NBA Schedule Resumes Post-Thanksgiving
As the NBA resumes its schedule post-Thanksgiving break, fans can anticipate an exciting 11-game lineup on Friday. The highly anticipated Emirates NBA Cup continues its group phase this week, setting the stage for the upcoming knockout rounds. If you’re looking to elevate your fantasy basketball gameplay, consider joining a league on ESPN today!
Key Matchup: Mavericks vs. Lakers
The Dallas Mavericks will visit the Los Angeles Lakers in one of the most compelling matchups, where stars Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis face off against their former teams after a controversial trade last season. Doncic, currently leading the league with an impressive average of 35.2 points per game, has been essential for the Mavericks, coming off a notable near triple-double performance against the Clippers. The revamped Lakers, bolstered by LeBron James‘s return, are riding high as they chase a dominant offensive performance against the Mavs.
Fantasy Basketball Choices and Betting Strategies
Amidst this thrilling matchup, let’s dive into some fantasy basketball choices and betting strategies tailored for this night’s event:
- T.J. McConnell, PG for Indiana Pacers (38.8% rostered): McConnell has shown efficiency with averages of 34.5 fantasy points over recent games despite spending about 19.2 minutes on the court. He faces a struggling Wizards defense ranked 29th for defensive rating, making him a favorable pick for points and assists.
- Andre Drummond, C for Philadelphia 76ers (21.2% rostered): With Joel Embiid ruled out again, Drummond will take the floor as a starter for the 76ers in a significant matchup against the Nets, who have struggled defensively. His rebounding prowess and inside scoring make him a key player this evening.
- Anthony Black, PG/SG for Orlando Magic (17.3% rostered): Since stepping up his game, Black has contributed to the Magic’s offensive efficiency, now ranking seventh in offensive rating. Even in a challenging matchup against the Pistons, he’s a viable option for streaming.
- Jarace Walker, PF for Indiana Pacers (2.8% rostered): After showing promising performance against the Pistons, Walker is growing into a dependable player, contributing across the board as the Pacers face the defensively weak Wizards.
Betting Angles to Consider
- CJ McCollum Over 25.5 points, rebounds, and assists (-115): McCollum has delivered solid performances for the Wizards, regularly exceeding this benchmark. The high-paced game against the Pacers could see considerable scoring potential from him.
- Devin Booker Under 24.5 points (-120): Struggling with efficiency against a top defensive team in the Thunder, this bet looks appealing based on recent performances.
- Jaren Jackson Jr. Under 20.5 points (-105): Jackson has hit a downward trend, failing to meet this scoring mark in most games this season, even without star teammate Ja Morant.
Matchup Details and Injury Updates
Don’t forget the matchups’ details: The Mavericks are poised to take on the Lakers, and their performance will impact playoff standings as both teams compete aggressively.
In addition to these games, crucial injury updates include the likes of Kyrie Irving for the Mavericks and several players on the injury list for both the Lakers and other teams, which might drastically affect gameplay strategies.
The excitement is palpable as we look forward to a lively night of basketball action and fantasy opportunities!
