Monkey Knife Fight only has four contests listed so far, but Friday's compact seven-game slate is full of potential. Looking at the early game spreads, there isn't much risk until Clippers-Rockets at 8:00PM/EST, so pay attention to the Clippers' availability.
Even for lower-projected scoring games like Hornets-Cavaliers, based on how this defenses have performed recently, there is a ton of upside for players like Collin Sexton and Devonte' Graham. Whoever is commanding most of the usage for these teams tonight is going to see easy looks all over the court.
MonkeyKnifeFight.com continues to be ahead of the curve with their canceling of contests amid postponements, so don't worry about wasting money on a player or game that might not play. As always, you can find me in the NBA Chat Room or @HalfCourtJester on Twitter with any questions, especially since lines and players are subject to change throughout the day.
Featured Promo: Our friends at Monkey Knife Fight are hooking you up. Get a 100% instant deposit match up to $50 with promo code BALLER with your first deposit. Claim your 100% instant deposit match now, and use our prop picks to get off on a winning foot!
LAC @ HOU
Paul George (LAC) MORE 28.5 Points - John Wall (HOU) MORE 20.5 Points
Without Kawhi Leonard, there is no reason to fade Paul George. Throw all those weird little Twitter narratives where they belong, because in George's last seven games, he's only scored below 32 points one time. The Rockets defense and pace might slow things down, but if anything, that'll help George lock in against minimal resistance.
For what the Clippers are capable of, their rotation the past couple games has been mediocre at best. Even if the Rockets don't win this game, John Wall is lining up against Luke Kennard, Terance Mann, and Yogi Ferrell. That alone is enough to take the upside for nearly every Rockets guard tonight.
Play the Contest Now on Monkey Knife Fight
CLE @ CHA
Collin Sexton (CLE) MORE 25.5 Points - Terry Rozier (CHA) MORE 22.5
Although this game is projected to be the lowest scoring, neither of these defenses have the capability to stop the opposing teams top scorers. Collin Sexton has made a career of getting to the rim and the Hornets frontcourt has built a reputation of being easily exposable. Put these two together and Sexton is lined up for another big game where he shouldn't need to shoot well to contribute.
For the Hornets and Terry Rozier, there is no consistency to Rozier's game and his points will be all over the place regardless of who is playing. Obviously, the more minutes he gets, the better he will do, but lately his assists have been where he has been doing the most of his damage. Since Rozier is being handed usage and is being utilized for his playmaking, against this defense it's hard to assume he won't produce.
Play the Contest Now on Monkey Knife Fight
DEN @ GSW
Stephen Curry (GSW) MORE 34.5 Points - Nikola Jokic (DEN) MORE 27.5
As long as both of these players play, this should be the most competitive game of the night. The Nuggets supporting cast hasn't been contributing outside of a few, select sources, and Nikola Jokic is accepting more usage than he really needs at this point of the season. Regardless, there is no reason to short sell how well he has been playing, especially now that he is facing the Warriors frontcourt again.
In terms of momentum, there hasn't been a player better than Stephen Curry. Even with scoring just 18 points last game, Curry has been too good and the Nuggets backcourt defense is not the answer. 35 points is a lot, but with the upside here, there's a great chance Curry sees an excess of attempts tonight.
Play the Contest Now on Monkey Knife Fight