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.
Jump ahead
Top streamers | Best bets | DFS picks | Odds & Injury report
What you need to know for Friday's games
Of the nine games on Friday's NBA slate, the Los Angeles Lakers-LA Clippers matchup is the one I find most intriguing. This feels like an early tone-setter for the final stretch. The Clippers have cooled slightly after their midseason surge and are on the second night of a back-to-back, while the Lakers enter rested and close to full strength.
LeBron James and Luka Doncic will dictate how this game unfolds, particularly against a Clippers defense that still ranks among the better units in the league. The Lakers' offense has been consistent when their stars are healthy, but their success will depend on shot quality and avoiding the defensive lapses that cost them in previous meetings. If they dictate tempo instead of reacting, the matchup swings in their favor.
I'lll also be watching Kawhi Leonard closely. He has been the Clippers' most reliable scorer and the primary reason they've had success against the Lakers. The Lakers have improved on the defensive end recently, and containing Leonard without letting role players get comfortable will be the key. On paper, the rest advantage and offensive firepower give the Lakers the edge, but only if their defense holds up.
As always, let's dig deeper into these and the other storylines to identify fantasy streamers, betting angles and DFS plays of interest.
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 doubtful thanks to a right shoulder contusion, and Dejounte Murray is still about a week away from his season debut, leaving Fears in a meaningful rotation role. He has played at least 30 minutes and produced 40+ fantasy points in both of his last two games. The matchup also helps, as the Milwaukee Bucks rank among the top eight in fantasy points allowed to point guards and shooting guards. At $4,800, Fears is a viable DFS option as well.
Jay Huff, C, Indiana Pacers (14.8% rostered): Huff recorded 32 fantasy points in 21 minutes Thursday against the Washington Wizards. He should continue to see rotation minutes, especially with Pascal Siakam and Ivica Zubac not expected to play Friday. The Wizards rank 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 worth consideration in DFS lineups if you're looking to save salary at center.
Moody's favorite bets for Friday
Bucks ML (+145) at Pelicans
The Bucks enter this matchup having won five of their last six games and are tied for third in defensive rating over that span, while New Orleans has lost four of its last six and ranks 27th in defensive rating for the season. The Pelicans will be without Trey Murphy III, removing a key scorer. Given the Bucks' current form and defensive improvement, they have the edge against one of the league's weakest teams.
Saddiq Bey OVER 25.5 points + rebounds (-126)
Despite a recent dip in production, Bey has cleared this line in six of his last 10 games, averaging 16 field-goal attempts and 10.4 rebound chances over that span. With Trey Murphy III out, New Orleans should lean more heavily on Bey alongside Zion Williamson. Milwaukee's defense has improved, but the expected volume gives Bey a great opportunity to hit the over.
Nikola Jokic OVER 50.5 points, rebounds and assists (-114)
The Nuggets are healthy and pushing toward the playoffs, and Jokic has a real chance to strengthen his MVP case with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined and the gap between them narrowing. The tight spread and high total suggest a competitive, high-scoring game. The Portland Trail Blazers have struggled badly against centers over the last 30 games, which sets up well for one of the league's most productive players. Jokic has cleared this line in 16 out of 27 games this season when playing at least 33 minutes. If you're looking for plus odds, the 55+ PRA line at +149 is also worth consideration.
Top Daily Fantasy values of the day
$8,100+ salaries
Jalen Johnson, PF, Atlanta Hawks ($10,500): Johnson's transcendent season continues, and he deserves strong consideration for lineups every time he's on the court. He has averaged 64.3 fantasy points over his last six games while contributing across every category. The Hawks and Miami Heat rank 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 scored at least 52 fantasy points in both of his last two meetings with the Heat.
Anthony Edwards, SG, Minnesota Timberwolves ($9,400): Edwards was named All-Star Game MVP on Sunday and is in the middle of a phenomenal season, averaging a career-high 29.3 PPG with a 30.7% usage rate. The Dallas Mavericks have struggled defensively and over the last 30 games have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to shooting guards. In a matchup featuring one of the highest totals on the slate, Edwards is set up for another strong performance.
Bam Adebayo, C, Heat ($9,200): Adebayo has surpassed 44 fantasy points in three straight games. In his last four matchups with Atlanta, he has averaged 16.3 PPG, 11.0 RPG and 3.3 APG, giving him a reliable floor. The Hawks have allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to centers over the last 30 games, which raises his upside for Friday night.
