TAP FOR 6 MONTHS OF PREMIUM FREE 💰
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
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

NBA DFS: Top Daily Fantasy Expert Picks for DraftKings, FanDuel (2/19/25)

LaMelo Ball - Charlotte Hornets

NBA DFS lineup picks for Wednesday, February 19th, 2025. Koby's top FanDuel, DraftKings daily fantasy basketball value plays.

Welcome Back, RotoBallers! Welcome back to our daily DFS picks! Hopefully, everyone had a good break with the All-Star weekend and the last few days off. To start the season back up again, we have a make-up game between the Charlotte Hornets and the Los Angeles Lakers. Uh... Awkward.  The only injury news we need to watch is whether or not LeBron James plays. Mark Williams and LaMelo Ball are both back for this one, which could make this one closer than the odds appear as the Hornets are nearly 13-point underdogs.

I love playing the NBA showdowns daily; it has become one of my favorite forms of DFS. Nothing is more thrilling than having a lineup of players from one game and sweating it out while watching it live. There is a lot less room for error, though with there being fewer options to choose from. Hopefully, with all the advanced stats, I can bring you the best analysis possible and get you some extra cash for the weekend ahead. 

I will provide you with daily fantasy basketball picks on FanDuel and DraftKings for the Hornets vs. Lakers NBA DFS showdown slate on February 19. These NBA DFS lineup picks can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on both DraftKings and FanDuel. If you have any questions, you can follow me on Twitter/X @DFSKoby, and please feel free to ask any questions about upcoming slates, as I'm happy to answer any DMs or in our RotoBaller Discord!

Featured Promo: New Novig users get a $25 purchase match (50% discount up to $25) on your first Novig deposit, and 6 free months of RotoBaller's "Big-4" Premium Pass (NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL) which includes exclusive tools for Betting, Props, DFS and more! CLAIM IT NOW

 

MVP/Captain Plays

Austin Reaves- PG/SG, $12.6K (DK), $12.5K (FD)

Key Stats

  • 2024 Avg. Season Stats: 19.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.2 assists with a combined 1.4 STOCK average.

There is a bit of uncertainty regarding LeBron James playing, on top of that, JJ Reddick has said that Luka Doncic will remain on a minutes limit for Wednesday but should increase going forward. If that's the case, then I don't want much of Luka, especially at his price. Austin Reaves, however, has been playing extremely well, even with Luka and Lebron on the court. Putting up 40 and 45 FP in those two games. If, for some reason, LeBron doesn't play, then I will be all over Reaves at his price.

LaMelo Ball - PG, $14.7K(DK) $15K (FD)

Key Stats

  • 2024 Avg. Season Stats: 27.3 points, 7.2 assists, and 5.1 rebounds with a combined 1.6 STOCK average

In games where LaMelo has played 30+ minutes across the last eight games, he has had 40 FP in seven of them! Lamelo is probable for this one, and with the last week off for rest, he should be good to go for the entire game. The Lakers are middle of the pack against PGs, but Ball should have no issue exploiting this defense and having a big game in the first game back. LaMelo will be a chalky piece when it comes to top Hornets players, but I think it'll be necessary to play him.

Other Captains/MVPs: Mark Williams, LeBron James

 

Want more NBA DFS tools and 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, and Will's picks and advice. Use promo code THUNDERDAN at checkout to save 10%

 

DFS Flex Plays

Mark Williams- C, $8.6K (DK) $11.5K (FD)

Mark Williams looks like he is back in shape, and I think he is going to show up in this one. The Lakers don't have a big man who can stop him and will probably be running Alex Len out there. Mark Williams should be able to feast in this matchup. He has had nine straight games of 35 FP or more when he played 29+ minutes, with five of those games being in the 50+ range. I expect everybody to be on Williams, but I think it's for good reason.

Rui Hachimura- SF/PF, $7K (DK) $10K (FD)

Rui has taken on a larger role since Anthony Davis left the Lakers. He has 30+ FP in four of those six games, and if, for any reason, Lebron is limited/out, then I would expect Rui's usage to fly through the roof. He's the perfect flex guy and is still priced quite reasonably. I prefer him if LeBron is out, but he would make for a solid GPP play if LeBron does end up playing in this one.

Other Flex Options: Miles Bridges, Jaxson Hayes

 

DFS Value Plays

Nick Smith Jr. - SG/SF, $4.2K (DK) $8.5K (FD)

I like this play quite a bit more on DK, as he is filthy cheap but can be used on FD as well. Even with LaMelo back, he has played well. Just in their last game together, he finished with 30 FP. That type of production is solid value at his price,e and as long as he doesn't get randomly phased out of the offense, I could see him continuing to be a shooter for LaMelo to pass to.

