ESPN's fantasy basketball daily cheat sheet is your pregame destination before you set your lineups for the 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 and player projections.
What you need to know for Friday's games
Friday's NBA slate features seven games, and the matchup I'm most excited about is the Phoenix Suns traveling to Minnesota to face the Timberwolves. Minnesota enters the final stretch of the regular season needing to win some important games to improve their position in the Western Conference standings. Meanwhile, the Suns' push for a play-in tournament spot hit a roadblock on Wednesday night, as they were blown out at home by the Boston Celtics. Phoenix will look to avoid a season sweep by the Timberwolves. Several bets from this game caught my attention.
As always, let's go through this game and the other matchups to identify some fantasy hoops streaming options and betting angles of interest for Friday's slate.
Friday's fantasy stream team
Jose Alvarado, PG, New Orleans Pelicans (rostered in 7.8% of ESPN leagues)
The Pelicans have been hit hard by injuries all season, and with Zion Williamson (back) and CJ McCollum (foot) both sidelined on Friday, Alvarado will step into a bigger role against the Warriors. Over his last five games, Alvarado has scored 20 or more fantasy points in each, including a 36 point performance. He contributes across nearly every statistical category, making him a solid streaming option for fantasy managers.
Marcus Sasser, PG, Detroit Pistons (2.6%)
Sasser has been on fire, scoring 35 or more fantasy points in two straight games while filling in for the injured Cade Cunningham. With Cunningham still sidelined due to that calf injury, Sasser will once again play a key role when the Pistons face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night. Even though Cleveland boasts one of the league's top defenses, Sasser remains a solid option for fantasy managers. He's firmly on the streaming radar.
KJ Simpson, PG, Charlotte Hornets (0.2%)
Simpson is likely to step into the Hornets' starting lineup with Ball sidelined. In his last start, against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 21, he posted 29 fantasy points in 33 minutes. That game marked his return to the team after helping the G League Greensboro Swarm secure their first postseason berth. Even if Simpson doesn't start, expect him to play a key role in the Hornets' rotation.
Yves Missi, C, New Orleans Pelicans (11.9%)
Missi should be a strong contributor on the glass for a Pelicans team without Williamson. He's logged 33 or more fantasy points in two of his last three games. For those in category formats, Missi provides points, rebounds, and assists. He's a solid option in deeper formats, especially for those looking for a reliable streamer.
Moody's favorite bets for Friday
Odds by ESPN BET
Anthony Edwards over 36.5 points, rebounds and assists (-125)
Edwards has been on a strong run lately, hitting this line in 14 of his last 20 games and six of his last 10. During that stretch, he's averaged 18.8 field goal attempts, 7.2 rebound chances and 7.4 potential assists in 35 minutes per game. Now, he's coming off two quieter performances, but this is a great bounce back spot against a Suns defense that's giving up the ninth-most points per game to shooting guards. Edwards has also openly said Kevin Durant is his favorite player of all time.. He's looked up to him for years, and in their last four matchups, Edwards has hit this line every time. Given the matchup and motivation, Edwards should deliver here.
Karl-Anthony Towns over 41.5 points, rebounds and assists (-110)
Towns has hit this mark in four of his last five games. During that time frame, he amassed a 31.2% usage rate and averaged 20.2 field goal attempts, 17.4 rebound chances, and 6.6 potential assists in 36.2 minutes per game. With Jalen Brunson (ankle) and Miles McBride (groin) sidelined, Towns has cleared this line in all four games this season when both were out. The Bucks have also struggled against centers lately, allowing strong performances from Nikola Jokic, Nick Richards and Jonas Valanciunas. That trend could continue tonight.
Stephen Curry over 22.5 points (-120)
Curry has missed the last two games with a pelvic contusion, but he's back at practice and the Warriors are optimistic he'll play Friday against the Pelicans. He's cleared this points line in six of his last 10 games and 14 of his last 20, averaging 16.7 field goal attempts in 32.9 minutes over his last 10. The Pelicans have struggled defensively, allowing the second-most points per game to point guards. With the Western Conference race tight, Golden State needs this win, and having Curry on the floor gives them their best shot.
Miles Bridges over 21.5 points (-120)
The Hornets have ruled out LaMelo Ball for Friday night's game against the Raptors, which means Bridges should be the focal point offensively for Charlotte. This presents a great opportunity for him to bounce back after going this line in five consecutive games. Without Ball this season, Bridges has averaged 19.7 field goal attempts and 22.0 points per game. He should shine against a middle-of-the-road Raptors defense.