Julius Randle, PF, Timberwolves ($8,400): Randle had a quiet February, but he has bounced back with at least 54 fantasy points in both of his last two games. The Mavericks have been a middle-of-the-road defensive team most of the season, and when Randle last faced them on January 30, he posted 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 playing well heading into the All-Star break, and with Giannis Antetokounmpo still sidelined by a calf injury, he should carry 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, setting up another favorable matchup.
Jaime Jaquez Jr., SF/PF, Heat ($6,900): Jaquez has carved out a steady role as Miami's sixth man and should remain involved, even if Tyler Herro returns from his rib injury. Friday's game is the front end of a back-to-back, so the Heat could consider a maintenance day on Saturday. This matchup with Atlanta sets up well, as the game projects to be fast-paced and the Hawks rank 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 out 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 appealing DFS and streaming option. He remains widely available, rostered in just 14.6% of leagues.
Day'Ron Sharpe, C, Brooklyn Nets ($6,200): Sharpe has drawn four starts with Nic Claxton sidelined by an ankle injury. Although he finished with just 14.8 fantasy points in his most-recent start, he was far more productive in the other three. The matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder isn't 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 determine Sharpe's DFS viability.
$3,000-$6,000 salaries
Brice Sensabaugh, SG/SF, Utah Jazz ($5,700): Utah's youth movement is in full effect, and Sensabaugh continues to benefit from the expanded opportunity. He has scored at least 27 fantasy points in each of the last four games in which he played 30+ minutes. With the Jazz dealing with multiple injuries, he should continue to see solid 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 option and is rostered in just 8.5% of leagues.
Jared McCain, PG/SG, Thunder ($4,000): With SGA expected to miss another week, McCain should remain part of the Thunder's rotation. He has logged at least 22 minutes and scored 19+ fantasy points in each of his last two games. Oklahoma City will also be without Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell, further opening opportunities. The matchup is favorable as well, with Brooklyn ranking 26th in defensive rating this season. Given the expanded role and favorable matchup, McCain, rostered in only 10.2% of leagues, also profiles 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
Milwaukee Bucks at New Orleans Pelicans
8 p.m. ET
Line: Bucks +3.5 (-105) | Pelicans -3.5 (-115)
Money line: Bucks +145 | Pelicans -175
Total: 223.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Pelicans by 3.6, straight up 61%, 232.6 total points.
Injury Report:
Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo, (OUT - Calf); Myles Turner, (OUT - Calf); Taurean Prince, (OUT - Neck)
Pelicans: Trey Murphy III, (GTD - Shoulder); Dejounte Murray, (OUT - Achilles); Micah Peavy, (OUT - Toe); Yves Missi, (OUT - Calf)
Brooklyn Nets at Oklahoma City Thunder
8 p.m. ET
Line: Nets +18.5 (-115) | Thunder -18.5 (-105)
Money line: Nets +900 | Thunder -1600
Total: 212.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Thunder by 16.9, straight up 89%, 217.2 total points.
Injury Report:
Nets: Nic Claxton, (GTD - Ankle)
Thunder: Ajay Mitchell, (OUT - Abdomen); Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, (OUT - Abdomen); Jalen Williams, (OUT - Hamstring); Thomas Sorber, (OFS - Knee)
LA Clippers at Los Angeles Lakers
10 p.m. ET on ESPN
Line: Clippers +7.5 (-105) | Lakers -7.5 (-115)
Money line: Clippers +250 | Lakers -310
Total: 225.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Lakers by 3.5, straight up 60%, 226.1 total points.
Injury Report:
Clippers: Darius Garland, (OUT - Toe); Bradley Beal, (OFS - Hip)
Lakers: None reported
Denver Nuggets at Portland Trail Blazers
10 p.m. ET
Line: Nuggets -1.5 (-110) | Blazers +1.5 (-110)
Money line: Nuggets -122 | Blazers +102
Total: 241.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI Projection: Nuggets by 2.2, straight up 57%, 241.8 total points.
Injury Report:
Nuggets: Aaron Gordon, (OUT - Hamstring); Peyton Watson, (OUT - Hamstring); Tamar Bates, (OUT - Foot)
Blazers: Kris Murray, (GTD - Back); Matisse Thybulle, (GTD - Knee); Shaedon Sharpe, (OUT - Calf); Damian Lillard, (OFS - Achilles)