Get ready for an electrifying Friday night in the NBA, with a jam-packed 10-game slate tipping off at noon. As the Emirates NBA Cup group stage reaches a fever pitch, six playoff spots are still up for grabs. Will your fantasy basketball lineup rise to the occasion?
Fantasy Basketball Streamers to Target
With injuries and rotations in flux, savvy fantasy managers can gain an edge by scooping up these widely-available players:
Ty Jerome, Cleveland Cavaliers (77.5% available)
Despite a quiet outing on Wednesday, Jerome has been sizzling over his past five games, pouring in 19.4 points, 5.2 assists, 3.4 triples and 1.6 steals in 27.0 minutes per contest. He’s a strong play with a sky-high ceiling.
Malik Monk, Sacramento Kings (71.2% available)
Fresh off a season-best 27/9/8 gem, Monk is thriving as the Kings’ sixth man with DeMar DeRozan sidelined. The explosive guard is a focal point of the second-unit offense alongside De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
Ja’Kobe Walter, Toronto Raptors (99.5% available)
The promising rookie delivered an impressive 14/11/5 line in his first career start Wednesday. With several Raptors still out, Walter could see major minutes again as a key cog in Toronto’s youth movement.
Betting Picks for Friday’s NBA Action
Looking to add some extra excitement to your night? Consider these tantalizing prop bets on Friday’s marquee matchups:
Brandon Miller over 32.5 points + rebounds (-105)
The electrifying rookie has been on a tear lately, averaging a robust 28.0 points and 6.6 boards over his last five. With LaMelo Ball and several other Hornets out, expect another monster stat line from Miller.
Ja Morant over 18.5 points (-130)
Morant returned from a knee injury with a bang on Monday, dropping 22 and 11 in just 23 minutes. Facing the Pelicans in a crucial Cup matchup, look for the superstar guard to keep his foot on the gas.
Anthony Edwards over 26.5 points (-125)
Amid the Timberwolves’ slide, Edwards has upped his aggression, pouring in 28.7 points over his last three. Expect another big outing as the budding star tries to will Minnesota out of its slump versus the Clippers.
Franz Wagner over 25.5 points (-140)
With Paolo Banchero sidelined, Wagner has shouldered the scoring load for Orlando, averaging a scorching 27.1 points in his last dozen games. He should feast on the Nets’ lackluster defense.
LeBron James over 38.5 points + rebounds + assists (-125)
The ageless wonder continues to stuff the stat sheet in his 21st NBA season, notching 42.0 combined points, boards and dimes over his last 10 contests. Expect LeBron to be locked in as the Lakers battle to stay alive in NBA Cup.
Injury Report & Betting Odds Roundup
As always, stay on top of the ever-changing injury landscape before locking in your lineups and bets. Here’s a quick rundown for each of Friday’s 10 games:
Knicks at Hornets: Knicks are heavy 12.5-point road favorites with key Hornets Ball, Bridges, and Williams all out. The total sits at a moderate 223.5.
Cavs at Hawks: Cleveland is laying 5.5 on the road in a potential shootout (244.5 total). LeVert is questionable while Young’s Achilles is something to monitor for Atlanta.
Pelicans at Grizzlies: This battle of West contenders has a sky-high 232.5 total. Ingram and Murphy are GTD for the Pels, while Morant will test his knee in warmups for Memphis.
Magic at Nets: No Banchero for Orlando, who are still 7.5-point favorites on the Kyrie/KD-less Nets. Five key rotation players are questionable for Brooklyn.
Clippers at Wolves: Kawhi remains sidelined but the Clips are still 5.5-point favorites in Minnesota. Total is fairly low at 213.5.
Pistons at Pacers: Cunningham and Harris are both iffy for Detroit, who are catching 5.5 against the depleted Pacers. Shootout alert with a 229.5 total.
Raptors at Heat: No Brown, Dick, or Olynyk for Toronto, who are 8.5-point dogs in Miami. Heat are very banged up too but still big home favorites.
Celtics at Bulls: Boston is a huge 11.5-point road favorite despite Kornet being questionable. Bulls still without Williams, total is a robust 243.5.
Thunder at Lakers (ESPN): Clash of contenders is a virtual pick’em, with OKC favored by 2.5. Davis’ foot is the big question mark, while the Thunder frontcourt is decimated.
Kings at Blazers: No DeRozan for Sacto but they’re still 6.5-point chalk in PDX. Kings could be looking ahead to next round if they win, while Blazers are eliminated already.
NBA Cup Standings Watch
Friday’s slate will go a long way toward determining next week’s NBA Cup knockout round matchups. The Warriors and Rockets have already clinched their groups. Who will join them and secure a spot in the final eight?
- The Magic can wrap up Group A with a win over the shorthanded Nets
- Celtics-Bulls is do-or-die, with the winner likely moving on
- Winner of Pelicans-Grizzlies takes firm control of Group D
- LeBron & AD need a W over OKC to keep Lakers’ repeat hopes alive
No matter how the standings shake out, we’re in for some thrilling win-or-go-home basketball next week. But first, make your picks count on Friday’s fantasy-friendly slate and enjoy all the high-stakes NBA action!
