What is there not to know? It's an NBA fan's dream with all 30 teams in action spread over a 15-game slate that features the Magic at the Sixers, the Bucks at the Thunder, the Pelicans at the Warriors and the Suns at the Kings. It also features a ton of studs vs. duds and there probably won't be a lot of streaming tonight with literally every team in action. But, just in case, I'm going to try to find some diamonds in the rough.
The best places to look for those are probably in Detroit, Portland, Washington, Houston, Utah, San Antonio, Charlotte and Atlanta.
If you paid attention on Thursday's podcast, we were all about Chimezie Metu and, later on, Marcus Sasser and they both kind of went off. Metu had 15 points, eight boards, three assists and three 3-pointers, while Sasser had 20 points, five dimes, two steals, a block and four 3-pointers in 33 minutes as a starter. We think Cade Cunningham might be done and I'd roll these two again on Friday.
The Knicks beat the Celtics despite both teams being about at full strength. Sam Hauser came through with 15 points and three triples off the bench, and even had a block, three assists and four rebounds. I'll take it. The Celtics have obviously thrown in the towel on the regular season and are simply chilling until the playoffs get here. And they should get a ton of rest while laying in the jacuzzi watching the play-in tournament unfold. They're going to be fine and are the best team in the league. If they rest anyone on Friday, Hauser is an ideal plug-and-play in fantasy.
I haven't seen any injury reports on Houston's Jalen Green, but he was awful on Thursday, hitting 1-of-7 field goals in 19 minutes for just three points. Meanwhile, Amen Thompson had a 15 & 10 double-double and Fred VanVleet (42 points) went off in the loss. The Jazz were led by Luka Samanic's 22 points and Keyonta George added 20 points and five dimes in the win. There are a ton of waiver-wire adds on these teams and you only need to look at the box score to find them.
The Warriors beat the Blazers and Portland got nice games out of Jabari Walker, Kris Murray, Deandre Ayton and Scoot Henderson. Dalano Banton (ankle injury), was out of action tonight, which made me sad. The aforementioned players are probably the Blazers you want to run with again on Friday.
But there are players I like a little more than the Portland crapshoot. Here they are.
Friday's Stream Team
Sam Hauser, SF, Celtics (3.3% rostered in ESPN leagues): If both Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum suit up tonight, Hauser might be a little risky. Then again, he played with both of them on Thursday night and hit 5-of-8 shots and three 3-pointers for 15 points, four rebounds, three assists and a block in 22 minutes off the bench. He's a baller and if the Celtics rest anyone tonight, Hauser should continue to light up the scoreboard from the bench or the starting lineup for Boston. But, I don't think I can roll with him if both Tatum and Brown are starting, so keep an eye on that up to game time.
Corey Kispert, SG/SF, Wizards (8.1%): Guys are banged up and Kispert is cruising along to the tune of 20.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.6 steals and 3.6 3-pointers in his five April games and he's hit double digits in scoring in 13 straight games for the Wizards. He's not going to steal or block your way to a championship, but he's going to score points, hit some treys and try to help in boards and dimes. And he may be the healthiest Wizard standing at this point. Pick him up.
Marcus Sasser, PG/SG, Pistons (1.2%): Cade Cunningham missed his fifth straight game with a knee injury on Thursday and Sasser went off for 20 points, five assists, two steals, a block and four 3-pointers on 8-of-15 shooting in 33 minutes. Make sure Cunningham is inactive again, but if Sasser gets the start, there should be more of this coming tonight at Dallas. Sasser has hit double digits in scoring in three straight games and has become a nearly must-start fantasy player if Cunningham is out.
Chimezie Metu, PF/C, Pistons (2.5%): Metu is carving out his own silly-season legacy and had 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three 3-pointers on Thursday. After games with 3, 4 and 5 steals, he's had zero of them in his last two games, so he's due. He's hit six triples over his last three games and the Pistons have no reason not to play him again on Friday against the Mavericks. Metu is their last big man standing, outside of Jalen Duren.
Jordan Goodwin, PG/SG, Grizzlies (5.3%): Goodwin burned a lot of us when he was given the night off on Wednesday, so be sure that he's playing on Friday. He's on a two-way deal so his games are kept at a minimum. Goodwin has averaged 13 points, 10.3 rebounds and 5.5 assists over his last four games played. He's not a 3-point shooter, or stealer or shot blocker, but he gets it done everywhere else. Just make sure he's in the Grizzlies active lineup before putting him into yours.
Projections and Injury Reports
Fantasy projections powered by ESPN Analytics.* Projections assume all players who are listed as GTD will play. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Players available in at least 50% of ESPN leagues are listed in italics.
