NBA DFS Plays: Tuesday, February 23

Check out the top NBA DFS plays on DraftKings at each of the five main positions. Tonight we have a nine-game slate that begins at 7 p.m. EST. 

Point Guard

Saben Lee, Detroit Pistons (DK: $3,200) @ ORL

There are a ton of great options at the point guard position tonight, but I think the best strategy is fading those stars for cheap backup Saben Lee. Due to Detroit’s undermanned lineup, Lee was asked to shoulder the load at point guard in the Pistons’ previous outing (also against the Magic). Lee delivered 12 points on four-of-seven from the field with five assists, four rebounds, and three steals. If Lee can come anywhere close to producing similar stats this evening, he makes for an intriguing bargain play.

Other Options: Luka Doncic, Trae Young, De’Aaron Fox

Shooting Guard

James Harden, Brooklyn Nets (DK: $10,700) vs. SAC

Although Harden is only eligible for point guard on DraftKings, I figured it was fair to list him at shooting guard considering his eligibility on FanDuel, plus the fact that on DraftKings, you need to fill another guard and utility spot. With Kevin Durant out of the lineup, the offense runs through Harden and Kyrie Irving. In his last five games, Harden has four double-doubles and a triple-double. Over that same span, he is averaging 29.2 points, 11.8 assists, 8.8 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 0.6 blocks. He has been an absolute beast to the tune of 64.9 fantasy points per game. Against a Sacramento Kings defense that ranks dead-last in defensive efficiency and allows the most overall fantasy points to opponents, Harden should be cooking tonight in Brooklyn.

Other Options: Bradley Beal, Paul George, Tyrese Haliburton

Small Forward

RJ Barrett, New York Knicks (DK: $5,500) vs. GSW

The Knicks are playing some of their best basketball recently and play a Warriors team that plays at the league’s second-fastest pace in the NBA. Although both teams have been strong defensively, the Warriors have struggled to stop opposing wings. Golden State has caused point guards to struggle, but wings have gotten the best of Stephen Curry and the Warriors. Barrett’s low salary, combined with his recent high level of play make him a great feature in lineups tonight. The last time these two teams met, Barrett produced 38 fantasy points. Considering how often the ball is in his hands, I’m actually quite surprised how cheap Barrett is on tonight’s slate. I would roster him with confidence. So long as he doesn’t struggle with his jump shit, he’s in for a very strong outing.

Other Options: Buddy Hield, Derrick Jones, Saddiq Bey

Power Forward

Rui Hachimura, Washington Wizards (DK: $6,000) @ LAC

The Wizards are on a back-to-back with LA teams after defeating the Lakers in overtime last night. Tonight’s matchup is only slightly easier than last night’s now that Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are expected back in the lineup. That being said, the Wizards are on a roll right now. They have won four straight and Hachimura has been a critical piece to the team’s success. Over their four-game winning streak, Hachimura is averaging 14.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. Expect more of the same against the Clippers tonight.

Other Options: John Collins, Tobias Harris, Nemanja Bjelica

Center

Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers (DK: $10,600) @ TOR

Between the top three centers on the board, the decision for DFS players will likely come down to personal preference and salary available. Personally, I like the idea of rostering Harden with Embiid as my two studs. Vucevic has been playing on another level recently, but the game is against the Pistons and is the lowest point total of the night. Jokic is always an option and is well worth the gamble on most nights, but I like Embiid because he is playing in a high scoring and more competitive game against the Raptors. Toronto does not have a true center who can bump bodies with Embiid in the paint and under the rim. Embiid has been able to make Toronto pay this year, averaging just under 60 fantasy points per game in their two meetings thus far this season. And don’t forget, Embiid is only one game removed from a whopping 91.8 fantasy points when he scored 50 points and hauled in 17 boards.

Other Options: Nikola Jokic, Nikola Vucevic, Julius Randle