Fantasy basketball selections, daily fantasy sports insights, and wagering advice for Friday’s NBA matchups.
ESPN’s daily fantasy basketball cheat sheet serves as your go-to resource prior to finalizing your lineups for the evening’s matchups. Here, you will find our top recommendations for the night, including a list of players available for streaming and detailed injury updates for each game.
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Top streamers | Best bets | DFS picks | Odds & injury report
What you need to know for Friday
Friday’s NBA schedule features eight games, with the Houston Rockets facing off against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena capturing my attention the most.
The Rockets travel to Detroit still in search of stability following a taxing overtime defeat to Philadelphia, highlighting the narrow margins in the competitive Western Conference. While Houston has shown moments of resilience this season, their team identity is still evolving as they aim to avoid falling into the play-in tournament.
On the other hand, Detroit has established itself as one of the most dependable teams in the NBA. Currently leading the Eastern Conference, the Pistons have effectively combined depth and discipline around Cade Cunningham to distinguish themselves from their rivals. With Detroit seeking a season sweep and Houston in need of a boost, this matchup appears to be more than just a routine game; it serves as a significant benchmark.
As always, let’s delve into these and other narratives to pinpoint fantasy streamers, betting opportunities, and DFS options of interest for this Friday’s slate.
Friday’s fantasy stream team
Sam Hauser, SF, Boston Celtics (12.2% rostered in ESPN leagues): Hauser offers a dependable source of scoring and three-pointers while contributing modestly in rebounds and assists. He has averaged 24.5 fantasy points in 28.0 minutes over his last 10 games and should continue to thrive against a weak Nets defense. Hauser is also a viable option for DFS lineups at $5,200.
Jock Landale, C, Memphis Grizzlies (8.4% rostered): Landale has recorded at least 25 fantasy points in six of his last 10 games, including a standout 51-point performance. He faces a favorable matchup against a Pelicans defense that ranks low in defensive rating and has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to centers. With his scoring and rebounding capabilities, Landale is a strong value pick for DFS lineups at $5,500.
Moody’s bets for Friday
Kevin Durant 30+ points (+196)
The Pistons are among the top defensive teams in the league, yet Durant remains one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history. A notable aspect observed on film is Detroit’s reliance on its defenders to manage opponents in one-on-one situations, which Durant is adept at exploiting. Anticipate him to be assertive as Houston seeks to recover from an overtime defeat to the 76ers, with a potential victory over one of the East’s elite teams providing a significant morale boost. Durant has also scored at least 30 points in each of his last three encounters with the Pistons.
Cam Spencer OVER 11.5 assists and rebounds (-110)
With Ja Morant sidelined due to a left elbow sprain, Spencer’s workload is expected to increase. He has surpassed this line in seven of his last 10 games without Morant this season, averaging 13.8 potential assists and 6.7 rebound opportunities in 31.4 minutes per game during that span. The Pelicans have struggled defensively throughout the season, consistently allowing high totals in assists and rebounds, creating a favorable scenario for Spencer.
Grayson Allen OVER 16.5 points and assists (-103)
Allen has delivered several strong performances since returning from injury, notably clearing this line in five consecutive games. During this stretch, he has averaged 16.4 field goal attempts, including 13.2 attempts from beyond the arc, in 28.7 minutes per game. He has also recorded 5.4 potential assists per game, enhancing his potential to exceed this line. The Hawks present a favorable matchup, particularly in points allowed, positioning Allen well to capitalize again, especially with Jalen Green still on a minutes restriction.
Zach LaVine 4+ three-pointers (+227)
LaVine continues to be a potent scorer and is expected to be heavily relied upon on the road against Cleveland. He has made at least three 3-pointers in six of his last 10 games, averaging 6.2 attempts in 32 minutes during that period. While the safer option is over 2.5 at -108, the potential return on 4+ is more enticing here. Over the last 10 games, the Cavaliers have allowed the fourth-most 3-point attempts and the second-most makes, a vulnerability the Kings should aim to exploit. LaVine is their top perimeter shooter and is well-positioned to take advantage.
Top Daily Fantasy values of the day
$8,100+ salaries
Donovan Mitchell, SG, Cleveland Cavaliers ($9,700)
Mitchell has averaged 47.3 fantasy points per game this season but has fallen short of that figure in his last three games. Nevertheless, he maintains a 32.7% usage rate and faces a favorable matchup against a Kings team that ranks 28th in defensive efficiency. He is likely to be heavily utilized, particularly with Darius Garland already ruled out due to a toe injury. Sacramento has also allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to shooting guards this season.
Jaylen Brown, SF, Celtics ($10,000)
The Nets rank 29th in defensive rating over the last 15 games, creating a favorable matchup for Brown. He has been outstanding this season, averaging 47.6 fantasy points per game while achieving a career-high 37.6% usage rate. Brown has scored at least 51 fantasy points in three consecutive games and should continue to excel against Brooklyn, which ranks in the upper half of the league in fantasy points allowed to small forwards.
Alperen Sengun, PF/C, Rockets ($9,500)
Sengun provides consistent, well-rounded contributions across various statistical categories, even in tough matchups like this one against a Pistons defense that ranks second in defensive rating. He has averaged 46.5 fantasy points and 34.4 minutes per game over his last seven outings, making him a worthy investment.
$6,100-$8,000 salaries
Jarrett Allen, C, Cavaliers ($6,500)
Allen is a solid value choice on this slate. Although he has been inconsistent at times this season, averaging 29.5 fantasy points per game, the matchup against Sacramento is highly advantageous. The Kings have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to centers, making Allen a strong option for salary savings at the position.
