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Fantasy streamers and betting tips for Friday's NBA slate

Kelly Oubre Jr. (pictured) will see increased minutes with Paul George out. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

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 and player projections.

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What you need to know for Friday's games

The NBA season is off and running! Every team in the league has played at least one game, with the Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves the only teams to have played twice. That all changes tonight, with 10 games on tap and 20 teams getting in another game. We'll get to see if those that had better-than-expected first games can maintain and build some early momentum, and also whether those that had "down" season premieres can bounce back. As always, let's dig into the action to find some good fantasy streamers and best bets to get your own seasons off to great starts.

Friday's Stream Team

Onyeka Okongwu, Atlanta Hawks (available in 53.3% of ESPN leagues) is one of the most-added players in fantasy hoops after a monster season opener. Okongwu dropped 28 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks while thoroughly outplaying his platoon-mate, starter Clint Capela. Okongwu will look to prove his amazing first game wasn't all a fluke, but instead an indication that he has arrived as an impact player.

Santi Aldama, Memphis Grizzlies (80.3%) surprised in Game 1 by outscoring Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and the rest of the Grizzlies with 27 points, 5 3-pointers, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. With Jaren Jackson Jr. sidelined, Aldama is getting to start at the stretch 4 next to behemoth rookie center Zach Edey and is being fed open looks as the defense collapses on Morant. He may not drop 27 points again, but he should get his fill from downtown for as long as he holds this role.

Tre Mann, Charlotte Hornets (84.8%) was on fire in the preseason and continued that in Game 1. He got extra run because Brandon Miller (out, hip) had to leave the game early, and he took advantage of the opportunity with 24 points, 4 3-pointers, 6 rebounds and a steal in 29 minutes. Miller won't play on Friday, so Mann should get another chance to produce in the suddenly fun, young Hornets lineup.

Kelly Oubre Jr. (60.8%) and Andre Drummond (76.9%) are Philadelphia 76ers players who will remain in this space for as long as Paul George and Joel Embiid are sidelined. Oubre scored 20 points in the season opener and Drummond grabbed 13 rebounds, with both output levels sustainable as long as they're starting.

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Stephen A. raves about Klay Thompson's debut in Dallas

Stephen A. Smith offers high praise for Klay Thompson's debut with the Dallas Mavericks.

Dré's Bets for Friday

Hornets and Hawks over 227.5 total points (-105): Both teams feature creative offensive engines at point guard surrounded by plenty of shooters and scorers in both the frontcourt and backcourt to act as finishers. Both teams are also characterized by a distinct lack of defense. The Hornets allowed the Houston Rockets to score 60 first-half points in the opener, then responded by dropping 61 points of their own in the second half. The Hawks, meanwhile, allowed the Brooklyn Nets to drop 116 points in the opener while scoring 120 of their own. Tonight's game should be a track meet.

New York Knicks -4.5 over Indiana Pacers (-105): The Knicks got blown out in the opener against a Celtics squad that had the entire team locked into "he's on fire" mode from NBA Jam. The Pacers eked out a victory over the Detroit Pistons, but didn't look very impressive in doing so. In this rematch of the Eastern Conference semifinals where the Pacers sent an injured Knicks squad home, I look for the Knicks to bounce back against a more mortal opponent than the one they faced in their opener.

Alperen Sengun over 19.5 points (-120): Sengun was nigh unstoppable for the majority of his opener against the Hornets, scoring 25 points while also grabbing 18 boards and dishing five assists. On Friday he'll face a newcomer in Edey, who fouled out in only 15 minutes in his NBA debut (while allowing Walker Kessler to drop 16 points on 85% shooting from the field). Sengun should be too crafty and versatile for the giant-but-slower-footed rookie to handle on Friday.

New Orleans Pelicans -5.5 over Portland Trail Blazers (-115): The Pelicans took care of business in their opener, defeating the Chicago Bulls by 12 points in a workmanlike victory. Although they lost PG Dejounte Murray (fractured hand), they should get Zion Williamson (illness) back for Friday night. The Trail Blazers, meanwhile, turned in the worst performance of all teams on Opening Night, getting demolished by the Golden State Warriors in a 36-point loss. If both teams are in similar form, the Pelicans should win comfortably.

Los Angeles Lakers -1.5 over Phoenix Suns (-110): The Lakers opened the season with an impressive win over a strong Timberwolves squad, with Anthony Davis dominating the interior at both ends of the court. The Suns won their opener as well, beating the LA Clippers despite cool shooting performances from Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, but they lack the size in the middle to keep Davis and LeBron James from controlling the paint. The Lakers won three of five against the Suns last season, and with everyone still fresh to start the season, I look for the Lakers to pull this one out.


