Last Updated on November 15, 2024 10:11 am by Keston Paul | Published: November 15, 2024

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Philadelphia 76ers @ Orlando Magic

Game Time: 7:10 pm ET

DraftKings Lines

PHI +1.5 (+100), ORL -1.5 (-120)
Game Total 212.5

Key Storylines

Ramp Up: Joel Embiid has received a ton of criticism for his performance in his season debut vs. the Knicks on Tuesday. Embiid definitely did not look to be anywhere close to game shape, although that should have been expected to a certain degree based on Embiid’s level of conditioning in the past. It will be interesting to monitor how Embiid performs on Friday, and whether his minutes will already start ramping up vs. the Magic.

Guten Appetit: It took Franz Wagner a few games, but he seems to have settled into his increased role offensively without Paolo Banchero on the court. Over his last four games, Wagner is averaging 27.8 PPG, 5 RPG and 6 APG on 21.8 (!) FGA per contest. If the usage continues to be this high for Wagner moving forward, fantasy managers can continue to expect strong performances.

Stream of the Game

Goga Bitadze should be on rosters with Wendell Carter Jr. sidelined at the moment, but if available is a strong streaming option for big man stats. Jared McCain has most likely been picked up in most leagues as well by now, and is worth holding onto to see how his role develops moving forward after a run of strong performances. Should both Bitadze and McCain not be available, fantasy managers can turn to Jonathan Isaac, who logged 22 minutes last time out. Isaac can provide defensive stats in bunches.

Alternatives: Anthony Black, Moe Wagner, Caleb Martin, Kyle Lowry (deeper formats)

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Miami Heat @ Indiana Pacers

Game Time:  7:10 pm ET

DraftKings Lines

MIA +4 (+154), IND -4 (-185)
Game Total 229

Key Storylines

Best Player On The Team: Tyler Herro has clearly been the Heat’s best player so far this season. Herro is ranked 19th in per-game averages in 9-cat formats so far, and has carried the Heat offensively over the last few games without Jimmy Butler available. Bam Adebayo has struggled offensively out of the gates, which has put more weight offensively on Herro. Herro will not stay at this level (Top-20 value) all season long from a fantasy perspective, and could be viewed as a sell-high option before Butler returns. Butler has already been ruled out for Friday’s game.

Making A Strong Case: Ben Mathurin has been playing really well over the past two weeks, and is starting to show growth in his game outside of just scoring the basketball. Mathurin was able to pull down 12 rebounds last time out, the third time this season Mathurin was able to capture double-digit rebounds. Mathurin is averaging 6.6 rebounds per contest, up from 4 per game the prior year. While it is important to note that this season’s data is still a relatively short sample size, Mathurin’s level of play is making a strong case for him to potentially keep the starting job once Aaron Nesmith returns from injury in December.

Stream of the Game

Jaime Jaquez Jr. has played well after returning from an illness and can be considered as a solid streaming option with the Heat missing Jimmy Butler in standard formats.

Alternatives: Haywood Highsmith, Jarace Walker.

Detroit Pistons @ Toronto Raptors

Game Time:  7:10 pm ET

DraftKings Lines

DET -1 (-120), TOR +1 (+100)
Game Total 224.5

Key Storylines

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Gabriel Pérez-Grill

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