New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson is averaging 36.5 points against the Milwaukee Bucks this season, as the Knicks prepare to face the Bucks on Friday evening, one of five NBA games scheduled for the night.
The Knicks and Bucks matchup is part of a nationally-televised doubleheader on ESPN, with the Cleveland Cavaliers hosting the Detroit Pistons earlier in the evening. Later, the Denver Nuggets will travel to capture on the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Brunson’s scoring prowess against Milwaukee has been a key storyline heading into the contest. In two previous meetings this season, he has averaged 36.5 points, four assists, and 2.5 rebounds, demonstrating a consistent ability to impact the game against the Bucks. He scored 36 points in Milwaukee on October 28th and followed that with 37 points in a November 28th game at Madison Square Garden.
Beyond the Knicks-Bucks game, several players are being highlighted as key performers for NBA Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) lineups. Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics is considered a strong core play, averaging 46.6 fantasy points per game and facing a Brooklyn Nets defense ranked 19th against his position. Brown has scored at least 23 points in each game since the All-Star break, averaging 26 points, 11.3 rebounds, 7.7 assists, and 1.3 three-pointers per game, including a triple-double against the Golden State Warriors on February 19th. He previously recorded a triple-double against the Nets on January 23rd, with 27 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds.
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Chet Holmgren is likewise identified as a value play, despite a recent shooting slump. While he struggled in his last outing against Toronto, averaging just seven points, his price tag has decreased, making him an attractive option against the Denver Nuggets, who are 24th in opponent rank.
For cash game lineups, Josh Hart of the Knicks is a recommended target. He is averaging 31.9 fantasy points per game and will face a Milwaukee defense allowing 115.4 points per game, ranking 16th in the NBA. Hart previously scored 19 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals against the Bucks.
Other DFS targets include Naji Marshall of the Dallas Mavericks, who is coming off a 36-point performance against the Sacramento Kings, and GG Jackson of the Memphis Grizzlies, who has scored 20+ points in four of his last five games. Jaylin Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder is a value play, potentially benefiting from increased playing time, and Khris Middleton of the Dallas Mavericks is showing improved form against a Grizzlies defense ranked 26th. Brandon Williams of the Dallas Mavericks has also been consistently scoring, with 13+ points in five consecutive games. Olivier-Maxence Prosper of the Memphis Grizzlies is expected to start against his former team, and Craig Porter Jr. Of the Cleveland Cavaliers may see increased playing time with Donovan Mitchell sidelined.