Devin Booker under 36.5 points, rebounds and assists (-130)
Booker has been inconsistent lately, going under this line in 10 of his last 20 games and 48% of his games this season. He's also fallen short in two of three matchups against Minnesota. The Timberwolves have done a solid job containing opposing guards, which could make things tough for him. The Suns will likely rely on Durant more in this matchup, as Minnesota has struggled against power forwards, allowing a high number of points, rebounds and assists to the position. That lends itself perfectly to my final recommendation below.
Kevin Durant over 26.5 points (-130)
Durant has played well, having cleared this line in three of his last five games. The volume has been elite. Durant has had 15 or more field goal attempts in four out of his last five games including two with 21 or more. He's averaged 33.6 minutes per game over that time frame, and has averaged 28.3 points per game when provided 15 or more field goal attempts this season.
Projections and Injury Reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds by ESPN BET
Players in italics are available in a majority of ESPN Leagues
Cleveland Cavaliers at Detroit Pistons
7 p.m. ET
Line: Cavaliers -6.5 (-105) | Pistons +6.5 (-115)
Money line: Cavaliers -250 | Pistons +205
Total: 230.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Cavaliers by 5.5, straight up 68%, 239.2 total points.
Injury Report:
Cavaliers: Emoni Bates, (GTD - Personal); Jaylon Tyson, (GTD - Knee); Ty Jerome, (GTD - Knee)
Pistons: Cade Cunningham, (OUT - Calf); Jaden Ivey, (OUT - Lower Leg)
Cavaliers projections:
Donovan Mitchell, PG/SG: 39.9 FPTS (22.4 pts, 4.2 reb, 5.3 ast, 3.0 3PM)
Darius Garland, PG: 34.4 FPTS (17.7 pts, 3.0 reb, 6.2 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Evan Mobley, PF/C: 31.1 FPTS (17.5 pts, 8.8 reb, 3.0 ast, 1.5 blk)
Jarrett Allen, C: 26.0 FPTS (13.9 pts, 8.2 reb, 1.7 ast)
De'Andre Hunter, SF/PF: 20.9 FPTS (12.8 pts, 3.0 reb, 1.7 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Ty Jerome, PG: 20.7 FPTS (10.6 pts, 2.3 reb, 2.9 ast)
Max Strus, SG/SF: 19.5 FPTS (9.0 pts, 3.7 reb, 2.5 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Pistons projections:
Tobias Harris, SF/PF: 28.8 FPTS (14.6 pts, 5.9 reb, 2.9 ast)
Jalen Duren, C: 26.2 FPTS (12.0 pts, 9.3 reb, 2.7 ast, 1.2 blk)
Dennis Schroder, PG: 24.8 FPTS (12.2 pts, 2.1 reb, 4.8 ast)
Malik Beasley, SG: 21.8 FPTS (12.1 pts, 2.2 reb, 1.7 ast, 3.2 3PM)
Ausar Thompson, SF/PF: 20.2 FPTS (9.9 pts, 4.9 reb, 2.1 ast)
Tim Hardaway Jr., SG/SF: 16.5 FPTS (9.2 pts, 2.2 reb, 1.6 ast)
Isaiah Stewart, PF/C: 16.0 FPTS (6.4 pts, 5.4 reb, 2.3 ast, 1.7 blk)
LA Clippers at Brooklyn Nets
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Clippers -12.5 (-115) | Nets +12.5 (-105)
Money line: Clippers -800 | Nets +500
Total: 213.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Clippers by 10.4, straight up 80%, 211.7 total points.
