Eric MoodyApr 3, 2026, 01:00 PM ET

CloseEric Moody is a writer for fantasy football, men’s and women’s basketball, and sports betting at ESPN. Eric joined ESPN in 2021 after working as a senior fantasy analyst at Pro Football Network. Prior to that, he spent much of his career as a manager at a Fortune 100 financial services company.

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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.

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Top streamers | Best bets | DFS picks | Odds & Injury report

What you need to know for Friday’s gamesEditor’s Picks

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The Philadelphia 76ers return home to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in a matchup that carries important implications as the regular season winds down. Fresh off a dominant 153-131 win over the Washington Wizards, the Sixers are gaining momentum at the right time, climbing to sixth place in the Eastern Conference behind a high-powered offense led by Paul George and Tyrese Maxey. With just a handful of games remaining, every result matters as Philadelphia looks to solidify its playoff positioning.

The Timberwolves, meanwhile, enter this game in a different spot. Minnesota is largely locked into its playoff range in the Western Conference and is coming off a loss to the Detroit Pistons on the second night of a back-to-back. While the Timberwolves have been inconsistent recently, their defense remains one of the strongest in the league and the potential return of Anthony Edwards could significantly impact this matchup.

This game sets up as a contrast in urgency and rhythm. The Sixers will look to build on their offensive surge and take advantage of home court, while the Timberwolves aim to rely on their defensive identity and manage rotations as they prepare for the postseason. With injuries playing a key role on both sides, the outcome may ultimately come down to which team can better adapt and execute down the stretch.

Furthermore, today is the first time in the last 35 seasons where there have been five NBA spreads of 15 points or higher. There have never more than three on any single day during this span). It’s also the largest average spread (12.2) of any day during the last 35 seasons on an NBA slate with at least seven games.

Let’s dig deeper into these storylines to identify fantasy streamers, betting angles and DFS plays of interest on Friday’s nine-game slate.

Friday’s fantasy stream team

Ja’Kobe Walter, SG, Toronto Raptors (rostered in 1.2% of ESPN leagues): Walter’s minutes have trended up over his last four games, and he’s scored at least 22 fantasy points in each of them. He’s benefited from Immanuel Quickley‘s absence due to a foot injury, and draws a favorable matchup against a Memphis Grizzlies defense that has allowed the second most fantasy points per game to shooting guards over the last 30 games. Walter is also a strong DFS value at $4,500.

*Additional streaming options in ESPN leagues can be found in the Top Daily Fantasy values of the day section.

Moody’s favorite bets for Friday

Tyrese Maxey 40+ points, rebounds and assists (-124)

Maxey has cleared this line in 34 out of 64 games this season while averaging 38.4 minutes with a 30.3% usage rate. He draws a favorable matchup against a Timberwolves team that has allowed the fifth-most points per game to point guards over the last 30 games. Maxey also surpassed this mark in their previous meeting on Feb. 22.

Scottie Barnes to record a double double (-109)

Barnes has recorded a double-double in five of his last nine games without Quickley. During that span, he’s averaged 14.0 field goal attempts, 9.5 rebound chances and 15.8 potential assists per game. He draws a favorable matchup against a Grizzlies team that ranks 30th in defensive rating over the last 15 games. This sets up as a strong spot for Barnes, especially as a facilitator.

Top Daily Fantasy values of the day

Play DFS basketball at DraftKings.

$8,100+ salaries

Jalen Johnson, PF, Atlanta Hawks ($10,600)

Johnson has been a fantasy dynamo, whether in DFS or season-long formats. He’s recorded 46 double-doubles and 13 triple-doubles while averaging 50.7 fantasy points per game. Johnson draws a favorable matchup against a Brooklyn Nets team that ranks 28th in defensive rating. The main concern is potential blowout risk, with Atlanta listed as heavy favorites.

Jaylen Brown, SG/SF, Boston Celtics ($9,600)

Brown is in the midst of an outstanding season, carrying the load for the Celtics most of the year while Jayson Tatum recovered from an Achilles injury. He’s averaged 46.8 fantasy points per game and has scored at least 55 in each of his last three outings. The Milwaukee Bucks rank 27th in defensive rating over the last 15 games and have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to shooting guards during that span. Brown is in a strong position to deliver another big performance, even with Boston heavily favored.

Alperen Sengun, C, Houston Rockets ($9,000)

Sengun and the Rockets are heavy favorites against the Utah Jazz, which does introduce some blowout risk, but the upside is hard to ignore. Sengun has scored at least 38 fantasy points in seven straight games, including two performances of 76 or more. Utah ranks 26th in defensive rating and second in pace over the last 15 games, and they’ve allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to centers during that span.

