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
There are nine games on Friday's slate, with no teams playing the second leg of a back-to-back. The game I'm looking forward to the most has the Philadelphia 76ers taking on the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. This matchup is intriguing because Chicago enters on a four-game winning streak, rediscovering confidence and balance after weeks of injuries and lineup instability, while opening a six-game homestand. Philadelphia, meanwhile, is still searching for rhythm as Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey continue to build chemistry amid ongoing health concerns. With recent close games and momentum pulling in opposite directions, this one feels like a measuring stick for both teams.
Let's break down the action and find some fantasy streamers and betting angles to make the most of tonight's slate.
Friday's fantasy stream team
Dillon Brooks, SF/PF, Phoenix Suns (rostered in 47.4% of ESPN leagues)
Brooks provides reliable scoring, 3-point production, and modest contributions across other categories. He has averaged 22.5 PPG and 2.4 threes per game over his past 10 outings and draws a favorable matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans.
T.J. McConnell, PG, Indiana Pacers (36.8%)
McConnell returned from knee soreness to post 31 fantasy points in just 21 minutes off the bench Tuesday against the Milwaukee Bucks. He has now scored at least 29 fantasy points in three straight games. While Boston has been tough on point guards, McConnell's efficiency and matchup against the Celtics' second unit give him sneaky upside. At $4,400, he remains a strong value play.
Sandro Mamukelashvili, PF, Toronto Raptors (5.8%)
Mamukelashvili will make his sixth start of the season in place of Jakob Poeltl, who's dealing with a back injury. In those starts, he has averaged 16.2 PPG and 6.0 RPG in 31.4 MPG. He draws a strong matchup against the Washington Wizards, who have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to centers and most to power forwards, making him a strong DFS value at $5,500 for those looking to free up salary.
Tre Johnson, SG, Washington Wizards (3.6%)
Johnson, the sixth overall pick in the 2025 draft, has looked poised beyond his years at just 19. Coming off the bench for low-20s minutes, he has consistently produced, scoring at least 23 fantasy points in three of his past five games. Johnson is also a DFS value at $4,000.
Tre Johnson gets the hoop and the harm
Moody's favorite bets for Friday
Jaylen Brown over 6.5 rebounds (-131)
Brown has cleared this line in seven of his last 10 games, averaging 12.3 rebound chances in 36.1 minutes per game over that stretch. He draws a strong matchup against a Pacers team that has allowed the third-most rebounds per game to opponents. Brown also grabbed nine rebounds against Indiana on December 22.
Kel'el Ware over 26.5 Points + Rebounds (-124)
Ware has been highly productive when given minutes, clearing this line in six of 10 games when he has played at least 23 minutes. In those contests, he has averaged 10.7 field goal attempts and 20.6 rebound chances per game. Bam Adebayo is listed as day-to-day, and with Miami beginning a back-to-back, Ware could benefit even more if Adebayo is out. Even if Adebayo plays, this is a favorable spot against the Atlanta Hawks, who play fast and are average defensively against centers.
Anthony Black over 8.5 Assists + Rebounds (+101)
Black has cleared this line in nine of his past 10 games and draws a favorable matchup against the Charlotte Hornets, who are ranked 25th in defensive rating. With Franz Wagner ruled out and Jalen Suggs listed as doubtful, Black should continue to see ample minutes and is well positioned to clear this number.
Moussa Diabate over 10.5 rebounds (-135)
Diabate makes the most of his minutes with high energy and strong work on the glass. He has cleared this line in two straight games while playing at least 26 minutes in each. With Ryan Kalkbrenner ruled out due to an elbow injury, Diabate should see ample run and start against Orlando. In the six games he has logged 25-plus minutes this season, he has gone over this line four times.
Moussa Diabate rocks the rim with flush
Top Daily Fantasy values of the day
Play Daily Fantasy NBA at DraftKings
$8,100+ salaries
Jalen Johnson, PF, Atlanta Hawks ($10,000)
Johnson belongs in DFS lineups whenever the Hawks are on the slate given his recent play. He has averaged 61.1 fantasy points per game over his past eight contests while logging 36.3 minutes per game with a 27.6% usage rate. A matchup against a Heat team that leads the league in pace further boosts his upside.
