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 | DFS picks | Odds & injury report
What you need to know for Friday
There are 10 games on Friday's NBA slate, but only seven on the main DFS slate. No teams are playing the second leg of a back-to-back. The matchup I'm most excited about has the Atlanta Hawks traveling to face the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. This matchup is intriguing because it's the first for Atlanta right after the Trae Young trade and against a Denver team that's been better than expected without Nikola Jokic.
The Hawks want to run and push the pace, while the Nuggets prefer a slower, half-court game built around Jamal Murray, which sets up an interesting contrast in styles. With young pieces like Jalen Johnson and Zaccharie Risacher on one side and Denver's steady, experienced bench on the other, this game should tell us a lot about where both teams are headed.
Let's break down the action and find some fantasy streamers and betting angles to make the most of tonight's slate.
Friday's fantasy stream team
Peyton Watson, SF/PF, Denver Nuggets (rostered in 30.1% of ESPN leagues)
Watson's role has expanded in Denver's rotation with Jokic sidelined. He's scored at least 28 fantasy points in five straight games, including two outings of at least 40. Watson also draws a favorable matchup against a Hawks team that ranks top 10 in fantasy points allowed to both small and power forwards.
Steven Adams, C, Houston Rockets (5.3% rostered)
Adams is on the streaming radar for managers in deeper leagues with Alperen Sengun sidelined due to an ankle injury. He's scored at least 20 fantasy points in two consecutive games and provides reliable production in points and rebounds. Adams should remain productive against a Trail Blazers team that has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to centers.
Moody's bets for Friday
Anthony Black OVER 22.5 points and assists (-121)
With Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs both sidelined Friday against the 76ers, Black is set up for expanded usage. He's cleared this line in seven of 10 games this season without them, averaging 16.0 field goal attempts and 8.1 potential assists in those contests. Philadelphia has been a middle-of-the-pack defense against point guards and has struggled defending transition plays and pick-and-roll ball handlers, both areas where Black is most effective.
Dillon Brooks OVER 20.5 points (-102)
Brooks has been inconsistent at times this season, but he remains a key piece of the Suns rotation -- and the team has made it clear he isn't going anywhere before the deadline. He's cleared this line in 52% of his games while averaging 30.8 minutes. The spot is especially favorable at home, where Brooks has gone over this line in 10 out of 13 games. With the Knicks ranking near the bottom of the league in defensive rating over the last 10 games, this sets up as a strong scoring opportunity.
AJ Green 4+ three-pointers (+187)
The Lakers have struggled defensively all season and rank 29th in defensive rating over their last 15 games. With Giannis Antetokounmpo commanding heavy defensive attention, Green should benefit from cleaner looks on the perimeter. He's averaging 6.9 3-point attempts per game while shooting an efficient 42.9% from deep. In what the narrow spread suggests will be a competitive game, Green is well-positioned to knock down four or more triples.
Top Daily Fantasy values of the day
$8,100+ salaries
Jalen Johnson, PF, Hawks ($10,800)
Johnson has been phenomenal this season and when the Hawks are on the slate it's difficult not to make room for him, given his ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories. Although he's posted just 35.5 and 43.5 fantasy points in his two most recent games, he's averaged 56.6 fantasy points per game over his previous seven. The narrow spread suggests a competitive matchup, and it also carries one of the highest totals on the slate.
Jamal Murray, PG, Nuggets ($10,000)
Murray has the highest PG salary on the slate with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander not expected to play on Friday night. With Jokic sidelined by injury, the Nuggets' offense runs through Murray. He's averaged 51.4 fantasy points per game over his last seven contests and should find success against a Hawks team that ranks second in pace and allows the 10th-most fantasy points per game to point guards.
$6,100-$8,000 salaries
Alex Sarr, C, Washington Wizards ($7,300)
While Sarr's fantasy production has swung back and forth in recent games, he's in a great spot against the Pelicans. New Orleans ranks near the bottom of the league in defensive rating and has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to centers. Sarr is averaging 37.9 fantasy points per game this season, which should be viewed as his floor (rather than his ceiling) in a matchup that carries the highest total on the slate.
VJ Edgecombe, SG, Philadelphia 76ers ($6,800)
Edgecombe contributes across every statistical category and has produced at least 40 fantasy points while playing 31 or more minutes in five straight games. The rookie first-rounder draws a favorable matchup against a Magic team that has been middle of the pack defensively over its last 10 games.