Orlando Magic at Philadelphia 76ers7 p.m. Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia
BPI Projection: 76ers in the 10th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Magic: Franz Wagner, (GTD - Ankle)
76ers: Joel Embiid, (GTD - Knee); KJ Martin, (GTD - Toe); Kyle Lowry, (GTD - Knee); Robert Covington, (OUT - Knee)
Magic projections:
Paolo Banchero, SF/PF: 35.8 FPTS (23.4 pts, 5.9 reb, 5.5 ast)
Franz Wagner, SG/SF/PF: 23.8 FPTS (13.8 pts, 3.2 reb, 2.7 ast)
Jalen Suggs, PG/SG: 22.8 FPTS (11.3 pts, 2.7 reb, 2.8 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Wendell Carter Jr., C: 22.3 FPTS (10.8 pts, 7.5 reb, 1.8 ast)
Cole Anthony, PG: 16.8 FPTS (9.1 pts, 3.0 reb, 2.3 ast)
Markelle Fultz, PG/SG: 16.0 FPTS (8.2 pts, 3.2 reb, 2.1 ast)
Moritz Wagner, PF/C: 15.7 FPTS (8.7 pts, 3.9 reb, 1.1 ast)
76ers projections:
Joel Embiid, C: 43.7 FPTS (26.5 pts, 8.3 reb, 4.8 ast, 1.2 blk)
Tyrese Maxey, PG/SG: 42.9 FPTS (25.4 pts, 3.8 reb, 5.9 ast, 2.9 3PM)
Tobias Harris, SF/PF: 30.7 FPTS (16.4 pts, 6.6 reb, 2.7 ast)
Kelly Oubre Jr., SF/PF: 27.1 FPTS (15.4 pts, 5.2 reb, 2.1 ast)
Cameron Payne, PG: 17.1 FPTS (9.2 pts, 2.4 reb, 2.3 ast)
Kyle Lowry, PG: 16.7 FPTS (5.8 pts, 2.5 reb, 3.3 ast)
Nicolas Batum, SG/SF: 13.6 FPTS (4.6 pts, 4.0 reb, 1.5 ast)
Chicago Bulls at Washington Wizards7 p.m. Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
BPI Projection: Bulls in the 6th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Bulls: Andre Drummond, (GTD - Ankle); Ayo Dosunmu, (GTD - Quadriceps); Julian Phillips, (OUT - Foot); Lonzo Ball, (OUT - Knee); Patrick Williams, (OUT - Foot); Zach LaVine, (OUT - Foot)
Wizards: Eugene Omoruyi, (GTD - Illness); Jordan Poole, (GTD - Illness); Richaun Holmes, (GTD - Toe); Kyle Kuzma, (OUT - Ankle); Landry Shamet, (OUT - Calf); Marvin Bagley III, (OUT - Knee); Tyus Jones, (OUT - Back); Bilal Coulibaly, (OUT - Wrist)
Bulls projections:
DeMar DeRozan, SG/SF: 42.3 FPTS (27.2 pts, 4.2 reb, 5.2 ast)
Nikola Vucevic, C: 37.0 FPTS (18.0 pts, 10.6 reb, 3.4 ast)
Coby White, PG/SG: 33.3 FPTS (18.1 pts, 4.1 reb, 4.9 ast, 2.6 3PM)
Alex Caruso, PG/SG: 29.3 FPTS (12.1 pts, 4.4 reb, 3.9 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Ayo Dosunmu, SG: 23.2 FPTS (11.7 pts, 2.8 reb, 3.3 ast)
Andre Drummond, C: 15.0 FPTS (7.8 pts, 5.7 reb, 0.5 ast)
Dalen Terry, PG: 10.4 FPTS (4.9 pts, 2.5 reb, 1.0 ast)
Wizards projections:
Jordan Poole, PG/SG: 38.3 FPTS (24.2 pts, 3.3 reb, 5.5 ast, 2.8 3PM)
Deni Avdija, SF/PF: 34.5 FPTS (19.6 pts, 8.7 reb, 3.6 ast)
Corey Kispert, SG/SF: 28.7 FPTS (18.3 pts, 3.8 reb, 2.4 ast, 2.7 3PM)
Anthony Gill, PF: 18.5 FPTS (10.5 pts, 6.4 reb, 1.2 ast)
Jared Butler, SG: 17.6 FPTS (8.1 pts, 2.6 reb, 2.7 ast)
Patrick Baldwin Jr., SF: 16.6 FPTS (8.8 pts, 5.5 reb, 1.0 ast)
Eugene Omoruyi, SF: 11.8 FPTS (5.4 pts, 3.1 reb, 0.7 ast)
Charlotte Hornets at Boston Celtics7:30 p.m. TD Garden, Boston
BPI Projection: Celtics in the 15th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Hornets: Grant Williams, (GTD - Ankle); Nick Richards, (GTD - Foot); Cody Martin, (OUT - Ankle); LaMelo Ball, (OUT - Ankle); Mark Williams, (OUT - Back); Seth Curry, (OUT - Ankle)
Celtics: Oshae Brissett, (GTD - Illness)
Hornets projections:
Miles Bridges, SF/PF: 37.0 FPTS (21.0 pts, 6.8 reb, 3.8 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Brandon Miller, SG/SF: 29.5 FPTS (18.3 pts, 4.1 reb, 2.6 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Tre Mann, PG: 28.6 FPTS (14.4 pts, 4.6 reb, 4.0 ast)
Grant Williams, PF: 23.8 FPTS (11.3 pts, 4.3 reb, 3.7 ast)
Vasilije Micic, PG/SG: 19.3 FPTS (9.8 pts, 2.4 reb, 3.6 ast)
Nick Richards, C: 16.4 FPTS (8.1 pts, 6.4 reb, 0.9 ast)
Aleksej Pokusevski, PF/C: 15.7 FPTS (7.9 pts, 4.4 reb, 1.4 ast)
Celtics projections:
Jayson Tatum, SF/PF: 43.9 FPTS (26.0 pts, 6.9 reb, 5.0 ast, 3.0 3PM)
Jaylen Brown, SG/SF: 36.8 FPTS (23.5 pts, 4.9 reb, 3.2 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Derrick White, PG/SG: 29.2 FPTS (13.0 pts, 4.2 reb, 4.7 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Kristaps Porzingis, PF/C: 29.1 FPTS (16.5 pts, 6.6 reb, 2.0 ast, 1.6 blk)
Jrue Holiday, PG/SG: 25.1 FPTS (10.7 pts, 4.1 reb, 4.6 ast)
Payton Pritchard, PG: 17.7 FPTS (8.3 pts, 2.8 reb, 2.6 ast)
Sam Hauser, SF: 15.7 FPTS (7.9 pts, 2.9 reb, 1.0 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers7:30 p.m. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland
BPI Projection: Cavaliers in the highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Pacers: Isaiah Jackson, (GTD - Hamstring); Bennedict Mathurin, (OUT - Shoulder)
Cavaliers: Sam Merrill, (GTD - Neck); Dean Wade, (OUT - Knee); Ty Jerome, (OUT - Ankle)
Pacers projections:
Tyrese Haliburton, PG/SG: 42.0 FPTS (19.3 pts, 4.3 reb, 8.2 ast, 2.8 3PM)
Pascal Siakam, PF/C: 38.2 FPTS (22.8 pts, 8.3 reb, 3.5 ast)
T.J. McConnell, PG: 23.8 FPTS (11.0 pts, 2.7 reb, 4.4 ast)
Myles Turner, C: 22.9 FPTS (13.6 pts, 5.8 reb, 1.2 ast, 1.6 blk)
Aaron Nesmith, SF: 20.8 FPTS (11.3 pts, 4.1 reb, 1.3 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Andrew Nembhard, PG/SG: 19.4 FPTS (9.2 pts, 2.1 reb, 3.6 ast)
Obi Toppin, PF: 17.6 FPTS (8.8 pts, 4.2 reb, 1.2 ast)
Cavaliers projections:
Donovan Mitchell, PG/SG: 43.5 FPTS (23.5 pts, 4.4 reb, 6.0 ast, 3.1 3PM)
Darius Garland, PG: 36.5 FPTS (19.1 pts, 3.2 reb, 6.5 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Jarrett Allen, C: 34.7 FPTS (17.0 pts, 10.8 reb, 2.8 ast)
Evan Mobley, PF/C: 31.5 FPTS (15.3 pts, 8.5 reb, 3.4 ast, 1.5 blk)
Max Strus, SG/SF: 24.4 FPTS (10.3 pts, 4.5 reb, 3.8 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Caris LeVert, SG/SF: 23.0 FPTS (10.6 pts, 3.4 reb, 4.0 ast)
Isaac Okoro, SG/SF: 15.5 FPTS (8.2 pts, 2.5 reb, 1.2 ast)
Brooklyn Nets at New York Knicks7:30 p.m. Madison Square Garden, New York
BPI Projection: Knicks in the 14th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Nets: Cameron Johnson, (GTD - Toe); Day'Ron Sharpe, (GTD - Wrist); Jacob Gilyard, (GTD - Hip); Dennis Smith Jr., (OUT - Hip); Dorian Finney-Smith, (OUT - Knee); Ben Simmons, (OUT - Back); Dariq Whitehead, (OUT - Lower Leg); Keita Bates-Diop, (OUT - Lower Leg)
Knicks: Duane Washington Jr., (GTD - Knee); Julius Randle, (OUT - Shoulder)
Nets projections:
