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The top daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on February 23nd, 2019. Jake Finnen provides NBA DFS analysis and sleeper picks for building optimal DFS rosters.
We have a fantastic 11-game slate today, which comes right after a very exciting return to NBA action. Not only were the games last night ultra-competitive, but that competitive feel should bleed into today's contests. From what I can tell, there is only game that seems like it will be a lopsided affair. The Celtics and the Bulls might be the game to avoid, but you can also find plenty of value on both sides for different reasons. I would prioritize the value around the Celtics bench versus the Bulls, but even then I would be cautious because a blowout can ruin everyone's projected in this game.
One game you need to check out that has a great chance of sliding under the radar is the Grizzlies-Cavaliers game. Both are stacked with players that can produce against some of the league's elites, and both are facing just downright porous defenses. Mike Conley has plenty of upside tonight, while also make sure you target the Jazz defense. They went to double-overtime last night in a loss. They will want to rebound against the Mavericks but I just don't see them rolling over them like most people might expect tonight. This game should be competitive and while I am going to talk more about this game later in the article, Tim Hardaway Jr. is already finding his way into most of my lineups.
As always make sure to check the status of players before the opening tip. For the rest of the article, I will be providing with my daily fantasy basketball lineup for DraftKings on 2/22/19.
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DraftKings DFS Guards
Trey Burke - PG/SG @ UTA ($3,300)
The minutes still aren't exactly where we want them to be with Trey Burke in regards to consistency, but for his price his usage is absolutely perfect. When he is in the game, he gets to work in isolation and he can actually be fairly productive. Luckily, he will go up against the Jazz bench after a tough loss last night, meaning the defensive liability the Burke unfortunately brings due to his size will be minimized. If Luka Doncic misses extended time, Jalen Brunson will get the start, meaning Burke will be the second point guard in the rotation. While it helps his case severely the less players in the rotation, specifically tonight I trust Burke to get plenty of work in isolation.
Dennis Schroder - PG/SG vs. SAC ($4,700)
Dennis Schroder shot like a stormtrooper last night and I can't imagine he does the same against the Kings. If anything, Schroder will use this game to try and get back on track to how he was playing before the break. Much like Burke in the way his usage is high when he is on the court, we won't have to worry about Schroder getting minutes. He has been a great in just about any position the Thunder have needed him, whether its running point or playing as two, Schroder posts the same type of stat line every game. He is a scorer with upside in assists and tonight that will be emphasized because of the Kings lack of defensive playmakers.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Taurean Prince - SF vs. PHO ($4,500)
Now that Taurean Prince seems to be back into his normal spot in the Hawks rotation, it's time to start taking advantage of his lowered price. Nothing has changed as far as his consistency is concerned, but that doesn't change the unfortunate upside he carries into every game. We know he is capable of having massive, 30-point outings, most of his points coming from his ability to space the floor, but he has yet to really see any of that form since his return from injury. The Suns defense is the perfect chance for him to convert on his attempts, and hopefully tonight he will get back to what DFS-players thought was going to be a regular 15-16 shots a game.
Justin Holiday - SG/SF @ CLE ($4,400)
Along with Mike Conley, I absolutely love this Justin Holiday play. The Cavaliers are not a very "experienced" team and Justin Holiday is one of those players that exposes young defenses. He might not work in isolation, but his ability to find the open spot and shoot without hesitation is exactly what the Grizzlies have needed for some time. He might be a primarily defeisve player, but he has been improving his shot nearly every season. I don't think tonight will be some breakthrough performance, but Holiday should have one of his better games as a Grizzly tonight. Just look for him to play solid defense and for that to turn into beneficial production.
DraftKings DFS Centers
Jarrett Allen - C @ CHA ($4,900)
There's not much to this pick other than Jarrett Allen having his normal upside against a weak frontcourt. I do not like the idea of Cody Zeller being in the lineup because he will limit Allen's overall production, but his price is too low not to want his double-double stat line in your lineup. Willie Cauley-Stein might be a decent pivot option for tonight, seeing how Steven Adams might be a tad fatigued after last night's game, but either way I think you are going to get the same type of production. If you are split on who to take, let me suggest that Jarrett Allen has established himself as an elite shot-blocker and the Hornets frontcourt lacks player who really thrive on offense.