Brooklyn Nets at Orlando Magic
7 p.m. ET

Line: Nets 11.5 (-110) | Magic -11.5 (-110)
Money line: Nets 400 | Magic -600
Total: 215.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Nets by 2.4, straight up 58%, 217.8 total points.

Injury Report:
Nets: Bojan Bogdanovic, (OUT - Foot); Trendon Watford, (OUT - Hamstring); Day'Ron Sharpe, (OUT - Hamstring)
Magic: Jonathan Isaac, (GTD - Hip)

Nets projections:

Magic projections:


Philadelphia 76ers at Toronto Raptors
7 p.m. ET on TSN

Line: 76ers -5.5 (-110) | Raptors 5.5 (-110)
Money line: 76ers -200 | Raptors 170
Total: 219.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: 76ers by 1.6, straight up 55%, 224.9 total points.

Injury Report:
76ers: Caleb Martin, (GTD - Calf); Joel Embiid, (OUT - Knee); Paul George, (OUT - Knee)
Raptors: Immanuel Quickley, (GTD - Pelvis); RJ Barrett, (GTD - Shoulder); Kelly Olynyk, (OUT - Back); Bruce Brown, (OUT - Knee); Ja'Kobe Walter, (OUT - Shoulder)

76ers projections:

  • Tyrese Maxey, PG/SG: 46.5 FPTS (28.8 pts, 3.7 reb, 6.5 ast, 2.9 3PM)

  • Kelly Oubre Jr., SG/SF: 33.7 FPTS (21.3 pts, 4.8 reb, 2.0 ast, 1.9 3PM)

  • Caleb Martin, SG/SF: 25.4 FPTS (13.7 pts, 3.8 reb, 2.5 ast)

  • Eric Gordon, SG/SF: 19.5 FPTS (9.7 pts, 1.6 reb, 1.9 ast, 1.9 3PM)

  • Andre Drummond, C: 18.8 FPTS (9.1 pts, 6.3 reb, 1.0 ast)

  • Kyle Lowry, PG: 17.1 FPTS (4.9 pts, 2.5 reb, 3.6 ast)

  • KJ Martin, SF: 16.6 FPTS (8.1 pts, 4.0 reb, 1.6 ast)

Raptors projections:


Charlotte Hornets at Atlanta Hawks
7:30 p.m. ET

Line: Hornets 5.5 (-115) | Hawks -5.5 (-105)
Money line: Hornets 185 | Hawks -225
Total: 226.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Hornets by 3.8, straight up 62%, 227.4 total points.

Injury Report:
Hornets: Josh Green, (GTD - Achilles); Tidjane Salaun, (GTD - Finger); DaQuan Jeffries, (OUT - Hand); Mark Williams, (OUT - Foot); Brandon Miller, (OUT - Hip)
Hawks: Bogdan Bogdanovic, (OUT - Hamstring); Cody Zeller, (OUT - Personal); Dominick Barlow, (OUT - Back); Kobe Bufkin, (OUT - Shoulder); Seth Lundy, (OUT - Ankle)

Hornets projections:

Hawks projections:


Detroit Pistons at Cleveland Cavaliers
7:30 p.m. ET

Line: Pistons 10.5 (-105) | Cavaliers -10.5 (-115)
Money line: Pistons 425 | Cavaliers -650
Total: 226.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Pistons by 7.3, straight up 73%, 217.5 total points.

Injury Report:
Pistons: Ausar Thompson, (OUT - Illness); Bobi Klintman, (OUT - Calf)
Cavaliers: Emoni Bates, (OUT - Knee)

Pistons projections:

Cavaliers projections:


Indiana Pacers at New York Knicks
7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN

Line: Pacers 4.5 (-110) | Knicks -4.5 (-110)
Money line: Pacers 170 | Knicks -205
Total: 228.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Pacers by 0.7, straight up 52%, 230.6 total points.

Injury Report:
Pacers: James Wiseman, (OUT - Achilles); Isaiah Jackson, (GTD - Groin)
Knicks: Kevin McCullar Jr., (OUT - Knee); Precious Achiuwa, (OUT - Hamstring); Mitchell Robinson, (OUT - Ankle)

Pacers projections:

Knicks projections:

  • Jalen Brunson, PG: 47.6 FPTS (31.9 pts, 2.8 reb, 6.7 ast, 2.5 3PM)

  • Karl-Anthony Towns, PF/C: 33.8 FPTS (20.0 pts, 7.7 reb, 3.1 ast, 1.9 3PM)

  • Josh Hart, SG/SF: 31.1 FPTS (12.4 pts, 9.4 reb, 4.5 ast)

