We’ve got an excellent seven-game NBA DFS slate on tap for a glorious Saturday evening. What more could you ask for? Let’s get into it!
Playing NBA DFS can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also make your head spin. It’s our job to make sure you’re winning as much as possible! There are countless variables that can lead to a player’s individual performance, but I’ve found it’s best to focus on just a few that can lead to better predictability.
My favorite factors to track for NBA DFS targets: Matchups (Offensive/Defensive Ratings), Opportunity (expected player minutes, game pace), and Recent Form.
This is the AM VERSION of a living article that will be updated throughout the day, as news comes through the wire.
LET’S GET INTO THE SLATE!!!!
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NBA DFS Targets and Preview for Feb. 27
Timberwolves vs. Wizards
I told you it was going to happen. I told you my Wizards were going to get it together and make the playoffs. They’ve got two All-NBA talents for crying out loud! The Wiz have won 6 of their last 7, and they aren’t just beating scrubs. I think they’re finally getting some confidence, and they won’t need it against the league’s 2nd worst team (in terms of net rating). They aren’t good enough to blow out a team yet, but the Wiz should win this one with little trouble.
DFS Targets: MIN targets: Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards. WAS targets: Brad Beal, Russ Westbrook, Rui Hachimura, and Davis Bertans (if he plays).
Cavaliers vs. 76ers
I think we’ve got ourselves a blowout on the docket, here, ladies and gentlemen. The Cavs are last in net rating, while the 76ers are 8th in the league. Philly also has the 6th ranked defense in the league, while the Cavs are 28th in offense. The Cavs won’t be good enough to score, and the 76ers will have no problem doing it against the Cavs 25th ranked defense.
DFS Targets: I wouldn’t target players on a potential blowout, but if I must, I’d go with Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, and Colin Sexton.
Pelicans vs. Spurs
I think this will be a tight one between two evenly matched teams. They are 16th and 17th in net rating, respectively. On the defensive end, they rank 28th and 7th. On the offensive end, they rank 6th and 22nd. They are almost polar opposites, while they end up being similar as a whole. This is a pick ’em game for me. I wouldn’t bet on either team.
DFS Targets: NO targets: Ball, Ingram, Zion, Hart, and Hernangomez for value. SA targets: Murray and Mills are the only people I’d trust on this team that’s been hampered by injuries.
Pacers vs. Knicks
I’ll tell you what. I like the sight of D-Rose running the show for the Knicks, with Quickley’s instant offense coming off the bench. I like Elfrid Payton more than most people. Particularly his defensive prowess. However, if I were him, I’d get back to the lineup soon. He won’t have minutes if he doesn’t. The Knicks are 3rd in the league in defense. The Pacers are no slouch themselves at 11th. On the offensive side, they are 16th and 23rd, respectively. I think the Pacers pull this out, as they are the more complete team.
DFS Targets: IND targets: Brogdon, Sabonis, Lamb, and McConnell. NYK targets: Rose, Randle, Quickley, and Burks provides added offense on the 2nd unit.
Jazz vs. Magic
Jazz. They might as well be the ’96 Bulls at this point. The Magic have nothing for them.
DFS Targets: I’ll fade this game entirely. If you don’t think it’ll be a blowout, stick with the stars.
Nuggets vs. Thunder
The Nuggets are coming off a loss to my Wizards, and quite frankly, they look a bit out of sorts. Lucky for them, they’ll have a shot to get right against the 26th ranked net rating in the league. The Thunder are ranked last in offense and the Nuggets are ranked 5th in offense. I think the Nuggets should have this one in the bag, but likely not by blowout. You can target some players in this game.
DFS Targets: DEN targets: Murray, Jokic, Campazzo, and MPJ. On the Thunder, I’m likely only to look toward Shai and Bazley.
Mavericks vs. Nets
Nets…The Mavs don’t play any defense. The Nets can score with their eyes closed. Especially without Porzingis’ length. I’m expecting one of those glorious box scores, where the over hits, and the Nets win by 20+.
DFS Targets: I wouldn’t target any players from this game. Kyrie and Harden have been playing so well, that their salaries are about 25% of your salary cap, but neither is likely to provide anywhere close to 25% of your total fantasy points in a blowout. That’s a little sanity metric I like to use when valuing stars. I’d fade.
Don’t forget to check back later in the day as Bradlee will be updating his NBA DFS preview with all the info you need to turn tonight’s slate into a resounding success!
If you are reading this on Fantrax.com make sure to head on over to FantraxHQ to check out Brad’s afternoon updates.
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