$3,000-$6,000 salaries
Saddiq Bey, SF/PF, New Orleans Pelicans ($5,400)
Bey has stepped up with Herbert Jones out due to a sprained ankle, averaging 28.6 fantasy points per game over his last eight games. He faces a favorable matchup against an Atlanta defense that ranks in the top 5 in fantasy points allowed to forwards. Rostered in just 22.2% of leagues, Bey also stands out as a strong streaming candidate in points formats.
Mark Williams, C, Phoenix Suns ($5,300)
Williams is coming off a disappointing 12.8 fantasy points against the 76ers on Tuesday, but had been scoring at least 25 fantasy points more often than not prior to that. The Hawks present a favorable opportunity for Williams to bounce back, as they have recently struggled to contain opposing centers and secure rebounds, particularly at home. They have allowed big men to score efficiently and accumulate rebounds, and Williams excels in these areas, primarily doing his damage around the basket.
Cam Spencer, PG/SG, Grizzlies ($5,700)
With Morant ruled out, Spencer is set for an increased role. In 10 starts this season, he has averaged 11.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, and 9.3 APG. He also faces a favorable matchup against a New Orleans team that ranks 27th in defensive rating, enhancing his appeal in both DFS lineups and as a streaming option.
Projections and Injury Reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook
Houston Rockets at Detroit Pistons
7 p.m. ET
Line: Rockets +3.5 (-110) | Pistons -3.5 (-110)
Money line: Rockets +145 | Pistons -175
Total: 217.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Pistons by 0.2, straight up 51%, 224.9 total points.
Injury Report:
Rockets: Aaron Holiday, (GTD – Back); Steven Adams, (OUT – Ankle); Fred VanVleet, (OUT – Knee)
Pistons: Cade Cunningham, (GTD – Illness); Caris LeVert, (GTD – Illness); Duncan Robinson, (GTD – Back); Ronald Holland II, (GTD – Illness)
Phoenix Suns at Atlanta Hawks
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Suns -2.5 (-115) | Hawks +2.5 (-105)
Money line: Suns -155 | Hawks +130
Total: 233.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Suns by 1.8, straight up 56%, 235.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Suns: None reported
Hawks: N’Faly Dante, (OFS – Knee); Kristaps Porzingis, (OUT – Achilles); Zaccharie Risacher, (OUT – Knee)
Boston Celtics at Brooklyn Nets
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Celtics -8.5 (-105) | Nets +8.5 (-115)
Money line: Celtics -380 | Nets +300
Total: 216.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Celtics by 9.9, straight up 75%, 216.8 total points.
Injury Report:
Celtics: Josh Minott, (OUT – Ankle); Jayson Tatum, (OUT – Achilles)
Nets: Haywood Highsmith, (OUT – Knee)
Sacramento Kings at Cleveland Cavaliers
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Kings +11.5 (-112) | Cavaliers -11.5 (-108)
Money line: Kings +440 | Cavaliers -600
Total: 233.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Cavaliers by 12, straight up 80%, 240.0 total points.
Injury Report:
Kings: Keegan Murray, (OUT – Ankle)
Cavaliers: Sam Merrill, (OUT – Hand); Darius Garland, (OUT – Toe); Max Strus, (OUT – Foot)
New Orleans Pelicans at Memphis Grizzlies
8 p.m. ET
Line: Pelicans +5.5 (-105) | Grizzlies -5.5 (-115)
Money line: Pelicans +185 | Grizzlies -225
Total: 237.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Grizzlies by 4.8, straight up 64%, 238.6 total points.
Injury Report:
Pelicans: Herbert Jones, (GTD – Ankle); Jose Alvarado, (OUT – Oblique); Dejounte Murray, (OUT – Achilles)
Grizzlies: Ja Morant, (OUT – Elbow); Santi Aldama, (OUT – Knee); Ty Jerome, (OUT – Calf); , (OUT – Calf); Scotty Pippen Jr., (OUT – Toe); Zach Edey, (OUT – Ankle)
Indiana Pacers at Oklahoma City Thunder
8 p.m. ET
Line: Pacers +15.5 (-108) | Thunder -15.5 (-112)
Money line: Pacers +800 | Thunder -1350
Total: 226.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Thunder by 18.8, straight up 94%, 228.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Pacers: Quenton Jackson, (GTD – Ankle); Bennedict Mathurin, (OUT – Thumb); Obi Toppin, (OUT – Foot); Tyrese Haliburton, (OFS – Achilles)
Thunder: Aaron Wiggins, (GTD – Groin); Jaylin Williams, (GTD – Back); Ajay Mitchell, (OUT – Hip); Alex Caruso, (OUT – Groin); Isaiah Hartenstein, (OUT – Calf); Jalen Williams, (OUT – Hamstring); Nikola Topic, (OUT – Groin); Thomas Sorber, (OFS – Knee)
Denver Nuggets at Milwaukee Bucks
9:30 p.m. ET
Line: Nuggets +5.5 (-105) | Bucks -5.5 (-115)
Money line: Nuggets +190 | Bucks -230
Total: 221.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Bucks by 3.1, straight up 59%, 232.0 total points.
Injury Report:
Nuggets: Christian Braun, (GTD – Ankle); Cameron Johnson, (OUT – Knee); Nikola Jokic, (OUT – Knee); Tamar Bates, (OUT – Foot
