Eric MoodyJan 23, 2026, 12:40 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.
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
There are eight games on Friday’s NBA slate, with the Houston Rockets–Detroit Pistons matchup at Little Caesars Arena the one that most draws my eye.
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Houston heads to Detroit still searching for consistency after a draining overtime loss to Philadelphia, a reminder of how thin the margin has become in a crowded Western Conference race. The Rockets have flashed resilience at times this season, but their identity remains a work in progress as they try to stay out of the play-in picture.
Detroit, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the NBA’s most reliable teams. Sitting comfortably atop the East, the Pistons have combined depth and discipline around Cade Cunningham to separate themselves from the pack. With Detroit aiming for a season sweep and Houston desperate for momentum, this matchup feels less like a routine stop and more like a measuring stick.
As always, let’s dig deeper into these and the other storylines on display to identify fantasy streamers, betting angles and DFS plays of interest on this Friday slate.
Friday’s fantasy stream team
Sam Hauser, SF, Boston Celtics (12.2% rostered in ESPN leagues): Hauser provides a reliable source of scoring and three-pointers while adding modest contributions in rebounds and assists. He’s averaged 24.5 fantasy points in 28.0 minutes over his last 10 games and should continue to find success against a vulnerable Nets defense. Hauser should also be considered in DFS lineups at $5,200.
Jock Landale, C, Memphis Grizzlies (8.4% rostered): Landale has scored at least 25 fantasy points in six of his last 10 games, including one 51-point performance. He draws a favorable matchup against a Pelicans defense that ranks near the bottom of the league in defensive rating and has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to centers. With his ability to contribute as both a scorer and rebounder, Landale is also a strong value option to consider in DFS lineups at $5,500.
Moody’s bets for Friday
Kevin Durant 30+ points (+196)
The Pistons are one of the top defensive teams in the league, but Durant remains one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. One thing that stands out on film is how much Detroit trusts its defenders to handle opponents one-on-one, a situation Durant is savvy enough to exploit. Expect him to be aggressive as Houston looks to bounce back from an overtime loss to the 76ers, with a potential win over one of the East’s top teams providing a major morale boost. Durant has also scored at least 30 points in each of his last three games against the Pistons.
Cam Spencer OVER 11.5 assists and rebounds (-110)
Ja Morant has been ruled out due to a left elbow sprain, which bodes well for Spencer’s workload. He’s cleared this line in seven of his last 10 games without Morant this season, averaging 13.8 potential assists and 6.7 rebound chances in 31.4 minutes per game during that stretch. The Pelicans have struggled defensively all season and consistently allow high assist and rebound totals, setting up well for Spencer in this spot.
Grayson Allen OVER 16.5 points and assists (-103)
Allen has put together several strong performances since returning from injury, and he’s been especially impressive in clearing this line in five straight games. Over that stretch, he’s averaged 16.4 field goal attempts, including 13.2 3-point attempts, in 28.7 minutes per game. He’s also posted 5.4 potential assists per contest, adding to his upside in surpassing this line. The Hawks present a favorable matchup, particularly in points allowed, which sets Allen up well to capitalize again, especially with Jalen Green still on a minutes restriction.
Zach LaVine 4+ three-pointers (+227)
LaVine continues to be an effective scorer and should be leaned on heavily on the road against Cleveland. He’s knocked down at least three 3-pointers in six of his last 10 games, averaging 6.2 attempts in 32 minutes over that stretch. While the safer play is over 2.5 at -108, the plus-money upside on 4+ is more appealing here. Over the last 10 games, the Cavaliers have allowed the fourth-most 3-point attempts and the second-most makes, a weakness the Kings should look to exploit. LaVine is their best perimeter shooter and is well positioned to take advantage.
