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Top NBA DFS Plays & Prop Picks 2/25 | Cracking the Code on Wednesday's Nine-Game Slate!

Top NBA DFS Plays & Prop Picks 2/25 | Cracking the Code on Wednesday's Nine-Game Slate!

Wednesday, February 26th - DFS Plays & Pick 'Ems for Today's NBA Action!

Ryan Humphries
February 26, 2025

Written By: Ryan Humphries on Twitter/X & LineStar chat @Ryan_Humphries

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NBA DFS & Props Shows w/ Tyler & Shannon

DFS Main Slate Rundown 📰

A busy Wednesday slate rolls around with nine games on tap! I wouldn’t say there is anything overly remarkable about this slate. There are some decent matchups on the board, a couple of likely blowouts, and five games own totals of at least 231 points. The injury report is about as lengthy as expected for a nine gamer so, as usual, keep an eye out for all of the news trickling in… especially monitor those pesky Celtics after they hit us with a late scratch on Kristaps Porzingis last night after lock. Let’s have some fun! Best of luck!

Today’s Key Injuries

Trailblazers: D. Ayton - OUT, R. Williams - OUT
Wizards: A. Sarr - OUT, M. Brogdon - OUT
Celtics: J. Brown - Questionable, K. Porzingis - Questionable, L. Kornet - OUT, S. Hauser - Questionable
Pistons: D. Schroder - Questionable, S. Fontecchio - OUT
Raptors: S. Barnes - Questionable, B. Ingram - OUT, J. Poeltl - Questionable
Pacers: T. Haliburton - Questionable, TJ McConnell - Questionable
76ers: J. Embiid - OUT, Q. Grimes - Probable, G. Yabusele - OUT, J. Edwards - Probable, E. Gordon - OUT, K. Lowry - OUT
Knicks: K. Towns - Questionable, OG Anunoby - Probable
Thunder: None
Nets: C. Thomas - OUT, N. Claxton - OUT, D. Russell - OUT, N. Clowney - OUT
Hawks: T. Young - Probable, V. Kejci - OUT
Heat: B. Adebayo - Questionable, A. Wiggins - Probable, K. Ware - Probable, N. Jovic - OUT
Clippers: N. Powell - OUT
Bulls: N. Vucevic - OUT, A. Dosunmu - Questionable, K. Huerter - Probable, Z. Collins - Probable, P. Williams - OUT, J. Smith - OUT
Kings: K. Ellis - Questionable
Jazz: L. Markkanen - OUT, J. Collins - OUT, C. Sexton - OUT
Spurs: C. Bassey - OUT
Rockets: F. VanVleet - OUT, T. Eason - OUT

Main Slate Match-Ups w/ Game Totals & Point Spreads

Top DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Plays

Note: NBA position designations are never going to perfectly align between the major DFS sites. For the purposes of these newsletters, positional designations will default to DraftKings.

Point Guards/Shooting Guards to Consider 🏀

SG Jalen Green, HOU | DK: $7.5k, FD: $7.5k | vs. SAS

There are some quality guards at the top of pricing today but I didn’t feel overly compelled to hand any of them a spotlight so we’ll begin here with Jalen Green. The usage has been excellent for Jalen Green, who has put up at least 19 shots in 11 of his last 13 games. Fred VanVleet has been out for the previous 10 games and Tari Eason will be sitting out on the second leg of the back-to-back, so those two absences should only stand to benefit Green from a usage standpoint. The Spurs have checked in at 25th versus starting SGs L20Games and Green has averaged a healthy 1.22 FPPM in three previous meetings with San Antonio this season. Green has logged at least 36 minutes in six of the last eight games so if he can keep that FPPM rate around that level, he should be in line for another productive night.

