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Below are some DraftKings DFS lineup picks for today's NBA action, February 25th, 2015. These players represent potential fantasy basketball sleepers based on their matchups, and can be strong DFS lineup plays based on their DraftKings prices and dollar values.
Keep in mind, DFS fantasy basketball is a fast-paced environment that includes last minute changes, so be sure to check NBA injury reports and your DFS lineups prior to tip-off.
Editors Note: for live banter about NBA DFS lineups and strategies, be sure to check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy basketball chat room at the bottom of this article.
Worth the DraftKings Investment
Chris Paul (LAC, G) - $10,200
The decision to pick Chris Paul over James Harden was a tough one tonight, but I ended up with Paul as he is $800 cheaper on DraftKings than the Rockets stud. Paul has turned his game up and taken it to another level without Blake Griffin in the lineup. Over past seven games CP3 has only been under 40 points once, while going for over 50 in four of them. Everyone seems to think Patrick Beverly is an elite defender, however the fact is on the year Houston is just 17th in the league against opposing guards (which puts them in the bottom half). In a game that should feature a total well over 200 points, Paul should be a safe bet for 40 with upside for 60 points.
Derrick Favors (UTA, F) - $7,200
Very quietly, Favors has become a stud DFS game play. Over the past 10 games, Favors only has two games under 32 fantasy points and has bumped his season average to 32.9 fantasy points per game. With Enes Kanter out of the picture, Favors is locked into a huge role as evidenced by his 10 straight games with over 30 minutes played. Tonight he gets one of the worst defenses in the league in the Lakers, meaning he should have a great shot at a double-double along with his normal amount of blocks and steals. For the price, Favors is a phenomenal play in any DFS format.
Alex Len (PHX, C) - $4,900
The future has arrived in Phoenix. With Miles Plumlee now in Milwaukee, Len has received a big bump in minutes and has rewarded his fantasy owners. In the three games since the All Star break, he has played 35, 34 and 32 minutes while posting 36.0, 25.25 and 38.5 fantasy points. Len is not a huge scorer, but does have three straight games of over 10 rebounds. However most of his value comes from blocks, with an amazing 13 blocks in the three games since the break. Although his DraftKings price has risen, it is still far too cheap. He is a player who has a good chance at a double-double, and five or more blocks, which would put his value well over 5X his cost.
DraftKings Value Picks
Norris Cole (NOP, G) - $3,500
Most people did not think the acquisition of Cole would mean much for fantasy purposes. However, two games in and he has scored 53.25 fantasy points while playing 55 minutes combined. Despite not starting either game, Cole has received plenty of playing time - and with a ton of injuries to the entire team, the Pelicans have clearly seen something they like in the former Heat guard. For a near minimum DraftKings salary, Cole should provide great salary relief to help afford having guys like Harden and Paul in your DFS lineups. He is also less owned than other guards like Isaiah Canaan.
Danilo Gallinari (DEN, F) - $5,000
In stark contrast to Cole who will have a low ownership rate, Gallinari will be an extremely popular DFS option due to his recent hot streak. With Aaron Afflalo now in Portland, Gallinari is starting and has played over 30 minutes in two of the last three games. In those games, he has 28.25, 19.0 and 31.5 fantasy points. Gallinari is not a huge contributor in a ton of fantasy categories. But with an extra bonus for three pointers made, he should be able to make value against a Suns team ranked 27th in the league in points allowed to opposing small forwards.
