NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Recommendations for February 12 2020
There are no shortage of options in DFS on Wednesday with 11 games in the NBA. Let’s not waste any time and get right to breaking down the slate. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
POINT GUARDS
Trae Young, ATL at CLE
FanDuel = $10,100
DraftKings = $10,400
This is a great matchup for Young with the Cavaliers allowing the most FanDuel points per game and the seventh-most DraftKings points per game to opposing point guards. They have struggled to slow down the opposition, in general, leaving them with the second-worst defensive rating in the league. The last time these two teams met, Young torched the Cavaliers for 30 points, six rebounds, 11 assists and four steals.
Ish Smith, WAS at NY
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,800
The Wizards moved on from Isaiah Thomas at the trade deadline, which has pushed Smith back into a starting role. He’s making a case to stick there moving forward, averaging 9.3 points, five rebounds, 6.7 assists, one steal and one block across the last three games. He logged at least 28 minutes in each of those contests, which is key when you consider that the Wizards have played at the fifth-fastest pace in the league.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Khris Middleton, MIL at IND
FanDuel = $7,200
DraftKings = $8,800
The Bucks will once again be without Giannis Antetokoumpo (personal), who also didn’t play Monday against the Kings. Middleton stepped up with him out, posting 28 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and one steal across 34 minutes. Middleton has a staggering 33.2 percent usage rate when Antetokoumpo has been off the floor this season, so expect him to be very productive in this game, as well. Of note, he is only eligible at shooting guard on FanDuel since he is listed as small forward on DraftKings.
Jordan Poole, GS at PHO
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $3,900
With so many games on the slate, there are a lot of appealing top-tier players that could have big nights. In order to squeeze a couple of them into your entry, you’ll have to take a chance on a really cheap player or two. One that might be worth considering is Poole. He’s been thrust into more playing time after the Warriors’ trade deadline moves, which has enabled him to average 15.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, three assists and 1.3 steals across the last three games.
SMALL FORWARDS
Pascal Siakam, TOR at BKN
FanDuel = $8,400
DraftKings = $8,700
The Raptors have the potential to be really thin up front in this game. Marc Gasol (hamstring) has already been ruled out and Serge Ibaka (illness) is questionable after sitting out Monday against the Timberwolves. If Ibaka does indeed sidelined again, Siakam, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Chris Boucher will be left to man the front court. Even if Ibaka does play, Siakam is a great option with his 29.1 percent usage rate that ranks inside the top-20 in the league. Of note, he is only eligible at small forward on FanDuel since he is listed at power forward and center on DraftKings.
Juancho Hernangomez, MIN vs. CHA
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,900
After being buried on the bench with the Nuggets, Hernangomez has started both game since coming over to the Timberwolves. While he didn’t exactly stuff the stat sheet, he did score at least 14 points in both contests. At near the minimum price on both sites, his new role at least makes him worth considering, Of note, he is only eligible at small forward on FanDuel since he is listed at power forward on DraftKings.
POWER FORWARDS
John Collins, ATL at CLE
FanDuel = $7,800
DraftKings = $9,100
Clint Capela (heel) might eventually cut into Collins’ production, but that won’t be an issue for this game with Capela out through the All-Star break. Collins has been on a role lately, averaging 25.5 points and 11.8 rebounds across his last 11 games. Expect him to have a high floor in this matchup with the Cavaliers, who he produced 27 points, 10 rebounds, two steals and two blocks against earlier this season.
Larry Nance Jr., CLE vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $5,100
The rest of the season outlook doesn’t look great for Nance right now after the Cavaliers brought in Andre Drummond. Not only that, but they didn’t trade away Kevin Love or Tristan Thompson. With that being said, there is a chance that Nance receives added playing time in this game since Love (Achilles) is listed as questionable. The Cavaliers are going nowhere fast, so they could easily sit Love to give him added rest through the All-Star break. If he’s out, Nance could be in a great spot against a Hawks team that has allowed the second-most points per game.
CENTERS
Marquese Chriss, GS at PHO
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,900
The center position might be a spot where you can save money while still getting excellent production. The first cost-effective option to consider is Chriss, who is set to play more down the stretch with Omari Spellman no longer in town. In the two games since Spellman was dealt, Chriss recorded at least 17 points, nine rebounds, one steal and one block both times.
Brook Lopez, MIL at IND
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,800
Middleton isn’t the only player who sees an increase in scoring opportunities when Giannis sits. Lopez’s usage rate for the season is 16.6 percent, but it jumps up to 21.6 percent when Giannis isn’t on the floor. While he could continue to underwhelm in the rebounding department, Lopez can still provide enough production in points and blocks to make him a viable option.
Author Bio:
Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat, and was a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. Follow Mike on Twitter @rotomikebarner.