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 games. Here, you will find our top recommendations for the night, including a list of players available for streaming and detailed injury reports for each game.
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Top streamers | Best bets | DFS picks | Odds & Injury report
Essential information for Friday’s games
Among the nine contests scheduled for Friday in the NBA, the clash between the Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers stands out as particularly compelling. This matchup appears to set the stage for the concluding phase of the season. The Clippers have experienced a slight decline following their midseason upswing and are playing on the second night of a back-to-back, while the Lakers come in well-rested and nearly at full strength.
LeBron James and Luka Doncic will play pivotal roles in determining the outcome of this game, especially against a Clippers defense that remains one of the stronger units in the league. The Lakers’ offense has shown consistency when their key players are fit, but their effectiveness will hinge on the quality of their shots and the ability to avoid the defensive mistakes that have cost them in earlier encounters. If they can control the pace rather than merely respond, the matchup will tilt in their favor.
I will also be closely monitoring Kawhi Leonard. He has been the most dependable scorer for the Clippers and a significant factor in their success against the Lakers. The Lakers have recently made strides defensively, and effectively containing Leonard while preventing role players from finding their rhythm will be crucial. On paper, the Lakers have the advantage due to their rest and offensive capabilities, but this is contingent on their defense performing well.
As always, let’s delve deeper into these and other narratives to pinpoint fantasy streamers, betting opportunities, and DFS plays worth considering.
Moody’s fantasy stream team for Friday
Jeremiah Fears, SG/PG, New Orleans Pelicans (rostered in 18.5% of ESPN leagues): Trey Murphy III is questionable due to a right shoulder contusion, and Dejounte Murray is still approximately a week away from his season debut, positioning Fears in a significant rotation role. He has logged at least 30 minutes and generated over 40 fantasy points in both of his last two outings. The matchup is favorable as the Milwaukee Bucks are among the top eight teams in fantasy points allowed to point guards and shooting guards. Priced at $4,800, Fears is also a solid DFS choice.
Jay Huff, C, Indiana Pacers (14.8% rostered): Huff achieved 32 fantasy points in 21 minutes on Thursday against the Washington Wizards. He is expected to continue receiving rotation minutes, particularly with Pascal Siakam and Ivica Zubac not anticipated to play on Friday. The Wizards are near the bottom of the league in defensive rating and have been one of the most favorable matchups in fantasy. At $5,400, Huff is also a candidate for DFS lineups if you are looking to save salary at the center position.
Moody’s preferred bets for Friday
Bucks ML (+145) at Pelicans
The Bucks come into this game having won five of their last six contests and are tied for third in defensive rating during that period, while New Orleans has dropped four of its last six and ranks 27th in defensive rating for the season. The Pelicans will be without Trey Murphy III, a key scorer. Considering the Bucks’ current form and defensive enhancements, they hold an advantage against one of the league’s weaker teams.
Saddiq Bey OVER 25.5 points + rebounds (-126)
Despite a recent decline in performance, Bey has surpassed this line in six of his last ten games, averaging 16 field-goal attempts and 10.4 rebound opportunities during that stretch. With Trey Murphy III unavailable, New Orleans is likely to rely more on Bey alongside Zion Williamson. Milwaukee’s defense has improved, but the anticipated volume presents Bey with a strong chance to exceed the line.
Nikola Jokic OVER 50.5 points, rebounds and assists (-114)
The Nuggets are healthy and gearing up for the playoffs, and Jokic has a significant opportunity to bolster his MVP candidacy with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander out and the competition tightening. The close spread and high total indicate a competitive, high-scoring affair. The Portland Trail Blazers have struggled against centers over the past 30 games, which bodes well for one of the league’s most effective players. Jokic has surpassed this line in 16 out of 27 games this season when playing at least 33 minutes. For those seeking plus odds, the 55+ PRA line at +149 is also worth considering.
