Get ready, fantasy fanatics! Friday night's NBA slate is brimming with game-changing opportunities, and we're here to guide you to DFS glory with our top picks.
Key Plays for Friday's Slate
- Focus on the exciting 7-game early-window contest for prime action.
- Jalen Johnson (ATL) is an elite core play with triple-double upside, coming off a monster performance.
- Anthony Edwards (MIN) offers consistent high-floor production against weak defensive matchups.
- Strategic value picks like Tristan Vukcevic (WSH) can unlock expensive stars and provide massive return.
Igniting Your Lineup: Friday Night's Premier Picks
Tonight's NBA DFS action promises high scores and intense matchups. With nine games on the full schedule, our focus sharpens on the seven-game early window, omitting the late Clippers-Lakers and Nuggets-Trail Blazers contests. Let's dive into the talent you need to roster.
Unleash the Beasts: Core Plays for Maximum Impact
These players are foundational for any winning lineup, offering high floors and even higher ceilings.
Jalen Johnson: Atlanta's All-Around Threat
Jalen Johnson (PF – ATL) is entering this matchup against the visiting Miami Heat absolutely red-hot. Coming out of the All-Star break, Johnson exploded for 32 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and a block, shooting efficiently from the field and the line. His all-around impact is undeniable.
He gets a crack at the Heat, a team with an opponent rank of 27, indicating a favorable defensive matchup. Johnson already dropped a triple-double (29 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists) against Miami earlier this month. With consistent steals and huge fantasy upside, he's a must-start.
Anthony Edwards: Ant-Man Attacks Weak Defenses
Anthony Edwards (SG – MIN) is back in action after his All-Star appearance, ready to light up the scoreboard. While his last game saw a modest 14 points, he hit four 3-pointers and provided solid peripheral stats. More often than not, Edwards delivers, averaging 45 fantasy points per game.
His opponent, the Dallas Mavericks, currently holds an opponent rank of 29 defensively, making this an ideal spot for Ant-Man to feast. He previously put up 20 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals against the Mavericks, showcasing his multi-category prowess.
Bam Adebayo: Miami's Dominant Anchor
For your center spot, look no further than Bam Adebayo (C – MIA). In his most recent outing against New Orleans, Adebayo delivered 27 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocks in 37 minutes of action. He's been on a tear, averaging 25 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists over his last two contests.
Across six February games, Adebayo has been a statistical force, averaging 20.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.3 steals. His matchup against the Hawks presents another opportunity for a dominant performance.
Reliable Roster Builders: Cash Game Cornerstones
These picks offer consistent production and high floors, perfect for cash game formats.
Julius Randle: Exploiting the Mavs' Flaws
Julius Randle (PF – NYK) is positioned to excel against the defensively-challenged Dallas Mavericks, who rank 28th against opponents. Randle consistently produces, averaging 41.9 fantasy points per game. His price point often provides more points than comparable players.
Before the All-Star break, Randle torched Portland for an impressive 41 points. He also posted 31 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in his last encounter with the Mavericks, proving he can exploit their defensive vulnerabilities.
Andrew Nembhard: Bounce-Back Bet for the Pacers
Andrew Nembhard (PG – IND) had a rough outing in Washington on Thursday, but this presents a fantastic bounce-back opportunity at a suppressed salary. Despite his recent struggles, he averages 33.9 fantasy points per game.
Facing a Washington defense with an abysmal opponent rank of 31, Nembhard is in a prime spot to rebound significantly. Don't let one bad game scare you off; the value is too strong.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker: Consistent Scoring on a Budget
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (SG – MIN) is enjoying a career season, providing steady offensive contributions. He's averaging 20.1 points per game this season, a significant leap from his previous single-digit averages.
What truly makes Alexander-Walker a cash game gem is his consistency: he's scored 10+ points in 27 consecutive games. You know exactly what you're getting, making him a reliable, low-cost option.
Chasing the Upside: GPP Gems & Sleeper Sensations
For those looking to differentiate their lineups and chase big tournament wins, these players offer high upside.
Jaime Jaquez Jr.: Heat Rookie Heating Up
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (SF, PF – MIA) is getting plenty of run for the Heat, and his production is following suit. In his last game against New Orleans, he put up 23 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks in 35 minutes.
Jaquez Jr. has shown flashes of this multi-category upside throughout the season. If he can replicate that type of stat line, his current price tag makes him an absolute steal in GPPs.
Jay Huff: Pacers' Underrated Frontcourt Force
With Ivica Zubac sidelined by an ankle injury, the Indiana Pacers' frontcourt minutes are up for grabs. Jay Huff (PF, C – IND) has seized this opportunity, delivering 10+ points in four straight games.
Most recently, Huff tallied 15 points and 8 rebounds in just 21 minutes against Washington. His increased role and consistent scoring make him a high-upside play, especially if Zubac remains out.
Bub Carrington: Wizards' Young Guard Stepping Up
With Trae Young (knee) still on the shelf, Bub Carrington (PG – WSH) is seeing a significant bump in playing time and production. He's an excellent value pick, particularly on FanDuel.
Carrington has scored at least 11 points in five of his last six games and has recorded three or more assists in five consecutive outings. He might not deliver massive totals, but his consistent double-digit scoring and peripheral contributions make him a strong GPP dart.
Budget Ballers: Unlocking Value on the DFS Board
These players offer fantastic production at a low cost, allowing you to roster more expensive stars.
Jock Landale: Hawks' Newfound Big Man Value
Since joining Atlanta via trade, Jock Landale (C – ATL) has been making the most of his minutes. He's averaging 10.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 threes per game over his last three appearances.
Landale's minutes have steadily increased in Atlanta, culminating in a 22-minute outing where he dropped 10 points and 7 rebounds. At his current price, he's a reliable source of cheap production.
Herbert Jones: Pelicans' Defensive Dynamo
Herbert Jones (SF – NOP) is a gritty player who consistently logs over 30 minutes for the Pelicans. Facing the Milwaukee Bucks, Jones offers a stable floor with contributions across multiple categories.
He's scored at least seven points in four of his last five games, grabbed four or more rebounds in four of five, and collected at least two steals in three of his last four. For a minimal cost, Jones provides crucial defensive stats and ancillary scoring.
Tristan Vukcevic: Washington's Surprise Center Option
With Alex Sarr (hamstring) sidelined, Tristan Vukcevic (C – WSH) is holding down the fort in the middle for the Wizards. He faces an Indiana defense with an opponent rank of 24, setting him up for another strong performance.
In the first half of a back-to-back against the Pacers, Vukcevic shockingly put up 12 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 three-pointers, and 5 steals in just 17 minutes! His upside for massive fantasy points at a bargain price is undeniable.