Cam Thomas, SG: 35.6 FPTS (26.0 pts, 3.7 reb, 3.4 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Dennis Schroder, PG: 30.9 FPTS (17.1 pts, 3.4 reb, 5.8 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Mikal Bridges, SG/SF: 26.8 FPTS (15.3 pts, 3.7 reb, 3.2 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Nic Claxton, PF/C: 26.3 FPTS (12.7 pts, 8.9 reb, 2.0 ast, 2.3 blk)
Noah Clowney, PF: 18.9 FPTS (10.5 pts, 5.9 reb, 1.2 ast)
Cameron Johnson, SF/PF: 18.0 FPTS (8.8 pts, 3.1 reb, 1.7 ast)
Trendon Watford, PF: 13.7 FPTS (7.6 pts, 4.0 reb, 1.0 ast)
Knicks projections:
Jalen Brunson, PG/SG: 43.5 FPTS (27.7 pts, 3.3 reb, 6.4 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Donte DiVincenzo, SG: 34.1 FPTS (18.9 pts, 4.1 reb, 3.0 ast, 3.9 3PM)
Josh Hart, SG/SF: 26.8 FPTS (10.4 pts, 7.8 reb, 4.1 ast)
Isaiah Hartenstein, PF/C: 23.7 FPTS (8.8 pts, 7.8 reb, 2.8 ast)
OG Anunoby, SF: 23.3 FPTS (13.2 pts, 3.5 reb, 1.6 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Miles McBride, PG: 15.7 FPTS (8.8 pts, 1.5 reb, 1.4 ast)
Bojan Bogdanovic, SF/PF: 11.9 FPTS (8.0 pts, 1.5 reb, 1.0 ast)
Toronto Raptors at Miami Heat8 p.m. Kaseya Center, Miami
BPI Projection: Heat in the 13th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Raptors: Bruce Brown, (GTD - Knee); Gary Trent Jr., (GTD - Back); Chris Boucher, (OUT - Knee); D.J. Carton, (OUT - Ankle); Jakob Poeltl, (OUT - Finger); Scottie Barnes, (OUT - Hand); Jontay Porter, (OUT - Personal)
Heat: Terry Rozier, (GTD - Neck); Duncan Robinson, (OUT - Back); Josh Richardson, (OUT - Shoulder)
Raptors projections:
Immanuel Quickley, PG/SG: 35.7 FPTS (19.5 pts, 4.7 reb, 5.6 ast, 2.5 3PM)
RJ Barrett, SG/SF: 26.9 FPTS (17.2 pts, 4.0 reb, 3.3 ast)
Kelly Olynyk, PF/C: 25.6 FPTS (11.5 pts, 5.8 reb, 3.6 ast)
Gary Trent Jr., PG/SG: 22.4 FPTS (12.3 pts, 2.6 reb, 1.8 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Gradey Dick, SG: 19.6 FPTS (12.6 pts, 3.3 reb, 0.9 ast)
Bruce Brown, SG/SF: 16.4 FPTS (7.7 pts, 3.0 reb, 2.3 ast)
Ochai Agbaji, SG/SF: 15.8 FPTS (9.0 pts, 3.5 reb, 1.1 ast)
Heat projections:
Jimmy Butler, SF/PF: 36.4 FPTS (20.8 pts, 4.8 reb, 4.8 ast)
Tyler Herro, PG/SG: 36.4 FPTS (22.0 pts, 5.0 reb, 4.3 ast, 3.2 3PM)
Bam Adebayo, C: 36.3 FPTS (18.9 pts, 10.4 reb, 4.1 ast)
Terry Rozier, PG/SG: 25.5 FPTS (13.9 pts, 2.8 reb, 3.5 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Caleb Martin, SG/SF: 21.9 FPTS (12.0 pts, 4.2 reb, 2.4 ast)
Nikola Jovic, SF: 16.8 FPTS (8.4 pts, 4.3 reb, 1.9 ast)
Haywood Highsmith, SF: 15.3 FPTS (6.2 pts, 4.0 reb, 1.2 ast)
Los Angeles Lakers at Memphis Grizzlies8 p.m. FedExForum, Memphis
BPI Projection: Lakers in the 8th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Lakers: Anthony Davis, (GTD - Head); LeBron James, (GTD - Ankle); Christian Wood, (OUT - Knee); Jarred Vanderbilt, (OUT - Foot); Jalen Hood-Schifino, (OUT - Back)
Grizzlies: Brandon Clarke, (OUT - Hand); Desmond Bane, (OUT - Back); Jaren Jackson Jr., (OUT - Quadriceps); John Konchar, (OUT - Heel); Lamar Stevens, (OUT - Groin); Luke Kennard, (OUT - Knee); Marcus Smart, (OUT - Finger); Santi Aldama, (OUT - Foot); Vince Williams Jr., (OUT - Knee); Yuta Watanabe, (OUT - Personal)
Lakers projections:
LeBron James, SF/PF: 45.1 FPTS (24.5 pts, 6.5 reb, 7.3 ast, 1.9 3PM)
D'Angelo Russell, PG/SG: 36.5 FPTS (20.1 pts, 3.6 reb, 6.0 ast, 3.1 3PM)
Anthony Davis, PF/C: 32.9 FPTS (17.5 pts, 9.2 reb, 2.7 ast, 1.7 blk)