Top Daily Fantasy values of the day
$8,100+ salaries
Jalen Johnson, PF, Atlanta Hawks ($10,500): Johnson’s outstanding season continues, and he warrants strong consideration for lineups whenever he is on the floor. He has averaged 64.3 fantasy points over his last six games while contributing across all categories. The Hawks and Miami Heat are among the league leaders in pace, and Miami has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to power forwards this season. Johnson has also recorded at least 52 fantasy points in both of his last two encounters with the Heat.
Anthony Edwards, SG, Minnesota Timberwolves ($9,400): Edwards was named All-Star Game MVP on Sunday and is enjoying a remarkable season, averaging a career-high 29.3 PPG with a 30.7% usage rate. The Dallas Mavericks have struggled defensively and have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to shooting guards over the last 30 games. In a matchup featuring one of the highest totals on the slate, Edwards is positioned for another strong outing.
Bam Adebayo, C, Heat ($9,200): Adebayo has exceeded 44 fantasy points in three consecutive games. In his last four matchups against Atlanta, he has averaged 16.3 PPG, 11.0 RPG, and 3.3 APG, providing him with a dependable floor. The Hawks have allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to centers over the last 30 games, enhancing his potential for Friday night.
Julius Randle, PF, Timberwolves ($8,400): Randle had a subdued February, but he has rebounded with at least 54 fantasy points in both of his last two games. The Mavericks have been a mid-tier defensive team for most of the season, and when Randle last faced them on January 30, he recorded 31 points, five rebounds, and four assists in 33 minutes.
$6,100-$8,000 salaries
Kevin Porter Jr., PG/SG, Bucks ($7,800): Porter was performing well leading up to the All-Star break, and with Giannis Antetokounmpo still out due to a calf injury, he should maintain a high usage rate. He has scored at least 44 fantasy points in four of his last five games. The Pelicans rank 27th in defensive rating, creating another favorable matchup.
Jaime Jaquez Jr., SF/PF, Heat ($6,900): Jaquez has established a consistent role as Miami’s sixth man and should remain involved, even if Tyler Herro returns from his rib injury. Friday’s game marks the first of a back-to-back, so the Heat may consider resting players on Saturday. This matchup with Atlanta is promising, as the game is expected to be fast-paced and the Hawks rank among the top three over the last 30 games in fantasy points allowed to both small forwards and power forwards.
Jarace Walker, SF/PF, Pacers ($6,400): Walker scored 50.5 fantasy points against the Wizards on Thursday, and with Siakam absent on Friday for personal reasons, he has another excellent opportunity. The Wizards rank 29th in defensive rating and have allowed the most fantasy points per game to power forwards, making Walker an attractive DFS and streaming option. He remains widely available, with only 14.6% rostered in leagues.
Day’Ron Sharpe, C, Brooklyn Nets ($6,200): Sharpe has made four starts with Nic Claxton sidelined due to an ankle injury. Although he recorded just 14.8 fantasy points in his most recent start, he was significantly more productive in the other three. The matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder is not ideal, but in games where Sharpe has played at least 25 minutes this season, he has averaged 14.8 PPG and 9.6 RPG. Claxton’s status will ultimately influence Sharpe’s DFS potential.
$3,000-$6,000 salaries
Brice Sensabaugh, SG/SF, Utah Jazz ($5,700): Utah’s youth movement is in full swing, and Sensabaugh continues to benefit from the increased opportunity. He has scored at least 27 fantasy points in each of the last four games in which he played over 30 minutes. With the Jazz facing multiple injuries, he should continue to receive ample playing time. The Memphis Grizzlies have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to small forwards over the last 30 games. Sensabaugh is also a strong streaming candidate and is rostered in just 8.5% of leagues.
Jared McCain, PG/SG, Thunder ($4,000): With SGA expected to be sidelined for another week, McCain should remain part of the Thunder’s rotation. He has played at least 22 minutes and scored over 19 fantasy points in each of his last two games. Oklahoma City will also be without Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell, further increasing opportunities. The matchup is favorable as well, with Brooklyn ranking 26th in defensive rating this season. Given the expanded role and favorable matchup, McCain, who is rostered in only 10.2% of leagues, also stands out as a strong streaming option.
