The Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves in a deep hole, down 2-0 in their playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. Both Darius Garland and Evan Mobley have been sidelined due to injuries, with Garland nursing a sprained toe and Mobley recovering from a sprained ankle. Reserve forward De'Andre Hunter is also dealing with a thumb injury. However, all three are expected to return for Game 3, boosting the Cavs' chances to claw back into the series.

Despite Donovan Mitchell's stellar performance in Game 2, where he scored 48 points while playing through a calf strain, the Cavs imploded late in the game, losing a 20-point lead and ultimately falling 120-119. Coach Kenny Atkinson expressed optimism about the returning injured players, but also acknowledged the frustration around the team’s current situation.

LeBron James is contemplating his future in the NBA after the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the playoffs. This loss, which concluded a 4-1 series defeat, has left the 40-year-old star unsure about continuing his career. He expressed the desire to take time during the offseason to discuss with his family the next steps as he enters potential retirement discussions.

Despite the disappointment, LeBron highlighted playing alongside his son, Bronny, as a career highlight and a source of immense joy. The Timberwolves, led by Rudy Gobert's impressive 27-point, 24-rebound performance, will now advance to face either the Golden State Warriors or the Houston Rockets in the next playoff round.

The OKC Blue fell to the Sioux Falls Skyforce 111-107 in a closely contested G League matchup, resulting in a 17-16 record for the season. A strong second quarter saw the Blue take a 67-52 lead at halftime, but the Skyforce rallied back, outscoring OKC in the third quarter. Key shots from Bryson Warren brought Sioux Falls back into contention, eventually securing the lead late in the game. Despite the Blue's effort, they struggled from three-point range, converting only 28.6% of their attempts.

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.