$6,100-$8,000 salaries

Paul George, SF/PF, 76ers ($7,900)

George has been superb since returning from his suspension four games ago, scoring at least 53 fantasy points in three of those contests. With Joel Embiid doubtful for Friday’s matchup against the Timberwolves, George should see a boost in usage. He’ll also avoid Jaden McDaniels, one of Minnesota’s top defenders, who has already been ruled out. The star forward is in a great spot here.

Rudy Gobert, C, Timberwolves ($7,400)

Gobert has averaged 36.5 fantasy points over his last seven games and draws a favorable matchup against a 76ers team likely to be without Embiid. While he’s coming off a quiet performance, he’s been more involved offensively in recent outings and remains a strong source of rebounds and defensive stats. He’s in a solid bounce-back spot against a Philadelphia team that has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to centers over the last 15 games.

Desmond Bane, SG, Orlando Magic ($7,100)

Bane is coming off a down game against the Hawks on Wednesday, scoring just 19.5 fantasy points. However, he’s averaged 34.6 fantasy points per game this season and draws a favorable matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, who have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to shooting guards over the last 15 games. Franz Wagner returned on Wednesday but was limited, so his presence shouldn’t deter you from targeting Bane.

$3,500-$6,000 salaries

Collin Sexton, SG/SF, Chicago Bulls ($5,600)

Sexton continues to play a sizable role for the Bulls, scoring at least 31 fantasy points in five of his last six games. The Bulls rotation has been anything but stable this season, but Sexton appears to be in good favor right now and should get adequate minutes against the New York Knicks on Friday night. He’s also a great streaming option since he’s rostered in only 38.3% of ESPN leagues.

Neemias Queta, C, Celtics ($5,300)

Queta has had 15 double-doubles so far in what has been a solid season with the Celtics. He’s scored at least 26 fantasy points in four consecutive games including one with 41.8 points. Queta should continue to have success on Friday against a Bucks defense that, over the last seven games, have allowed the ninth-most fantasy points per game to centers. He’s also a very good streamer for those in need of a big since he’s rostered in just 38.7% of ESPN leagues.

Jamal Shead, PG, Raptors ($4,700)

Shead has stepped up with Quickley out of the lineup, scoring at least 20 fantasy points in five of his last six games, including two with 34 or more. He should continue to see heavy minutes against a Grizzlies defense that has allowed the most fantasy points per game to point guards over the last 15 games. Shead is also a viable streaming option, as he’s rostered in a mere 3.7% of ESPN leagues.

Projections and Injury Reports

Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook

Indiana Pacers at Charlotte Hornets
7 p.m. ET

Line: Pacers +15.5 (-105) | Hornets -15.5 (-115)
Money line: Pacers +800 | Hornets -1350
Total: 234.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI Projection: Hornets by 15.7, straight up 88%, 232.1 total points.

Injury Report:

Pacers: Johnny Furphy, (OFS – Knee); Obi Toppin, (GTD – Foot); Pascal Siakam, (GTD – Knee); Aaron Nesmith, (OUT – Neck); Andrew Nembhard, (OUT – Back); Jarace Walker, (OUT – Back); T.J. McConnell, (OUT – Hamstring); Ivica Zubac, (OFS – Ribs); Tyrese Haliburton, (OFS – Achilles)

Hornets: Grant Williams, (GTD – Knee); PJ Hall, (GTD – Ankle)

Minnesota Timberwolves at Philadelphia 76ers
7 p.m. ET

Line: Timberwolves +2.5 (-112) | 76ers -2.5 (-108)
Money line: Timberwolves +114 | 76ers -135
Total: 233.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Timberwolves by 1, straight up 53%, 234.9 total points.

Injury Report:

Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards, (GTD – Knee); Jaden McDaniels, (OUT – Knee)

76ers: Joel Embiid, (GTD – Illness); Johni Broome, (OUT – Knee)

Atlanta Hawks at Brooklyn Nets
7:30 p.m. ET

Line: Hawks -16.5 (-110) | Nets +16.5 (-110)
Money line: Hawks -1650 | Nets +950
Total: 225.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Hawks by 12, straight up 82%, 225.2 total points.

Injury Report:

Hawks: Jock Landale, (OUT – Ankle)

Nets: Nic Claxton, (GTD – Hand); Noah Clowney, (GTD – Ankle); Danny Wolf, (OUT – Ankle); Michael Porter Jr., (OUT – Hamstring); Day’Ron Sharpe, (OFS – Thumb); Egor Demin, (OFS – Foot)

Chicago Bulls at New York Knicks
7:30 p.m. ET on NBA TV

Line: Bulls +15.5 (-112) | Knicks -15.5 (-108)
Money line: Bulls +850 | Knicks -1450
Total: 237.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Knicks by 13.1, straight up 84%, 233.8 total points.

