NBA Friday Night Preview: Top Players to Watch and Injury Updates
ICARO Media Group
The NBA season is in full swing, and Friday night brings an exciting slate of 11 games for fans to enjoy. With plenty of options in the player pool and competitive matchups on the horizon, fantasy basketball enthusiasts are in for a treat.
Two games stand out with projected high scoring totals on FanDuel Sportsbook. The clash between the Dallas Mavericks and Brooklyn Nets, as well as the Golden State Warriors against the Sacramento Kings, are expected to offer plenty of fantasy-rewarding moments.
However, injuries have also become a factor early in the season. Darius Garland of the Cleveland Cavaliers is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury. If Garland is unable to play, Donovan Mitchell could potentially slide into the point guard position, with Caris LeVert entering the starting lineup at shooting guard.
The Brooklyn Nets will be without Nic Claxton, who is nursing an ankle injury. Day'Ron Sharpe is expected to start at center in his absence, while Cameron Johnson could see increased opportunities at power forward.
Jarrett Allen of the Cleveland Cavaliers will miss his second straight game due to an ankle injury. Evan Mobley could move over to the center position, and Damian Jones may see increased minutes off the bench to fill the void.
The Sacramento Kings will be without Trey Lyles, who is dealing with a calf injury. Despite the absence, there are several standout players to watch on Friday's slate.
Five players with high salaries are worth considering: Luka Doncic ($12,300), Nikola Jokic ($12,100), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($11,400), Jayson Tatum ($11,200), and Donovan Mitchell ($10,000).
Doncic, who played through a calf strain in the season opener, recorded an impressive triple-double and will be a key player in the high-scoring Mavericks-Nets matchup.
Jokic had a strong start to the season with a triple-double against the Lakers, and he now faces a favorable matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his skills with a 30-point, 10-assist performance in the Thunder's season opener. Tatum looked in top form in the Celtics' victory over the Knicks, while Mitchell made his mark with an impressive shooting performance against the Nets.
Other players to keep an eye on include Domantas Sabonis, Jimmy Butler, Stephen Curry, Trae Young, Desmond Bane, P.J. Washington, Aaron Gordon, and Victor Sochan.
Sabonis started the season strong, Butler remains a key player for the Miami Heat, and Curry's star power and matchup against the Phoenix Suns make him a popular choice. Young will look to bounce back after a difficult opener, while Bane could provide surprising upside in the absence of Ja Morant.
Washington showcased his scoring ability in the Hornets' win over the Hawks, and Gordon proved his worth in Denver's season opener. Sochan made his mark with a solid performance in his regular-season debut.
As fans gear up for an exciting night of NBA action, injuries and standout performances will shape the outcomes of the games. Stay tuned for updates and follow RotoWire for the latest news and analysis.
In the meantime, fans can join the RotoWire NBA chat to engage with writers and fellow basketball enthusiasts for pre-game information and in-game discussions.