RJ Barrett, SF, Toronto Raptors ($6,500)
Barrett has scored at least 27 fantasy points in five straight games (including one 40.8-point performance) since returning from a sprained right knee that sidelined him for 16 games. Scottie Barnes is questionable after suffering a knee issue on Wednesday against the Hornets, and Brandon Ingram is also questionable due to a thumb injury. Barrett's ceiling rises significantly if either player is ruled out, but he remains a strong value regardless for a Raptors team that is 16-6 with him in the lineup this season. He's in a good spot against the Celtics.
Kyshawn George, SG/SF, Wizards ($6,100)
George is set to return from a seven-game absence due to a left hip flexor strain, which should push Tre Johnson back to the bench. George contributes across multiple statistical categories and averaged 33.9 fantasy points per game over his last eight games prior to the injury. The Pelicans are a below-average defensive team, which further boosts George's fantasy outlook in this matchup.
$3,500-$6,000 salaries
Ajay Mitchell, PG, Oklahoma City Thunder ($5,000)
With Gilgeous-Alexander not expected to play, Mitchell is in line to start for the Thunder. In seven games as a starter this season, he's averaged 15.4 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 4.1 APG and 1.7 SPG. The matchup is favorable as well, with Memphis allowing the sixth-most fantasy points per game to point guards. Mitchell (46% rostered) is also a strong streaming option for managers in need of point guard help.
Kenrich Williams, PF/C, Thunder ($3,400)
With Oklahoma City set to be without both Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, Williams should see an expanded role against the Grizzlies. His minutes have climbed as the Thunder deal with frontcourt injuries, and his per-40 production highlights his upside: 15.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.1 assists. Williams is expected to log solid minutes, making him a viable low-cost option on the slate. He's also a strong streaming option.
Projections and Injury Reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook
Toronto Raptors at Boston Celtics
7 p.m. ET
Line: Raptors +8.5 (-105) | Celtics -8.5 (-115)
Money line: Raptors +270 | Celtics -340
Total: 224.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI Projection: Celtics by 7.3, straight up 70%, 222.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Raptors: Brandon Ingram, (GTD - Thumb); Scottie Barnes, (GTD - Knee); Jakob Poeltl, (OUT - Back); Chucky Hepburn, (OUT - Knee)
Celtics: Ron Harper Jr., (GTD - Back); Josh Minott, (OUT - Ankle); Jayson Tatum, (OUT - Achilles)
Philadelphia 76ers at Orlando Magic
7 p.m. ET
Line: 76ers -2.5 (-115) | Magic +2.5 (-105)
Money line: 76ers -142 | Magic +120
Total: 226.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Magic by 1, straight up 53%, 233.8 total points.
Injury Report:
76ers: Joel Embiid, (GTD - Knee)
Magic: Colin Castleton, (GTD - Thumb); Jase Richardson, (GTD - Ankle); Franz Wagner, (OUT - Ankle); Jalen Suggs, (OUT - Knee); Moritz Wagner, (OUT - Knee)
New Orleans Pelicans at Washington Wizards
7 p.m. ET
Line: Pelicans -2.5 (-110) | Wizards +2.5 (-110)
Money line: Pelicans -142 | Wizards +120
Total: 241.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI Projection: Pelicans by 0.9, straight up 53%, 243.6 total points.
Injury Report:
Pelicans: Herbert Jones, (GTD - Ankle); Trey Murphy III, (GTD - Back); Jose Alvarado, (OUT - Oblique); Saddiq Bey, (OUT - Hip); Dejounte Murray, (OUT - Achilles)
Wizards: Trae Young, (GTD - Quadriceps); Cam Whitmore, (OUT - Shoulder)
LA Clippers at Brooklyn Nets
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Clippers -2.5 (-112) | Nets +2.5 (-108)
Money line: Clippers -155 | Nets +130
Total: 214.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI Projection: Clippers by 4.8, straight up 64%, 215.7 total points.