Tyrese Maxey, PG, Philadelphia 76ers ($9,800)
Maxey remains an excellent option Friday despite coming off a modest 25.8-fantasy-point outing. He's averaging 52.8 fantasy points per game this season with a career-high 31.1% usage rate. Maxey draws a favorable matchup against a Bulls team that ranks 23rd in defensive rating and third in pace, which bodes well for his DFS outlook.
Devin Booker, PG/SG, Phoenix Suns ($8,900)
Booker has averaged 42.7 fantasy points in 34.2 minutes per game while carrying a 34.2% usage rate. That combination gives him both a high floor and legitimate ceiling upside against a Pelicans defense that ranks near the bottom of the league in defensive rating.
$6,100-$8,000 salaries
Alex Sarr, C, Washington Wizards ($7,500)
Sarr has averaged 33.9 fantasy points over his last three games while working his way back from a right adductor injury that cost him multiple games. He continues to build an All-Star case, ranking among the league's top centers in scoring and blocks. With Sarr's two-way impact and secure role, Sarr offers a stable DFS floor against the Toronto Raptors with upside as his minutes ramp up.
Norman Powell, SG/SF, Miami Heat ($7,100)
Powell is enjoying a career year in his first season with Miami, averaging 36.2 fantasy points in 31.4 minutes per game. He's set up well in this matchup against a Hawks defense that has allowed the sixth-most fantasy point per game to small forwards this season.
Derik Queen, C, New Orleans Pelicans ($7,000)
Queen has gotten off to an excellent start to his career and has quickly become a key piece of the Pelicans' rotation. Since permanently joining the starting lineup on November 16, the rookie has averaged 35.6 fantasy points per game. He draws a neutral matchup against the Suns' defense, who sit middle of the pack in fantasy points allowed to centers.
Santi Aldama, PF/C, Memphis Grizzlies ($6,900)
Aldama erupted for 57.8 fantasy points against the Jazz on Tuesday, knocking down a career-high seven 3-pointers. While his role has fluctuated, he has flashed significant upside recently, averaging 16.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists over his last 15 games. He's well-positioned to produce again against the Bucks, who rank 20th in defensive rating.
$3,500-$6,000 salaries
Davion Mitchell, PG, Miami Heat ($5,200)
With Tyler Herro ruled out due to a toe injury, Mitchell is positioned for an expanded role against an Atlanta team that ranks fifth in pace, while Miami plays at the league's fastest tempo. Mitchell has scored at least 21 fantasy points in four of his last five games.
Davion Mitchell gets the hoop and the harm
Projections and Injury Reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook
Miami Heat at Atlanta Hawks
7 p.m. ET
Line: Heat +2.5 (-105) | Hawks -2.5 (-115)
Money line: Heat +124 | Hawks -148
Total: 247.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Hawks by 2.5, straight up 57%, 244.8 total points.
Injury Report:
Heat: Terry Rozier, (OUT - Not Injury Related); Bam Adebayo, (GTD - Back); Keshad Johnson, (GTD - Illness); Nikola Jovic, (GTD - Elbow); Pelle Larsson, (GTD - Ankle); Tyler Herro, (OUT - Toe)
Hawks: N'Faly Dante, (OFS - Knee); Mouhamed Gueye, (GTD - Shoulder); Kristaps Porzingis, (OUT - Illness)
Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic
7 p.m. ET
Line: Hornets +5.5 (-102) | Magic -5.5 (-118)
Money line: Hornets +200 | Magic -245
Total: 232.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Magic by 7.5, straight up 70%, 229.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Hornets: Grant Williams, (OUT - Knee); Mason Plumlee, (OUT - Groin); Ryan Kalkbrenner, (OUT - Elbow)
Magic: Goga Bitadze, (GTD - Knee); Jalen Suggs, (GTD - Hip); Tristan da Silva, (GTD - Shoulder); Colin Castleton, (OUT - Hand); Franz Wagner, (OUT - Ankle); Moritz Wagner, (OUT - Knee)
Toronto Raptors at Washington Wizards
7 p.m. ET
Line: Raptors -6.5 (-115) | Wizards +6.5 (-105)
Money line: Raptors -285 | Wizards +230
Total: 226.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Raptors by 9, straight up 74%, 232.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Raptors: Collin Murray-Boyles, (GTD - Illness); Jakob Poeltl, (OUT - Back); RJ Barrett, (OUT - Knee)
Wizards: Cam Whitmore, (OUT - Shoulder); Corey Kispert, (OUT - Hamstring)
Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers
7 p.m. ET
Line: Celtics -8.5 (-115) | Pacers +8.5 (-105)
Money line: Celtics -360 | Pacers +285
Total: 222.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Celtics by 9, straight up 74%, 224.8 total points.
