Fantasy basketball tips and projections for Friday
But, thankfully, Friday and Sunday look much more like normal slates and hopefully savvy fantasy managers used the two slow nights to their advantage by picking up players from teams who played on both nights.
As far as Friday goes, we should be able to take advantage of injury situations to find our sleepers, but it will also mean that you need to hang around until lineup deadlines to make sure that all your guys are a go.
Pick the winners and crown your NBA champion! Create A Bracket
My man, Richaun Holmes, is listed out because of his toe injury tonight, so Marvin Bagley should handle most of the big-man minutes for the Wizards. I also think Corey Kispert is due for a big night for the Wizards and I like the fact they are facing the Pistons.
Dalano Banton has become a force to be reckoned with off the Blazers bench and I hope he keeps it going again tonight. He’s become a one-man wrecking crew in Portland, a personal fantasy savior for yours truly with his 31 points and nine assists on Wednesday, and has averaged 18.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.7 blocks and 2.4 triples in March. I will ride this guy until the wheels fall off.
LaMelo Ball has been shut down for the season and his backup, Vasijile Micic, has suddenly fallen off of a fantasy cliff. Micic has averaged just 7.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 0.8 steals and has hit just 9-of-25 shots over his last three games. He’s played at least 30 minutes in each of those games and is due to bounce back again tonight. Maybe the Melo shutdown news will give him the spark he needs to do it.
Dalano Banton, PG/SG, Portland Trail Blazers (8.4% rostered in ESPN leagues)
I seriously can’t wrap my head around the fact Banton is not more universally rostered in fantasy leagues. He has officially become the poster child for my Silly Season Fantasy Player of the Year. As I mentioned above, he had 31 points and nine dimes on Wednesday and has averaged 18.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.7 blocks and 2.3 3-pointers in March. He’s sitting at 29.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.0 blocks and 3.5 3-pointers over his past two games and should be in every fantasy lineup imaginable tonight.
Marvin Bagley III, PF/C, Washington Wizards (8.5%)
Richaun Holmes won’t play on Friday because of a toe injury meaning Bagley should go off tonight. He has averaged 13.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 0.5 steals and 1.0 blocks in his 22 starts this season and won’t have to deal with Holmes stealing any of his minutes on Friday. He has hit just 72% of his free throws in those 22 starts, so the only reason to fear using Bagley would be his free throw shooting. But if your team is solid in that category, Bagley should be a very popular play, especially because he might even want some revenge against his former team, the Detroit Pistons.
Rui Hachimura, SF/PF, Los Angeles Lakers (17.5%)
I don’t know that I trust using Hachimura on a night when both LeBron James and Antonio Davis are playing, but we don’t know if they’ll both be out there tonight. Even if James and Davis suit up, Hachimura is playing well enough to be useful for fantasy managers on Friday. He’s coming off a 32-point, 10-rebound bonanza and has averaged 17.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.9 3-pointers in March. While his steals and blocks are lacking, he’s a nice option if you want a productive player for your lineup on Friday.
Corey Kispert, SG/SF, Washington Wizards (5.6%)
Kispert has quietly scored in double figures in five straight games and is coming off 15-point, two 3-pointer performance in 40 minutes against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday. He has averaged 13.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.7 steals and 2.5 3-pointers in March and I suspect he will have a nice game against the Pistons on Friday night.
Vasilije Micic, PG/SG, Charlotte Hornets (5.2%)
Micic has been a bit of a disaster over his past three games but is still getting a ton of minutes and has a favorable matchup against the Warriors on Friday. He was absolutely cooking before his recent three-game skid and has averaged of 13.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.2 3-pointers on 49% shooting in March. I love the fact he has played at least 30 minutes in each of his past three games and I’m banking on his shot, and with the rest of his game, coming back to him tonight. Micic serves as a true fantasy flier with huge boom-or-bust potential on Friday. I’m betting on the boom.
