X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

DraftKings NBA DFS Picks for Today (Friday, 2/21/25): Daily Fantasy Basketball Advice

Zion Williamson - NBA DFS Lineups, Betting Picks, Daily Fantasy Basketball

Zach's top DraftKings NBA DFS picks for today, Friday, 2/21/25. His favorite daily fantasy basketball lineup sleepers and value picks for DraftKings DFS.

After the NBA got back to full speed with Thursday's massive nine-game slate, a dozen teams are ready to take the hardwood this Friday night on the DraftKings main slate, which tips off at 7:00 p.m. ET. The DraftKings slate leaves off the three later starts in Utah, Houston, and Sacramento. On the main slate, the Cavaliers, Grizzlies, Bucks, Knicks, Magic, and Spurs are each playing for the second night in a row. The slate features several intriguing storylines and bit matchups, including the Knicks and Cavs facing off in Cleveland in a matchup of NBA Eastern Conference playoff hopefuls.

With multiple teams finishing back-to-back sets of games, plenty of uncertainty still exists around who will play and who will sit out. Even with those question marks, several options stand out as awesome additions to your fantasy lineup. Let's dive in and find some good options to build around from a DFS perspective on DraftKings. If you're looking for FanDuel-specific advantage, check out Thunder Dan's FanDuel picks!

This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 2/21/25. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our awesome NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 7:00 p.m. EST on DraftKings. 

Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 30% off using code NEW! Win more with expert advice from proven winners and exclusive DFS tools. Get instant access to RotoBaller's Lineup Optimizers, Research Stations, daily picks and VIP chat rooms across 10 sports! Go Premium, Win More!

 

DraftKings NBA DFS Core Picks

De'Aaron Fox, SA – PG/SG ($8,200)

On Thursday, we expected the Spurs to be without Victor Wembanyama (blood clot) for their matchup against the Suns, but we had no idea it would be an issue that would cost the young phenom the rest of the season. Without Wemby the Spurs still beat Phoneix and will finish their back-to-back set of games at home against the Pistons. For the rest of the season, Fox will have to carry the offense and other players will need to step up as well.

Against the Suns, Fox scored 26 points with nine rebounds, seven assists, and two steals for 56.25 DraftKings points.

He has averaged 43.6 DraftKings points per game in his six games since joining San Antonio with a team-high 25.9% usage rate. Thursday was his first game without Wemby, and he looks poised to continue to lead the young Spurs as they try to make a playoff push even without their young superstar.

At just over $8,000 for Friday's matchup with Detroit, Fox brings an elite ceiling even though his salary is below many of the superstars on the slate.

Karl-Anthony Towns, NYK – C ($9,800)

The Knicks are also finishing a back-to-back set in their big matchup against the Cavs. They didn't have Josh Hart ($7,800; knee) or OG Anunoby ($6,400; foot) on Thursday but still edged out the Bulls, 113-111. KAT stepped up with a monster performance with 32 points, 18 rebounds, and 62.5 DraftKings points.

Dating back to before the break, Towns has over 60 DraftKings points in three straight contests.

He only had 13 points and 10 rebounds for 32.5 DraftKings points in the Knicks' first matchup against the Cavs this year, and he and New York will be looking to make a statement on Friday that they can play at Cleveland's level.

Especially if Hart, Anunoby, or both remain sidelined, Towns should be set up for a big game in an epic matchup against the big front line of the Cavs.

Zion Williamson, NOP – SF/PF ($8,500)

Zion has only played 18 games this season for the Pelicans, but he did play in eight of the team's last 10 games before the All-Star break. While he hasn't played over 29 minutes in any game since early November, he has still managed to post big numbers when he can be on the court.

Over those eight games right before the break, he averaged 27.5 points in 27.3 minutes per game and added 6.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.4 steals for 46.25 DraftKings points per game. He has at least 47 DraftKings points in six of his last nine games overall and went into the break on a high note after scoring 33 points and finishing with 58.75 DraftKings points against the Kings.

After taking so much time off over the break, he could be ready for a slightly higher workload as the Pelicans visit the short-handed Mavericks, who are missing multiple defensive pieces in the frontcourt and have had to play very under-sized lately. His production when available is fun to watch and gives him an extremely high ceiling, and since this is DFS, we don't have to worry about his long-term health. Like Fox, he brings elite upside and some salary relief this Friday.