Injury Report:

Bulls: Guerschon Yabusele, (GTD – Ankle); Josh Giddey, (GTD – Hamstring); Lachlan Olbrich, (GTD – Foot); Mac McClung, (GTD – Abdomen); Nick Richards, (GTD – Elbow); Tre Jones, (GTD – Ankle); Anfernee Simons, (OUT – Wrist); Jalen Smith, (OFS – Calf)

Knicks: None reported

Utah Jazz at Houston Rockets
8 p.m. ET

Line: Jazz +16.5 (-105) | Rockets -16.5 (-115)
Money line: Jazz +1000 | Rockets -1800
Total: 233.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Rockets by 14.8, straight up 87%, 234.2 total points.

Injury Report:

Jazz: Elijah Harkless, (OUT – Hamstring); Isaiah Collier, (OUT – Hamstring); Keyonte George, (OUT – Hamstring); Lauri Markkanen, (OUT – Hip); Jaren Jackson Jr., (OFS – Knee); Jusuf Nurkic, (OFS – Nose); Walker Kessler, (OFS – Shoulder)

Rockets: Fred VanVleet, (OUT – Knee); Steven Adams, (OFS – Ankle)

Toronto Raptors at Memphis Grizzlies
8 p.m. ET

Line: Raptors -13.5 (-115) | Grizzlies +13.5 (-105)
Money line: Raptors -1000 | Grizzlies +650
Total: 233.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Raptors by 8.1, straight up 74%, 233.8 total points.

Injury Report:

Raptors: Jamison Battle, (GTD – Illness); Immanuel Quickley, (OUT – Foot); Chucky Hepburn, (OUT – Knee)

Grizzlies: Olivier-Maxence Prosper, (GTD – Back); Taj Gibson, (GTD – Foot); Cam Spencer, (OUT – Back); Ty Jerome, (OUT – Ankle); Brandon Clarke, (OFS – Calf); Ja Morant, (OFS – Elbow); Jaylen Wells, (OFS – Toe); Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, (OFS – Finger); Santi Aldama, (OFS – Knee); Scotty Pippen Jr., (OFS – Toe)

Boston Celtics at Milwaukee Bucks
8 p.m. ET

Line: Celtics -17.5 (-112) | Bucks +17.5 (-108)
Money line: Celtics -1800 | Bucks +1000
Total: 217.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Celtics by 13.1, straight up 84%, 217.1 total points.

Injury Report:

Celtics: Nikola Vucevic, (OUT – Finger)

Bucks: Gary Trent Jr., (GTD – Hip); Jericho Sims, (GTD – Kneecap); Ryan Rollins, (GTD – Hip); Thanasis Antetokounmpo, (GTD – Calf); Bobby Portis, (OUT – Wrist); Giannis Antetokounmpo, (OUT – Knee); Kevin Porter Jr., (OFS – Knee)

Orlando Magic at Dallas Mavericks
8:30 p.m. ET

Line: Magic -6.5 (-112) | Mavericks +6.5 (-108)
Money line: Magic -270 | Mavericks +220
Total: 238.5 (-112 O, -108 U)
BPI Projection: Magic by 3.3, straight up 60%, 234.7 total points.

Injury Report:

Magic: Anthony Black, (OUT – Abdomen); Jonathan Isaac, (OUT – Knee)

Mavericks: Caleb Martin, (GTD – Heel); Marvin Bagley III, (GTD – Shoulder); P.J. Washington, (GTD – Illness); Dereck Lively II, (OFS – Foot); Kyrie Irving, (OFS – Knee)

New Orleans Pelicans at Sacramento Kings
10 p.m. ET on NBA TV

Line: Pelicans -5.5 (-115) | Kings +5.5 (-105)
Money line: Pelicans -218 | Kings +180
Total: 234.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Pelicans by 4.9, straight up 65%, 237.3 total points.

Injury Report:

Pelicans: Bryce McGowens, (GTD – Toe); Dejounte Murray, (GTD – Achilles); Karlo Matkovic, (GTD – Back)

Kings: Isaiah Stevens, (GTD – Ankle); Malik Monk, (GTD – Shoulder); Keegan Murray, (OUT – Ankle); Russell Westbrook, (OUT – Toe); De’Andre Hunter, (OFS – Eye); Domantas Sabonis, (OFS – Knee); Drew Eubanks, (OFS – Thumb); Zach LaVine, (OFS – Finger)