The Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a stunning performance against the Denver Nuggets, marked by a 149-106 victory that tied their playoff series 1-1. After a close Game 1 loss, the Thunder dominated early, establishing a franchise record for points in a playoff quarter with 45 in the first. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led with 34 points, while Chet Holmgren contributed a double-double performance with 15 points and 11 rebounds.

Defensively, the Thunder outperformed the Nuggets on the boards, reversing their Game 1 rebounding deficit. Nikola Jokic faced relentless pressure, ultimately posting his worst career plus-minus at -36. This defeat marks a significant turning point in the series as the Thunder's resilience shines through.

The New York Knicks have developed a trend of turning it on during the third quarter, showcasing their resilience amid adversity. However, this pattern has led to sluggish performances at the start of games, revealing a disturbing comfort in starting slow. Even with key injuries affecting their roster, the Knicks managed to secure a 128-113 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, propelled by a dominant second half. A pivotal 30-16 third quarter was the highlight, allowing them to reclaim control after a tie at halftime.

Despite this win, their reliance on second-half surges is unsustainable, raising questions about their approach to full-game intensity. Their recent history includes disappointing losses against teams missing star players, notably the San Antonio Spurs. For the Knicks to advance beyond their current capabilities, they must learn to ignite their energy from the first whistle, especially as they prepare to face a formidable Los Angeles Clippers team next.

Friday night's NBA slate offers 10 games, but injuries have muddied the waters for fantasy players. Key players like LeBron James and De'Aaron Fox are out, while others like Jayson Tatum and Domantas Sabonis are game-time decisions. With high projected totals in many matchups, finding mid-salary value plays will be crucial. Keep an eye on players like Darius Garland and LaMelo Ball, who have favorable matchups and increased usage opportunities due to injuries. The Celtics-Heat matchup could shift depending on Tatum’s status, making it a pivot point for your lineup.

Monitor injury updates closely, as the playing status of stars like Tatum and Sabonis can significantly affect team dynamics and player usage. With several favorable matchups, including the Indiana Pacers against the Philadelphia 76ers, the night is set for high-scoring potential. DFS players should prepare for lineup lock with a range of options across different price points, ensuring that they capitalize on injuries and favorable matchups.

As fantasy managers head into Week 19, many are gearing up for the postseason, while others are still navigating the regular season. The current focus is on maximizing the value from the waiver wire amidst a wave of player rotations and tanking strategies. Noteworthy additions include Quentin Grimes and Zach Collins, who are making significant impacts on their teams.

With Philadelphia's Joel Embiid sidelined, Grimes has stepped up as a top-100 player recently, averaging 17.4 points per game. Meanwhile, Collins has been pivotal for Chicago in the absence of Nikola Vucevic. Other viable options include Alexandre Sarr from Washington and Caris LeVert from Atlanta, both poised to leverage their teams' playoff strategies. As the season progresses, targeting players on teams prioritizing development will be key for those looking to secure a league title.