SG Dyson Daniels, ATL | DK: $6.7k, FD: $8k | at MIA

As you can tell by the sizable price discrepancy between the two sites, Dyson Daniels is setting up as a more favorable play on DraftKings. That said, since FanDuel’s scoring does put more of a premium on steals/blocks than DraftKings, Daniels should stay on the DFS radar over there as well. Daniels leads the NBA in steals, by a wide margin, with 3.1 steals/gm to go along with 0.8 blocks/gm. The next closest player to him in the steals department is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at 1.9 steals/gm. The Hawks and Heat met just two days ago and Daniels picked Miami’s pocket SEVEN times and he’s now up to 4.8 STL+BLK/gm L5Games. Of course, Daniels brings more to the table outside of those premium stats as he has averaged 15.4 PPG, 7.4 RPG, and 4.0 APG across 35.1 Min/gm L5Games. Miami has ranked 29th versus starting SGs L10Games and Daniels will simply make a ton of sense for DFS lineups tonight, especially on DK given that glaringly underpriced $6,700 salary.

PG Killian Hayes, BKN | DK: $4k, FD: $4.4k | vs. OKC

The Nets have no real shot at keeping up with OKC tonight, and they head in as massive 17-point home underdogs. However, there could still be some value options worth considering as they should be running with a short rotation. Cam Thomas, Nic Claxton, D’Angelo Russell, and Noah Clowney are all out for Brooklyn tonight. Killian Hayes, who has now been with the Nets for three games after signing a 10-day contract last week, has started the previous two games. His last game was his best effort as he ended up with a 7/3/8 stat line with two steals and a block across 25 minutes, which netted him 28.25 DKFP/29.6 FDFP. His upside may be limited but you’re getting a good chance at 6x (or better) value out of him at these low price points.

Other Guards to Consider

PG James Harden, LAC at CHI

PG Trae Young, ATL at MIA

PG Tyler Herro, MIA vs. ATL

PG Tyrese Haliburton, IND vs. TOR (Currently questionable)

SG/SF Zach LaVine, SAC at UTA

PG Josh Giddey, CHI vs. LAC (Boost if Dosunmu remains out)

PG Keyonte George, UTA vs. SAC

PG/SG Anfernee Simons, POR at WAS

PG/SG Payton Pritchard, BOS at DET (Boost if J. Brown and/or Porzingis are out)

PG/SG Kris Dunn, LAC at CHI

PG/SG Andrew Nembhard, IND vs. TOR (Preferred if Haliburton is out)

SG/SF Kevin Huerter, CHI vs. LAC (Only if starting again)

PG TJ McConnell, IND vs. TOR (Currently questionable - Preferred if Haliburton is out)

SG Tyrese Martin, BKN vs. OKC

Small Forwards/Power Forwards to Consider 🏀

SF/PF Josh Hart, NYK | DK: $7.9k, FD: $8.1k | vs. PHI

After missing a few games with a knee injury, Hart returned to action on Sunday and was given 40 minutes of court time. That’s Tom Thibodeau for you. Hart looked to be his usual, high-motor self and fell a single assist shy of posting another triple-double, ultimately ending with a 20/11/9 stat line versus the Celtics. The Knicks have since had multiple days to rest up, which bodes well for Hart who averages +12% more FPPG when well-rested. Hart has also smashed in two previous meetings with the 76ers this season, averaging 12.0 PPG, 14.5 RPG, 11.0 APG, 3.0 STL+BLK/gm, and 55.6 DKFP/57.4 FDFP in those contests. The Knicks own the third-highest implied team total on the slate (120.5 points), and we should expect Hart to continue stuffing the stat sheet while playing massive minutes. Hart would also be given a moderate projection boost if Karl-Anthony Towns (knee/questionable) is unable to suit up.

SF/PF Deni Avdija, POR | DK: $6.5k, FD: $7.3k | at WAS

After a brief slump, Avdija is back to playing mid-30s minutes (in non-blowouts) and is coming off of a quality 18/14/5 stat line (44.5 DKFP/41.3 FDFP) against the Jazz on Monday night. Avdija will draw a similarly promising match-up tonight as the Wizards check in at 29th in DEFRTG, just behind the Jazz, who are, of course, dead last in DEFRTG. The Wizards have also ranked 30th versus starting SFs L20Games. You can maybe sprinkle in a bit of a “revenge game” narrative here if you’d like as this will be Avdija’s first time playing against Washington, which is where he spent the first four years of his career.

