NBA DFS Picks & Advice: Feb 20 | Fantasy Basketball

Friday’s NBA action features nine games, presenting a busy slate for Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) players. DraftKings and FanDuel are both offering contests, though they’ve split the schedule, omitting the late-night matchups between the Clippers and Lakers and the Nuggets and Trail Blazers. The Dallas Mavericks versus the Minnesota Timberwolves on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. ET highlights the evening, with five of the seven contests tipping off at or before that time.

NBA DFS Core Plays

Jalen Johnson (PF – ATL)

DraftKings: $10,500
FanDuel: $11,300

Jalen Johnson is performing strongly, coming off a 32-point, 10-rebound, 5-assist, 3-steal, and 1-block performance in his first game back from the All-Star break. He’s facing a Miami Heat team ranked 27th against his position, and currently averages 51.7 fantasy points per game. Notably, Johnson previously recorded a triple-double against the Heat on February 3rd, with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists.

Anthony Edwards (SG – MIN)

DraftKings: $9,400
FanDuel: $10,000

Anthony Edwards returns to regular season play after participating in the All-Star festivities. His most recent game saw him score 14 points with four 3-pointers, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals. He consistently delivers around 45 fantasy points per game and will face a Mavericks defence ranked 29th. In his previous matchup against Dallas, he recorded 20 points, six rebounds, six assists, and three steals, hitting three 3-pointers.

Bam Adebayo (C – MIA)

DraftKings: $9,200
FanDuel: $8,200

Bam Adebayo is a key center option, having recently posted 27 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, and four blocks against the New Orleans Pelicans. Over his last two games, he’s averaged 25 points, 12.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and two blocks, while making 1.5 three-pointers per game. In six February games, Adebayo is averaging 20.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.5 three-pointers. He previously recorded 16 points and 14 rebounds against the Hawks.

Did You Know? Jalen Johnson recorded his second triple-double in a three-game span on February 3rd against the Miami Heat, demonstrating a recent surge in his all-around performance.

NBA DFS Cash Game Targets

Julius Randle (PF – MIN)

DraftKings: $8,400
FanDuel: $8,400

Julius Randle is poised to exploit a defensively-challenged Dallas Mavericks team, ranked 28th. He averages 41.9 fantasy points per game and recently scored 41 points against Portland on February 11th. In his last game against the Mavericks in Dallas on January 28th, he recorded 31 points, five rebounds, four assists, and a steal.

Andrew Nembhard (PG – IND)

DraftKings: $7,300
FanDuel: $7,400

Despite a recent rough outing with just five points against Washington, Andrew Nembhard’s salary has decreased, making him a potential value play. He averages 33.9 fantasy points per game and will face a Washington defence ranked 31st.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker (SG – ATL)

DraftKings: $7,100
FanDuel: $7,200

Nickeil Alexander-Walker is enjoying a career season, currently averaging 20.1 points per game. He has scored 10+ points in 27 consecutive games, providing consistent production.

Expert Insight: The availability of value plays like Andrew Nembhard and Nickeil Alexander-Walker is crucial in DFS, allowing players to allocate budget towards higher-priced, high-ceiling options like Jalen Johnson and Anthony Edwards. Identifying players facing weaker defenses is a key strategy for maximizing potential returns.

NBA DFS GPP Targets

Jaime Jaquez Jr. (SF, PF – MIA)

DraftKings: $6,900
FanDuel: $6,200

Jaime Jaquez Jr. Is receiving significant playing time and recently scored 23 points in 35 minutes against New Orleans on February 11th, adding eight rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks.

Jay Huff (PF, C – IND)

DraftKings: $5,400
FanDuel: $5,600

With Ivica Zubac sidelined due to an ankle injury, Jay Huff and Micah Potter are expected to see increased minutes. Huff has scored 10+ points in four consecutive games, including 15 points and eight rebounds in 21 minutes against Washington on Thursday.

Bub Carrington (PG – WSH)

DraftKings: $5,600
FanDuel: $4,800

Bub Carrington is likely to see increased playing time with Trae Young (knee) still out. He has scored at least 11 points in five of his last six games and has three or more assists in five consecutive games.

NBA DFS Value Plays

Jock Landale (C – ATL)

DraftKings: $4,500
FanDuel: $4,000

Jock Landale has been productive since joining Atlanta, averaging 10.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 three-pointers in his last three games. He played 22 minutes in Philadelphia on Thursday, finishing with 10 points, seven rebounds, and two 3-pointers.

Herbert Jones (SF – NOP)

DraftKings: $4,400
FanDuel: $4,500

Herbert Jones will face the Milwaukee Bucks and consistently logs at least 30 minutes, scoring at least seven points in four of his last five games. He also has at least four rebounds in four of his last five games and at least two steals in three of his last four.

Tristan Vukcevic (C – WSH)

DraftKings: $4,800
FanDuel: $5,400

With Alex Sarr sidelined, Tristan Vukcevic is expected to play a larger role. He is facing an Indiana defence ranked 24th and scored 12 points, five rebounds, two assists, two 3-pointers, and five steals in 17 minutes against the Pacers on Thursday.

Frequently Asked Questions

What games are being excluded from the DraftKings and FanDuel DFS slates?

The 10 p.m. ET game between the Clippers and Lakers, as well as the 11 p.m. ET game between the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers, are being omitted from the seven-game early-window contests on both DraftKings and FanDuel.

Which player is currently averaging the most fantasy points per game among the highlighted core plays?

Jalen Johnson is currently averaging 51.7 fantasy points per game.

Which player is expected to see increased playing time due to a recent injury?

Jay Huff and Micah Potter are expected to see increased playing time with Ivica Zubac sidelined due to an ankle injury.

Considering the variety of player options and matchups available, how might you adjust your DFS strategy based on late-breaking news regarding player availability?