Alex Len - C, $4.4K (DK) $8K (FD)

Alex Len makes for an intriguing value play. Jaxson Hayes is projected to play in this one, but I could see Len still getting 20+ minutes. He did that when Hayes went out with an injury in their last contest. He finished with 18 FP in that time but will get an elite matchup going up against a Hornets frontcourt that gives up the most fantasy points to centers across the last fifteen games. I think a lot of people will go to Jaxson Hayes but Len could be an interesting GPP play and a way to get different.

Other Value Plays: Josh Green, Moussa Diabate, Dalton Knecht, Dorian Finney-Smith

Have a great night and let's make some cash!



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!

More Weekly DFS Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena has Finger Fracture, to be Re-Evaluated in Two Weeks
Cade Smith

Emerging as an Elite Source of Saves
Xavier Edwards

Exits With Calf Tightness on Thursday
Jordan Lawlar

Could Jordan Lawlar Finally Be Ready for a Breakout?
Kyle Bradish

Is Kyle Bradish Going Too High in Drafts?
Jayson Tatum

Expected to Play on Friday
Robert Stephenson

to Face Live Hitters on Friday
DJ Moore

Bears Working to Finalize Deal to Send DJ Moore to Buffalo
Francisco Lindor

Takes Swings on Wednesday
Josh Hader

to Throw Off a Mound Early Next Week
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena to Visit With Hand Specialist
Andrew Kittredge

Shoulder a "Little Cranky," Not a Serious Issue
Tyler Freeman

Making Cactus League Debut on Thursday
Brenton Doyle

Thinks he Can Play on Friday
Andrew McCutchen

Signs One-Year Deal With Rangers
Spencer Strider

Will Spencer Strider Bounce Back?
Curtis Lazar

Out Four Weeks
Aaron Judge

Is Aaron Judge Worth the First Overall Pick?
Nick Blankenburg

Avalanche Add Nick Blankenburg From Predators
Blaze Alexander

Remains the Front-Runner to Replace Jackson Holliday
CHI

Andrew Mangiapane Traded to Blackhawks
Kyle Nicolas

Traded to the Reds
Jason Dickinson

Oilers Bring in Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach From Chicago
Tyler Callihan

Traded to the Pirates
Tyler Myers

Moves to Dallas
MacKenzie Weegar

Mammoth Acquire MacKenzie Weegar
River Ryan

in Serious Consideration for Starting Role
Kevin McGonigle

Making Strong Case to Crack Opening Day Roster
Sal Stewart

Flashing Power in Spring Games
Trey Murphy III

Iffy for Thursday
Zion Williamson

Could Miss Thursday's Tilt
Dejounte Murray

Sits Out Thursday's Action
Amen Thompson

Tagged as Questionable for Matchup With Warriors
Jabari Smith Jr.

Listed as Questionable for Thursday
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Questionable for Thursday Due to Illness
Kyshawn George

to Be Re-Evaluated in Three Weeks
Mitchell Marner

Collects Three Points on Wednesday
Tomas Hertl

Scores the Overtime Winner
Coby White

is Available on Wednesday
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Won't Play on Wednesday
VJ Edgecombe

is Ruled Out on Wednesday
Isaiah Hartenstein

to Play on Wednesday
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

is Cleared for Wednesday's Contest
Collin Murray-Boyles

to Remain Sidelined on Thursday
Egor Demin

Ruled Out for Thursday's Game
Brandon Ingram

Considered Questionable For Thursday
Kyshawn George

Slated to Miss Thursday's Matchup With Jazz
Brandon Williams

Expected to Suit Up Against Magic on Thursday
Cooper Flagg

Considered Questionable For Thursday
Trae Young

Off Injury List For Thursday
Klay Thompson

Probable For Thursday's Clash With Magic
Stefon Diggs

Patriots Releasing Stefon Diggs
Trent McDuffie

Chiefs Sending Trent McDuffie to Rams in Blockbuster Deal
Taylor Moore

Looking to Build on Cognizant Classic Finish
Robert MacIntyre

Brings Solid Form to Bay Hill
Scottie Scheffler

the Tournament Favorite at Bay Hill
Jonathan Drouin

Ready to Go Wednesday
Xander Schauffele

Trending Well Ahead of API
Jake Walman

Avoids Major Injury Tuesday
Marcus Johansson

Makes Early Exit Versus Lightning
Cole Smith

Golden Knights Pick Up Cole Smith From Nashville
Michael McCarron

Sent to Wild for Second-Round Pick
Ryan O'Reilly

Sustains Eye Injury Tuesday
Artturi Lehkonen

Deemed Week-to-Week
Si Woo Kim

Looking to Return to Top Form at Bay Hill
Leon Draisaitl

Dominates With Five-Point Game
Ben Griffin

Looking to Return to Form at Arnold Palmer Invitational
PGA

Nico Echavarria Looks to Build on Cognizant Classic Win at Arnold Palmer
Sam Burns