  • Mikal Bridges, SG/SF: 29.2 FPTS (17.2 pts, 3.2 reb, 3.3 ast, 2.4 3PM)

  • OG Anunoby, SF/PF: 25.0 FPTS (14.0 pts, 4.1 reb, 1.8 ast, 1.8 3PM)

  • Cameron Payne, PG/SG: 16.0 FPTS (8.0 pts, 0.9 reb, 2.7 ast)

  • Miles McBride, PG: 15.0 FPTS (8.0 pts, 1.2 reb, 1.8 ast)


Memphis Grizzlies at Houston Rockets
8 p.m. ET

Line: Grizzlies 3.5 (-110) | Rockets -3.5 (-110)
Money line: Grizzlies 140 | Rockets -170
Total: 225.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Grizzlies by 0.5, straight up 52%, 220.0 total points.

Injury Report:
Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr., (GTD - Hamstring); Luke Kennard, (OUT - Foot); Cam Spencer, (OUT - Ankle); Vince Williams Jr., (OUT - Lower Leg); GG Jackson II, (OUT - Foot)
Rockets: Cam Whitmore, (GTD - Knee); Dillon Brooks, (GTD - Knee); Steven Adams, (OUT - Knee)

Grizzlies projections:

Rockets projections:


Chicago Bulls at Milwaukee Bucks
8 p.m. ET

Line: Bulls 9.5 (-115) | Bucks -9.5 (-105)
Money line: Bulls 330 | Bucks -420
Total: 235.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Bucks by 0.5, straight up 52%, 227.9 total points.

Injury Report:
Bulls: Lonzo Ball, (OUT - Knee)
Bucks: Brook Lopez, (GTD - Quadriceps); Gary Trent Jr., (GTD - Calf); Giannis Antetokounmpo, (GTD - Knee); Khris Middleton, (OUT - Ankle)

Bulls projections:

Bucks projections:


Golden State Warriors at Utah Jazz
9:30 p.m. ET

Line: Warriors -6.5 (-115) | Jazz 6.5 (-105)
Money line: Warriors -260 | Jazz 210
Total: 234.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Jazz by 2.6, straight up 58%, 229.4 total points.

Injury Report:
Warriors: De'Anthony Melton, (GTD - Chest)
Jazz: Isaiah Collier, (OUT - Hamstring)

Warriors projections:

Jazz projections:


Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers
10 p.m. ET on ESPN

Line: Suns 1.5 (-110) | Lakers -1.5 (-110)
Money line: Suns 105 | Lakers -125
Total: 226.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Suns by 2.5, straight up 58%, 225.7 total points.

Injury Report:
Suns: Bradley Beal, (GTD - Shoulder); Grayson Allen, (GTD - Achilles); Josh Okogie, (OUT - Hamstring)
Lakers: Christian Koloko, (OUT - Illness); Jalen Hood-Schifino, (OUT - Illness); Christian Wood, (OUT - Knee); Jarred Vanderbilt, (OUT - Foot)

Suns projections:

Lakers projections:

  • LeBron James, SF/PF: 48.6 FPTS (26.7 pts, 7.1 reb, 7.7 ast, 1.8 3PM)

  • Anthony Davis, PF/C: 46.4 FPTS (26.5 pts, 13.0 reb, 3.8 ast, 1.8 blk)

  • D'Angelo Russell, PG/SG: 37.8 FPTS (20.2 pts, 3.0 reb, 6.2 ast, 2.9 3PM)

  • Austin Reaves, SG/SF: 33.3 FPTS (17.9 pts, 4.0 reb, 5.2 ast, 2.1 3PM)

  • Rui Hachimura, SF/PF: 23.5 FPTS (14.6 pts, 4.5 reb, 1.5 ast)

  • Gabe Vincent, PG: 11.6 FPTS (4.2 pts, 0.8 reb, 2.0 ast)

  • Cam Reddish, SG/SF: 11.0 FPTS (5.3 pts, 0.9 reb, 1.1 ast)


New Orleans Pelicans at Portland Trail Blazers
10 p.m. ET

Line: Pelicans -6.5 (-110) | Blazers 6.5 (-110)
Money line: Pelicans -240 | Blazers 200
Total: 218.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Blazers by 2, straight up 57%, 220.8 total points.

Injury Report:
Pelicans: Trey Murphy III, (OUT - Hamstring); Dejounte Murray, (OUT - Hand)
Blazers: Robert Williams III, (OUT - Hamstring); Matisse Thybulle, (OUT - Knee); Shaedon Sharpe, (OUT - Shoulder)

Pelicans projections:

Blazers projections: