpo and Cade Cunningham, both carrying high price tags due to their recent performances. Antetokounmpo returns from injury with a triple-double while Cunningham shows promise coming off a calf strain. Other chalk plays include Karl-Anthony Towns and Trae Young, both boasting consistent scoring stats.

Paolo Banchero continued his impressive form, scoring 33 points and grabbing 10 rebounds to help the Orlando Magic secure a 119-112 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, marking their third consecutive win. This performance marked Banchero's third straight double-double and his 20th consecutive game scoring at least 20 points. The Magic's shooting was efficient, hitting 50% from the field and 41.2% from three-point range.

The win solidified Orlando's hold on the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference, moving two games ahead of Atlanta, which has struggled recently with six losses in its last eight games. Franz Wagner contributed significantly with 22 points, while Wendell Carter Jr. added 17 points and a career-high six steals, showcasing a balanced team effort.

Keyonte George achieved a career-high 35 points but it wasn't enough to halt the Utah Jazz's ongoing woes, suffering a 147-135 defeat to the Atlanta Hawks. This loss marks the Jazz's ninth straight defeat and leaves them with only one victory in their last 20 games. Meanwhile, the Hawks showcased a formidable offensive display, with Onyeka Okongwu scoring 27 points and Trae Young contributing 23 points and 15 assists, helping Atlanta maintain the lead throughout the game.

The Jazz struggled defensively, allowing 81 points in the first half, indicating a defense that has faltered significantly in recent outings. Despite George's efforts and additional contributions from Collin Sexton and Isaiah Collier, who tallied 27 points and 17 points with 12 assists respectively, the Jazz cannot find a consistent rhythm, particularly on the defensive end, having surrendered at least 140 points in three consecutive games.

The New York Knicks displayed an impressive performance against the Atlanta Hawks, winning 121-105, led by Karl-Anthony Towns' 30 points and 11 rebounds. The Knicks dominated the second quarter, outscoring Atlanta 40-22 and finishing the game with a remarkable shooting percentage of 53.6%. OG Anunoby contributed 24 points, while Mikal Bridges added 20. The Knicks have solidified their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race despite missing All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson, who is recovering from an ankle injury. The Hawks faced their third consecutive loss as Trae Young recorded 16 points and set a new team record for assists in a season.

The Eastern Conference playoff race intensifies as the New York Knicks visit the Atlanta Hawks for a pivotal matchup. The Knicks, sitting third in the conference with a 48-28 record, look to bounce back from a disappointing 124-105 loss to the Cavaliers. Meanwhile, the Hawks, currently eighth at 36-40, are struggling, having lost four of their last five games.

New York enters the game as 4-point favorites, with an over/under set at 237 points. The Knicks have found success in their recent encounters, winning three of their last four. Key to their strategy could be Josh Hart, who has stepped up in the absence of Jalen Brunson, averaging impressive stats against Atlanta. The Hawks, led by the dynamic Trae Young, aim to leverage his recent strong performances, including seven consecutive double-doubles, to turn their fortunes around. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET at State Farm Arena.