As the NBA Cup group play continues, Friday’s schedule features nine exciting games. Noteworthy teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans are set to compete, with the Lakers looking to build on their recent success. Meanwhile, several players have emerged as potential fantasy stars, including Moussa Diabate from the Charlotte Hornets and Andre Drummond from the Philadelphia 76ers. Let’s delve into the key matchups and fantasy picks for this eventful evening.
Key Matchups for Friday’s Games
The league’s third annual NBA Cup has brought surprising outcomes, including the Toronto Raptors defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers. With prize money on the line, each team is gearing up for competitive gameplay.
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- Moussa Diabate, C, Charlotte Hornets (13.6% owned): Expected to start due to Ryan Kalkbrenner’s absence, Diabate has averaged 26.2 fantasy points in limited playtime. Managers can expect contributions in points, rebounds, and blocks.
- Derik Queen, C, New Orleans Pelicans (13.5% owned): With Zion Williamson injured, Queen seized his opportunity, scoring 44 fantasy points in his last game. If he plays between 26-30 minutes, he can be a valuable addition.
- Andre Drummond, C, Philadelphia 76ers (10.7% owned): With Joel Embiid out, Drummond’s scoring has surged. He has managed at least 31 fantasy points in his last two games, increasing his value against the Pistons.
- Miles McBride, PG, New York Knicks (3.2% owned): McBride should see more playing time with Jalen Brunson sidelined. With previous averages of 13.1 PPG, he is well-positioned to perform against the Miami Heat.
Injury Reports and Game Lines
Injuries play a significant role in player performance this Friday. Below are some highlights from the injury reports and betting lines for the key games:
| Matchup | Line | Notable Injuries |
|---|---|---|
| Miami Heat at New York Knicks | Heat +5.5 | Jalen Brunson (OUT). |
| Brooklyn Nets at Orlando Magic | Nets +14.5 | Paolo Banchero (OUT) |
| Philadelphia 76ers at Detroit Pistons | 76ers +3.5 | Joel Embiid (OUT). |
| Charlotte Hornets at Milwaukee Bucks | Hornets +9.5 | Grant Williams (OUT). |
| Los Angeles Lakers at New Orleans Pelicans | Lakers -9.5 | Zion Williamson (OUT). |
Betting Tips for the Night
Several players are worth considering for betting:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: Bet over 40.5 points and assists. He aims to exploit the Hornets’ defensive struggles.
- Franz Wagner: Over 5.5 assists is promising with Banchero out. The Nets allow the most assists in the league.
- Anthony Edwards: Set for a strong night with a high usage rate against the Kings, who have low defensive ratings.
- Stephon Castle: Reliable for rebounds and assists, proving capable of exceeding expectations consistently.
Friday promises to deliver thrilling basketball and engaging fantasy opportunities. Ensuring optimal lineups can lead to lucrative outcomes for fantasy managers. Follow these insights as the night unfolds!