Injury Report:
Clippers: Kai Jones, (GTD - Hip); Jordan Miller, (OUT - Hamstring)
Nets: Noah Clowney, (GTD - Wrist); Trendon Watford, (GTD - Illness); Ziaire Williams, (GTD - Illness); Day'Ron Sharpe, (OUT - Knee); Cam Thomas, (OUT - Hamstring); De'Anthony Melton, (OUT - Knee)
Clippers projections:
James Harden, PG/SG: 41.3 FPTS (21.7 pts, 5.5 reb, 7.6 ast, 3.1 3PM)
Kawhi Leonard, SF/PF: 40.3 FPTS (23.4 pts, 5.6 reb, 3.2 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Ivica Zubac, C: 31.9 FPTS (15.6 pts, 11.6 reb, 2.5 ast, 1.5 blk)
Norman Powell, SG/SF: 30.3 FPTS (19.0 pts, 3.0 reb, 2.5 ast, 2.9 3PM)
Bogdan Bogdanovic, SG/SF: 20.7 FPTS (10.5 pts, 2.4 reb, 2.8 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Kris Dunn, PG: 20.6 FPTS (7.4 pts, 3.1 reb, 3.0 ast)
Derrick Jones Jr., SF: 13.7 FPTS (7.0 pts, 2.0 reb, 1.2 ast)
Nets projections:
Cameron Johnson, SF/PF: 30.2 FPTS (16.1 pts, 4.2 reb, 3.9 ast, 2.6 3PM)
D'Angelo Russell, PG/SG: 26.6 FPTS (13.4 pts, 2.9 reb, 4.3 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Nic Claxton, C: 24.1 FPTS (11.3 pts, 7.9 reb, 2.3 ast, 1.3 blk)
Keon Johnson, SG: 22.4 FPTS (11.2 pts, 4.1 reb, 2.2 ast)
Ziaire Williams, SF: 21.9 FPTS (11.4 pts, 5.0 reb, 1.2 ast)
Trendon Watford, PF: 18.4 FPTS (10.3 pts, 3.7 reb, 2.2 ast)
Tyrese Martin, SF: 17.8 FPTS (8.3 pts, 3.3 reb, 2.4 ast)
Charlotte Hornets at Toronto Raptors
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Hornets +5.5 (-110) | Raptors -5.5 (-110)
Money line: Hornets +175 | Raptors -210
Total: 215.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Raptors by 9.3, straight up 78%, 221.2 total points.
Injury Report:
Hornets: Josh Okogie, (OUT - Hamstring); LaMelo Ball, (OUT - Ankle); Brandon Miller, (OUT - Wrist); Grant Williams, (OUT - Knee)
Raptors: Chris Boucher, (GTD - Illness); Gradey Dick, (OUT - Knee); Brandon Ingram, (OUT - Ankle); Ulrich Chomche, (OUT - Knee)
Hornets projections:
Miles Bridges, SF/PF: 39.6 FPTS (21.6 pts, 7.7 reb, 4.9 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Mark Williams, C: 26.1 FPTS (12.6 pts, 9.5 reb, 2.3 ast, 1.4 blk)
Nick Smith Jr., SG: 20.1 FPTS (11.3 pts, 2.8 reb, 2.6 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Jared Rhoden, SG: 17.2 FPTS (9.1 pts, 3.9 reb, 1.4 ast)
Tidjane Salaun, PF: 16.6 FPTS (8.5 pts, 4.8 reb, 1.3 ast)
Jusuf Nurkic, C: 16.2 FPTS (8.4 pts, 5.0 reb, 2.0 ast)
Josh Green, SG/SF: 15.5 FPTS (8.0 pts, 2.2 reb, 1.7 ast)
Raptors projections:
Scottie Barnes, SG/SF/PF: 38.1 FPTS (17.5 pts, 7.7 reb, 5.5 ast)
Immanuel Quickley, PG/SG: 28.4 FPTS (15.2 pts, 3.5 reb, 4.3 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Jakob Poeltl, C: 22.3 FPTS (10.5 pts, 6.6 reb, 2.3 ast)
Ja'Kobe Walter, SG: 17.7 FPTS (8.7 pts, 3.5 reb, 1.8 ast)
Jonathan Mogbo, PF: 16.0 FPTS (6.0 pts, 5.2 reb, 1.9 ast)
Jamal Shead, PG: 15.7 FPTS (6.9 pts, 1.9 reb, 3.1 ast)
Orlando Robinson, C: 15.1 FPTS (6.3 pts, 5.8 reb, 1.8 ast)
New York Knicks at Milwaukee Bucks
8 p.m. ET
Line: Knicks -1.5 (EVEN) | Bucks +1.5 (-125)
Money line: Knicks -110 | Bucks -110
Total: 217.5 (-110 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Knicks by 3.7, straight up 62%, 230.2 total points.