Austin Reaves, SG/SF: 29.5 FPTS (14.9 pts, 4.5 reb, 4.9 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Rui Hachimura, SF/PF: 23.0 FPTS (13.3 pts, 5.1 reb, 1.3 ast)
Spencer Dinwiddie, PG/SG: 16.4 FPTS (7.6 pts, 1.9 reb, 3.0 ast)
Jaxson Hayes, PF/C: 15.7 FPTS (7.5 pts, 5.3 reb, 0.8 ast)
Grizzlies projections:
Scotty Pippen Jr., PG: 34.1 FPTS (18.5 pts, 3.9 reb, 5.1 ast)
Jordan Goodwin, PG/SG: 31.6 FPTS (13.9 pts, 9.0 reb, 4.0 ast)
GG Jackson, PF: 30.2 FPTS (20.2 pts, 5.4 reb, 2.2 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Jake LaRavia, PF: 27.1 FPTS (17.5 pts, 5.1 reb, 2.0 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Chimezie Metu, C: 22.8 FPTS (11.0 pts, 6.2 reb, 1.5 ast)
Trey Jemison, C: 21.4 FPTS (11.7 pts, 7.1 reb, 1.3 ast, 1.3 blk)
Jaylen Nowell, SG: 4.7 FPTS (2.1 pts, 0.8 reb, 0.7 ast)
Atlanta Hawks at Minnesota Timberwolves8 p.m. Target Center, Minneapolis
BPI Projection: Timberwolves in the 11th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Hawks: AJ Griffin, (GTD - Ankle); Clint Capela, (GTD - Rest); Dejounte Murray, (GTD - Quadriceps); Seth Lundy, (OUT - Ankle); Wesley Matthews, (OUT - Hamstring); Jalen Johnson, (OUT - Ankle); Onyeka Okongwu, (OUT - Toe); Saddiq Bey, (OUT - Knee)
Timberwolves: Karl-Anthony Towns, (GTD - Knee); Jaylen Clark, (OUT - Achilles)
Hawks projections:
Dejounte Murray, PG/SG: 40.2 FPTS (20.7 pts, 4.4 reb, 6.4 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Trae Young, PG: 39.3 FPTS (21.5 pts, 2.4 reb, 8.2 ast, 2.8 3PM)
Bogdan Bogdanovic, SG/SF: 29.9 FPTS (16.3 pts, 3.3 reb, 3.2 ast, 3.0 3PM)
Clint Capela, C: 22.6 FPTS (10.9 pts, 8.9 reb, 1.2 ast)
De'Andre Hunter, SF/PF: 19.6 FPTS (11.8 pts, 3.2 reb, 1.7 ast)
Vit Krejci, PG: 13.0 FPTS (5.9 pts, 2.3 reb, 1.6 ast)
Kobe Bufkin, PG: 12.8 FPTS (6.9 pts, 2.1 reb, 1.5 ast)
Timberwolves projections:
Anthony Edwards, SG/SF: 45.7 FPTS (29.1 pts, 5.4 reb, 5.6 ast, 2.6 3PM)
Rudy Gobert, C: 32.1 FPTS (15.0 pts, 13.1 reb, 1.9 ast, 1.8 blk)
Naz Reid, PF/C: 24.4 FPTS (13.5 pts, 5.8 reb, 1.6 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Mike Conley, PG: 24.1 FPTS (9.8 pts, 2.8 reb, 4.6 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Jaden McDaniels, SF: 22.9 FPTS (13.6 pts, 3.6 reb, 1.4 ast)
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SG: 16.5 FPTS (7.7 pts, 2.2 reb, 2.3 ast)
Kyle Anderson, SF/PF: 16.3 FPTS (5.8 pts, 2.7 reb, 3.7 ast)
Milwaukee Bucks at Oklahoma City Thunder8 p.m. Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
BPI Projection: Thunder in the 9th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Bucks: Brook Lopez, (GTD - Rest); Damian Lillard, (GTD - Groin); Khris Middleton, (GTD - Ankle); MarJon Beauchamp, (GTD - Ankle); Thanasis Antetokounmpo, (GTD - Hamstring); AJ Green, (OUT - Ankle); Giannis Antetokounmpo, (OUT - Calf)
Thunder: Luguentz Dort, (NA - Rest)
Bucks projections:
Damian Lillard, PG: 42.6 FPTS (25.9 pts, 4.3 reb, 6.6 ast, 3.1 3PM)
Bobby Portis, PF/C: 30.5 FPTS (16.4 pts, 9.9 reb, 1.2 ast)
Khris Middleton, SF: 26.8 FPTS (13.7 pts, 4.6 reb, 4.4 ast)
Brook Lopez, C: 20.6 FPTS (11.9 pts, 5.2 reb, 1.2 ast, 1.8 3PM, 2.4 blk)
Patrick Beverley, PG: 18.8 FPTS (8.9 pts, 4.9 reb, 2.5 ast)