Top Daily Fantasy values of the day
$8,100+ salaries
Editor’s Picks
1 Related
Donovan Mitchell, SG, Cleveland Cavaliers ($9,700)
Mitchell has averaged 47.3 fantasy points per game this season but has fallen below that mark in each of his last three outings. Even so, he owns a 32.7% usage rate and draws a favorable matchup against a Kings squad that ranks 28th defensively. He should be leaned on heavily, especially with Darius Garland already ruled out due to a toe injury. Sacramento has also allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to shooting guards this season.
Jaylen Brown, SF, Celtics ($10,000)
The Nets rank 29th in defensive rating over the last 15 games, setting up a favorable matchup for Brown. He’s been phenomenal this season, averaging 47.6 fantasy points per game while posting a career-high 37.6% usage rate. Brown has scored at least 51 fantasy points in three straight contests and should continue to find success against Brooklyn, which ranks in the top half of the league in fantasy points allowed to small forwards.
Alperen Sengun, PF/C, Rockets ($9,500)
Sengun delivers consistent, well-rounded production across multiple statistical categories, even in challenging matchups like this one against a Pistons defense that ranks second in defensive rating. He’s averaged 46.5 fantasy points and 34.4 minutes per game over his last seven contests, making him well worth paying up for.
$6,100-$8,000 salaries
Jarrett Allen, C, Cavaliers ($6,500)
Allen is a solid value option on this slate. While he’s been underwhelming at times this season, averaging 29.5 fantasy points per game, the matchup against Sacramento is highly favorable. The Kings have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to centers, making Allen a strong salary-saving option at the position.
$3,000-$6,000 salaries
Saddiq Bey, SF/PF, New Orleans Pelicans ($5,400)
Bey has stepped up with Herbert Jones sidelined by a sprained ankle, averaging 28.6 fantasy points per game over his last eight contests. He draws a favorable matchup against an Atlanta defense that ranks in the top 5 in fantasy points allowed to forwards. Rostered in just 22.2% of leagues, Bey also profiles as a strong streaming option in points formats.
Mark Williams, C, Phoenix Suns ($5,300)
Williams is coming off of a disappointing 12.8 fantasy points against the 76ers on Tuesday, but had been scoring at least 25 fantasy points more often than not prior to that. The Hawks set up well for another strong performance from Williams, as they’ve recently struggled to contain opposing centers and control the glass, especially at home. They’ve allowed big men to score efficiently and pile up rebounds, and Williams thrives in those areas, doing most of his damage around the basket.
Cam Spencer, PG/SG, Grizzlies ($5,700)
With Morant ruled out, Spencer is positioned for an expanded role. In 10 starts this season, he’s averaged 11.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG and 9.3 APG. He also draws a favorable matchup against a New Orleans team that ranks 27th in defensive rating, boosting his appeal in both DFS lineups and as a streaming option.
Projections and Injury Reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook
Houston Rockets at Detroit Pistons
7 p.m. ET
Line: Rockets +3.5 (-110) | Pistons -3.5 (-110)
Money line: Rockets +145 | Pistons -175
Total: 217.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Pistons by 0.2, straight up 51%, 224.9 total points.
Injury Report:
Rockets: Aaron Holiday, (GTD – Back); Steven Adams, (OUT – Ankle); Fred VanVleet, (OUT – Knee)
Pistons: Cade Cunningham, (GTD – Illness); Caris LeVert, (GTD – Illness); Duncan Robinson, (GTD – Back); Ronald Holland II, (GTD – Illness)
Phoenix Suns at Atlanta Hawks
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Suns -2.5 (-115) | Hawks +2.5 (-105)
Money line: Suns -155 | Hawks +130
Total: 233.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Suns by 1.8, straight up 56%, 235.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Suns: None reported
Hawks: N’Faly Dante, (OFS – Knee); Kristaps Porzingis, (OUT – Achilles); Zaccharie Risacher, (OUT – Knee)
Boston Celtics at Brooklyn Nets
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Celtics -8.5 (-105) | Nets +8.5 (-115)
Money line: Celtics -380 | Nets +300
Total: 216.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Celtics by 9.9, straight up 75%, 216.8 total points.
