With a small five-game slate ahead, today's NBA DFS strategy focuses on carefully selecting players who can maximize points, especially amidst a turbulent tanking season where teams like the Raptors and Hornets add volatility to lineups. Key players to monitor include LaMelo Ball, Tyrese Haliburton, and Zach LaVine, whose statuses could significantly impact their teams' performances. Injury reports are crucial as the slate leads up to lineup locks at 7:00 p.m. EDT.

In this DFS landscape, high-performing core picks like Damian Lillard, Mikal Bridges, and Jonas Valanciunas stand out. Lillard, facing off against the Lakers, is coming off impressive returns, while Bridges is seizing opportunities due to teammate injuries. Valanciunas has a favorable matchup against a depleted Bulls team, promising a strong return. Value picks like Keon Johnson and Orlando Robinson also offer intriguing budget options for players looking to optimize their salary cap.

Friday's NBA slate features all eight games, with the Cavaliers clinching their playoff spot after a 12-game winning streak. Donovan Mitchell has been pivotal, averaging over 45 DraftKings points in recent games, making him a prime pick against Charlotte. Scottie Barnes from Toronto benefits from a shorthanded roster and has shown consistent scoring, while Naji Marshall steps up for Dallas amid numerous absences. De'Aaron Fox returns to Sacramento with a high-risk, high-reward potential, and Jonas Valanciunas is poised for production against the Spurs. James Harden continues to show elite scoring ability, making him a premium option against the Knicks.

Aaron Wiggins emerges as a value play for Oklahoma City due to multiple injuries, while Jusuf Nurkic may see increased minutes for Charlotte. The afternoon promises thrilling matchups, and players must stay sharp on injury updates as lineups lock. The Grizzlies vs. Mavericks game carries a high point total, suggesting a DFS stack opportunity, while the Suns face the Nuggets in another enticing contest. The best picks range from core selections to tournament pivots, ensuring depth in any fantasy lineup.

Building a winning DFS lineup on FanDuel for tonight's NBA slate requires attention to injuries and emerging players. Key injuries have forced teams to utilize backups, creating new opportunities for high-value plays. Desmond Bane, priced at $8.2K, is a strong pick after a recent triple-double performance, especially with Ja Morant's status uncertain. Kyle Filipowski stands out as a budget option, poised for significant minutes against a weak Washington defense. The Kings' Jonas Valanciunas also merits attention, having stepped up in Sabonis’ absence. Pivoting to tournament options, Ivica Zubac, fresh off a dominant game, faces a favorable matchup against the Pistons. With key players resting, Keyonte George and Shaedon Sharpe are poised for increased roles. Lastly, value plays like Luke Kennard and Bub Carrington could be game-changers based on their current form.

The Dallas Mavericks are holding their breath regarding Kyrie Irving's knee injury sustained against the Sacramento Kings. In the first quarter, an accidental knee collision with Jonas Valančiūnas caused Irving's left knee to buckle. Despite the injury, he managed to hit two free throws before being ruled out for the remainder of the game with a sprain. The quick decision to call him out raises concerns among fans, drawing comparisons to Kobe Bryant's infamous Achilles injury.