Fantasy projections powered by ESPN Analytics. * Projections assume all players who are listed as GTD will play. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Players available in at least 50% of ESPN leagues are listed in italics.
Golden State Warriors at Charlotte Hornets
7 p.m. Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
BPI Projection: Warriors in the 5th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Warriors: Dario Saric, (GTD – Knee); Jonathan Kuminga, (GTD – Knee)
Hornets: Davis Bertans, (GTD – Nose); Cody Martin, (OUT – Ankle); LaMelo Ball, (OUT – Ankle); Mark Williams, (OUT – Back); Seth Curry, (OUT – Ankle)
Warriors projections:
Stephen Curry, PG: 39.9 FPTS (24.3 pts, 3.9 reb, 4.6 ast, 4.2 3PM)
Klay Thompson, SG/SF: 25.9 FPTS (15.0 pts, 3.0 reb, 2.4 ast, 2.9 3PM)
Jonathan Kuminga, PF: 23.9 FPTS (14.2 pts, 4.2 reb, 1.8 ast)
Draymond Green, PF/C: 23.8 FPTS (8.6 pts, 6.2 reb, 4.8 ast)
Andrew Wiggins, SF/PF: 22.1 FPTS (13.2 pts, 4.2 reb, 1.5 ast)
Trayce Jackson-Davis, PF: 22.1 FPTS (10.3 pts, 6.3 reb, 1.4 ast, 1.3 blk)
Brandin Podziemski, SG: 20.8 FPTS (8.3 pts, 4.5 reb, 2.9 ast)
Hornets projections:
Miles Bridges, SF/PF: 37.7 FPTS (21.4 pts, 7.4 reb, 3.7 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Brandon Miller, SG/SF: 30.2 FPTS (17.4 pts, 4.6 reb, 2.5 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Tre Mann, PG: 29.3 FPTS (13.9 pts, 5.4 reb, 4.0 ast)
Vasilije Micic, PG/SG: 23.2 FPTS (12.4 pts, 2.6 reb, 3.7 ast)
Nick Richards, C: 21.1 FPTS (9.2 pts, 8.7 reb, 1.0 ast)
Grant Williams, PF: 19.1 FPTS (9.4 pts, 4.0 reb, 1.8 ast)
Aleksej Pokusevski, PF/C: 14.1 FPTS (6.4 pts, 3.8 reb, 1.5 ast)
Los Angeles Lakers at Indiana Pacers
7 p.m. Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
BPI Projection: Pacers in the highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Lakers: Anthony Davis, (GTD – Knee); LeBron James, (GTD – Ankle); Gabe Vincent, (OUT – Knee); Jarred Vanderbilt, (OUT – Foot); Christian Wood, (OUT – Knee); Jalen Hood-Schifino, (OUT – Back)
Pacers: Isaiah Wong, (GTD – Ankle); Bennedict Mathurin, (OUT – Shoulder)
Lakers projections:
LeBron James, SF/PF: 44.5 FPTS (24.6 pts, 6.6 reb, 6.6 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Anthony Davis, PF/C: 40.9 FPTS (20.2 pts, 10.2 reb, 3.0 ast, 1.8 blk)
D’Angelo Russell, PG/SG: 39.5 FPTS (19.8 pts, 4.0 reb, 6.5 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Austin Reaves, SG/SF: 35.7 FPTS (17.2 pts, 5.6 reb, 5.4 ast)
