NBA DFS Picks for Friday, May 8: Top Players and Lineups

The NBA playoffs reach a critical juncture this Friday, May 8, 2026, as the schedule shifts to high-stakes Game 3 matchups. With the New York Knicks holding a commanding lead in the East and the San Antonio Spurs locked in a dead heat with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the night offers a blend of desperation and momentum. For fantasy players and bettors, the slate is defined by pivotal injury reports and emerging postseason breakouts.

Game 3 Matchups: Stakes and Storylines

Friday’s action features two pivotal clashes that will shape the trajectory of their respective series.

New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers

The East semifinals shift to Philadelphia with the New York Knicks holding a 2-0 series lead. The 76ers are facing a precarious situation, fighting to avoid an 0-3 deficit—a hole that is historically demanding to climb out of. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

Health will be the deciding factor for both squads. The Knicks are monitoring OG Anunoby, who is listed as questionable due to a strained hamstring. Meanwhile, the 76ers’ outlook depends heavily on Joel Embiid, whose status is currently questionable with an ankle injury. According to RotoWire, if Embiid is unable to suit up, the 76ers will likely rely on Andre Drummond and Adem Bona to handle center minutes.

San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

At 9:30 p.m. ET, the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves battle to break a 1-1 series tie. Unlike the lopsided nature of the Knicks-76ers series, this matchup remains a toss-up. FanDuel Sportsbook currently lists the visiting Spurs as narrow favorites at -4.5, with an over/under of 216.5 points.

NBA DFS Strategy: Value Plays and Targets

For Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) enthusiasts, the limited slate requires a precision approach to lineup construction. The player pool is headlined by stars like Anthony Edwards, Victor Wembanyama, and Jalen Brunson, but the real edge lies in usage shifts and value picks.

The Paul George Factor

DFS professional Mike McClure has identified 76ers forward Paul George as a top target. George has remained a consistent offensive force throughout the postseason, averaging 17.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists over nine games. His most recent outing against the Knicks saw him contribute 19 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. If Joel Embiid is sidelined, George and Tyrese Maxey are expected to see significant bumps in usage, increasing their ceiling for Friday night.

Emerging Value: Dylan Harper

The San Antonio Spurs’ Dylan Harper has emerged as a high-value target for those looking to save salary without sacrificing production. Harper has seen a statistical uptick in the playoffs compared to his regular-season averages:

• Regular Season: 11.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.
• Postseason (7 games): 13.1 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.

Harper’s ability to impact the game was on full display during Monday’s close contest against the Timberwolves, where he recorded 18 points, four rebounds, and four assists.

Playoff Landscape and Looking Ahead

While the spotlight is on Friday’s Game 3s, the broader playoff picture is intensifying. The Oklahoma City Thunder have maintained a perfect run in the playoffs following a 125-107 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Similarly, the Detroit Pistons have seized a 2-0 lead over the Cavaliers, powered by a strong performance from Cade Cunningham, who scored 12 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter of their most recent win.

Off the court, the league’s attention turns toward the future. The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery is scheduled for Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on ABC, which will determine the official selection order for the upcoming draft.