NBA DFS Plays: Thursday, February 18

With just a three-game slate tonight, it will be critical to craft the perfect lineup. It will also be more difficult to find value plays. Of the three games, the Raptors-Bucks matchup has the highest projected point total (235.5) followed by the Nets-Lakers (232) and the Heat-Kings (226.5). All three games have close spreads, so stars should play heavy minutes. Although the Heat-Kings have the lowest implied total of the three games, that is the game that I’m targeting the most. Not only are many of the players in that matchup undervalued, but each team is also dealing with some key injuries. That will open up opportunities for the rest of the players on those two teams.  

Check out the top plays at each of the five main positions.

Point Guard

De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings (DK: $8,500) Vs. MIA

Fox has been on an absolute tare recently. He is scorching hot and hasn’t failed to score at least 19 points in each of the Kings’ games in February. The electrifying and speedy point guard is averaging 28.6 points, 2.3 triples, 8.9 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.0 steals over seven games this month. That equates to just over 48 DraftKings points per contest. Over that same span, Fox is shooting 50 percent from the field and converting 77 percent of his attempts from the charity stripe. He is showing no signs of slowing down and although the lineup around him is being shuffled by head coach Luke Walton, Fox’s upside remains extremely high.  

Other Options: James Harden, Dennis Schroder, Kendrick Nunn

Shooting Guard

Tyler Herro, Miami Heat (DK: $5,900) @ SAC

Although Herro is coming off his worst shooting night of the season, he still managed to produce a second consecutive outing with 43.3 fantasy points due to season highs in rebounds (15) and blocks (3). Over his last two games, Herro has swatted five shots — the most in any two-game span of his short career. In his last two games, Herro has played a whopping 40 minutes per game, producing 19.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.5 blocks, and 0.5 steals. He will continue to see plenty of minutes and get tons of touches with Goran Dragic still nursing an injury. It doesn’t hurt that the Kings rank dead-last in the league at defending shooting guards and allow more fantasy points per game than any other team in the league to the position. Fire up Herro with confidence. He’s in for a stellar night.

Other Options: Fred VanVleet, Tyrese Haliburton, Donte DiVincenzo

Small Forward

Buddy Hield, Sacramento Kings (DK: $6,600) Vs. MIA

I like LeBron James a lot tonight with Anthony Davis sidelined. I also like Jimmy Butler, who is coming off of back-to-back triple doubles. However, you have to save some cap space for some of the other studs on tonight’s slate. And with Richaun Holmes and Harrison Barnes ruled out, Hield is going to be asked to shoulder a heavy load on offense. Plus, Miami is allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing shooting guards, which is Held’s primary position. Hield has attempted at least eight three pointers in each of his last 11 games. And on Monday, he converted six-of-nine shots from beyond the arc. Expect the sharpshooter to continue to fire away in what should be a tightly contested matchup.

Other Options: LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, Joe Harris

Power Forward

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks (DK: $10,900) Vs. TOR

The Greek Freak has been simply unstoppable this season, particularly over his last four games. The reigning back-to-back MVP is averaging 33.5 points, 13.3 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 2.8 steals, and 1.8 blocks over that span. He has gone for at least 65 DK points in each of those contests, averaging a ridiculous 70.9 fantasy points per game. Just two days ago against these same Raptors, Antetokounmpo posted 34 points (11-20 from the field and 10-14 from the line), two triples, 10 rebounds, eight assists, five steals and two blocks. He contributes in literally every single category. It also doesn’t hurt that he will want revenge after the Raptors defeated the Bucks 124-113 on Tuesday. If I had to pick one stud on tonight’s slate, it would be Giannis, who is playing in the game with the highest implied total.

Other Options: Pascal Siakam, Kyle Kuzma, Kelly Olynyk

Center

Chris Boucher, Toronto Raptors (DK: $6,300) @ MIL

With Kyle Lowry considered questionable for tonight’s outing, Boucher may be asked to take on a larger role on offense. Even if Lowry suits up, the big man has been playing valuable minutes recently, finishing with 34.5 fantasy points in 30 minutes against the Bucks earlier this week. Over his last six outings, Boucher has three double-doubles and is averaging 34.9 fantasy points per game over that stretch. He has also blocked five shots in two of those games. His shot blocking ability makes him a strong upside play and his price tag is reasonable. The Bucks aren’t great at defending opposing centers, ranking in the bottom half of the league. Look for Boucher to build on his momentum and provide a solid return on your investment.  

Other Options: Montrezl Harrell, Marvin Bagley III, Hassan Whiteside