Malik Beasley, SG: 17.8 FPTS (9.5 pts, 3.5 reb, 1.1 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Jae Crowder, SF/PF: 13.7 FPTS (6.2 pts, 3.0 reb, 1.1 ast)
Thunder projections:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG/SG: 47.8 FPTS (26.8 pts, 6.4 reb, 5.7 ast)
Jalen Williams, SG/SF/PF: 34.1 FPTS (18.5 pts, 5.2 reb, 4.3 ast)
Josh Giddey, PG/SG/PF: 29.9 FPTS (13.6 pts, 8.3 reb, 4.7 ast)
Chet Holmgren, PF/C: 23.0 FPTS (12.2 pts, 6.7 reb, 1.5 ast, 1.6 blk)
Luguentz Dort, SG/SF: 19.3 FPTS (10.6 pts, 4.0 reb, 1.2 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Jack White, SF: 16.8 FPTS (7.6 pts, 4.0 reb, 1.3 ast)
Cason Wallace, PG/SG: 14.6 FPTS (6.9 pts, 2.7 reb, 1.2 ast)
Denver Nuggets at San Antonio Spurs8 p.m. Frost Bank Center, San Antonio
BPI Projection: Nuggets in the 7th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Nuggets: Aaron Gordon, (GTD - Foot); Jamal Murray, (GTD - Knee); Michael Porter Jr., (GTD - Quadriceps); Nikola Jokic, (GTD - Hip); Zeke Nnaji, (GTD - Thigh); Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, (GTD - Shoulder); Vlatko Cancar, (OUT - Knee)
Spurs: Cedi Osman, (OUT - Ankle); Dominick Barlow, (OUT - Knee); Keldon Johnson, (OUT - Foot); Charles Bassey, (OUT - Knee); Devin Vassell, (OUT - Foot); Jeremy Sochan, (OUT - Ankle)
Nuggets projections:
Nikola Jokic, C: 56.0 FPTS (27.5 pts, 12.1 reb, 7.8 ast)
Jamal Murray, PG: 32.8 FPTS (17.5 pts, 3.7 reb, 5.3 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Michael Porter Jr., SF: 28.0 FPTS (15.7 pts, 6.4 reb, 1.4 ast, 2.6 3PM)
Aaron Gordon, PF: 27.4 FPTS (13.1 pts, 5.8 reb, 4.2 ast)
Reggie Jackson, PG: 20.3 FPTS (10.7 pts, 2.0 reb, 3.6 ast)
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG/SF: 18.5 FPTS (8.8 pts, 2.3 reb, 1.9 ast)
Christian Braun, SG: 16.3 FPTS (8.2 pts, 4.1 reb, 1.8 ast)
Spurs projections:
Victor Wembanyama, PF/C: 37.6 FPTS (19.7 pts, 9.7 reb, 4.1 ast, 2.3 blk)
Tre Jones, PG: 32.5 FPTS (13.2 pts, 5.4 reb, 6.1 ast)
Zach Collins, PF/C: 21.2 FPTS (11.0 pts, 6.0 reb, 2.4 ast)
Sandro Mamukelashvili, C: 19.6 FPTS (9.3 pts, 8.1 reb, 1.3 ast)
Julian Champagnie, SG/SF: 18.5 FPTS (10.0 pts, 4.3 reb, 1.2 ast)
Devonte' Graham, PG: 16.3 FPTS (7.9 pts, 2.6 reb, 2.0 ast)
Malaki Branham, SG: 15.0 FPTS (9.7 pts, 2.3 reb, 1.4 ast)
Detroit Pistons at Dallas Mavericks8:30 p.m. American Airlines Center, Dallas
BPI Projection: Mavericks in the 12th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Pistons: Cade Cunningham, (GTD - Knee); Simone Fontecchio, (GTD - Toe); Ausar Thompson, (OUT - Illness); Isaiah Stewart, (OUT - Hamstring); Quentin Grimes, (OUT - Knee); Stanley Umude, (OUT - Ankle)
Mavericks: Luka Doncic, (GTD - Ankle); Greg Brown III, (OUT - Personal); Kyrie Irving, (OUT - Hamstring); Dereck Lively II, (OUT - Knee)
Pistons projections:
Zavier Simpson, PG: 25.2 FPTS (11.9 pts, 4.3 reb, 4.0 ast)
Jalen Duren, C: 25.0 FPTS (12.0 pts, 10.0 reb, 1.8 ast)
Jaden Ivey, PG/SG: 23.4 FPTS (15.0 pts, 3.4 reb, 3.8 ast)
Marcus Sasser, PG: 21.1 FPTS (11.6 pts, 2.8 reb, 3.4 ast)
Troy Brown Jr., SF: 18.4 FPTS (10.0 pts, 5.0 reb, 1.2 ast)
Evan Fournier, SG/SF: 15.0 FPTS (7.7 pts, 2.1 reb, 1.5 ast)
James Wiseman, C: 13.1 FPTS (6.9 pts, 5.2 reb, 0.8 ast)
