Orlando Magic at Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors snuck away with a 110-109 win over the Orlando Magic last night. Scottie Barnes was the scoring leader with 21 points to go along with nine rebounds. Both Gary Trent Jr. and Fred VanVleet added 19 points in the win, while OG Anunoby added 16 points. Precious Achiuwa only played 21 minutes and did not receive any playing time in the fourth quarter of Friday’s game. The Raptors frontcourt will be one to watch moving forward.
Although the Magic lost on Friday night, they still managed to have a few players produce some fantasy-friendly stat lines. Cole Anthony led the way with 24 points while adding five rebounds and five assists. Wendell Carter Jr. and Mo Bamba were very active last night, recording a pair of double-doubles in the loss. Bamba matched his career-high in rebounds with 18.
Charlotte Hornets at Miami Heat
The Miami Heat held off a second-half comeback and won 114-99 against the Charlotte Hornets. Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 32 points and ten rebounds in last night’s win. Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro each added 26 points and Adebayo added a career-high 19 rebounds. Herro has been a key cog off the bench this season, with three games of 25-plus points. Herro should continue to see starter-level minutes off the bench.
Miles Bridges has been excellent to start the year, posting another solid stat line for fantasy on Friday night. Bridges ended with 22 points and eight rebounds to go along with two blocks and a steal. Gordon Hayward added a team-high 23 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Bridges appears to be the safest fantasy option through six games, scoring 20 or more in every game this season.
Indiana Pacers at Brooklyn Nets
After struggling to produce offensively to start the season, James Harden showed up last night with a game-high 29 points in a 105-98 win over the Pacers. Harden was able to do what he does best, beating the Pacers at the free-throw line with 19 free throws attempted tonight. Harden added eight rebounds and eight assists for a well-rounded fantasy performance. Although Kevin Durant was not the leading scorer, he was still heavily involved, adding 22 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. Both Durant and Harden will continue to soak up most of the usage of offense, so expect these stat lines to continue for the superstar duo.
The Pacers played their first game without Malcolm Brogdon, who suffered a hamstring injury. In his absence, Torrey Craig scored a team-high 28 points and 11 rebounds off the bench. Craig could see a more prominent role moving forward, especially if Brogdon were to miss serious time. Scoring numbers like this most likely will not be a nightly occurrence for Craig. Rookie Chris Duarte led the starters with 19 points, while Domantas Sabonis added an all-around stat line of 16 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and three blocks. Sabonis should continue to lead the Pacers and should see more opportunities if Brogdon misses any time.
Sacramento Kings at New Orleans Pelicans
The Sacramento Kings defeated the Pelicans 113-109 on Friday night. The Kings had five players with 15 or more points, led by De’Aaron Fox with 23 points. Harrison Barnes continues to produce at a high level, posting his second double-double of the year. Barnes is averaging a double-double through five games.
The Pelicans dropped their fifth game of the year last night, and it is clear that the absence of Zion Williamson is affecting their record. Jonas Valanciunas and Brandon Ingram continue to lead the Pelicans without Williamson. Valanciunas added his fifth double-double in six games with a 24-point, 13-rebound performance. Ingram added 22 points in the loss, which continues his now six-game streak of 20-point performances.
Los Angeles Clippers at Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Clippers squared off for the second time this week. After losing the first game, Portland bounced back last night with a 111-92 win. Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 25 points and six assists. Lillard bounced back last night after struggling to start the season. Jusuf Nurkic had a double-double, which included 17 rebounds in 23 minutes of action last night.
Paul George exploded for 42 points last night in the loss to the Trail Blazers. Last night was his second 40 point game in just five games this season. George should continue to provide fantasy managers with huge stat lines as he seems to be on his way to a stellar season. Luke Kennard stepped up last night as the only Clipper besides George to surpass ten points. Kennard ended with 16 points, four rebounds, and two steals.
Dallas Mavericks at Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic was back in action on Friday night after a major injury scare on Tuesday against the Jazz. Jokic was back to his old self posting a near triple-double in a 106-75 win over the Mavericks. Nikola Jokic finished with 11 points, 16 rebounds, and eight assists in only 25 minutes. Will Barton added a game-high 17 points to go along with five rebounds and six assists.
The Dallas Mavericks had a difficult night in the second half of a back-to-back, losing in blowout fashion. Luka Doncic led his team in points with 16. He also added six rebounds and four assists.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers were able to defeat the Cavaliers 113-101 on Friday night. LeBron James reentered the lineup after missing two games with an ankle injury. He would end up leading the Lakers with 26 points, eight rebounds, and three steals. James also committed seven turnovers in the win last night. Carmelo Anthony added 24 points and five rebounds off the bench. Anthony has been a vital part of the bench to open the season and has shown that he is still an excellent scorer.
The Cleveland Cavaliers continue to be one of the more intriguing teams in the league. WIth Isaac Okoro out, they have played with an eight-man rotation, with all the starters playing heavy minutes. Evan Mobley impresses night after night, posting 23 points to go along with six rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Mobley has been a great all-around producer in his short NBA career and will continue to be a focal point of the offense. Darius Garland added 18 points and 11 assists but also had six turnovers.