Injury Report:
Knicks: Cameron Payne, (OUT - Ankle); Jalen Brunson, (OUT - Ankle); Miles McBride, (OUT - Groin); Ariel Hukporti, (OUT - Knee)
Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo, (GTD - Foot); Bobby Portis, (OUT - Suspension); Damian Lillard, (OUT - Calf); Jericho Sims, (OUT - Thumb)
Knicks projections:
Karl-Anthony Towns, PF/C: 42.5 FPTS (23.6 pts, 11.6 reb, 3.4 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Josh Hart, SG/SF: 35.6 FPTS (12.5 pts, 9.3 reb, 6.2 ast)
Mikal Bridges, SG/SF: 33.7 FPTS (18.4 pts, 2.9 reb, 4.7 ast, 2.1 3PM)
OG Anunoby, SF/PF: 33.7 FPTS (18.0 pts, 4.5 reb, 3.0 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Tyler Kolek, PG: 13.5 FPTS (5.0 pts, 1.6 reb, 3.1 ast)
Mitchell Robinson, C: 13.0 FPTS (4.8 pts, 5.1 reb, 1.0 ast)
Landry Shamet, SG: 11.5 FPTS (6.4 pts, 1.5 reb, 1.0 ast)
Bucks projections:
Giannis Antetokounmpo, PF/C: 44.9 FPTS (26.9 pts, 10.9 reb, 5.9 ast)
Kyle Kuzma, SF/PF: 29.5 FPTS (17.0 pts, 6.1 reb, 2.8 ast)
Brook Lopez, C: 26.1 FPTS (13.9 pts, 5.2 reb, 2.0 ast, 1.9 3PM, 1.7 blk)
Gary Trent Jr., SG: 21.5 FPTS (12.5 pts, 2.4 reb, 1.2 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Tyler Smith, SF: 19.0 FPTS (9.2 pts, 4.0 reb, 2.0 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Taurean Prince, SF: 18.3 FPTS (8.0 pts, 3.1 reb, 2.0 ast)
Kevin Porter Jr., SG: 16.8 FPTS (7.7 pts, 3.3 reb, 2.5 ast)
Phoenix Suns at Minnesota Timberwolves
8 p.m. ET
Line: Suns +7.5 (-115) | Timberwolves -7.5 (-105)
Money line: Suns +230 | Timberwolves -280
Total: 224.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Timberwolves by 3.6, straight up 62%, 228.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Suns: Bradley Beal, (OUT - Hamstring)
Timberwolves: None reported
Suns projections:
Devin Booker, PG/SG: 45.4 FPTS (26.3 pts, 4.1 reb, 7.6 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Kevin Durant, PF: 41.8 FPTS (27.4 pts, 5.7 reb, 5.2 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Tyus Jones, PG: 24.2 FPTS (10.5 pts, 2.0 reb, 4.5 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Royce O'Neale, SF: 18.6 FPTS (6.8 pts, 3.7 reb, 2.6 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Nick Richards, C: 18.5 FPTS (9.6 pts, 8.1 reb, 1.2 ast)
Ryan Dunn, SF: 17.4 FPTS (9.0 pts, 4.6 reb, 1.0 ast)
Grayson Allen, PG/SG: 17.1 FPTS (8.3 pts, 2.1 reb, 2.2 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Timberwolves projections:
Anthony Edwards, SG/SF: 45.6 FPTS (27.7 pts, 5.0 reb, 4.8 ast, 3.5 3PM)
Julius Randle, PF: 31.5 FPTS (18.0 pts, 5.8 reb, 4.4 ast)
Rudy Gobert, C: 26.7 FPTS (12.7 pts, 9.7 reb, 2.0 ast, 1.3 blk)
Donte DiVincenzo, PG/SG: 25.4 FPTS (11.5 pts, 3.2 reb, 3.5 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Naz Reid, PF/C: 25.1 FPTS (13.5 pts, 5.3 reb, 2.2 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Jaden McDaniels, SF: 25.1 FPTS (11.7 pts, 5.0 reb, 2.3 ast)
Mike Conley, PG: 20.0 FPTS (8.0 pts, 2.2 reb, 3.5 ast)
Golden State Warriors at New Orleans Pelicans
8 p.m. ET
Line: Warriors -15.5 (-105) | +Pelicans 15.5 (-115)
Money line: Warriors -1600 | Pelicans +800
Total: 225.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Warriors by 12.1, straight up 83%, 228.1 total points.