Projections and injury reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook
Cleveland Cavaliers at Charlotte Hornets
7 p.m. ET
Line: Cavaliers -6.5 (-108) | Hornets +6.5 (-112)
Money line: Cavaliers -225 | Hornets +185
Total: 230.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Cavaliers by 3.6, straight up 61%, 232.9 total points.
Injury Report:
Cavaliers: Nae’Qwan Tomlin, (GTD – Calf); Max Strus, (OUT – Foot)
Hornets: Coby White, (GTD – Calf); Grant Williams, (GTD – Knee); Liam McNeeley, (GTD – Ankle); Miles Bridges, (OUT – Suspension); Moussa Diabate, (OUT – Suspension)
Indiana Pacers at Washington Wizards
7 p.m. ET
Line: Pacers +1.5 (-118) | Wizards -1.5 (-102)
Money line: Pacers -105 | Wizards -115
Total: 229.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI Projection: Pacers by 5.8, straight up 67%, 231.9 total points.
Injury Report:
Pacers: Johnny Furphy, (OFS – Knee); Kam Jones, (GTD – Back); T.J. McConnell, (GTD – Hamstring); Aaron Nesmith, (OUT – Ankle); Pascal Siakam, (OUT – Personal); Ivica Zubac, (OUT – Ankle); Obi Toppin, (OUT – Foot); Tyrese Haliburton, (OFS – Achilles)
Wizards: Alex Sarr, (OUT – Hamstring); D’Angelo Russell, (OUT – Not Injury Related); Trae Young, (OUT – Knee); Anthony Davis, (OFS – Finger); Cam Whitmore, (OFS – Shoulder)
Utah Jazz at Memphis Grizzlies
7 p.m. ET
Line: Jazz +1.5 (-105) | Grizzlies -1.5 (-115)
Money line: Jazz +110 | Grizzlies -130
Total: 235.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Grizzlies by 7.1, straight up 70%, 247.9 total points.
Injury Report:
Jazz: Oscar Tshiebwe, (GTD – Concussion); Jusuf Nurkic, (OUT – Nose); Keyonte George, (OUT – Ankle); Jaren Jackson Jr., (OFS – Knee); Walker Kessler, (OFS – Shoulder)
Grizzlies: Walter Clayton Jr., (GTD – Calf); Cedric Coward, (OUT – Knee); Santi Aldama, (OUT – Knee); Scotty Pippen Jr., (OUT – Toe); Ty Jerome, (OUT – Calf); Brandon Clarke, (OUT – Calf); Zach Edey, (OUT – Ankle); Ja Morant, (OUT – Elbow); Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, (OFS – Finger)
Miami Heat at Atlanta Hawks
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Heat -3.5 (-115) | Hawks +3.5 (-105)
Money line: Heat -166 | Hawks +140
Total: 244.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Hawks by 0.2, straight up 51%, 243.8 total points.
Injury Report:
Heat: Keshad Johnson, (GTD – Calf); Norman Powell, (GTD – Back); Tyler Herro, (GTD – Ribs); Terry Rozier, (OUT – Not Injury Related)
Hawks: None reported
Dallas Mavericks at Minnesota Timberwolves
7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
Line: Mavericks +14.5 (-110) | Timberwolves -14.5 (-110)
Money line: Mavericks +500 | Timberwolves -700
Total: 239.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Timberwolves by 8.6, straight up 74%, 239.7 total points.
Injury Report:
Mavericks: Caleb Martin, (GTD – Ankle); Daniel Gafford, (GTD – Ankle); Max Christie, (GTD – Ankle); Cooper Flagg, (OUT – Foot); Dereck Lively II, (OFS – Foot)
Timberwolves: None reported
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