Others Under Consideration: Jalen Brunson - PG ($8,800), Jarrett Allen - C ($6,600), Trey Murphy III - SG/SF ($8,400)

 

DraftKings NBA DFS Tournament Pivots

Cade Cunningham, DET - PG ($10,300)

The Pistons' impressive turnaround this season has been fueled by a breakout season from Cunningham, who is averaging 50.1 DraftKings points in 34.6 minutes per game over his 51 contests.

He posted over 45 DraftKings points in seven of his last eight games before the break and has over 50 DraftKings points in nine of his last 12. He brings such a high ceiling that he's worth considering paying up for in almost any matchup, but especially against a Spurs team that will be without Wemby, he is a strong pay-up play to build around on Friday for tournament lineups.

Paolo Banchero, ORL - PF ($8,300)

The Magic rallied past the Hawks on Thursday as Banchero continued to show he's past his early-season oblique injury and ready to resume his charge to superstar status.

After playing with a minutes restriction and struggling with his shot a little bit, Banchero has locked in over the last three games for the Magic, producing 46.5, 47.0, and 57.5 DraftKings points. He took at least 20 shots in each of those three games after attempting that many shots just once in his previous five games.

No team in the NBA has allowed more DraftKings points per game to opposing power forwards than the Grizzlies, who play at the fastest pace in the NBA. Banchero should thrive in the matchup and has a high enough ceiling to be a strong anchor for tournament lineups this Friday.

Jalen Duren, DET - C ($6,700)

Duren's breakout hasn't been quite as noticed as Cunningham's, but the 21-year-old's recent production has been excellent and makes him a very strong play at this salary against the Spurs without Wemby. Duren has double-digit rebounds in nine of his last 10 games and has averaged 13.8 points and 12.1 rebounds while posting seven double-doubles over that span and producing 38.5 DraftKings points per game.

He should be able to dominate down low against San Antonio, who has allowed the third-most DraftKings points per game to centers this season, and the team now has to figure out their defense without Wembanyama protecting the rim. Especially coming in fresh off break against the Spurs who are playing for the second day in a row, the Pistons' mini-stack of Cade and Duren makes lots of sense.

Jose Alvarado, NO - PG ($5,500)

The Pelicans traded Brandon Ingram to Toronto and lost Dejounte Murray (Achilles) for the season, which opens up plenty of time in the backcourt for Alvarado down the stretch if he can overcome his own availability issues. He has only been able to play 31 games this season, but he moved into the starting lineup for each of his last four.

Alvarado always brings plenty of defensive intensity but will need to step up his offensive game as well for the rest of the year for New Orleans. He showed how good he can be with back-to-back big games against the Kings before the break. In each of those two games, he played 30+ minutes and had exactly 18 points. He chipped in great non-scoring numbers to reach 42.75 and 43.75 DraftKings points.

If Alvarado can score 15-20 points per game and continue to turn in great assists and defensive numbers, he will be a steal at under $6,000 in Friday's matchup with Dallas.

Others Under Consideration: Giannis Antetokounmpo - PF/C ($11,500), Scottie Barnes - PG/SF ($9,200), Tyler Herro - PG ($8,600), Evan Mobley - PF/C ($8,400), P.J. Washington - PF/C ($7,200), Desmond Bane - SG ($7,500), Jordan Poole - PG ($7,600), Chris Paul - PG ($5,600), Stephon Castle - PG/SG ($6,400), Bilal Coulibaly - SG/SF ($6,700)

 

Want more NBA DFS tools and exclusive content? Check out our premium daily content from proven winner Will Priester! Grab an NBA season pass and get access to our daily projections, optimizer, Will's personal picks, props, advice, and VIP chat rooms. Use promo code ZTSPORTS at checkout to save 10%

 

DraftKings NBA DFS Value Picks

Max Christie, DAL – SG/SF ($5,400)

While Anthony Davis (adductor) hasn't been able to contribute much for the Mavs, Max Christie has proven he's more than just "the other player that came from the Lakers for Luka." Christie has scored double-digit points in all six of his games for Dallas averaging 17.3 points, 5.2 boards, 3.5 assists, and 1.2 steals for 33.0 DraftKings points per game.

Even though the Mavericks are starting to get healthier, Christie should stay very involved on the wing, and his consistency makes him stand out as a value play in a great matchup against the Pelicans.

Wendell Carter Jr., ORL – C ($4,300)

The Magic started Carter against the Hawks on Thursday night, and he stepped up with nine points, 15 rebounds, and 29.75 DraftKings points. He drew rave reviews from coach Jamahl Mosley after the game.