PF Georges Niang, ATL | DK: $4.3k, FD: $4.5k | at MIA

We had Niang spotlighted on Monday, and while he didn’t pay major dividends, I’ll continue to ride the wave since he is still getting some more playing time opportunities since being traded over to the Hawks. Niang’s five personal fouls in the last game may have also been a contributing factor to him not seeing more minutes. But he has played 34+ minutes in two of the last four games and Niang has also routinely closed games in the fourth quarter with some of the other Hawks starters. He’s averaging a respectable 0.93 FPPM L5Games so if he gets up to 30+ minutes again tonight, he’ll be a strong bet to return some value. It’s also a plus matchup as the Heat have ranked 29th versus bench PFs L20Games.

Other Forwards to Consider

SF/PF Jayson Tatum, BOS at DET (Boost if J. Brown and/or Porzingis are out)

SF DeMar DeRozan, SAC at UTA

SF/SG RJ Barrett, TOR at IND (Boost if Barnes is out)

SF/PF Kawhi Leonard, LAC at CHI

SF Andrew Wiggins, MIA vs. ATL

PF Jerami Grant, POR at WAS

SF/PF Ausar Thompson, DET vs. BOS

PF Kyshawn George, WAS vs. POR

PF/C Trendon Watford, BKN vs. OKC

SF/SG Aaron Nesmith, IND vs. TOR

Centers to Consider 🏀

C Ivica Zubac, LAC | DK: $7.4k, FD: $8.1k | at CHI

I imagine most folks will be looking to spend down at center today as there are several quality cheap options to choose from. But, if you’re gunning for big upside, Ivica Zubac could be your guy. Zubac ranks 4th in the NBA with 12.6 RPG and, while he doesn’t command high-end usage, he’s still putting up around a dozen shots most nights. He also sees a slight uptick in usage with Norman Powell (knee/out) off the floor. But the major draw for Zubac today comes from the matchup. The Bulls have been one of the best overall matchups for opposing centers, ranking 29th versus the position this season. They’re also going to be down their top two centers with Nikola Vucevic and Jalen Smith both ruled out for tonight’s game. Zach Collins isn’t a bad fill-in option but I just don’t see Zubac having many issues against this Bulls interior tonight.

C Day’Ron Sharpe, BKN | DK: $4.2k, FD: $5.8k | vs. OKC

As mentioned, there are several viable cheap centers on this slate, and, at least on DraftKings, Day’Ron Sharpe may be the best of the bunch. With Nic Claxton serving a one-game suspension and Noah Clowney also out, Sharpe should be in line for a spot start this evening. Given the fact that Claxton’s suspension was known well in advance, FanDuel had time to price Sharpe more appropriately at $5,800, while DraftKings seemingly ignored this news and even priced him down by $200 from his last game. Sharpe has been dominant from a per-minute standpoint, averaging a whopping 1.42 FPPM over the last month. However, minutes have been a big hurdle as he typically only plays 15-20 minutes per game. I don’t believe he’ll come in and push for 30+ minutes tonight, and this game is the most likely blowout on the slate, but even if he gets up to around 24-28 minutes, that’d be plenty of time for Sharpe to put up some strong numbers.

Other Centers to Consider

C Karl-Anthony Towns, NYK vs. PHI (Currently questionable)

C Domantas Sabonis, SAC at UTA

C Myles Turner, IND vs. TOR

C Kel’el Ware, MIA vs. ATL (Boost if Adebayo is out)

C Onyeka Okongwu, ATL at MIA

C Donovan Clingan, POR at WAS

C Richaun Holmes, WAS vs. POR

C Zach Collins, CHI vs. LAC

C Andre Drummond, PHI at NYK (Only if starting)

PrizePicks NBA Power Play of the Day ⚡

Here is a two-pick “Power Play” I’m liking for today's NBA action over on PrizePicks! Nothing is ever a guarantee to hit but I put my own money on these bets so I don't just lightly throw these out there without believing they'll cash! If it hits, it will return 3x the wager.

Dyson Daniels MORE than 36 Fantasy Score

Ausar Thompson MORE than 23.5 Fantasy Score

🔥 Props AI 🔥

In LineStar’s ongoing mission to improve, innovate, and help you reel in some cash, we are introducing Props AI for NBA – available for LineStar Premium users! This tool can help you find value and mispriced odds on player props from sportsbooks and, more specifically, for PrizePicks and UnderDog Fantasy!

Speaking of props, put the Props AI tool to use by signing up for PrizePicks (Promo code: LINESTAR) or Underdog (Promo code: LINESTAR). You'll receive a 100% match on first deposits up to $100 PLUS a free month subscription to LineStar Premium. Many people may not realize that you can legally place prop bets in most states using UnderDog (or PrizePicks) – it’s called Pick'Em, and it’s incredibly easy.

That will wrap us up with today’s “Daily Dribble” edition! Once again, you can find me on Twitter or in LineStar chat @Ryan_Humphries. Good luck everyone!

Written By: Ryan Humphries on Twitter & LineStar chat @Ryan_Humphries

🫡 Check out our revamped BetFully Cashback App (iOS only sorry) and get up to $200 cashback for trying new Sportsbook, DFS, horse-racing apps and playing games! ✔️✔️✔️

NBA DFS & Props Shows w/ Tyler & Shannon

DFS Main Slate Rundown 📰

It’s another busy day in the NBA. Eleven games reside on the Wednesday schedule -- DraftKings will exclude the two late games (PHX/OKC and ORL/SAC) from their main slate while FanDuel will feature the full menu. Trades continue to go down with the biggest move today involving the Bucks and Wizards trading Khris Middleton for Kyle Kuzma. The injury report is also a complete fiasco so keep those eyes and ears peeled for all the news that drops throughout the afternoon and evening! Let’s jump into the chaos! Best of luck!

NBA Trade Tracker

https://www.spotrac.com/nba/transactions/trade/

Today’s Key Injuries

Spurs: C. Paul - Questionable, C. Bassey - OUT
Hawks: C. Capela - OUT, B. Bogdanovic - OUT
Bucks: G. Antetokounmpo - Probable, D. Lillard - Probable, B. Portis - Probable, K. Middleton - OUT (traded), AJ Johnson - OUT (traded)
Hornets: L. Ball - OUT, J. Okogie - OUT, V. Micic - Questionable, T. Mann - OUT, C. Martin - OUT
Cavs: D. Mitchell - Questionable, D. Wade - OUT, I. Okoro - OUT
Pistons: None
Wizards: K. Kuzma - OUT (traded), A. Sarr - OUT, P. Baldwin Jr. - OUT (traded)
Nets: C. Thomas - OUT, N. Clowney - OUT, D. Sharpe - Questionable, T. Watford - OUT
Grizzlies: D. Bane - OUT, B. Clarke - Questionable, M. Smart - Questionable, J. Konchar - Questionable, V. Williams Jr. - Questionable
Raptors: RJ Barrett - OUT, J. Poeltl - OUT, I. Quickley - OUT, C. Boucher - Questionable
Heat: J. Butler - OUT, D. Robinson - Probable, H. Highsmith - Probable
76ers: J. Embiid - OUT, P. George - Doubtful, A. Drummond - Doubtful, Q. Grimes - Questionable (trade pending), E. Gordon - Questionable, K. Lowry - Questionable
Bulls: L. Ball - OUT, T. Jones - OUT, Z. Collins - OUT, T. Horton-Tucker - OUT, K. Huerter - OUT, D. Terry - Questionable
Timberwolves: J. Randle - OUT, D. DiVincenzo - OUT
Warriors: A. Wiggins - Probable, J. Kuminga - OUT, D. Green - Probable, M. Moody - OUT
Jazz: L. Markkanen - Questionable, C. Sexton - OUT, C. Williams - OUT
Pelicans: B. Ingram - OUT, J. Alvarado - Questionable, D. Theis - OUT (traded)
Nuggets: R. Westbrook - OUT, A. Gordon - Questionable, P. Watson - OUT

Late Game Injury Report (FanDuel Main Slate Only)

Suns: K. Durant - OUT
Thunder: C. Holmgren - OUT, C. Wallace - OUT
Magic: J. Suggs - Doubtful
Kings: None

Main Slate Match-Ups w/ Game Totals & Point Spreads

Top DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Plays

Note: NBA position designations are never going to perfectly align between the major DFS sites. For the purposes of these newsletters, positional designations will default to DraftKings.

Point Guards/Shooting Guards to Consider 🏀

PG/SG Jamal Murray, DEN | DK: $7.7k, FD: $8.3k | vs. NOP

The Nuggets lead the slate with a lofty 124.8 implied team total so the Denver studs will make plenty of sense today. Jamal Murray has been playing very well of late, averaging 1.21 FPPM L5Games and scoring at least 42.0 DKFP/44.0 FDFP in four of those last five games. He has secured 40+ FP in all three previous meetings with the Pelicans this season and, given their 29th-ranked DEFRTG and 29th-ranked DvP versus starting PGs L20Games, Murray’s expectations should be high once again this evening.

PG/SG Isaiah Collier, UTA | DK: $5.2k, FD: $5.2k | vs. GSW

Perhaps not the most exciting DFS play, but Isaiah Collier has provided some quality value in recent weeks, routinely returning 6x value at these low-$5k price points. Collier’s minutes and role should be more secure with Collin Sexton (ankle/out) expected to be sidelined for at least a week -- with Sexton only playing three minutes in Monday’s game, Collier went on to supply a point/assist double-double in 32 minutes versus the Pacers. Collier has also shot it significantly better at home this season with a 48.5% FG% versus a 32.6% FG% on the road. This may not be the best match-up but Collier did post a quality 12/6/9 stat line and 31.0 DKFP/28.7 FDFP against the Warriors just last Tuesday, and that was with Sexton active and putting up 30 points of his own.

SG Gradey Dick, TOR | DK: $4.2k, FD: $4.6k | vs. MEM

The Raptors will be shorthanded today with RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, and Immanuel Quickley ruled out. Gradey Dick has seen a notable +4.5% USG% boost with those three players off the court this season along with a +5.8 FP per 32 minutes increase. Both teams in this game rank top 10 in pace, with Memphis ranking 1st in the NBA, so there will be plenty of possessions to go around. If the Raptors (+10.5) hope to pull off the upset, Gradey Dick will likely need to be heavily involved in the scoring.

Other Guards to Consider

PG Cade Cunningham, DET vs. CLE

PG Tyrese Maxey, PHI vs. MIA

PG/SG Anthony Edwards, MIN vs. CHI

SG/SF Trey Murphy III, NOP at DEN

PG Darius Garland, CLE at DET (Boost if D. Mitchell is out)

PG/SG Dyson Daniels, ATL vs. SAS

PG Josh Giddey, CHI at MIN

PG Jordan Poole, WAS at BKN

PG Keyonte George, UTA vs. GSW

SG/SF Bilal Coulibaly, WAS at BKN

SG/SF Christian Braun, DEN vs. NOP

PG/SG Keon Johnson, BKN vs. WAS

PG Ty Jerome, CLE at DET (Preferred if D. Mitchell is out)

PG Jamal Shead, TOR vs. MEM

FanDuel Main Slate Only

SG/SF Devin Booker, PHX at OKC

PG/SG Malik Monk, SAC vs. ORL

PG/SG Cole Anthony, ORL at SAC

Small Forwards/Power Forwards to Consider 🏀

PF/C Jaren Jackson Jr., MEM | DK: $8.3k, FD: $8.7k | at TOR

Over the last two games, JJJ has led the Grizzlies in scoring, with 31 and 37 points, as well as usage rate, with 31.8% USG% and 43.8% USG%. One of those games was without Ja Morant, but the other was without Desmond Bane, who will be out once again tonight. For a big man, Jackson is not a very prolific rebounder, but he can rack up multiple blocks and steals on any given night and he’ll draw a strong individual match-up. The Raptors have ranked 27th versus starting PFs L20Games and when these teams met in late December, Jackson dropped 50.25 DKFP/49.2 FDFP. I believe we can get a similar result out of him this evening.