Injury Report:
Warriors: Stephen Curry, (GTD - Pelvis); Gary Payton II, (OUT - Thumb)
Pelicans: CJ McCollum, (GTD - Foot); Brandon Boston, (OUT - Ankle); Zion Williamson, (OUT - Back); Dejounte Murray, (OUT - Achilles); Herbert Jones, (OUT - Shoulder); Trey Murphy III, (OUT - Shoulder)
Warriors projections:
Stephen Curry, PG: 37.5 FPTS (21.1 pts, 3.5 reb, 5.6 ast, 3.8 3PM)
Draymond Green, PF/C: 26.6 FPTS (10.4 pts, 5.7 reb, 5.2 ast)
Brandin Podziemski, PG/SG: 26.4 FPTS (12.0 pts, 5.3 reb, 3.4 ast)
Jonathan Kuminga, PF: 22.4 FPTS (14.6 pts, 3.6 reb, 2.1 ast)
Moses Moody, SG/SF: 18.0 FPTS (10.0 pts, 2.3 reb, 1.7 ast)
Buddy Hield, SG/SF: 16.1 FPTS (8.0 pts, 2.1 reb, 1.9 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Pelicans projections:
Jose Alvarado, PG: 24.0 FPTS (9.7 pts, 2.4 reb, 4.2 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Kelly Olynyk, PF/C: 22.0 FPTS (9.6 pts, 6.2 reb, 2.9 ast)
Bruce Brown, SG/SF: 19.3 FPTS (8.7 pts, 3.5 reb, 2.7 ast)
Yves Missi, C: 16.0 FPTS (7.9 pts, 6.7 reb, 1.2 ast)
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, PF/C: 16.0 FPTS (6.8 pts, 3.9 reb, 1.9 ast)
Jordan Hawkins, SG: 15.7 FPTS (8.9 pts, 3.3 reb, 1.1 ast)
Keion Brooks Jr., SF: 15.3 FPTS (9.0 pts, 3.0 reb, 1.3 ast)
Utah Jazz at Denver Nuggets
9 p.m. ET
Line: Jazz +17.5 (-105) | Nuggets -17.5 (-115)
Money line: Jazz +1100 | Nuggets -2500
Total: 240.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Nuggets by 9.9, straight up 79%, 244.0 total points.
Injury Report:
Jazz: John Collins, (OUT - Ankle); Jordan Clarkson, (OUT - Foot); Taylor Hendricks, (OUT - Lower Leg)
Nuggets: Aaron Gordon, (GTD - Calf); Christian Braun, (GTD - Foot); Jamal Murray, (GTD - Hamstring); Michael Porter Jr., (GTD - Back); Nikola Jokic, (GTD - Ankle); Julian Strawther, (OUT - Knee); DaRon Holmes II, (OUT - Achilles)
Jazz projections:
Keyonte George, PG/SG: 27.9 FPTS (14.6 pts, 2.9 reb, 5.0 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Collin Sexton, PG/SG: 26.9 FPTS (16.9 pts, 2.4 reb, 3.6 ast)
Lauri Markkanen, SF/PF: 25.7 FPTS (16.7 pts, 4.6 reb, 0.9 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Walker Kessler, C: 22.3 FPTS (10.2 pts, 9.7 reb, 1.7 ast, 2.3 blk)
Isaiah Collier, PG: 22.0 FPTS (10.1 pts, 3.3 reb, 5.1 ast)
Kyle Filipowski, PF: 21.2 FPTS (10.9 pts, 7.0 reb, 1.8 ast)
Brice Sensabaugh, SF: 13.2 FPTS (8.1 pts, 1.8 reb, 1.4 ast)
Nuggets projections:
Nikola Jokic, C: 58.8 FPTS (29.7 pts, 10.7 reb, 8.3 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Jamal Murray, PG: 43.0 FPTS (23.6 pts, 3.4 reb, 6.3 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Michael Porter Jr., SF/PF: 29.8 FPTS (16.1 pts, 6.4 reb, 2.3 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Russell Westbrook, PG: 29.0 FPTS (13.6 pts, 4.1 reb, 4.9 ast)
Christian Braun, SG/SF: 28.0 FPTS (14.3 pts, 4.4 reb, 3.0 ast)
Aaron Gordon, PF: 25.9 FPTS (14.4 pts, 4.6 reb, 3.3 ast)
Peyton Watson, SF/PF: 17.7 FPTS (9.6 pts, 3.4 reb, 1.4 ast)