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 reports for each game.
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Top streamers | Best bets | DFS picks | Odds & Injury report
Key information for Friday’s games
Friday’s NBA schedule features seven games, with the San Antonio Spurs versus Los Angeles Clippers game being particularly noteworthy. This matchup showcases two teams on contrasting trajectories as the regular season approaches its conclusion. San Antonio arrives on Friday with a record of 45-17, positioned near the top of the Western Conference, while Los Angeles holds a 30-31 record and is striving to remain in the play-in contention. The Spurs return to the Frost Bank Center after a remarkable run that has established them as one of the league’s most formidable teams since February.
The Clippers depend significantly on their half-court offense led by Kawhi Leonard, who is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career. Leonard is averaging 27.9 points per game while shooting 49.7% from the field and nearly 37.9% from beyond the arc. His capacity to score efficiently while also making a defensive impact has kept the Clippers competitive despite a sluggish start and numerous injuries across the roster. Leonard also has a solid history against his former team, the Spurs.
For the Spurs, Victor Wembanyama remains a pivotal figure on both ends of the court. He leads the league in blocks per game and has averaged 23.7 points and 11.2 rebounds this season, significantly enhancing San Antonio’s defense whenever he is on the floor. Wembanyama’s presence in the paint has contributed to one of the league’s most disruptive defensive units while creating scoring chances for teammates like De’Aaron Fox and Devin Vassell.
Friday’s contest also features an interesting stylistic difference. The Clippers favor a slower pace centered on half-court execution, while the Spurs prefer to accelerate the tempo and utilize their defense to create transition opportunities. If San Antonio can maintain its strong defensive performance and dictate the game’s pace, they will aim to build on their momentum against a Clippers team still working to improve its record.
Below are additional fantasy streamers, betting insights, and DFS options of interest for this Friday’s slate.
Friday’s fantasy stream team
Moussa Diabate, PF/C, Charlotte Hornets (rostered in 36.9% of ESPN leagues)
Diabate has achieved at least 34 fantasy points in four of his last five games, including two outings with a minimum of 43 points. He continues to thrive as Charlotte’s starting center, and with the Hornets vying for a playoff position, his role seems secure. Diabate also faces a favorable matchup against a Heat team that has been average in terms of fantasy points allowed to centers this season. He remains a solid DFS option at $6,200.
Oso Ighodaro, PF, Phoenix Suns (8.1%)
Ighodaro has returned to the starting lineup due to Mark Williams’ expected absence for the next few weeks because of a left foot injury. He has recorded at least 35 fantasy points in three consecutive games. Ighodaro will take on a New Orleans Pelicans team that has struggled defensively this season and has permitted the third-most fantasy points per game to power forwards over the last 30 games. Ighodaro is also a valuable DFS option at $5,200.
Moody’s preferred bets for Friday
Victor Wembanyama UNDER 23.5 points (-117)
Wembanyama had an outstanding performance against the Detroit Pistons last night, but I am leaning towards the under for Friday’s game against the Clippers. This matchup presents a different challenge, and it would be unexpected if Los Angeles primarily defends him with Brook Lopez. Instead, the Clippers might opt for smaller defenders like Derrick Jones Jr., a type of matchup that has occasionally posed difficulties for Wembanyama. He has also gone under this line in two of his last three games against Los Angeles. The Spurs are on the second night of a back-to-back, and Wembanyama logged 39 minutes against Detroit, so his playing time may be monitored in this matchup.
LaMelo Ball OVER 7.5 assists (+114)
Ball has surpassed this line in three of his last five games. Although he has averaged just 25.5 minutes and 10.2 potential assists per game during that period, the matchup against a Heat team that leads the league in pace provides him ample opportunities to accumulate assists in transition. Miami has also allowed the most assists per game to point guards this season, and Ball has exceeded this line in each of his last three games against the Heat. This matchup also features one of the highest totals on the slate.
Jaylen Brown OVER 11.5 assists and rebounds (-120)
Brown has maintained a high usage rate for the Celtics this season and has surpassed this line in 14 of his last 20 games, including six consecutive games. The Mavericks present a favorable matchup, ranking near the top of the league in rebounds and assists allowed per game. Boston is a significant favorite in this contest, but Brown should still receive enough playing time to produce. Jayson Tatum is questionable for this game, but Brown should still have a strong chance to exceed this line regardless of Tatum’s availability.
Top Daily Fantasy values of the day
Play DFS basketball at DraftKings.
$8,100+ salaries
Nikola Jokic, C, Denver Nuggets ($12,500): Jokic has averaged 66.7 fantasy points per game over his last seven games. He is one of the few players with both a high floor and an even higher ceiling, as demonstrated by his 91.5 fantasy point performance against the Golden State Warriors on Feb. 22nd. Jokic is matchup-proof, but the game against the Knicks features a narrow spread and the highest total on the slate, indicating a competitive, high-scoring environment. Jokic is worth the investment on Friday’s slate.
Kawhi Leonard, SG/SF, Los Angeles Clippers ($9,500): Leonard has performed at a high level this season, averaging 46.0 fantasy points per game with a 32.9% usage rate. The Spurs are a strong defensive team, but Leonard is largely matchup-proof and should have added motivation to deliver a strong showing against his former team. He has averaged 44.2 fantasy points per game against San Antonio throughout his career.