Mavericks projections:
Luka Doncic, PG: 59.5 FPTS (33.0 pts, 8.6 reb, 8.2 ast, 3.8 3PM)
P.J. Washington, PF: 30.7 FPTS (16.8 pts, 6.9 reb, 2.3 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Daniel Gafford, PF/C: 26.3 FPTS (12.1 pts, 7.9 reb, 1.7 ast, 2.2 blk)
Tim Hardaway Jr., SG/SF: 23.1 FPTS (14.0 pts, 3.1 reb, 1.6 ast, 2.6 3PM)
Derrick Jones Jr., SF: 18.3 FPTS (9.8 pts, 3.5 reb, 1.0 ast)
Dante Exum, PG: 14.8 FPTS (6.9 pts, 2.6 reb, 2.1 ast)
Josh Green, SG/SF: 13.6 FPTS (6.5 pts, 2.2 reb, 1.5 ast)
New Orleans Pelicans at Golden State Warriors10 p.m. Chase Center, San Francisco
BPI Projection: Warriors in the 5th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Pelicans: Brandon Ingram, (GTD - Knee); Larry Nance Jr., (GTD - Personal)
Warriors: Draymond Green, (GTD - Knee); Gary Payton II, (GTD - Calf); Klay Thompson, (GTD - Knee)
Pelicans projections:
CJ McCollum, PG/SG: 38.6 FPTS (22.4 pts, 4.4 reb, 4.8 ast, 3.7 3PM)
Zion Williamson, PF: 36.8 FPTS (24.2 pts, 5.4 reb, 4.8 ast)
Trey Murphy III, SG/SF: 29.9 FPTS (15.7 pts, 5.9 reb, 2.2 ast, 3.1 3PM)
Herbert Jones, SF/PF: 24.7 FPTS (12.0 pts, 3.7 reb, 2.7 ast)
Jonas Valanciunas, C: 24.5 FPTS (12.6 pts, 7.6 reb, 2.2 ast)
Dyson Daniels, PG/SG: 16.8 FPTS (6.8 pts, 3.8 reb, 2.1 ast)
Larry Nance Jr., PF/C: 16.0 FPTS (5.7 pts, 4.5 reb, 1.9 ast)
Warriors projections:
Stephen Curry, PG: 40.3 FPTS (24.1 pts, 4.2 reb, 4.9 ast, 4.2 3PM)
Chris Paul, PG: 24.9 FPTS (9.5 pts, 3.7 reb, 4.9 ast)
Klay Thompson, SG/SF: 24.4 FPTS (15.2 pts, 2.8 reb, 2.2 ast, 2.9 3PM)
Jonathan Kuminga, PF: 22.3 FPTS (14.0 pts, 4.4 reb, 1.8 ast)
Trayce Jackson-Davis, PF: 21.4 FPTS (10.1 pts, 6.9 reb, 1.7 ast, 1.9 blk)
Javonte Green, SG/SF: 21.2 FPTS (10.1 pts, 6.3 reb, 1.0 ast)
Brandin Podziemski, SG: 21.0 FPTS (8.9 pts, 4.7 reb, 2.9 ast)
Houston Rockets at Portland Trail Blazers10 p.m. Moda Center, Portland
BPI Projection: Rockets in the 4th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Rockets: Alperen Sengun, (OUT - Ankle); Jae'Sean Tate, (OUT - Ankle); Steven Adams, (OUT - Knee); Tari Eason, (OUT - Lower Leg)
Blazers: Anfernee Simons, (GTD - Knee); Dalano Banton, (GTD - Ankle); Jerami Grant, (GTD - Hamstring); Malcolm Brogdon, (GTD - Elbow); Matisse Thybulle, (GTD - Ankle); Robert Williams III, (OUT - Knee); Shaedon Sharpe, (OUT - Abdomen); Toumani Camara, (OUT - Ribs)
Rockets projections:
Fred VanVleet, PG: 38.2 FPTS (17.5 pts, 3.7 reb, 6.8 ast, 3.1 3PM)
Jalen Green, SG: 32.0 FPTS (20.1 pts, 4.7 reb, 3.9 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Amen Thompson, SG: 27.4 FPTS (13.1 pts, 7.6 reb, 2.5 ast)
Jabari Smith Jr., PF/C: 24.4 FPTS (13.3 pts, 6.4 reb, 1.5 ast)
Dillon Brooks, SG/SF: 19.4 FPTS (11.7 pts, 2.8 reb, 1.5 ast)
Cam Whitmore, SF: 18.9 FPTS (11.7 pts, 4.0 reb, 0.8 ast)
Jock Landale, C: 16.2 FPTS (8.5 pts, 4.9 reb, 1.2 ast)
Blazers projections:
Deandre Ayton, C: 37.1 FPTS (20.1 pts, 11.2 reb, 1.6 ast)
Scoot Henderson, PG: 29.9 FPTS (19.3 pts, 3.6 reb, 5.4 ast)
Jabari Walker, PF: 26.4 FPTS (14.3 pts, 9.2 reb, 1.4 ast)
Dalano Banton, PG: 22.7 FPTS (13.2 pts, 3.9 reb, 2.9 ast)
Kris Murray, PF: 21.3 FPTS (12.0 pts, 4.8 reb, 1.4 ast)
Rayan Rupert, SG: 16.4 FPTS (10.6 pts, 3.5 reb, 1.8 ast)
