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’s games
There are seven games on Friday’s NBA slate, and the San Antonio Spurs-Los Angeles Clippers matchup stands out. It features two teams heading in different directions as the regular season enters its final stretch. San Antonio enters Friday night at 45-17 and remains near the top of the Western Conference, while Los Angeles sits at 30-31 and continues battling to stay in the play-in picture. The Spurs return to the Frost Bank Center following an impressive stretch that has seen them emerge as one of the league’s hottest teams since February.
The Clippers rely heavily on the half-court offense orchestrated by Kawhi Leonard, who is putting together one of the strongest seasons of his career. Leonard is averaging 27.9 PPG while shooting 49.7% from the field and nearly 37.9% from 3-point range. His ability to score efficiently while still impacting the game defensively has kept the Clippers competitive despite a slow start and multiple injuries throughout the roster. Leonard also has a strong track record against his former team the Spurs.
For the Spurs, Victor Wembanyama continues to anchor everything on both ends of the floor. He leads the league in blocks per game and has averaged 23.7 PPG and 11.2 RPG this season while dramatically elevating San Antonio’s defense whenever he’s on the court. Wembanyama’s presence in the paint has helped fuel one of the league’s most disruptive defensive units while creating opportunities for teammates like De’Aaron Fox and Devin Vassell on the offensive end.
Friday’s matchup also presents an intriguing stylistic contrast. The Clippers prefer a slower tempo built around half-court execution, while the Spurs push the pace and rely on their defense to generate transition opportunities. If San Antonio can continue its strong defensive play and control the rhythm of the game, the Spurs will look to extend their momentum against a Clippers team still trying to climb back above .500.
Here are the other fantasy streamers, betting angles and DFS plays of interest on this Friday slate.
Friday’s fantasy stream team
Moussa Diabate, PF/C, Charlotte Hornets (rostered in 36.9% of ESPN leagues)
Diabate has scored at least 34 fantasy points in four of his last five games, including two performances of at least 43 points. He continues to prosper as Charlotte’s starting center, and with the Hornets in the mix for a playoff spot, his role appears secure. Diabate also draws a favorable matchup against a Heat team that has been middle of the pack in fantasy points allowed to centers this season. He remains a strong DFS value at $6,200.
Oso Ighodaro, PF, Phoenix Suns (8.1%)
Ighodaro has been inserted back into the starting lineup due to the absence of Mark Williams, who is expected to miss the next few weeks with a left foot injury. Ighodaro has scored at least 35 fantasy points in three consecutive games. He faces a New Orleans Pelicans team that has struggled defensively this season and has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to power forwards over the last 30 games. Ighodaro is also a strong DFS value at $5,200.
Moody’s favorite bets for Friday
Victor Wembanyama UNDER 23.5 points (-117)
Wembanyama delivered an exceptional performance against the Detroit Pistons last night, but I’m leaning toward the under on Friday against the Clippers. This presents a different kind of matchup, and I’d be surprised if Los Angeles defends him primarily with Brook Lopez. Instead, the Clippers could use smaller defenders like Derrick Jones Jr., a type of matchup that has given Wembanyama trouble at times. Wembanyama has also gone under this line in two of his last three games against Los Angeles. The Spurs are also on the second night of a back-to-back, and Wembanyama played 39 minutes against Detroit, so his workload could be monitored in this game.
LaMelo Ball OVER 7.5 assists (+114)
Ball has cleared this line in three of his last five games. Even though he has averaged just 25.5 minutes and 10.2 potential assists per game over that stretch, the matchup against a Heat team that leads the league in pace gives him plenty of opportunities to rack up assists in transition. Miami has also allowed the most assists per game to point guards this season, and Ball has cleared this line in each of his last three games against the Heat. This matchup also carries one of the highest totals on the slate.
Jaylen Brown OVER 11.5 assists and rebounds (-120)
Brown has carried a massive usage rate for the Celtics this season and has cleared this line in 14 of his last 20 games, including six straight. The Mavericks also present a favorable matchup, ranking near the top of the league in rebounds and assists allowed per game. Boston is a sizable favorite in this game, but Brown should still see enough minutes to produce. Jayson Tatum is questionable for this game, but Brown should still have a strong chance to clear this line regardless of Tatum’s status.
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’s one of the rare players with both a high floor and an even higher ceiling, as evidenced 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 has a narrow spread and the highest total on the slate, which suggests a competitive, high-scoring environment. Jokic is worth paying up for on Friday’s slate.
Kawhi Leonard, SG/SF, Los Angeles Clippers ($9,500): Leonard has played at a high level this season, averaging 46.0 fantasy points per game with a 32.9% usage rate. The Spurs are a formidable defensive team, but Leonard is largely matchup-proof and should have extra incentive to deliver a strong performance against his former team. He has averaged 44.2 fantasy points per game against San Antonio in his career.
Jaylen Brown, SG/SF, Boston Celtics ($10,000): Brown has carried the Celtics all season. He’s 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 span.
$6,100-$8,000 salaries
0:16
Brandon Miller shows off the range on 3-point shot
Brandon Miller shows off the range on 3-pointer
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 span, which highlights how balanced they’ve been on both ends of the floor. Although the Heat rank third in defensive rating over the last 15 games, Miami leads the league in pace. That creates a strong environment for Miller to shine.
Donovan Clingan, C, Portland Trail Blazers ($7,600): Clingan has averaged 11.8 PPG, 11.5 RPG and 1.5 BPG in 27.4 minutes per game this season. While the Rockets rank ninth in defensive rating, that shouldn’t deter you from targeting Clingan if you’re looking to save salary at the center position. He faced Houston on Jan. 7 and 9, and produced 28.2 and 40.8 fantasy points in those matchups.
Kon Knueppel, SG, Charlotte Hornets ($7,200): Knueppel has provided DFS players with a relatively high floor this season. The Rookie of the Year frontrunner has averaged 33.9 fantasy points per game. The fast pace the Heat play at 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 phenomenal recently, scoring at least 33 fantasy points in five of his last six games. He’s shooting the ball well and should continue to see a solid number of open looks against the Clippers. Vassell also contributes across multiple statistical categories, which adds to 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)
Money line: Pacers +350 | Lakers -455
Total: 235.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Lakers by 8.2, straight up 73%, 233.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Pacers: Johnny Furphy, (OFS – Knee); Aaron Nesmith, (GTD – Ankle); Andrew Nembhard, (GTD – Back); Pascal Siakam, (GTD – Wrist); Ivica Zubac, (OUT – Ankle); Tyrese Haliburton, (OFS – Achilles)
Lakers: Deandre Ayton, (GTD – Knee); LeBron James, (GTD – Elbow); Maxi Kleber, (GTD – Back)
