Eric MoodyMar 20, 2026, 12:10 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 games
The Atlanta Hawks are the hottest team in the league. They have won 11 straight while playing some of their best basketball of the season. Since reshaping the roster, Atlanta has surged with a top-10 net rating, driven by improved defense and balanced scoring. Jalen Johnson continues to anchor both ends, while CJ McCollum has provided steady scoring and leadership. The Hawks also lead the league in assists per game and have thrived in transition, using their activity on defense to create easy offense.
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The Houston Rockets, on the other hand, have been inconsistent of late, despite their strong overall record. Their success has largely been built on defense and rebounding, ranking among the top teams in both categories. Kevin Durant remains the focal point offensively, capable of taking over any game, while Alperen Sengun adds versatility in the frontcourt. However, injuries to key players like Steven Adams and Fred VanVleet have disrupted their rhythm, and their offense can stagnate when Durant isn’t carrying the load.
This matchup presents a contrast in momentum and style, with the Hawks’ fast-paced, playmaking-heavy offense facing the Rockets’ size and defensive presence. Atlanta’s ability to force turnovers and push the pace will be critical, while Houston will look to control the glass and lean on Durant’s scoring. This game could come down to which team imposes its preferred tempo.
As always, let’s dig deeper into Friday’s storylines to identify fantasy streamers, betting angles and DFS plays of interest for the six-game slate.
Moody’s fantasy stream team for Friday
Cameron Johnson, SF/PF, Denver Nuggets (rostered in 28.8% of ESPN leagues): Johnson is emerging as a strong streaming option, averaging 35.2 fantasy points per game over his past five outings. He’s finding his rhythm at the right time while playing with more confidence and decisiveness offensively. Johnson contributes across multiple categories, and with the Nuggets clicking and spacing the floor effectively, his role as a scoring and connecting wing gives him streaming appeal.
Gary Payton II, PG, Golden State Warriors (9.7% rostered): Payton has been excellent over his past five games for a Warriors team without Stephen Curry and Moses Moody. He has scored at least 27 fantasy points in each of those games, including two with at least 47. Payton’s defensive intensity and ability to create easy scoring opportunities make him a valuable role player in Golden State’s system. He should continue to see solid involvement against the Detroit Pistons and has a clear path to 20-plus minutes in this matchup.
*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
Daniss Jenkins to score 13+ points (-106)
With Cade Cunningham sidelined, Jenkins is expected to handle increased on-ball responsibilities and play heavy minutes. He logged 34 minutes and 16 field goal attempts in his latest outing. The Pistons are looking to evaluate Jenkins down the stretch, so he should continue to see ample scoring opportunities against a Warriors defense that has shown vulnerability.
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Rockets -3.5 (-112) vs. Hawks
The Hawks are riding an 11-game win streak (10-1 against the spread), but it has come against weaker competition, with none of those opponents ranking in the top half of the league in either offensive or defensive rating. Houston’s elite defense and slow pace should disrupt a Hawks offense that has averaged 124.0 PPG during this stretch. The Rockets have the edge at home and are well-positioned to control the game and cover the spread.
Top daily fantasy values of the day
$8,100+ salaries
Jalen Johnson, PF, Atlanta Hawks ($10,600)
Johnson has been exceptional all season and has averaged 54.8 fantasy points per game over his past seven games. The matchup between the Hawks and Rockets has a narrow spread, suggesting a close game. Houston ranks 17th in defensive rating over its past 15 games.
Jalen Brunson, PG, New York Knicks ($9,500)
Brunson sat out Tuesday’s game against the Indiana Pacers but is off the injury report for Friday’s matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. He has scored at least 46 fantasy points in four straight games and should find success against a Nets team that ranks 27th in defensive rating over the past 15 games and has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points per game to point guards over the last 30 games.
Alperen Sengun, C, Houston Rockets ($8,600)
Sengun returned Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers after a two-game absence due to a back injury and finished with 50 fantasy points in 37 minutes. This game should be competitive, and it’s worth noting that the Hawks rank second in pace this season, which benefits Sengun. Atlanta has also allowed the second-most rebounds per game to centers over the last 30 games.
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$6,100-$8,000 salaries
Derrick White, PG, Boston Celtics ($7,300)
Jaylen Brown ($9,000) and Jayson Tatum ($8,500) are also strong options for Friday’s slate, but White offers better value. He’s averaging 37.2 fantasy points per game this season and contributes across nearly every statistical category, boosting his appeal. White faces a Memphis Grizzlies defense that has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to point guards over the past 15 games. This matchup also carries one of the highest totals on the slate.
OG Anunoby, PF, Knicks ($6,800)
Anunoby is averaging 38.1 fantasy points and 32.8 minutes per game over his past seven. He contributes on both ends of the floor and faces a Nets team that has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to power forwards over the past 15 games.
Ayo Dosunmu, SG/SF, Minnesota Timberwolves ($6,200)
Dosunmu has been heating up lately with Anthony Edwards out due to a knee injury. He has averaged 33.6 fantasy points per game over his past four games and should continue to see ample minutes and playmaking opportunities against a Portland Trail Blazers team that has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to shooting guards over the past 15 games. Dosunmu is also a great streamer and is rostered in only 31.3% of ESPN leagues.
$3,000-$6,000 salaries
Daniss Jenkins, PG, Pistons ($5,500)
Cunningham remains out due to a collapsed lung, which positions Jenkins for significant minutes in the rotation. Jenkins has averaged 14.8 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 7.0 APG and 1.3 SPG in 31.4 minutes per game across eight starts this season. The Warriors have been a middle-of-the-pack defensive team in terms of fantasy points allowed to point guards this season. Jenkins is also on the streaming radar, rostered in just 20.4% of ESPN leagues.
Josh Minott, PF/C, Nets ($3,500)
Minott is an intriguing value play for the Nets, especially with Noah Clowney ruled out due to a wrist injury. He has scored at least 19 fantasy points in three straight games, including one with 42.2 points. He has averaged 21.0 minutes per game during that span, which is somewhat concerning, but at this price point, it’s a risk worth taking if you’re looking for value. He’s also on the streaming radar in deeper formats, as he’s rostered in just 4.4% of leagues.
Projections and injury reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook
New York Knicks at Brooklyn Nets
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Knicks -17.5 (-110) | Nets +17.5 (-110)
Money line: Knicks -1800 | Nets +1000
Total: 214.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Knicks by 16.4, straight up 89%, 217.2 total points.
Injury Report:
Knicks: Karl-Anthony Towns, (GTD – Personal); Josh Hart, (OUT – Knee); Miles McBride, (OUT – Pelvis)
Nets: Ben Saraf, (GTD – Foot); Ziaire Williams, (GTD – Foot); Noah Clowney, (OUT – Wrist); Michael Porter Jr., (OUT – Hamstring); Day’Ron Sharpe, (OFS – Thumb); Egor Demin, (OFS – Foot)
Golden State Warriors at Detroit Pistons
7:30 p.m. ET
Line: Warriors +4.5 (-102) | Pistons -4.5 (-118)
Money line: Warriors +180 | Pistons -218
Total: 217.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
BPI Projection: Pistons by 6.7, straight up 70%, 228.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Warriors: Quinten Post, (GTD – Foot); Al Horford, (OUT – Calf); Seth Curry, (OUT – Thigh); Moses Moody, (OUT – Wrist); Stephen Curry, (OUT – Knee); Jimmy Butler III, (OFS – Knee)
Pistons: Wendell Moore Jr., (OUT – Knee); Isaiah Stewart, (OUT – Calf); Cade Cunningham, (OUT – Chest)
Atlanta Hawks at Houston Rockets
8 p.m. ET on NBA TV
Line: Hawks +3.5 (-108) | Rockets -3.5 (-108)
Money line: Hawks +136 | Rockets -162
Total: 227.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Rockets by 1.1, straight up 53%, 228.5 total points.
Injury Report:
Hawks: Jonathan Kuminga, (OUT – Knee)
Rockets: Jae’Sean Tate, (OUT – Knee); Fred VanVleet, (OUT – Knee); Steven Adams, (OFS – Ankle)
Boston Celtics at Memphis Grizzlies
8 p.m. ET
Line: Celtics -15.5 (-108) | Grizzlies +15.5 (-112)
Money line: Celtics -1200 | Grizzlies +750
Total: 229.5 (-115 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Celtics by 7.7, straight up 73%, 225.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Celtics: Nikola Vucevic, (OUT – Finger)
Grizzlies: GG Jackson, (GTD – Knee); Ja Morant, (OUT – Elbow); Jahmai Mashack, (OUT – Ankle); Brandon Clarke, (OUT – Calf); Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, (OFS – Finger); Santi Aldama, (OFS – Knee); Scotty Pippen Jr., (OFS – Toe); Zach Edey, (OFS – Ankle)
Portland Trail Blazers at Minnesota Timberwolves
8 p.m. ET
Line: Blazers +2.5 (-108) | Timberwolves -2.5 (-112)
Money line: Blazers +114 | Timberwolves -135
Total: 231.5 (-108 O, -112 U)
BPI Projection: Timberwolves by 5.8, straight up 68%, 235.6 total points.
Injury Report:
Blazers: Vit Krejci, (GTD – Calf); Shaedon Sharpe, (OUT – Calf); Damian Lillard, (OFS – Achilles)
Timberwolves: Naz Reid, (GTD – Ankle); Anthony Edwards, (OUT – Knee)
Toronto Raptors at Denver Nuggets
9 p.m. ET
Line: Raptors +7.5 (-118) | Nuggets -7.5 (-102)
Money line: Raptors +225 | Nuggets -278
Total: 237.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
BPI Projection: Nuggets by 5.4, straight up 66%, 233.9 total points.
Injury Report:
Raptors: Collin Murray-Boyles, (GTD – Thumb); Chucky Hepburn, (OUT – Knee)
Nuggets: Peyton Watson, (OUT – Hamstring)