Just before the break, he also had a big game with a double-double and 25.25 DraftKings points. It seems like both the coach and the team loved the fit with WCJ back in the starting five, and if he sticks there for Friday's matchup against the Grizzlies, he'll be a bargain with a very high ceiling at only $4,300.

Miles McBride, NYK – PG/SG ($4,300)

McBride's production has been volatile this season even when he gets a chance to step up, but he came through on Thursday with 23 points and 49.5 DraftKings points in 42 minutes against the Bulls.

While he does have a low floor, if he gets another start on Friday, he also has a very high ceiling in the Knicks showdown with the Cavs. Be sure to check the status of Hart and Anunoby before game time and see if McBride will get another start to build on his success on Thursday.

Bismack Biyombo, SA – C ($3,300)

Without Wemby, Biyombo got the start on Thursday for the Spurs after signing a 10-day contract to provide depth after the team traded Zach Collins. Biyombo played 16 minutes and had eight points and 16.25 DraftKings points against the Suns.

Biyombo is worth a look if he gets a second straight start, although there's no way to know how his conditioning is since he had only played 25 seconds all season before getting the starting nod Thursday. As a punt play, he makes sense if he gets another start on Friday. The Spurs will also likely play Jeremy Sochan ($5,500) and possibly Charles Bassey ($3,700; knee) and Sandro Mamukelashvili ($3,900) at center going forward, but Bassey was ruled out and Mamu did not play at all on Thursday. The Spurs center position is definitely to watch closely on Friday to figure out what the team's plan is going forward.

Others Under Consideration: Jeremy Sochan - PF/C ($5,500), Santi Aldama - PF ($4,500), Keldon Johnson - SF/PF ($4,400), Tim Hardaway Jr. ($4,000), Kyshawn George - PF ($4,700), Zach Edey - C ($4,700), Ochai Agbaji - SF/PF ($4,200)

 

Today's Top NBA DFS Game Stack

Knicks at Cavaliers (240.5 total)

This is the highest point total on the main slate on DraftKings and also a marquee matchup that should come loaded with drama. The Knicks could get Hart, Anunoby, or both back in the rotation but if not, Jalen Brunson ($8,800), Karl-Anthony Towns ($9,800), and Miles McBride ($4,300) will all be outstanding plays with Precious Achiuwa ($6,200) and Mikal Bridges ($6,800) also strong peripheral pieces.

For the Cavs, Jarrett Allen ($6,600) has been a beast and is coming off a big game on Thursday in which he had 16 points, 20 boards, and 45.5 DraftKings points against the Nets. Darius Garland ($7,400) and Donovan Mitchell ($8,300) both have high ceilings in the backcourt and Evan Mobley ($8,400) has at least 39 DraftKings points in nine of his last 10 games. As cheap options, Max Strus ($4,600) and Sam Merrill ($3,900) can help round out the stack.

Pelicans at Mavericks (236.5 total)

The Pelicans have allowed the third-most points per game on the season and the most points per game over the last 10 games. The Mavericks also rank in the top 10 in most points allowed over their last 10 contests. Building around Zion Williamson ($8,500), Jose Alvarado ($5,500), and Trey Murphy III ($8,400) makes a lot of sense in this contest while CJ McCollum ($8,000) also brings a very high ceiling while steeping into more work in the backcourt. With Brandon Boston Jr. (ankle) out and Yves Missi ($5,200; knee) questionable, Bruce Brown ($4,300) and Karlo Matkovic ($4,600) are also interesting plays under $5,000.

The Mavs could get P.J. Washington ($7,200; ankle, questionable) back and will need him to take on a big role right away if available since Daniel Gafford (knee), Anthony Davis (adductor), and Dereck Lively II (ankle) are all still out for a while. Kyrie Irving ($9,300) and Klay Thompson ($5,600) will carry the offense as they return from the All-Star break while Naji Marshall ($5,700), Max Christie ($5,400), and Dante Exum ($4,600) are strong mid-range targets to stack. If Washington misses another game, Olivier-Maxence Prosper ($5,000) and Kessler Edwards ($4,800) will have to continue to fill the frontcourt and be tasked with the tall order of slowing down Zion Williamson.

 

My Favorite NBA DFS Picks for Today

Here is where I leave you with some of my favorites.

  • My favorite OVERALL play on the slate: Zion Williamson
  • My favorite CASH play on the slate: De'Aaron Fox
  • My favorite GPP play on the slate: Paolo Banchero
  • My favorite VALUE play: Wendell Carter Jr. (if starting)


Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy basketball mobile app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, lineup notifications & DFS articles. All free!

