We’re back! I took a little break (I was heartbroken after the Wizards got their win streak snapped), but we’ve got another nine game NBA DFS slate on tap for us tonight. I can’t wait. 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. 26
Pacers vs. Celtics
Look…I’m not sure what’s going on with the Celtics. We know they’re better than this. Their GM is talking about how they’re not built for a championship, and their team President is talking about how Kyrie leaving set them back. Not a lot of confidence spewing out of Boston leadership. They’ve lost three straight as I write this, and they’re going to need to beat out the 11th ranked team in terms of net rating. They’ve also got a middling offense and Indiana has the 12th best defense. I like the Pacers to roll here, but Boston will lean on their stars, which will be interesting for DFS purposes.
DFS Targets: IND targets: Brogdon, Sabonis, McDermott, Turner, and McConnell and Lamb for value. BOS targets: Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Jeff Teague if Kemba is out.
Rockets vs. Raptors
Over the course of the season, the Rockets have had a top five defense. They haven’t played that way in the past few games, and maybe that’s due to injuries, I think. They won’t be back to themselves defensively, until they get Christian Wood back. For that reason, I’ll roll with the hotter hand in the Raptors, who also happen to be the better team anyway.
DFS Targets: HOU targets: Wall, Oladipo, House Jr., and Tate. TOR targets: I like Lowry (if he plays), Siakam, FVV, and Boucher as a value play. OG and Powell, can also be appealing, but they can be on the inconsistent side in terms of living up to their salaries.
Kings vs. Pistons
I can usually pencil in both of these teams getting blown out, but I don’t think that’s possible when they play each other. As I write this, the Kings have lost their last eight, and Detroit has lost four of five. The Pistons are 24th in net rating, while the Kings are 28th. On the other hand, the Kings are at least in the top half of the league in offense, while the Pistons aren’t in the top half of anything. I have a low level of confidence, but I’ll go with the Kings here.
DFS Targets: SAC targets: Fox, Hield, Bagley, Halliburton. DET targets: Bey, Grant, Plumlee, and…drumroll please……….SABAN LEE (apparently you only need to have three good games to get on my good side). Saban Lee is still damn-near minimum pricing. He’ll have high ownership.
Jazz vs. Heat
I just watched the Jazz dismantle the Lakers. They’ll do it to the Heat too. I think we need to seriously consider the fact that the Utah Jazz are good enough to win the Championship. The Nets might have the best firepower, but the Jazz have a top three offense and defense. They’re absolutely the most complete team in the league. I don’t see any holes right now.
DFS Targets: Utah targets: Conley, Mitchell, Gobert, and Clarkson. MIA targets: I’ll stick with the stars against a team this strong. I like Jimmy Butler and Bam.
Suns vs. Bulls
Suns. Blowout. That’s that. Zach LaVine is an All-Star, but the Suns have two better ones, plus DeAndre Ayton. This is a very tough matchup for Chicago.
DFS Targets: I’ll fade this game entirely. If you don’t think it’ll be a blowout, stick with the stars.
Clippers vs. Grizzlies
The Clippers are the last team to beat my Wizards, so they are now cursed. Lucky for them, they’re good enough to withstand my curses. They are third in the league in net rating, 2nd in offense, and 15th in defense. The Grizzlies are 21st in net rating, 20th in offense, and 16th in defense. Clippers should have no problem.
DFS Targets: LAC targets: Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Lou Williams. MEM targets: Morant, Brooks, and Jonas.
Hawks vs. Thunder
Trae Young is playing out of his mind right now and Danillo Gallinari is coming off a 10 3PM game. I truly don’t see a way that the Thunder can pull this out. Shai and Lu Dort can’t do this themselves. At the end of the day, the Hawks are 12th ranked in net rating and the Thunder are 26th ranked. Hawks have this in the bag.
DFS Targets: ATL targets: Trae Young, John Collins, Clint Capela, and Danillo Gallinari (don’t expect another 10 3PM game, but I think he’s found his footing). OKC targets: Shai, Dort, and Bazley.
Hornets vs. Warriors
This should be fun. The Warriors are 2nd in pace, and 4th in defense, so while their offensive rating isn’t quite there, they’re able to push the ball and get a bunch of possessions. With Steph, Wiggins, and Oubre snipping from three, I like their odds. LaMelo Ball can keep with any pace, though. Gordon Hayward is no slouch, either. I think he should’ve been an All-Star, if you ask me. GSW should pull this out, but I think this will be the highest total on the slate.
DFS Targets: CHA targets: LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, Miles Bridges, and Malik Monk for value. GSW targets: Curry, Wiggins, Oubre, Green, and James Wiseman will get his minutes up, hopefully. If he gets projected for 25+ minutes, he’s going in my player pool.
Trail Blazers vs. Lakers
Oh how the mighty have fallen. LeBron is the best player in the world, and maybe the history of the game (I’ll save that for another article). However, they’re in quite the slump right now, and the Blazers have the firepower to take advantage of that. I’m going with the Blazers here. This is more of a gut call, considering the Lakers best the Blazers in all the most important stat categories.
DFS Targets: LAL targets: LeBron. POR targets: Dame, Covington, Carmelo, Kanter, and Gary Trent Jr.
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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