Rui Hachimura, SF/PF: 22.6 FPTS (13.0 pts, 4.6 reb, 1.2 ast)
Spencer Dinwiddie, PG/SG: 16.9 FPTS (7.5 pts, 1.9 reb, 2.8 ast)
Taurean Prince, SF: 10.8 FPTS (4.7 pts, 1.8 reb, 1.1 ast)
Pacers projections:
Tyrese Haliburton, PG/SG: 41.9 FPTS (18.8 pts, 3.5 reb, 7.9 ast, 2.7 3PM)
Pascal Siakam, PF/C: 39.6 FPTS (22.1 pts, 7.8 reb, 3.4 ast)
Myles Turner, C: 25.5 FPTS (14.0 pts, 7.0 reb, 1.1 ast, 2.2 blk)
Andrew Nembhard, PG/SG: 21.7 FPTS (9.9 pts, 2.7 reb, 3.5 ast)
Aaron Nesmith, SF: 19.6 FPTS (10.3 pts, 3.4 reb, 1.2 ast)
T.J. McConnell, PG: 19.2 FPTS (8.8 pts, 2.6 reb, 3.5 ast)
Jalen Smith, PF/C: 15.2 FPTS (7.2 pts, 4.0 reb, 0.8 ast)
LA Clippers at Orlando Magic
7 p.m. Amway Center, Orlando
BPI Projection: Clippers in the 6th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Clippers: Jordan Miller, (GTD – Thumb); Moussa Diabate, (OUT – Hand)
Magic: None reported
Clippers projections:
Kawhi Leonard, SF/PF: 40.7 FPTS (23.3 pts, 5.2 reb, 3.4 ast, 1.9 3PM)
James Harden, PG/SG: 38.0 FPTS (16.4 pts, 4.8 reb, 7.8 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Paul George, SG/SF/PF: 37.8 FPTS (21.4 pts, 4.3 reb, 3.2 ast, 3.1 3PM)
Ivica Zubac, C: 25.3 FPTS (11.9 pts, 8.2 reb, 1.2 ast)
Norman Powell, SG/SF: 21.4 FPTS (13.2 pts, 2.5 reb, 0.9 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Russell Westbrook, PG: 18.7 FPTS (9.1 pts, 2.9 reb, 2.7 ast)
Terance Mann, SG/SF: 17.3 FPTS (8.4 pts, 2.9 reb, 1.2 ast)
Magic projections:
Paolo Banchero, SF/PF: 40.6 FPTS (25.5 pts, 6.2 reb, 5.4 ast)
Franz Wagner, SG/SF/PF: 35.6 FPTS (18.4 pts, 4.5 reb, 3.7 ast)
Jalen Suggs, PG/SG: 26.7 FPTS (13.3 pts, 3.1 reb, 2.8 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Wendell Carter Jr., C: 25.7 FPTS (11.3 pts, 6.9 reb, 1.9 ast)
Cole Anthony, PG: 23.0 FPTS (11.1 pts, 3.8 reb, 2.5 ast)
Jonathan Isaac, SF/PF: 17.6 FPTS (7.8 pts, 4.9 reb, 0.8 ast)
Moritz Wagner, PF/C: 16.6 FPTS (8.1 pts, 3.5 reb, 0.8 ast)
Detroit Pistons at Washington Wizards
7 p.m. Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
BPI Projection: Wizards in the 8th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Pistons: Cade Cunningham, (GTD – Knee); Jaden Ivey, (GTD – Knee); Quentin Grimes, (OUT – Knee); Simone Fontecchio, (OUT – Toe); Taj Gibson, (OUT – Hamstring); Ausar Thompson, (OUT – Illness); Isaiah Stewart, (OUT – Hamstring); Stanley Umude, (OUT – Ankle)
Wizards: Eugene Omoruyi, (OUT – Ankle); Landry Shamet, (OUT – Calf); Richaun Holmes, (OUT – Toe); Tyus Jones, (OUT – Back); Bilal Coulibaly, (OUT – Wrist); Isaiah Livers, (OUT – Hip)
Pistons projections:
Cade Cunningham, PG/SG: 37.0 FPTS (21.5 pts, 3.9 reb, 6.9 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Jalen Duren, C: 28.2 FPTS (12.2 pts, 10.9 reb, 2.2 ast)
Marcus Sasser, PG: 24.1 FPTS (13.2 pts, 2.6 reb, 3.2 ast)
Jaden Ivey, PG/SG: 23.5 FPTS (14.5 pts, 2.7 reb, 3.3 ast)
James Wiseman, C: 20.4 FPTS (9.9 pts, 6.9 reb, 1.1 ast)
Evan Fournier, SG/SF: 16.3 FPTS (8.8 pts, 2.2 reb, 1.6 ast)
Troy Brown Jr., SF: 13.6 FPTS (6.9 pts, 3.3 reb, 0.9 ast)
Wizards projections:
Kyle Kuzma, SF/PF: 43.8 FPTS (25.8 pts, 7.2 reb, 4.8 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Deni Avdija, SF/PF: 37.4 FPTS (19.1 pts, 9.1 reb, 3.8 ast)
Jordan Poole, PG/SG: 36.4 FPTS (21.4 pts, 3.3 reb, 4.7 ast, 2.6 3PM)
Corey Kispert, SG/SF: 28.0 FPTS (15.3 pts, 3.9 reb, 2.0 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Marvin Bagley III, PF/C: 22.9 FPTS (12.2 pts, 6.8 reb, 1.3 ast)
Jared Butler, SG: 21.1 FPTS (11.1 pts, 2.3 reb, 3.3 ast)
Patrick Baldwin Jr., SF: 14.4 FPTS (6.7 pts, 4.3 reb, 1.1 ast)
Chicago Bulls at Brooklyn Nets
7:30 p.m. Barclays Center, New York
BPI Projection: Bulls in the 9th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Bulls: Alex Caruso, (GTD – Ankle); Ayo Dosunmu, (GTD – Illness); Julian Phillips, (OUT – Foot); Lonzo Ball, (OUT – Knee); Patrick Williams, (OUT – Foot); Zach LaVine, (OUT – Foot)
Nets: Dennis Smith Jr., (GTD – Hip); Noah Clowney, (GTD – Back); Cameron Johnson, (OUT – Toe); Ben Simmons, (OUT – Back); Dariq Whitehead, (OUT – Lower Leg); Keita Bates-Diop, (OUT – Lower Leg)
Bulls projections:
Nikola Vucevic, C: 36.5 FPTS (18.0 pts, 9.9 reb, 3.0 ast)
Coby White, PG/SG: 35.8 FPTS (18.9 pts, 4.0 reb, 5.1 ast, 2.7 3PM)
Ayo Dosunmu, SG: 30.3 FPTS (15.4 pts, 3.2 reb, 3.9 ast)
Alex Caruso, PG/SG: 26.6 FPTS (10.4 pts, 3.6 reb, 3.3 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Andre Drummond, C: 17.1 FPTS (8.5 pts, 6.9 reb, 0.7 ast)
Torrey Craig, SF/PF: 14.9 FPTS (6.7 pts, 3.7 reb, 1.2 ast)
Jevon Carter, PG: 11.8 FPTS (6.6 pts, 1.0 reb, 0.9 ast)
Nets projections:
Cam Thomas, SG: 34.7 FPTS (23.0 pts, 4.1 reb, 3.2 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Mikal Bridges, SG/SF: 34.4 FPTS (19.9 pts, 4.7 reb, 3.6 ast, 2.6 3PM)
Dennis Schroder, PG: 32.4 FPTS (17.9 pts, 3.4 reb, 5.8 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Nic Claxton, PF/C: 26.0 FPTS (12.1 pts, 8.9 reb, 1.8 ast, 1.7 blk)
Dorian Finney-Smith, SF/PF: 20.5 FPTS (9.1 pts, 4.7 reb, 1.3 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Dennis Smith Jr., PG: 15.4 FPTS (5.5 pts, 2.5 reb, 2.8 ast)
Day’Ron Sharpe, C: 13.9 FPTS (6.3 pts, 4.4 reb, 1.0 ast)
Philadelphia 76ers at Cleveland Cavaliers
7:30 p.m. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland
BPI Projection: Cavaliers in the 11th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
76ers: Robert Covington, (OUT – Knee); Joel Embiid, (OUT – Knee); De’Anthony Melton, (OUT – Back)
Cavaliers: Darius Garland, (GTD – Ankle); Donovan Mitchell, (GTD – Nose); Dean Wade, (OUT – Knee); Ty Jerome, (OUT – Ankle)
76ers projections:
Tyrese Maxey, PG/SG: 45.5 FPTS (25.0 pts, 3.5 reb, 5.7 ast, 2.9 3PM)
Tobias Harris, SF/PF: 32.6 FPTS (15.8 pts, 6.0 reb, 2.5 ast)
Kelly Oubre Jr., SF/PF: 29.2 FPTS (15.7 pts, 4.9 reb, 2.1 ast)
Kyle Lowry, PG: 25.1 FPTS (9.1 pts, 3.4 reb, 3.9 ast)
Buddy Hield, SG/SF: 19.0 FPTS (8.0 pts, 2.3 reb, 2.2 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Paul Reed, PF/C: 17.5 FPTS (7.7 pts, 5.7 reb, 1.0 ast)
Mo Bamba, C: 15.7 FPTS (5.9 pts, 5.6 reb, 1.0 ast, 1.2 blk)
Cavaliers projections:
Darius Garland, PG: 34.6 FPTS (19.1 pts, 2.7 reb, 6.0 ast, 2.3 3PM)
Jarrett Allen, C: 33.0 FPTS (15.0 pts, 10.4 reb, 2.7 ast)
Evan Mobley, PF/C: 28.4 FPTS (13.1 pts, 7.8 reb, 3.0 ast)
Caris LeVert, SG/SF: 27.5 FPTS (12.5 pts, 3.9 reb, 4.5 ast)
Max Strus, SG/SF: 24.4 FPTS (9.7 pts, 4.0 reb, 3.7 ast, 2.1 3PM)
Isaac Okoro, SG/SF: 19.3 FPTS (9.9 pts, 3.1 reb, 1.5 ast)
Sam Merrill, SG: 17.3 FPTS (8.4 pts, 2.5 reb, 1.5 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Portland Trail Blazers at Miami Heat
8 p.m. Kaseya Center, Miami
BPI Projection: Heat in the 12th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Blazers: Deandre Ayton, (GTD – Elbow); Jerami Grant, (GTD – Hamstring); Matisse Thybulle, (GTD – Ankle); Anfernee Simons, (OUT – Knee); Malcolm Brogdon, (OUT – Elbow); Toumani Camara, (OUT – Ribs); Shaedon Sharpe, (OUT – Abdomen); Robert Williams III, (OUT – Knee)
Heat: Caleb Martin, (GTD – Ankle); Jaime Jaquez Jr., (GTD – Ankle); Jimmy Butler, (GTD – Illness); Kevin Love, (GTD – Heel); Duncan Robinson, (OUT – Back); Tyler Herro, (OUT – Foot); Josh Richardson, (OUT – Shoulder)
Blazers projections:
Scoot Henderson, PG: 34.6 FPTS (20.7 pts, 3.7 reb, 6.0 ast)
Jabari Walker, PF: 25.9 FPTS (12.2 pts, 8.6 reb, 1.2 ast)
Kris Murray, PF: 25.7 FPTS (14.0 pts, 5.3 reb, 1.8 ast)
Dalano Banton, PG: 24.6 FPTS (13.6 pts, 6.3 reb, 2.0 ast)
Duop Reath, C: 21.5 FPTS (11.7 pts, 4.5 reb, 0.9 ast)
Ashton Hagans, PG: 18.5 FPTS (7.6 pts, 3.5 reb, 3.1 ast)
Rayan Rupert, SG: 15.5 FPTS (8.2 pts, 3.8 reb, 1.5 ast)
Heat projections:
Bam Adebayo, C: 38.1 FPTS (19.3 pts, 10.2 reb, 3.6 ast)
Jimmy Butler, SF/PF: 36.8 FPTS (19.4 pts, 4.8 reb, 4.4 ast)
Terry Rozier, PG/SG: 35.6 FPTS (18.8 pts, 3.6 reb, 4.9 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Jaime Jaquez Jr., SF: 22.1 FPTS (10.1 pts, 3.4 reb, 2.4 ast)
Caleb Martin, SG/SF: 19.1 FPTS (9.6 pts, 3.7 reb, 1.8 ast)
Nikola Jovic, SF: 14.3 FPTS (7.4 pts, 3.3 reb, 1.3 ast)
Patty Mills, PG: 13.1 FPTS (6.5 pts, 1.8 reb, 1.2 ast)
Phoenix Suns at Oklahoma City Thunder
8 p.m. Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
BPI Projection: Thunder in the 2nd highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Suns: Jusuf Nurkic, (GTD – Ankle); Damion Lee, (OUT – Knee)
Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, (GTD – Quadriceps)
Suns projections:
Devin Booker, PG/SG/PF: 48.6 FPTS (28.6 pts, 5.1 reb, 6.4 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Kevin Durant, SF/PF: 45.7 FPTS (27.8 pts, 6.0 reb, 5.5 ast)
Bradley Beal, PG/SG: 35.1 FPTS (18.3 pts, 3.9 reb, 5.3 ast)
Grayson Allen, SG: 27.1 FPTS (12.3 pts, 4.0 reb, 3.0 ast, 2.2 3PM)
Jusuf Nurkic, C: 24.2 FPTS (10.6 pts, 7.9 reb, 3.3 ast, 1.2 blk)
Eric Gordon, SG/SF: 18.7 FPTS (9.3 pts, 1.6 reb, 2.4 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Drew Eubanks, PF: 17.2 FPTS (8.9 pts, 4.8 reb, 1.2 ast, 1.3 blk)
Thunder projections:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG/SG: 45.0 FPTS (23.8 pts, 5.1 reb, 5.4 ast)
Jalen Williams, SG/SF/PF: 36.0 FPTS (19.3 pts, 4.4 reb, 4.2 ast)
Chet Holmgren, PF/C: 31.4 FPTS (14.7 pts, 8.0 reb, 2.3 ast, 1.5 blk)
Josh Giddey, PG/SG/PF: 26.2 FPTS (11.8 pts, 6.6 reb, 3.7 ast)
Luguentz Dort, SG/SF: 16.5 FPTS (7.0 pts, 3.6 reb, 1.2 ast)
Gordon Hayward, SF: 14.9 FPTS (6.0 pts, 2.3 reb, 2.8 ast)
Kenrich Williams, SF: 14.6 FPTS (5.3 pts, 4.2 reb, 1.0 ast)
New York Knicks at San Antonio Spurs
8 p.m. Frost Bank Center, San Antonio
BPI Projection: Knicks in the 7th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Knicks: Alec Burks, (GTD – Shoulder); Duane Washington Jr., (GTD – Knee); OG Anunoby, (OUT – Elbow); Julius Randle, (OUT – Shoulder)
Spurs: Keldon Johnson, (GTD – Knee); Charles Bassey, (OUT – Knee)
Knicks projections:
Jalen Brunson, PG/SG: 40.3 FPTS (24.0 pts, 3.1 reb, 5.7 ast, 2.6 3PM)
Josh Hart, SG/SF: 33.9 FPTS (12.4 pts, 8.7 reb, 4.4 ast)
Donte DiVincenzo, SG: 32.3 FPTS (17.6 pts, 4.4 reb, 2.8 ast, 3.5 3PM)
Miles McBride, PG: 27.0 FPTS (16.6 pts, 2.7 reb, 2.1 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Isaiah Hartenstein, PF/C: 21.8 FPTS (8.5 pts, 7.2 reb, 2.0 ast)
Precious Achiuwa, PF/C: 16.7 FPTS (7.2 pts, 5.8 reb, 1.3 ast)
Mitchell Robinson, C: 15.3 FPTS (5.7 pts, 6.8 reb, 0.7 ast, 1.5 blk)
Spurs projections:
Devin Vassell, SG/SF: 36.1 FPTS (19.9 pts, 4.2 reb, 4.1 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Victor Wembanyama, PF/C: 33.8 FPTS (17.9 pts, 9.1 reb, 3.4 ast, 2.3 blk)
Jeremy Sochan, PG/PF: 28.0 FPTS (13.3 pts, 7.5 reb, 3.1 ast)
Tre Jones, PG: 24.4 FPTS (9.0 pts, 3.5 reb, 5.0 ast)
Keldon Johnson, SF: 20.4 FPTS (10.1 pts, 4.0 reb, 1.9 ast)
Zach Collins, PF/C: 18.9 FPTS (10.3 pts, 4.8 reb, 2.0 ast)
Malaki Branham, SG: 12.9 FPTS (6.7 pts, 1.5 reb, 1.5 ast)
Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets
9 p.m. Ball Arena, Denver
BPI Projection: Nuggets in the 10th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards, (GTD – Back); Rudy Gobert, (GTD – Ribs); Jaylen Clark, (OUT – Achilles); Karl-Anthony Towns, (OUT – Knee)
Nuggets: Jamal Murray, (GTD – Knee); Nikola Jokic, (GTD – Back); Zeke Nnaji, (OUT – Thigh); Vlatko Cancar, (OUT – Knee)
Timberwolves projections:
Anthony Edwards, SG/SF: 41.5 FPTS (24.2 pts, 5.4 reb, 5.1 ast, 2.4 3PM)
Rudy Gobert, C: 31.2 FPTS (14.2 pts, 12.4 reb, 1.5 ast, 1.5 blk)
Mike Conley, PG: 24.1 FPTS (10.2 pts, 2.8 reb, 4.1 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Naz Reid, PF/C: 23.7 FPTS (12.7 pts, 5.3 reb, 1.5 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Kyle Anderson, SF/PF: 19.3 FPTS (7.6 pts, 3.5 reb, 3.8 ast)
Jaden McDaniels, SF: 19.0 FPTS (10.1 pts, 3.2 reb, 1.2 ast)
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SG: 15.1 FPTS (6.9 pts, 1.9 reb, 2.1 ast)
Nuggets projections:
Nikola Jokic, C: 51.8 FPTS (24.0 pts, 11.7 reb, 7.0 ast)
Michael Porter Jr., SF: 29.1 FPTS (15.6 pts, 5.9 reb, 1.4 ast, 2.6 3PM)
Aaron Gordon, PF: 29.0 FPTS (14.6 pts, 5.8 reb, 3.5 ast)
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG/SF: 19.7 FPTS (9.7 pts, 2.4 reb, 1.9 ast)
Reggie Jackson, PG: 16.9 FPTS (7.9 pts, 1.8 reb, 2.8 ast)
Christian Braun, SG: 14.4 FPTS (7.3 pts, 3.3 reb, 1.2 ast)
Peyton Watson, SF: 13.3 FPTS (7.1 pts, 2.9 reb, 0.9 ast)
Houston Rockets at Utah Jazz
9:30 p.m. Delta Center, Salt Lake City
