February is here and the NBA DFS grind continues with a unique six-game slate. With three games projected to be blowouts, identifying value plays and predicting playing time will be crucial.
This primer breaks down the key matchups, highlights the top plays at each position and uncovers value plays that can help you afford the stars. Let’s dive in and analyze the players that will give you an edge on tonight’s slate.
View the best player prop bets for tonight’s slate with our NBA Prop Bet Cheat Sheet 
NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer
NBA DFS Core Plays
- DraftKings: $12,000
- FanDuel: $12,700
Nikola Jokic has a juicy matchup tonight against the Charlotte Hornets, a team that has struggled mightily against opposing centers. Over their last seven games, the Hornets have allowed the most fantasy points to the position, suggesting a favorable matchup for Jokic to exploit. He’s one of the most talented and versatile big men in the league, capable of scoring, rebounding and passing at an elite level.
Even with the Nuggets playing on zero days of rest, Jokic should be too much for the Hornets to handle. He’s a matchup nightmare for any opponent, and the Hornets’ lack of interior defense could lead to a massive performance. The only concern is the potential for a blowout, which could limit Jokic’s minutes. However, if the game stays somewhat competitive, expect Jokic to put up monster numbers.
- DraftKings: $11,000
- FanDuel: $11,800
Victor Wembanyama is a player who consistently demands attention in DFS, and tonight is no exception. His incredible upside and ability to fill the stat sheet on both ends of the floor make him a perennial candidate for building your lineups around. Wembanyama is a unique talent who can score from anywhere on the court, dominate the glass and protect the rim with his impressive shot-blocking skills.
With a close spread of 1.5 points in tonight’s matchup against the Miami Heat, we can expect Wembanyama to be heavily involved in the Spurs’ game plan. They’ll need his offensive firepower and defensive presence to compete with the Miami Heat. This translates to a high floor and an even higher ceiling for Wembanyama, making him an excellent option for both cash games and tournaments.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG – OKC)
- DraftKings: $10,800
- FanDuel: $11,600
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Sacramento Kings are set to square off in a game with the highest total on the slate, suggesting a fast-paced, high-scoring affair. This is excellent news for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is coming off a monster 52-point performance and has a prime opportunity to keep the momentum rolling.
The Kings have struggled defensively, ranking 26th in defensive efficiency over their last five games. This vulnerability should allow Gilgeous-Alexander to exploit mismatches and attack the basket with confidence. He’s an elite scorer who can fill it up from anywhere on the court, and his ability to get to the free-throw line adds to his fantasy value.
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
- DraftKings: $8,800
- FanDuel: $8,100
Miles Bridges has been a crucial component of the Charlotte Hornets’ offense, especially with the team dealing with several injuries. Over his last three games, he’s commanded a 32.5% usage rate, highlighting his importance to their attack. Bridges is a versatile scorer who can fill it up from all three levels, and he’s also a capable rebounder and defender. This increased responsibility has translated to impressive scoring numbers, with Bridges recording at least 23 points in each of those games, including two double-doubles.
Tonight, Bridges faces the Denver Nuggets, a team that has been middle-of-the-pack defensively this season. While not an easy matchup, Bridges’ high usage rate and recent performances suggest he has the potential to put up big numbers once again.
- DraftKings: $7,200
- FanDuel: $7,300
Isaiah Hartenstein has a prime opportunity to exploit a favorable matchup tonight against the Sacramento Kings. The Kings have struggled to defend opposing centers all season, allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to the position over their last seven games. This weakness bodes well for Hartenstein, who has been a consistent contributor for the Oklahoma City Thunder, showcasing his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
In his last two games, he’s averaging nine points, 15 rebounds and six assists, demonstrating his well-rounded skillset. He’s a strong rebounder, a capable scorer around the basket and a willing passer, making him a valuable contributor for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
NBA DFS GPP Targets
Anthony Edwards (PG, SG – MIN)
- DraftKings: $9,600
- FanDuel: $9,600
Anthony Edwards has a prime opportunity to put up big numbers tonight against the Washington Wizards, a team that has been decimated by injuries and has struggled defensively all season. The Wizards gave up a whopping 134 points in their most recent game and have allowed at least 106 points in every game this season, making them a favorable matchup for opposing scorers. Edwards has been on a tear lately, scoring at least 33 points in three out of his last four games, showcasing his ability to take over games and carry the offensive load.
He’s a dynamic scorer who can fill it up from anywhere on the court, and with the Wizards’ defensive woes, he should have plenty of opportunities to find open looks and attack the basket. Expect Edwards to be aggressive and look for his shot, potentially leading to a big scoring night.
- DraftKings: $6,200
- FanDuel: $6,500
Kel’el Ware’s recent performance may have some DFS players hesitant, as he only managed five points and four rebounds against the Los Angeles Clippers. However, don’t let one underwhelming game overshadow his potential, especially in tonight’s matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. Ware should see plenty of minutes in this contest, as he’ll likely be tasked with guarding Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs’ star big man.
In their last meeting on January 19th, Ware delivered a huge performance against the Spurs, erupting for 25 points and eight rebounds. This suggests a favorable matchup for Ware, who could thrive against the Spurs again tonight. While his production will be inconsistent as a rookie, Ware’s potential for extended minutes and his matchup against the Spurs make him an intriguing option with a high ceiling.
NBA DFS Value Plays
- DraftKings: $4,400
- FanDuel: $4,200
Josh Green could be in line for a significant workload again tonight if Josh Okogie is unable to suit up due to hamstring tightness. Okogie left yesterday’s game early, putting his status in jeopardy for this matchup against the Denver Nuggets. With Cody Martin also sidelined, Green’s role becomes even more crucial for the Charlotte Hornets.
Green is a versatile player who can impact the game on both ends of the floor, as he’s a capable scorer, a willing defender and a solid rebounder. Green’s energy and athleticism make him a valuable asset for the Hornets, and his fantasy value increases with increased playing time.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (SG – MIN)
- DraftKings: $4,000
- FanDuel: $4,700
Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been thrust into a more prominent role for the Minnesota Timberwolves with Mike Conley and Donte DiVincenzo dealing with injuries, and he’s making the most of his opportunity. Over the last two games, he’s averaged 33.6 minutes per game, showcasing his ability to handle a significant workload. During this stretch, Alexander-Walker has averaged 19 points, four rebounds and three assists, demonstrating his well-rounded skillset and offensive capabilities.
If the Timberwolves remain shorthanded tonight against the Washington Wizards, expect Alexander-Walker to see heavy minutes. The Wizards have struggled defensively this season, ranking near the bottom of the league in defensive efficiency. This vulnerability should allow Alexander-Walker to attack the basket, find open looks and potentially deliver a big performance.
- DraftKings: $3,800
- FanDuel: $4,800
Steven Adams could be in line for a larger role tonight if Alperen Sengun misses the game against the Brooklyn Nets. Sengun’s status is uncertain, but if he’s sidelined, Adams should see a significant increase in minutes. In the Houston Rockets’ last game, with Sengun out, Adams played a season-high 23 minutes and delivered a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. This performance showcased his ability to still contribute when given the opportunity, making him an intriguing DFS option if Sengun is indeed ruled out.
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