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Dennis Clausen's favorite FanDuel NBA DFS picks for today, Thursday - 2/27/25. His top daily fantasy basketball lineup sleepers and value picks for FanDuel DFS contests.
Wednesday night featured nine games around the National Basketball Association. The Pistons scored an impressive win over the Boston Celtics, while the Brooklyn Nets gave OKC a scare.
The league has five contests on the schedule for Thursday night. At this point in the season, every win counts. Still, things matter even more for potential Play-In clubs like Dallas, Golden State, Minnesota, and Phoenix, who will all be in action. For DraftKings picks, check out Thunder Dan's article here!
This article will provide my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 2/27/25. 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 FanDuel.
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FanDuel NBA DFS Core Picks
Kyrie Irving - PG, vs. CHA ($9,200)
Luka Doncic is now a Laker, leaving the Mavs in the hands of Irving. But the multi-time All-Star is up to the task. Dallas has had issues keeping guys healthy this season; Anthony Davis is sidelined with an adductor strain, Dereck Lively II has a stress fracture in his right ankle, and Daniel Gafford has been bothered by a sprained knee.
It doesn’t end there, with P.J. Washington listed as questionable for the matchup versus the Hornets. Usually, Irving gains his share of interest from DFS participants. However, with so many injuries on the roster, Irving, who had 60.4 fantasy points on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Lakers, could be the highest-scoring backcourt option on the slate.
Aaron Gordon – PF, @ MIL ($5,800)
Gordon has been plagued by a calf injury for most of the season. He missed nine straight games until he eventually returned for the January 12 showdown with the Dallas Mavericks. Since then, the veteran had some rough outings while he worked his way back to form.
Aaron Gordon has been quite the bright spot these last 2 games. Guy is hoopin
— Spencer Smith (@BigDriveSpence) February 25, 2025
But he’s turned up the volume of late, scoring 25 points in Monday’s win over the Pacers, his most productive scoring effort since November. DFS managers should be aware that Gordon is probable for Thursday’s clash with the Bucks. However, he should be good to go. With a generous $5,800 rostering cost, Gordon should find a spot in most DFS lineups, assuming he’s cleared to suit up.
Brook Lopez - C, vs. DEN ($6,000)
The Bucks made the move to acquire Kyle Kuzma ahead of the trade deadline. In exchange, the Wizards received Khris Middleton, a player who was instrumental to the clubs’ success over the years. While Middleton hasn’t been the healthiest (or available) this season, his departure still opens the door for others to get more involved.
Lopez has been one of those players who has benefited from Middleton’s departure. The big man has averaged 12.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks this season. However, in seven games since then Middleton/Kuzma swap, Lopez has averaged 14.4 points, 6.7 boards, and 2.4 blocks. DFS managers should keep him on the radar against a Denver team that has allowed 116.0 points per contest this season.
Also Consider: Nikola Jokic (C, $12,800), Zion Williamson (PF, $9,100), Trey Murphy III (SF/PF, $8,400), Naz Reid (PF/C, $7,900), Christian Braun (SG/SF, $6,100), Klay Thompson (SG/SF, $5,400)
FanDuel NBA DFS Tournament Pivots
Damian Lillard - PG, vs. DEN ($8,800)
After Luka Doncic’s stellar performance against his former team on Tuesday, he’ll likely draw a ton of interest from fantasy managers. With that in mind, DFS participants shouldn’t forget about Lillard, who shot a rough 7-for-22 from the field in Tuesday’s narrow three-point loss to the Houston Rockets.
With that game behind the 34-year-old, the Bucks will look to get on track against the Nuggets. Denver is potent on the offensive end, that’s for sure. Yet, the team hasn’t been the most efficient on the defensive side of the ball, meaning Lillard should easily play better than he did on Tuesday.
FanDuel NBA DFS Value Picks
KJ Simpson – PG - @ DAL ($4,800)
LaMelo Ball didn’t suit up on Tuesday against the Warriors and is in danger of missing Thursday’s clash with the Mavericks. If he doesn’t get on the floor, Simpson should remain more involved. The former Colorado Buffalo looked good versus Golden State, amassing a team-high 16 points with six boards, two assists, and two steals.
He made only one of his seven tries from behind the arc. On the other hand, Simpson made up for it by posting a usage percentage of 23.7. With that said, if Ball is cleared for action, Simpson can be left out of DFS lineups. But if Ball is ruled out, the upside is there.
Anthony Black - PG/SG, vs. GS ($4,700)
The Magic have had their share of injuries throughout the 2024-25 campaign, with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner missing extended time due to torn obliques. While both players have since returned, Orlando has most recently been dealing with the absence of Jalen Suggs. The 23-year-old injured his back at the start of 2025, forcing him to miss 10 games before returning on January 25 against the Pistons.
Anthony Black, who might arguably be the @OrlandoMagic's biggest X-factor, has been a difference-maker these last few weeks. DETAILS 👇 📽️ 🎞️ 🔊 pic.twitter.com/cD5KIHI7Ra
— Josh Cohen (@Josh_Cohen_NBA) February 24, 2025
Unfortunately, he sustained a quad contusion in that one and wIll now miss his 14th straight contest on Thursday when Orlando meets Golden State. To make matters worse, Cole Anthony hyperextended his left knee in Tuesday’s loss to the mighty Cavaliers and is considered questionable heading into the matchup with the Warriors.
If Anthony isn’t available, Black will presumably get the start at the one. The 2023 No. 6 overall pick has started nine times this season, averaging 8.1 points, 2.8 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.0 steals. Granted, it will still be business as usual for the Magic, with Banchero and Wagner carrying the load on the offensive end. Yet, Black may find himself in the position to at least hit the five-times value mark.
Karlo Matkovic – PF/C, @ PHO ($4,500)
The Pelicans have plenty of names listed on the injury report moving toward Thursday’s game against the Suns. The list includes Kelly Olynyk, who will get the night off to rest before presumably returning on Friday for the rematch.
As a result, Matkovic might take over at the four spot to begin the game. But even if the rookie doesn’t get the start, his ceiling is considerably higher, so he’ll make an excellent value option for those willing to take a risk.
Also Consider: Damion Baugh (PG, $5,000 - If LaMelo Ball doesn't play), Kevin Porter Jr. (PG, SG, $4,800), Dorian Finney-Smith (PF, $4,200)
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: Kyrie Irving
- My favorite CASH play on the slate: Nikola Jokic
- My favorite GPP play on the slate: Aaron Gordon
- My favorite VALUE play: Anthony Black
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