Jaylen Brown, SG/SF, Boston Celtics ($10,000): Brown has been a key player for the Celtics all season. He is averaging 46.7 fantasy points per game with a 37.3% usage rate, a career high. Brown should find success against a Mavericks team that ranks 25th in defensive rating over the last 15 games. Dallas has also allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to small forwards during that period.
$6,100-$8,000 salaries
Brandon Miller, SF, Charlotte Hornets ($7,700): Miller has averaged 36.9 fantasy points per game over the last 15 games. The Hornets have also ranked third in net rating during that time, highlighting their balanced performance on both ends of the court. Although the Heat rank third in defensive rating over the last 15 games, Miami leads the league in pace. This creates a favorable environment for Miller to excel.
Donovan Clingan, C, Portland Trail Blazers ($7,600): Clingan has averaged 11.8 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 27.4 minutes per game this season. While the Rockets rank ninth in defensive rating, that should not deter you from considering Clingan if you’re looking to save salary at the center position. He faced Houston on Jan. 7 and 9, producing 28.2 and 40.8 fantasy points in those contests.
Kon Knueppel, SG, Charlotte Hornets ($7,200): Knueppel has provided DFS players with a relatively stable floor this season. The Rookie of the Year frontrunner has averaged 33.9 fantasy points per game. The fast pace at which the Heat play also benefits Knueppel, and Miami has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to shooting guards over the last 30 games.
$3,500-$6,000 salaries
Devin Vassell, SF, San Antonio Spurs ($5,500): Vassell has been outstanding lately, scoring at least 33 fantasy points in five of his last six games. He is shooting well and should continue to receive a solid number of open looks against the Clippers. Vassell also contributes across various statistical categories, enhancing his DFS appeal.
Projections and Injury Reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook
Dallas Mavericks at Boston Celtics
7 p.m. ET
Line: Mavericks +14.5 (-108) | Celtics -14.5 (-112)
Money line: Mavericks +675 | Celtics -1050
Total: 226.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Celtics by 9.6, straight up 77%, 225.3 total points.
Injury Report:
Mavericks: Brandon Williams, (GTD – Quadriceps); Marvin Bagley III, (GTD – Neck); Dereck Lively II, (OFS – Foot); Kyrie Irving, (OFS – Knee)
Celtics: Jayson Tatum, (GTD – Achilles)
Miami Heat at Charlotte Hornets
7 p.m. ET
Line: Heat +7.5 (-108) | Hornets -7.5 (-112)
Money line: Heat +250 | Hornets -310
Total: 229.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Hornets by 6.1, straight up 68%, 232.6 total points.
Injury Report:
Heat: Nikola Jovic, (GTD – Back); Simone Fontecchio, (GTD – Groin); Norman Powell, (OUT – Groin); Terry Rozier, (OUT – Not Injury Related)
Hornets: Tidjane Salaun, (OUT – Calf)
Portland Trail Blazers at Houston Rockets
8 p.m. ET
Line: Blazers +5.5 (-102) | Rockets -5.5 (-118)
Money line: Blazers +190 | Rockets -230
Total: 220.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Rockets by 7.9, straight up 73%, 225.2 total points.
Injury Report:
Blazers: Deni Avdija, (GTD – Back); Kris Murray, (GTD – Illness); Shaedon Sharpe, (OUT – Lower Leg); Damian Lillard, (OFS – Achilles)
Rockets: Dorian Finney-Smith, (GTD – Ankle); Jae’Sean Tate, (OUT – Knee); Fred VanVleet, (OUT – Knee); Steven Adams, (OFS – Ankle)
New York Knicks at Denver Nuggets
9 p.m. ET
Line: Knicks -1.5 (-112) | Nuggets +1.5 (-108)
Money line: Knicks -125 | Nuggets +105
Total: 229.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Knicks by 0.7, straight up 52%, 232.6 total points.
Injury Report:
Knicks: Josh Hart, (GTD – Back); Miles McBride, (OUT – Pelvis)
Nuggets: Aaron Gordon, (GTD – Hamstring); Cameron Johnson, (GTD – Ankle); Spencer Jones, (GTD – Shoulder); Peyton Watson, (OUT – Hamstring)
New Orleans Pelicans at Phoenix Suns
9 p.m. ET
Line: Pelicans +5.5 (-112) | Suns -5.5 (-108)
Money line: Pelicans +180 | Suns -218
Total: 226.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Suns by 3.4, straight up 60%, 230.0 total points.
Injury Report:
Pelicans: None reported
Suns: Jordan Goodwin, (OUT – Calf); Mark Williams, (OUT – Foot); Dillon Brooks, (OUT – Hand)
LA Clippers at San Antonio Spurs
9:30 p.m. ET
Line: Clippers +6.5 (-105) | Spurs -6.5 (-115)
Money line: Clippers +215 | Spurs -265
Total: 222.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Spurs by 2.4, straight up 57%, 222.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Clippers: Darius Garland, (OUT – Toe); John Collins, (OUT – Neck); Bradley Beal, (OFS – Hip); Yanic Konan Niederhauser, (OFS – Foot)
Spurs: Harrison Barnes, (GTD – Ankle); Harrison Ingram, (OUT – Undisclosed); David Jones Garcia, (OFS – Ankle)
Indiana Pacers at Los Angeles Lakers
10:30 p.m. ET
Line: Pacers +9.5 (-118) | Lakers -9.5 (-102)<br