BPI Projection: Rockets in the 4th highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Rockets: Cam Whitmore, (OUT – Knee); Alperen Sengun, (OUT – Ankle); Steven Adams, (OUT – Knee); Tari Eason, (OUT – Lower Leg)
Jazz: Lauri Markkanen, (GTD – Shoulder); Jordan Clarkson, (OUT – Back)
Rockets projections:
Jalen Green, SG: 38.0 FPTS (23.2 pts, 5.7 reb, 3.5 ast, 2.7 3PM)
Fred VanVleet, PG: 36.0 FPTS (15.1 pts, 4.0 reb, 7.1 ast, 2.8 3PM)
Amen Thompson, SG: 26.5 FPTS (12.5 pts, 7.6 reb, 2.1 ast)
Jabari Smith Jr., PF/C: 22.0 FPTS (11.1 pts, 6.4 reb, 1.2 ast)
Dillon Brooks, SG/SF: 17.3 FPTS (8.6 pts, 3.2 reb, 1.5 ast)
Jock Landale, C: 15.0 FPTS (6.8 pts, 5.0 reb, 1.4 ast)
Aaron Holiday, PG: 14.7 FPTS (6.9 pts, 1.9 reb, 2.1 ast)
Jazz projections:
Lauri Markkanen, SF/PF: 41.9 FPTS (25.3 pts, 7.4 reb, 2.2 ast, 3.3 3PM)
Collin Sexton, PG/SG: 34.4 FPTS (20.9 pts, 3.2 reb, 4.6 ast)
Keyonte George, PG/SG: 28.8 FPTS (15.2 pts, 3.8 reb, 5.1 ast, 2.2 3PM)
John Collins, PF: 28.1 FPTS (15.0 pts, 8.4 reb, 1.1 ast)
Taylor Hendricks, PF: 21.7 FPTS (10.6 pts, 5.8 reb, 1.1 ast)
Walker Kessler, C: 19.6 FPTS (9.1 pts, 7.0 reb, 1.0 ast, 2.2 blk)
Brice Sensabaugh, SF: 18.7 FPTS (9.9 pts, 3.8 reb, 1.8 ast)
Dallas Mavericks at Sacramento Kings
10 p.m. Golden 1 Center, Sacramento
BPI Projection: Mavericks in the 3rd highest-scoring game of the slate.
Injury Report:
Mavericks: Brandon Williams, (OUT – Wrist); Luka Doncic, (GTD – Achilles); Maxi Kleber, (GTD – Knee); Josh Green, (OUT – Ankle)
Kings: Sasha Vezenkov, (GTD – Ankle); Trey Lyles, (OUT – Knee); Kevin Huerter, (OUT – Shoulder)
Mavericks projections:
Luka Doncic, PG: 59.1 FPTS (30.8 pts, 9.3 reb, 8.9 ast, 3.6 3PM)
Kyrie Irving, PG/SG: 46.2 FPTS (25.2 pts, 4.9 reb, 5.3 ast, 2.9 3PM)
Daniel Gafford, PF/C: 27.1 FPTS (12.1 pts, 8.0 reb, 1.7 ast, 2.0 blk)
P.J. Washington, PF: 26.2 FPTS (13.9 pts, 5.6 reb, 1.4 ast, 1.8 3PM)
Tim Hardaway Jr., SG/SF: 18.4 FPTS (9.1 pts, 2.5 reb, 1.5 ast, 1.9 3PM)
Dereck Lively II, C: 16.6 FPTS (7.2 pts, 4.6 reb, 1.0 ast)
Derrick Jones Jr., SF: 15.2 FPTS (7.6 pts, 2.5 reb, 1.0 ast)
Kings projections:
De’Aaron Fox, PG: 50.7 FPTS (27.8 pts, 4.8 reb, 5.9 ast, 2.9 3PM)
Domantas Sabonis, PF/C: 44.3 FPTS (19.2 pts, 13.1 reb, 7.1 ast)
Keegan Murray, SF/PF: 30.0 FPTS (14.6 pts, 5.9 reb, 1.7 ast, 2.5 3PM)
Malik Monk, SG/SF: 24.8 FPTS (12.1 pts, 3.0 reb, 4.2 ast, 2.0 3PM)
Keon Ellis, SG: 16.9 FPTS (7.4 pts, 3.4 reb, 1.5 ast)
Harrison Barnes, SF/PF: 16.2 FPTS (8.9 pts, 2.5 reb, 1.0 ast)
Davion Mitchell, PG: 12.1 FPTS (5.7 pts, 1.9 reb, 1.5 ast)