Searching for Consistency at Arnold Palmer Invitational
Daniel Berger

Offers Sneaky Upside at Bay Hill
Jack Hughes

Contributes With Two Assists
Dougie Hamilton

Picks Up Two Points in Win
Jacob Markstrom

Cruises to Win
Dylan Guenther

Picks Up Two Points on Tuesday Night
Jeremy Swayman

Defeats the Penguins
Justin Thomas

Making Season Debut at API Following Lower-Back Surgery
NASCAR

Collin Morikawa Hopes To Better Last Year's Runner-Up Finish at API
Tommy Fleetwood

Isn't As Confident of a Start at Bay Hill as Previous Weeks
Kyler Murray

Will be Released
Trey Hendrickson

Bengals Not Using the Franchise Tag on Trey Hendrickson
Daniel Jones

Colts Place Transition Tag on Daniel Jones
Adam Scott

Might Endure Tough Times at Bay Hill
Aldrich Potgieter

Extremely Risky When it Comes to Bay Hill
PGA

Sungjae Im to Make Season Debut at Arnold Palmer Invitational
Jordan Spieth

an All-or-Nothing Option at Bay Hill
Harry Hall

Trying to Rebound After the Genesis Invitational
Ryan Gerard

Needs Better Start at Bay Hill
Kenneth Walker III

Won't Get the Franchise Tag
Patrick Cantlay

Still Plagued by Bad Putting Ahead of Arnold Palmer Invititational
Daniel Jones

Colts Expected to Use Transition Tag on Daniel Jones
Breece Hall

Jets Placing Franchise Tag on Breece Hall
CFB

Mark Stoops Joining Texas Coaching Staff
Jason Day

Attempts to Bounce Back from The Genesis Invitational
Jacob Bridgeman

Rolling into Arnold Palmer Invitational
Russell Henley

Looks to Defend Title at the Arnold Palmer Invitational
Khalil Mack

Will Play in 2026
MMA

Lone'er Kavanagh Gets Back In The Win Column
Brandon Moreno

Gets Outclassed
Marlon Vera

Loses Fourth Fight In A Row
Daniel Jones

Colts Have "50/50" Chance to Get a Deal Done With Daniel Jones
David Martinez

Remains Undefeated In The UFC
Daniel Zellhuber

Loses Third Consecutive Fight
King Green

Gets Second-Round TKO Win
Felipe Bunes

Drops Decision At UFC Mexico City
Édgar Cháirez

Edgar Chairez Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Ryan Blaney

Falls to Eighth Despite Running Most of the Race in the Top Five At COTA
Ty Gibbs

Wins A Stage and Finishes Fourth At COTA
Christopher Bell

Earns First Top-Five Finish of the 2026 Season at COTA
Kyler Murray

"Repeatedly" Linked to Jets
Shane Van Gisbergen

Falls Short of Victory At COTA
Tyler Reddick

Wins At COTA and Makes NASCAR History
David Montgomery

Texans Acquire David Montgomery From Lions
Kyler Murray

Likely to be Released
Travis Etienne Jr.

Not Expected to be Franchise-Tagged
Aaron Jones Sr.

Vikings Planning to Release Aaron Jones Sr.?
Tyler Reddick

Could Make History at COTA
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Still the Favorite at COTA
Christopher Bell

Will Be Tough to Beat at COTA
AJ Allmendinger

Could Contend at COTA
Connor Zilisch

Carries Plenty of Upside for DFS at COTA
Chase Elliott

May be A Strong Contender Again at COTA
Chris Buescher

Is Nothing But Consistent at Road Courses
Ross Chastain

May Be An Underrated Competitor for the Win at COTA
William Byron

Is William Byron a Viable DFS Option for COTA?
Carson Hocevar

Needs Clean Race at COTA
Kyle Larson

Could be A Decent DFS Option for COTA Lineups
Ryan Blaney

Could Ryan Blaney be A Sleeper DFS Option for All Formats for COTA?
Chase Briscoe

Should DFS Players Roster Chase Briscoe at COTA?
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Is A Favorable Value Option for COTA DFS Lineups
Ty Gibbs

Could Ty Gibbs Be A Rosterable DFS Play for COTA?
A.J. Brown

Patriots "Have Explored Trade Talks" Involving A.J. Brown