Daily Preview and NBA DFS Picks for 2/24/2021

We’ve got another nine-game NBA DFS slate on tap for us tonight. We’re closing in on the All-Star Break, and pretty soon, we’ll see some team-altering transactions with buy-out/trade candidates. Let’s take advantage of this time period when we know who all these teams are. Onward!

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. 24

Warriors vs. Pacers

These two teams are 10th and 11th, respectively, in the league’s net rating standings. The Pacers are more of a well-balanced team, as they rank 14th in offensive rating and 13th in defensive rating. The Warriors get their wins primarily on the defensive end this year. They rank 5th in the league in defense, while they are 19th in offense. While Steph is back from his illness, I lean toward a team that I think is more balanced. Pacers pull this one out.

DFS Targets: GSW targets: Steph, Draymond, Oubre, Wiggins, and Juan T., for potential value. IND targets: I like our stars in Malcolm Brogdon and Sabonis. We can also add Turner, McConnell, and Lamb to the potential value plays.

Celtics vs. Hawks

The Hawks have played the Celtics twice in the past week. The Hawks won 122-114 in the matchup on the 17th and lost 121-109 on the 19th. It’s going to be interesting to see who would break this tie, as they are ranked 12th and 13th, respectively in net rating. They are evenly matched. I bet the Celtics didn’t think that was going to happen early in the season. This is a pick’em game for me.

DFS Targets: BOS targets: Tatum, Brown, Pritchard, and Williams III. ATL targets: I like Trae, Collins, Capela, and Gallinari.

Rockets vs. Cavaliers

Look…everyone in the NBA is an elite athlete. There are only 450 players in the world who get to play on that level. The last person on every bench is an incredible talent. I say that, to say, “there’s levels.” The Cavs are in the lowest level. They’ve lost 9 of 10, and I don’t anticipate that will change against the 4th ranked defense in the league.

DFS Targets: I’m expecting a blowout here. I’ll look elsewhere for my targets.

Raptors vs. Heat

The Raptors have the 8th best net rating in the league, while the Heat are 23rd. That’s a little bit skewed considering injuries/health protocols have hit Miami very hard. That said, Toronto has had the best recent form. They’ve won four of their last 5 (twice against MIL and once against PHI). The Heat are 3-2 in their last five, with a much easier schedule. I like the Raptors in this one, but it’ll be close.

DFS Targets: TOR targets: Lowry, FVV, OG, Powell, Boucher, and Siakam. MIA targets: Nunn, Butler, Olynyk, and Adebayo.

Timberwolves vs. Bulls

Essentially a copy/paste with what I said about the Cavs. I mean the same thing with the Timberwolves. I don’t know if they have bad luck, if they’re a dysfunctional organization, or both. Either way, the Timberwolves are bad, and the Bulls will handle them easily.

DFS Targets: I’ll fade this game entirely.

Pistons vs. Pelicans 

These teams are 24th and 17th in net rating, respectively. Both teams are 2-3 in their last five games. At the end of the day, sometimes picking a winner is as simple as rolling with the team that has the best players. That’s the Pelicans. That’s my pick.

DFS Targets: DET targets: Ellington, Grant, Plumlee, and Josh Jackson may provide sneaky value. Also, I guess Saban Lee has earned our attention. I’ll fade him, but I get if you don’t want to. NO targets: I like their entire starting five + Josh Hart.

Spurs vs. Thunder

Intersting matchup on this one. The Spurs are 7-3 in their last 10, while the Thunder are 3-7. They are 9th and 12th in the defensive ratings, respectively. They are 21st and 29th in the offensive ratings. You know what? Maybe this isn’t as interesting as I thought it would be. Spurs win.

DFS Targets: SAS targets: I like Murray and Walker. OKC targets: I like Shai, Dort, Bazley, Horford, and Roby. Diallo might be an interesting play, as well.

Hornets vs. Suns

The Suns are hitting on all cylinders. They are 9-1 in their last 10. They’re 5th in the league in net rating. We’re dealing with a team here that will no doubt be contending to represent the West in the Finals. The Hornets are fun to watch, but they’re young, and can’t handle this team. I think Phoenix wins in a blowout here.

DFS Targets: It’s a fade for me, but if you want to play, stick with the stars. LaMelo, Hayward, CP3, Booker, Ayton.

Lakers vs. Jazz

We know how talented the Lakers are, but they’ve been stumbling a bit without A.D. I don’t know if Bron needs a rest, or not having a starting PG is doing them in. It’s probably a combination. You can’t have any stumbling against Utah. They’ve won 21 games out of their last 24. The margin for error to beat Utah is too small, and LAL has had plenty of errors recently. I don’t think a LeBron-led team will be blown out, because the Lakers do have depth and talent, but I’ll stick with the stars for my player pool targets.

DFS Targets: LAL targets: LeBron. Utah targets: Mitchell, Gobert, and Conley.

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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