SF/PF Michael Porter Jr., DEN | DK: $6.4k, FD: $6.6k | vs. NOP

MPJ has mostly been a solid floor play throughout this season but he erupted for 36 points and 52.75 DKFP/49.4 FDFP against this same Pelicans team on Monday. I believe the Peyton Watson (knee/out) injury is a bit underrated in regards to Porter’s role. Watson has been a key piece off of the Nuggets’ bench this season and, with Watson sidelined the last two games, Porter has played 40+ minutes in each contest. We can’t expect a repeat performance from Monday but I’d say 40+ FP is well within Porter’s wheelhouse tonight.

PF Matas Buzelis, CHI | DK: $4k, FD: $4.2k | at MIN

The Bulls took Buzelis with the 11th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. With Zach LaVine shipped off to the Kings and none of the recently acquired players (Kevin Huerter, Zach Collins, Tre Jones) ready to make their Chicago debut, Buzelis will have a chance to continue playing in an expanded role. He logged a season-high 31 minutes off of the bench in last night’s game versus the Heat and went on to score 24 points and 32.0 DKFP/31.4 FDFP. Buzelis has averaged a respectable 0.92 FPPM L5Games and, should he flirt with 30 minutes again tonight, he’ll be a great bet to return some nice value.

Other Forwards to Consider

PF/C Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL at CHA

SF/PG Scottie Barnes, TOR vs. MEM

PF/C Evan Mobley, CLE at DET (Boost if D. Mitchell is out)

PF/C John Collins, UTA vs. GSW

PF/C Naz Reid, MIN vs. CHI

PF/C Guerschon Yabusele, PHI vs. MIA

SF/PF Zaccharie Risacher, ATL vs. SAS

SF/PF Justin Edwards, PHI vs. MIA

SF/SG Corey Kispert, WAS at BKN

SF/PF Gregory Jackson, MEM at TOR

SF/PF Justin Champagnie WAS at BKN (Preferred if starting)

SF/SG Ja’Kobe Walter, TOR vs. MEM (Preferred if starting)

FanDuel Main Slate Only

PF/SF Paolo Banchero, ORL at SAC

SF/SG Grayson Allen, PHX at OKC

Centers to Consider 🏀

C Rudy Gobert, MIN | DK: $6.8k, FD: $6.9k | vs. CHI

Gobert continues to play some of his best basketball of the season following a 19/13/3 (plus two blocks and a steal) stat line against the Kings on Monday. He has now scored at least 37.0 DKFP/36.5 FDFP in five of his last six games, including three games of at least 47.25 DKFP/48.1 FDFP in that span. Gobert has averaged +4.6 FP per 32 minutes with Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo (both out) off the floor this season and, as always, the Bulls represent an elite match-up for opposing centers, ranking 29th against the position this season. Gobert’s DFS salaries are on the up and up but there’s still some real upside at his sub-$7k price points.

C Kelly Olynyk, TOR | DK: $3.3k, FD: $4k | vs. MEM

There is some pretty clear value here with Kelly Olynyk expected to start in place of the injured Jakob Poeltl. In his only other start this season, which also came against the Grizzlies in late December, Olynyk averaged 1.20 FPPM and scored 27.75 DKFP/25.50 FDFP. Olynyk only played 23 minutes in that game but I believe he could get closer to 26-28 minutes as the starter tonight. Either way, he won’t have to do much to pay off these bottom-of-the-barrel salaries tonight.

Other Centers to Consider

C Nikola Jokic, DEN vs. NOP

C Victor Wembanyama, SAS at ATL

C Mark Williams, CHA vs. MIL

C Jalen Duren, DET vs. CLE

C Kel’el Ware, MIA at PHI

C Zach Edey, MEM at TOR

C Kevon Looney, GSW at UTA

C Quinten Post, GSW at UTA

FanDuel Main Slate Only

C/PF Domantas Sabonis, SAC vs. ORL

C Isaiah Hartenstein, OKC vs. PHX

PrizePicks NBA Power Play of the Day ⚡

No picks from me today but, as always, Tyler & Shannon have some great recommendations in the props video posted at the top of this newsletter!

🔥 Props AI 🔥

That will wrap us up with today’s “Daily Dribble” edition! Once again, you can find me on Twitter or in LineStar chat @Ryan_Humphries. Good luck everyone!