Injury Report:
Celtics: Jayson Tatum, (OUT - Achilles); Jordan Walsh, (GTD - Illness); Chris Boucher, (OUT - Personal)
Pacers: Obi Toppin, (OUT - Foot); Tyrese Haliburton, (OFS - Achilles); Aaron Nesmith, (OUT - Knee); Ben Sheppard, (OUT - Calf); Isaiah Jackson, (OUT - Concussion)
Philadelphia 76ers at Chicago Bulls
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: 76ers +1.5 (-118) | Bulls -1.5 (-102)
Money line: 76ers -108 | Bulls -112
Total: 240.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: 76ers by 2.8, straight up 58%, 244.8 total points.
Injury Report:
76ers: Dominick Barlow, (GTD - Illness); Joel Embiid, (GTD - Knee); Quentin Grimes, (GTD - Illness); VJ Edgecombe, (GTD - Illness); Kelly Oubre Jr., (OUT - Knee); Trendon Watford, (OUT - Thigh)
Bulls: Noa Essengue, (OFS - Shoulder)
Milwaukee Bucks at Memphis Grizzlies
8 p.m. ET
Line: Bucks +5.5 (-112) | Grizzlies -5.5 (-108)
Money line: Bucks +170 | Grizzlies -205
Total: 228.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Grizzlies by 5.2, straight up 65%, 231.1 total points.
Injury Report:
Bucks: Taurean Prince, (OUT - Neck); Gary Trent Jr., (GTD - Calf); Giannis Antetokounmpo, (OUT - Calf)
Grizzlies: John Konchar, (OUT - Thumb); Zach Edey, (OUT - Ankle); , (OUT - Calf); Scotty Pippen Jr., (OUT - Toe); Ty Jerome, (OUT - Calf); Cedric Coward, (GTD - Heel); Ja Morant, (GTD - Ankle); Vince Williams Jr., (OUT - Knee)
Phoenix Suns at New Orleans Pelicans
8 p.m. ET
Line: Suns -5.5 (-108) | Pelicans +5.5 (-112)
Money line: Suns -192 | Pelicans +160
Total: 238.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Suns by 1.4, straight up 54%, 237.9 total points.
Injury Report:
Suns: Jalen Green, (OUT - Hamstring); Koby Brea, (GTD - Concussion); Grayson Allen, (OUT - Knee)
Pelicans: Dejounte Murray, (OUT - Achilles); Jordan Poole, (GTD - Ankle); Herbert Jones, (OUT - Ankle)
Detroit Pistons at Utah Jazz
9:30 p.m. ET
Line: Pistons -9.5 (-115) | Jazz +9.5 (-105)
Money line: Pistons -455 | Jazz +350
Total: 243.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Pistons by 10.7, straight up 78%, 245.7 total points.
Injury Report:
Pistons: Ronald Holland II, (GTD - Knee); Isaac Jones, (OUT - Knee)
Jazz: Walker Kessler, (OFS - Shoulder); Georges Niang, (OUT - Foot)
LA Clippers at Portland Trail Blazers
10 p.m. ET
Line: Clippers -1.5 (-112) | Blazers +1.5 (-108)
Money line: Clippers -125 | Blazers +105
Total: 226.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Clippers by 1.3, straight up 54%, 230.0 total points.
Injury Report:
Clippers: Ivica Zubac, (OUT - Ankle); Bradley Beal, (OFS - Hip); Derrick Jones Jr., (OUT - Knee)
Blazers: Blake Wesley, (OUT - Foot); Damian Lillard, (OFS - Achilles); Kris Murray, (GTD - Neck); Robert Williams III, (GTD - Knee); Jerami Grant, (OUT - Achilles); Jrue Holiday, (OUT - Calf); Matisse Thybulle, (OUT - Thumb); Scoot Henderson, (OUT - Hamstring)