Duop Reath, C: 12.2 FPTS (7.1 pts, 2.3 reb, 0.8 ast)
Utah Jazz at LA Clippers10:30 p.m. Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
BPI Projection: Clippers in the 2nd highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Jazz: John Collins, (GTD - Back); Walker Kessler, (GTD - Nose)
Clippers: James Harden, (GTD - Foot); Joshua Primo, (OUT - Ankle); Kawhi Leonard, (OUT - Knee)
Jazz projections:
Collin Sexton, PG/SG: 27.9 FPTS (16.7 pts, 3.1 reb, 4.1 ast)
Keyonte George, PG/SG: 24.1 FPTS (14.0 pts, 3.4 reb, 4.4 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Talen Horton-Tucker, SG/SF: 22.8 FPTS (12.8 pts, 2.8 reb, 3.4 ast)
Taylor Hendricks, PF: 19.8 FPTS (10.4 pts, 4.4 reb, 1.4 ast)
Brice Sensabaugh, SF: 19.1 FPTS (10.5 pts, 4.1 reb, 2.0 ast)
Luka Samanic, PF: 18.9 FPTS (12.8 pts, 5.5 reb, 1.1 ast)
Omer Yurtseven, C: 17.6 FPTS (8.9 pts, 6.7 reb, 1.2 ast)
Clippers projections:
Paul George, SG/SF/PF: 35.7 FPTS (20.6 pts, 4.3 reb, 3.3 ast, 3.0 3PM)
James Harden, PG/SG: 29.3 FPTS (13.0 pts, 4.2 reb, 6.0 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Russell Westbrook, PG: 22.6 FPTS (11.0 pts, 4.6 reb, 3.5 ast)
Bones Hyland, PG/SG: 22.2 FPTS (12.2 pts, 3.4 reb, 2.6 ast)
Ivica Zubac, C: 21.6 FPTS (10.6 pts, 8.1 reb, 1.2 ast)
Norman Powell, SG/SF: 19.6 FPTS (12.3 pts, 2.7 reb, 1.2 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Amir Coffey, SG: 15.0 FPTS (8.0 pts, 3.1 reb, 1.1 ast)
Phoenix Suns at Sacramento Kings10:30 p.m. Golden 1 Center, Sacramento
BPI Projection: Suns in the 3rd highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Suns: Damion Lee, (OUT - Knee)
Kings: JaVale McGee, (GTD - Illness); Malik Monk, (OUT - Knee); Kevin Huerter, (OUT - Shoulder)
Suns projections:
Devin Booker, PG/SG/PF: 46.2 FPTS (27.8 pts, 4.3 reb, 6.5 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Kevin Durant, SF/PF: 44.2 FPTS (26.7 pts, 6.3 reb, 5.4 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Bradley Beal, PG/SG: 31.5 FPTS (17.3 pts, 4.0 reb, 4.8 ast)
Jusuf Nurkic, C: 29.3 FPTS (12.1 pts, 10.8 reb, 3.6 ast)
Grayson Allen, SG: 19.3 FPTS (9.1 pts, 3.0 reb, 2.3 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Royce O'Neale, SF: 18.9 FPTS (7.7 pts, 4.4 reb, 2.0 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Eric Gordon, SG/SF: 13.4 FPTS (6.6 pts, 1.4 reb, 1.4 ast)
Kings projections:
De'Aaron Fox, PG: 48.7 FPTS (29.4 pts, 4.9 reb, 5.9 ast, 3.0 3PM)
Domantas Sabonis, PF/C: 40.5 FPTS (18.7 pts, 12.0 reb, 6.5 ast)
Keegan Murray, SF/PF: 27.9 FPTS (15.4 pts, 5.4 reb, 1.6 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Keon Ellis, SG: 17.1 FPTS (8.0 pts, 3.7 reb, 1.2 ast)
Harrison Barnes, SF/PF: 16.8 FPTS (10.4 pts, 2.6 reb, 1.0 ast)
Davion Mitchell, PG: 15.7 FPTS (9.3 pts, 2.4 reb, 1.9 ast)
Trey Lyles, PF: 14.1 FPTS (7.1 pts, 3.9 reb, 1.1 ast)
*NBA fantasy projections are generated by ESPN Analytics by combining historical player and team data as well as specific game factors ESPN to accurately predict player box score stats. Accounting for injuries, trends in playing time, and other factors impacting future performance the statistical models can be used to help NBA fantasy players gain an edge in their league.