Injury Report:
Clippers: Kawhi Leonard, (GTD - Ankle); Bogdan Bogdanovic, (OUT - Hamstring); Derrick Jones Jr., (OUT - Knee); Bradley Beal, (OFS - Hip)
Nets: Michael Porter Jr., (GTD - Knee); Ben Saraf, (OUT - Knee); Haywood Highsmith, (OUT - Knee)
Oklahoma City Thunder at Memphis Grizzlies
8 p.m. ET
Line: Thunder -4.5 (-105) | Grizzlies +4.5 (-115)
Money line: Thunder -185 | Grizzlies +154
Total: 228.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Thunder by 4.9, straight up 64%, 227.3 total points.
Injury Report:
Thunder: Alex Caruso, (GTD - Back); Cason Wallace, (OUT - Toe); Chet Holmgren, (OUT - Lower Leg); Isaiah Hartenstein, (OUT - Calf); Jaylin Williams, (OUT - Heel); Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, (OUT - Ankle); Nikola Topic, (OUT - Groin); Thomas Sorber, (OFS - Knee)
Grizzlies: Cedric Coward, (GTD - Ankle); John Konchar, (GTD - Thumb); Vince Williams Jr., (GTD - Knee); Ja Morant, (OUT - Calf); Zach Edey, (OUT - Ankle); , (OUT - Calf); Scotty Pippen Jr., (OUT - Toe); Ty Jerome, (OUT - Calf)
Atlanta Hawks at Denver Nuggets
9 p.m. ET
Line: Hawks +1.5 (-112) | Nuggets -1.5 (-108)
Money line: Hawks +EVEN | Nuggets -120
Total: 233.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI Projection: Hawks by 3.2, straight up 59%, 244.8 total points.
Injury Report:
Hawks: CJ McCollum, (GTD - Quadriceps); Corey Kispert, (GTD - Hamstring); N'Faly Dante, (OFS - Knee)
Nuggets: Aaron Gordon, (GTD - Hamstring); Bruce Brown, (GTD - Knee); Christian Braun, (GTD - Ankle); Jamal Murray, (GTD - Ankle); Spencer Jones, (GTD - Ankle); Cameron Johnson, (OUT - Knee); Jonas Valanciunas, (OUT - Calf); Nikola Jokic, (OUT - Knee); Tamar Bates, (OUT - Foot)
New York Knicks at Phoenix Suns
9 p.m. ET
Line: Knicks -1.5 (-110) | Suns +1.5 (-110)
Money line: Knicks -125 | Suns +105
Total: 228.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Knicks by 2.6, straight up 58%, 232.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Knicks: Josh Hart, (OUT - Ankle); Landry Shamet, (OUT - Shoulder)
Suns: Jalen Green, (OUT - Hamstring); Jamaree Bouyea, (OUT - Concussion)
Sacramento Kings at Golden State Warriors
10 p.m. ET
Line: Kings +12.5 (-108) | Warriors -12.5 (-112)
Money line: Kings +500 | Warriors -700
Total: 230.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Warriors by 12.8, straight up 82%, 229.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Kings: Isaiah Stevens, (GTD - Hamstring); Domantas Sabonis, (OUT - Knee); Keegan Murray, (OUT - Ankle)
Warriors: Gary Payton II, (GTD - Ankle); Seth Curry, (OUT - Back)
Houston Rockets at Portland Trail Blazers
10 p.m. ET
Line: Rockets -6.5 (-115) | Blazers +6.5 (-105)
Money line: Rockets -258 | Blazers +210
Total: 221.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Rockets by 7.2, straight up 70%, 231.9 total points.
Injury Report:
Rockets: Isaiah Crawford, (OUT - Illness); Alperen Sengun, (OUT - Ankle); Fred VanVleet, (OUT - Knee)
Blazers: Jrue Holiday, (GTD - Calf); Jerami Grant, (OUT - Achilles); Kris Murray, (OUT - Back); Matisse Thybulle, (OUT - Thumb); Scoot Henderson, (OUT - Hamstring); Blake Wesley, (OUT - Foot); Damian Lillard, (OFS - Achilles)
Milwaukee Bucks at Los Angeles Lakers
10:30 p.m. ET
Line: Bucks +3.5 (-108) | Lakers -3.5 (-112)
Money line: Bucks +142 | Lakers -170
Total: 229.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Lakers by 2.4, straight up 57%, 231.0 total points.
Injury Report:
Bucks: Taurean Prince, (OUT - Neck)
Lakers: LeBron James, (GTD - Foot); Rui Hachimura, (GTD - Calf); Austin Reaves, (OUT - Calf); Adou Thiero, (OUT - Knee)