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Scottie Scheffler

The Untouchable Favorite At CJ Cup
Tom Kim

A Popular Name To Avoid At TPC Craig Ranch
Austin Eckroat

Looking To Find Success Again At TPC Craig Ranch
Ben Kohles

Finishes Tied For 59 At Corales Puntacana Championship
Joel Dahmen

Finishes Tied For Second At Corales Puntacana Championship
Beau Hossler

Finishes Tied For 60 At Valero Texas Open
Doug Ghim

Finishes Tied For 18 At the Valero Texas Open
Jordan Spieth

Finishes Tied For 18 At RBC Heritage
Kurt Kitayama

Misses The Cut At Valero Texas Open
Si Woo Kim

Finishes Tied For Eighth At RBC Heritage
George Kirby

"Feeling Great", Could Throw Again On Sunday
Tyler Fitzgerald

Returning To Starting Nine
Josh Lowe

Progressing Well, Could Play In Rehab Games On Saturday
Shane McClanahan

Begins "Throwing-Like" Activities
Patrik Laine

Remains Day-To-Day
Gabriel Vilardi

On Track To Return Wednesday
Brandon Hagel

Ruled Out For Game 5
Marcus Johansson

Returns To Action Tuesday
Cole Ragans

Won't Start On Wednesday
Dylan Moore

Placed On 10-Day Injured List With Hip Inflammation
Jonas Siegenthaler

Considered A Game-Time Decision Tuesday
Brett Pesce

A Game-Time Call Tuesday
Yordan Alvarez

Back In Tuesday's Lineup
Frederik Andersen

Unavailable Tuesday
Aaron Nesmith

Upgraded To Available
Las Vegas Raiders

Jack Bech A Strong Candidate To Be An Immediate Starter
Las Vegas Raiders

Zamir White Competing For Depth Role
New York Jets

Mason Taylor To Immediately Be Atop Jets Tight End Depth Chart
Bennedict Mathurin

Cleared For Game 5
Buffalo Bills

Dalton Kincaid Setting Up As Post-Hype Sleeper In 2025?
Denver Broncos

Dre Greenlaw Expected To Be Ready For Training Camp
Seattle Seahawks

Sam Darnold To Take Over 90% Of The Snaps
Tennessee Titans

Titans In No Rush To Trade Will Levis
Daulton Varsho

Reinstated From Injured List And Starting On Tuesday
Minnesota Vikings

J.J. McCarthy Says He Knows He's Ready To Start For Vikings
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Picking Up Fifth-Year Option On Dax Hill
Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers Apply Unrestricted Free-Agent Tender To J.K. Dobbins
Seattle Seahawks

Jaren Hall Cut Loose By Seahawks
Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs Compare Josh Simmons To Christian Darrisaw, Rashawn Slater
Denver Broncos

Pat Bryant Compared To Michael Thomas
Denver Broncos

RJ Harvey Could Do It All For Broncos
Carolina Panthers

Tetairoa McMillan Likely To Man The X Spot For Panthers
Green Bay Packers

Packers, Jaire Alexander Continue To Discuss Potential Reunion
Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys Discussed George Pickens With Steelers
Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs To Pick Up Fifth-Year Option On Trent McDuffie, George Karlaftis
Washington Commanders

Matt Gays Signs One-Year Deal With Commanders
San Francisco 49ers

George Kittle Signs Four-Year Extension With 49ers
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Records Third Consecutive Double-Double
Brandin Podziemski

Hits Six Treys During 26-Point Performance
Jimmy Butler III

Leads Warriors In Scoring Monday Night
Jarrett Allen

Has Double-Double, Six Steals In Blowout Win
Brandon Boston Jr.

Recovering From Ankle Surgery
Kelly Olynyk

Undergoes Heel Procedure
Aaron Nesmith

Probable For Tuesday's Action
Nathan MacKinnon

Has Two Points In Losing Effort
Martin Necas

Records Two Assists In Game 5 Loss
Mikko Rantanen

Tallies Three Points In Monday's Win
Wyatt Johnston

Leads Stars To Game 5 Victory
Sergei Bobrovsky

Returns To Winning Ways
Anton Lundell

Earns Two Points Monday
Ryan Gerard

Going For A Texas Trifecta Of Sorts
Brandon Hagel

Departs Loss Early
Joe Highsmith

Hoping To Make More Putts In Texas
Eric Cole

Expecting Big Things In Texas
Brian Campbell

May Go Under The Radar At CJ Cup
Riley Greene

Homers Twice On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

Exits Monday's Win Early
Los Angeles Chargers

Tre Harris Expected To Fill X Role For Chargers
Jimmy Butler III

Officially Active For Game 4
Isaiah Stewart

Uncertain For Game 5
Michael Porter Jr.

