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November 5, 2026, 2:32 pmLast Updated on November 5, 2026 2:32 pm by Keston Paul | Published: November 5, 2026
Nine NBA games are on the schedule Friday, and with the Emirates NBA Cup taking center stage, we have several intriguing matchups that should tell us quite a bit about where things stand after the opening two weeks.
Memphis has been one of the league’s biggest surprises, opening the season with six consecutive victories before dropping its last two. The Grizzlies now face their toughest test yet against Oklahoma City, giving us an opportunity to evaluate whether their excellent start is sustainable.
On the other side of the Western Conference, the Lakers have been outstanding. Luka Donฤiฤ is making an early case for MVP honors, Walker Kessler has become one of fantasy basketball’s most valuable big men, and Los Angeles has an opportunity to make a statement against first-place Portland.
Cleveland, meanwhile, is experiencing a very different start. The Cavaliers entered the season expecting to compete near the top of the East, but their 4-4 record reflects a team that hasn’t found its rhythm. Things won’t get easier Friday against Philadelphia.
The waiver wire also continues providing opportunities. Memphis and Cleveland are dealing with important injuries, Toronto has a developing frontcourt situation, and several players are beginning to establish useful fantasy roles after entering the season with relatively modest expectations.
Friday’s nine-game slate isn’t particularly small, but seven of the teams playing will return to action Saturday. That’s an important detail for managers trying to maximize their remaining acquisitions.
Here’s the link to our previous Daily Cheat Sheets and Week Ahead articles, in case you missed the most recent release. Don’t forget to set those lineups!
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From the cliffs of Porto Moniz to the forests of Latvia. With a degree in business and a background in finance, I traded balance sheets for projection models, following a lifelong love of the game. Iโve played it, Iโve lived it and Iโve had the privilege of working inside team front offices at both the club and national level.
For over 20 years, Iโve also been immersed in the world of Fantasy Basketball, studying trends, finding edges and living the grind season after season. That passion has brought me here, to SportsEthos, where Iโm honored to be part of our management team alongside the great Aaron Bruski. My mission is simple: help SportsEthos thrive as the premier home for Fantasy Sports and sports coverage. A place where users get real value and where every member of the team can sharpen their craft, find joy in the work and build something special that feels like home.
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