Injury Report:
Celtics: Josh Minott, (OUT – Ankle); Jayson Tatum, (OUT – Achilles)
Nets: Haywood Highsmith, (OUT – Knee)
Sacramento Kings at Cleveland Cavaliers
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Kings +11.5 (-112) | Cavaliers -11.5 (-108)
Money line: Kings +440 | Cavaliers -600
Total: 233.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Cavaliers by 12, straight up 80%, 240.0 total points.
Injury Report:
Kings: Keegan Murray, (OUT – Ankle)
Cavaliers: Sam Merrill, (OUT – Hand); Darius Garland, (OUT – Toe); Max Strus, (OUT – Foot)
New Orleans Pelicans at Memphis Grizzlies
8 p.m. ET
Line: Pelicans +5.5 (-105) | Grizzlies -5.5 (-115)
Money line: Pelicans +185 | Grizzlies -225
Total: 237.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Grizzlies by 4.8, straight up 64%, 238.6 total points.
Injury Report:
Pelicans: Herbert Jones, (GTD – Ankle); Jose Alvarado, (OUT – Oblique); Dejounte Murray, (OUT – Achilles)
Grizzlies: Ja Morant, (OUT – Elbow); Santi Aldama, (OUT – Knee); Ty Jerome, (OUT – Calf); , (OUT – Calf); Scotty Pippen Jr., (OUT – Toe); Zach Edey, (OUT – Ankle)
Indiana Pacers at Oklahoma City Thunder
8 p.m. ET
Line: Pacers +15.5 (-108) | Thunder -15.5 (-112)
Money line: Pacers +800 | Thunder -1350
Total: 226.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Thunder by 18.8, straight up 94%, 228.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Pacers: Quenton Jackson, (GTD – Ankle); Bennedict Mathurin, (OUT – Thumb); Obi Toppin, (OUT – Foot); Tyrese Haliburton, (OFS – Achilles)
Thunder: Aaron Wiggins, (GTD – Groin); Jaylin Williams, (GTD – Back); Ajay Mitchell, (OUT – Hip); Alex Caruso, (OUT – Groin); Isaiah Hartenstein, (OUT – Calf); Jalen Williams, (OUT – Hamstring); Nikola Topic, (OUT – Groin); Thomas Sorber, (OFS – Knee)
Denver Nuggets at Milwaukee Bucks
9:30 p.m. ET
Line: Nuggets +5.5 (-105) | Bucks -5.5 (-115)
Money line: Nuggets +190 | Bucks -230
Total: 221.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Bucks by 3.1, straight up 59%, 232.0 total points.
Injury Report:
Nuggets: Christian Braun, (GTD – Ankle); Cameron Johnson, (OUT – Knee); Nikola Jokic, (OUT – Knee); Tamar Bates, (OUT – Foot)
Bucks: Myles Turner, (GTD – Ankle); Kevin Porter Jr., (OUT – Oblique); Taurean Prince, (OUT – Neck)
Toronto Raptors at Portland Trail Blazers
10 p.m. ET
Line: Raptors -3.5 (-115) | Blazers +3.5 (-105)
Money line: Raptors -162 | Blazers +136
Total: 225.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Raptors by 1.9, straight up 56%, 230.0 total points.
Injury Report:
Raptors: Collin Murray-Boyles, (GTD – Thumb); RJ Barrett, (GTD – Ankle); Ja’Kobe Walter, (OUT – Hip); Jakob Poeltl, (OUT – Back); Chucky Hepburn, (OUT – Knee)
Blazers: Deni Avdija, (GTD – Back); Kris Murray, (GTD – Back); Scoot Henderson, (GTD – Hamstring); Matisse Thybulle, (OUT – Knee); Blake Wesley, (OUT – Foot); Damian Lillard, (OFS – Achilles)