Expected To Play In Game 5
Brandon Nimmo

Has Career Game
Russell Westbrook

Questionable For Tuesday Night
Tyler Glasnow

Going On The Injured List
Jaylen Brown

Back On The Injury Report
Jrue Holiday

Out Again On Tuesday Night
Bennedict Mathurin

Questionable For Game 5
Damian Lillard

May Not Play Next Season
Luis Arraez

Expected To Return On Tuesday
Johnathan Kovacevic

To Remain Out Tuesday
Brenden Dillon

Unavailable Tuesday
Luke Hughes

Not Ready To Return For Game 5
Darius Garland

Remains Out On Monday
Ross Colton

Remains Out On Monday
Oskar Bäck

Oskar Back Returns To Stars Lineup Monday
Miro Heiskanen

To Miss Game 5
Jordan Westburg

Placed On Injured List
Anthony Cirelli

Good To Go For Game 4
William Byron

Ends With A Strong Top-Five Finish At Talladega
Ryan Blaney

Bad Luck Continues With Talladega Crash
Kyle Larson

Has A Career-Best Performance At Talladega
Ian Machado Garry

Gets Back On Track With UFC Kansas City Win
Brad Keselowski

Talladega Run Ends Early After Crashing
Carlos Prates

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Zhang Mingyang

Still Undefeated In The UFC
Anthony Smith

Retires After UFC Kansas City Loss
Giga Chikadze

Takes Unanimous Decision Loss
Giga Chikadze

Takes Unanimous-Decision Loss
David Onama

Extends Win Streak At UFC Kansas City
Michel Pereira

Drops Decision At UFC Kansas City
Abus Magomedov

Extends His Win Streak
Nicolas Dalby

Gets Finished For The First Time
Randy Brown

Gets Back In The Win Column
Ikram Aliskerov

Gets First-Round TKO Finish At UFC Kansas City
Andre Muniz

Gets TKO'd At UFC Kansas City
Chase Elliott

Recovers from Speeding Penalty to Finish Fifth
Joey Logano

Finishes Last at Talladega After Disqualification for Missing Spoiler Brace
Ryan Preece

Loses Talladega Race First in Photo Finish Then in Post-Race Inspection
NASCAR

Poor Toyota Strategy Arguably Cost Bubba Wallace Winning Chances at Talladega
Christopher Bell

Unhurt After Hard Contact with Inside Retaining Wall
Joe Ryan

Posts Stellar Outing
Jaylen Brown

Available For Game 4
Nick Lodolo

Throws Seven Scoreless Innings
Tyler Glasnow

Removed Early On Sunday
Darius Garland

Questionable For Game 4
Jaden Ivey

Making Progress
Tarik Skubal

Racks Up 11 Strikeouts
Luke Weaver

In Line To Get The Bulk Of Save Opportunities Moving Forward
Devin Williams

Removed From Closer Role
Chase Elliott

Is One OF The Top Overall DFS Picks Of The Week
Joey Logano

Could Joey Logano Finish A Race With A Top Finish At Talladega?
NASCAR

DFS Players Should Like Bubba Wallace For Talladega This Week
Christopher Bell

Should DFS Players Roster Christopher Bell At Talladega?
Austin Cindric

Is Austin Cindric Worth Rostering For Talladega DFS Lineups?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Is A Solid, Safe, DFS Choice For Talladega Lineups
Austin Dillon

Is Austin Dillon A Viable DFS Play At Talladega This Week?
Josh Berry

Qualifies Too High At Talladega To Be Worth Rostering In DFS
Michael McDowell

Should DFS Players Take A Shot On Michael McDowell At Talladega?
Noah Gragson

Could Be A Sneaky DFS Play For Talladega
Denny Hamlin

Probably Qualified Too Well for DFS Consideration
Kyle Larson

Increasingly Undervalued Due to His Crashing, but Still a Great DFS Option
Austin Hays

Smacks Two Homers On Saturday
Carlos Prates

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Ian Machado Garry

Set For UFC Kansas City Main Event
Zhang Mingyang

Scheduled For Co-Main Event
Anthony Smith

Set For His Final UFC Bout
David Onama

Set For Featherweight Bout
Giga Chikadze

Looks To Bounce Back
Abus Magomedov

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Michel Pereira

Returns To Action At UFC Kansas City
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF