ESPN's fantasy basketball daily cheat sheet provides crucial pregame insights for Friday's extensive 11-game NBA slate, which marks the league's return after the Thanksgiving break. This includes top advice for setting lineups, streaming player selections, and detailed game-by-game injury reports. The third iteration of the Emirates NBA Cup continues with group play concluding this week, and knockout-round matchups beginning to take shape across the league.

The most anticipated matchup of the night features the Dallas Mavericks traveling to Crypto.com Arena to face the Los Angeles Lakers. This game is particularly charged as it sees Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis facing their former teams following last season's controversial trade. Doncic, in his first full season with the Lakers, is performing at an MVP level, leading the league in scoring with 35.2 points per game and demonstrating exceptional chemistry with Austin Reaves, who is averaging a career-high 27.9 points. Coming off a near triple-double against the Clippers, Doncic now meets his former team as part of a revamped Lakers squad, with LeBron James back, looking like a formidable contender. It's poised to be a must-watch clash with significant implications as the Mavericks attempt to contain a nearly unstoppable Lakers offense.

Adding to the drama, Dallas Mavericks star power forward/center Anthony Davis is set to return to action against the Lakers in Los Angeles after being sidelined for the past month with a calf strain. This will be his first time facing his former team in L.A. since the February trade. Davis, who had been out since October 29, initially aimed for a November 8 return against the Washington Wizards, but Mavs governor Patrick Dumont, on the advice of health and performance director Johann Bilsborough, insisted on delaying his return until medical data confirmed no risk of aggravating the injury. Davis confirmed his intention to play in one of the Mavs' weekend back-to-back games against the Los Angeles teams, specifically targeting the matchup against his former team. The current plan is for him to sit out Saturday's game against the Clippers and be available for Monday's game against the Denver Nuggets. Davis's return comes amid expectations that the Mavs will explore the trade market for him before the early February deadline, a prospect he addressed by stating, "That doesn't affect me; I've been in trade talks for a while... My job is to do what I do when I'm on the floor, play basketball and try to lead this team."

Player safety has also become a focal point, as the Los Angeles Lakers will use their traditional court for their NBA Cup game against the Dallas Mavericks, opting against the special, bright yellow NBA Cup court used earlier this week. Concerns about the court's slippery surface were raised by Luka Doncic and Lakers forward Rui Hachimura, with Doncic calling it "dangerous" after their win over the LA Clippers. Technicians from the league's court vendor deemed the NBA Cup court unplayable for Friday's game, and it is being reconditioned for potential use in the quarterfinals should the Lakers host. A league spokesperson confirmed that player safety is paramount, and the decision was made in consultation with the Lakers to ensure optimal playing conditions.

For fantasy managers looking to optimize their lineups, several players stand out as streaming options for Friday's slate:

• T.J. McConnell, PG, Indiana Pacers: Rosterable in 38.8% of ESPN leagues, McConnell has averaged 34.5 fantasy points over his past four games in limited minutes (19.2 MPG) due to high efficiency and a 25.7% usage rate. He's regained his conditioning after a hamstring recovery and is a reliable source of points and assists, facing a Wizards team that ranks 29th in defensive rating.
• Andre Drummond, C, Philadelphia 76ers: Rosterable in 21.2% of ESPN leagues, Drummond will start for the 76ers against the Brooklyn Nets, marking Joel Embiid's ninth straight absence. He has averaged 31.7 minutes and 31 fantasy points over the past eight games. Known for his elite rebounding and finishing, Drummond offers strong contributions in rebounds and defensive stats, particularly against a Nets team with the worst defensive rating in the league.
• Anthony Black, PG/SG, Orlando Magic: Rosterable in 17.3% of ESPN leagues, Black's improved play and confidence have elevated the Magic's offense to seventh in offensive rating. He's aggressively attacking the rim, pushing transition pace, and confidently taking threes. Over his past six games, Black has averaged 30.5 MPG and 34.1 fantasy points. While the Pistons present a challenging matchup (fifth in defensive rating), Black remains a viable streamer.
• Jarace Walker, PF, Indiana Pacers: Rosterable in a mere 2.8% of ESPN leagues, Walker recently showed significant improvement, posting 42 fantasy points against the Pistons and 34 against the Raptors. After a period of inconsistency, he's playing within himself, shooting well, and showing the growth the Pacers have awaited. His versatility makes him a valuable contributor across categories, especially against a defensively struggling Wizards team.

ESPN BET's Moody also shared favorite betting angles for Friday's games:

• CJ McCollum Over 25.5 points, rebounds and assists (-115): McCollum has been a bright spot for the Wizards, clearing this line in five of his last 10 games with a 26.7% usage rate. Facing the Pacers, both teams rank high in pace and low in defensive rating, suggesting a high-scoring affair.
• Devin Booker Under 24.5 points (-120): Booker has gone under this line in seven of his past 10 games, shooting 41.0% from the field. Dillon Brooks's improved play (22.9 points over nine games) and a tough matchup against the Thunder, who lead the league in defensive rating and are excellent against point guards, make this an appealing under. A potential 14.5-point Thunder favorite could also limit Booker's minutes.
• Jaren Jackson Jr. Under 20.5 points (-105): Jackson has stayed under this line in 14 of 17 games this season, despite a 14.2 field goal attempt average. Even without Ja Morant, he's gone under in four of five. While the Clippers' defensive rating is low, Kawhi Leonard's return helps, and they are strong at defending power forwards.
• Anthony Davis Over 19.5 points (-120): Davis, returning from injury, is expected to be highly motivated in his revenge game against the Lakers. He has cleared this line in four of his five appearances this season (excluding an injury-shortened game), taking at least 16 field goal attempts and playing 32+ minutes in those. The Lakers have struggled against opposing power forwards defensively.
• Luka Doncic Over 50.5 points, rebounds and assists (-115): Doncic has cleared this line in four of his past five games, even with LeBron James playing. He maintains a 35.4% usage rate and is highly motivated against his former team. His last encounter with the Mavericks saw him record 59 points+rebounds+assists.

Below are the comprehensive game details, odds, BPI projections, and injury reports for all of Friday's matchups (injury aggregation by Rotowire.com, odds by ESPN BET):

Cleveland Cavaliers at Atlanta Hawks 7:30 p.m. ET

• Line: Cavaliers -5.5 (-110) | Hawks +5.5 (-110)
• Money line: Cavaliers -225 | Hawks +190
• Total: 236.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
• BPI Projection: Cavaliers by 1.1, straight up 54%, 240.3 total points.
• Injury Report: Cavaliers: Craig Porter Jr. (GTD - Hamstring), Dean Wade (GTD - Knee), Jarrett Allen (GTD - Finger), Sam Merrill (OUT - Hand), Max Strus (OUT - Foot). Hawks: N'Faly Dante (GTD - Knee), Trae Young (OUT - Knee).

Philadelphia 76ers at Brooklyn Nets 7:30 p.m. ET

• Line: 76ers -7.5 (-110) | Nets +7.5 (-110)
• Money line: 76ers -275 | Nets +225
• Total: 222.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
• BPI Projection: 76ers by 5.1, straight up 66%, 228.5 total points.
• Injury Report: 76ers: Adem Bona (GTD - Ankle), Paul George (GTD - Ankle), Joel Embiid (OUT - Knee), VJ Edgecombe (OUT - Calf), Kelly Oubre Jr. (OUT - Knee), Trendon Watford (OUT - Thigh). Nets: Ben Saraf (GTD - Ankle), Michael Porter Jr. (OUT - Back), Cam Thomas (OUT - Hamstring), Haywood Highsmith (OUT - Knee).

Chicago Bulls at Charlotte Hornets 7:30 p.m. ET

• Line: Bulls -2.5 (-110) | Hornets +2.5 (-110)
• Money line: Bulls -135 | Hornets +115
• Total: 248.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
• BPI Projection: Bulls by 2.5, straight up 58%, 242.5 total points.
• Injury Report: Bulls: Dalen Terry (GTD - Calf), Isaac Okoro (GTD - Back), Kevin Huerter (GTD - Pelvis), Zach Collins (OUT - Wrist). Hornets: Pat Connaughton (GTD - Calf), Grant Williams (OUT - Knee), Josh Green (OUT - Shoulder).

Orlando Magic at Detroit Pistons 7:30 p.m. ET

• Line: Magic +2.5 (-105) | Pistons -2.5 (-115)
• Money line: Magic +135 | Pistons -155
• Total: 232.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
• BPI Projection: Pistons by 0.9, straight up 53%, 230.9 total points.
• Injury Report: Magic: Colin Castleton (OUT - Hand), Paolo Banchero (OUT - Groin), Moritz Wagner (OUT - Knee). Pistons: Jaden Ivey (GTD - Undisclosed), Bobi Klintman (OUT - Ankle), Marcus Sasser (OUT - Hip).

Washington Wizards at Indiana Pacers 7:30 p.m. ET

• Line: Wizards +6.5 (-105) | Pacers -6.5 (-115)
• Money line: Wizards +215 | Pacers -260
• Total: 240.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
• BPI Projection: Pacers by 5.5, straight up 67%, 241.9 total points.
• Injury Report: Wizards: Kyshawn George (GTD - Illness), Corey Kispert (OUT - Thumb), Tre Johnson (OUT - Hip). Pacers: Obi Toppin (OUT - Foot), Tyrese Haliburton (OFS - Achilles), Andrew Nembhard (GTD - Quadriceps), Johnny Furphy (OUT - Ankle), Kam Jones (OUT - Back), Quenton Jackson (OUT - Hamstring), Aaron Nesmith (OUT - Knee).

Milwaukee Bucks at New York Knicks 7:30 p.m. ET

• Line: Bucks +8.5 (-115) | Knicks -8.5 (-105)
• Money line: Bucks +260 | Knicks -320
• Total: 232.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
• BPI Projection: Knicks by 9.3, straight up 77%, 233.4 total points.
• Injury Report: Bucks: Taurean Prince (OUT - Neck), Giannis Antetokounmpo (GTD - Thigh), Kevin Porter Jr. (OUT - Knee). Knicks: Kevin McCullar Jr. (GTD - Groin), OG Anunoby (OUT - Hamstring), Landry Shamet (OUT - Shoulder).

Phoenix Suns at Oklahoma City Thunder 9:30 p.m. ET

• Line: Suns +14.5 (-105) | Thunder -14.5 (-115)
• Money line: Suns +550 | Thunder -900
• Total: 225.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
• BPI Projection: Thunder by 16.8, straight up 90%, 227.4 total points.
• Injury Report: Suns: Grayson Allen (OUT - Quadriceps), Ryan Dunn (OUT - Wrist), Jalen Green (OUT - Hamstring). Thunder: Nikola Topic (OUT - Groin), Thomas Sorber (OFS - Knee), Aaron Wiggins (OUT - Thigh).

San Antonio Spurs at Denver Nuggets 9:30 p.m. ET

• Line: Spurs +7.5 (-110) | Nuggets -7.5 (-110)
• Money line: Spurs +250 | Nuggets -300
• Total: 237.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
• BPI Projection: Nuggets by 7.5, straight up 72%, 235.5 total points.
• Injury Report: Spurs: Harrison Ingram (GTD - Undisclosed), Jordan McLaughlin (OUT - Hamstring), Stephon Castle (OUT - Hip), Victor Wembanyama (OUT - Calf). Nuggets: Aaron Gordon (OUT - Hamstring), Christian Braun (OUT - Ankle), Julian Strawther (OUT - Back).

Sacramento Kings at Utah Jazz 9:30 p.m. ET

• Line: Kings +1.5 (-105) | Jazz -1.5 (-115)
• Money line: Kings +105 | Jazz -125
• Total: 242.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
• BPI Projection: Jazz by 2.7, straight up 59%, 244.6 total points.
• Injury Report: Kings: Dennis Schroder (GTD - Hip), Domantas Sabonis (OUT - Knee). Jazz: Walker Kessler (OFS - Shoulder), Georges Niang (OUT - Foot).

Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Lakers 10 p.m. ET

• Line: Mavericks +10.5 (-115) | Lakers -10.5 (-105)
• Money line: Mavericks +380 | Lakers -550
• Total: 230.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
• BPI Projection: Lakers by 11, straight up 80%, 231.7 total points.
• Injury Report: Mavericks: Kyrie Irving (OUT - Knee), Dante Exum (OFS - Knee), Anthony Davis (GTD - Calf), Dereck Lively II (OUT - Foot). Lakers: Deandre Ayton (GTD - Knee), Marcus Smart (GTD - Back).

Memphis Grizzlies at LA Clippers 10 p.m. ET

• Line: Grizzlies +6.5 (-110) | Clippers -6.5 (-110)
• Money line: Grizzlies +210 | Clippers -250
• Total: 224.5 (-105 O, -115 U)
• BPI Projection: Clippers by 6.4, straight up 69%, 229.3 total points.
• Injury Report: Grizzlies: Scotty Pippen Jr. (OUT - Toe), Ty Jerome (OUT - Calf), Ja Morant (OUT - Calf), Javon Small (OUT - Toe), Brandon Clarke (OUT - Knee). Clippers: Bradley Beal (OFS - Hip), Bogdan Bogdanovic (OUT - Hip), Jordan Miller (OUT - Hamstring), Derrick Jones Jr. (OUT - Knee).