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

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. 

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.

De'Aaron Fox goes STRONG to the cup and draws the foul 💪

CP3 APPROVES. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/fXXdXyQanJ

— NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2025

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.

Karl-Anthony Towns over his last 3 games:

32 PTS - 18 REB - 2 AST
44 PTS - 10 REB - 7 3PM
40 PTS - 12 REB - 5 AST

(Via @realapp_ ) pic.twitter.com/4w3ALBZtpk

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 21, 2025

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.

Per possession, Zion Williamson is averaging career highs in
- Points
- Rebounds
- Assists
- Blocks
- Steals

all while spending more time on the ball and surpassing his previous usage career high by 5%.

Superstar leap disguised by the minutes restriction? pic.twitter.com/PVzm4eUN2A

— Jason (@DBCJason) February 19, 2025

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.

Players this season with 1200 PTS, 300 REB, 450 AST:

Nikola Jokic
Cade Cunningham (!!!)

Cade is only 23 years old…wow 🔥 pic.twitter.com/xn3AafWnK3

— SleeperHoops (@Sleeper_Hoops) February 20, 2025

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.

Paolo Banchero was a FORCE on the scoreboard for the Magic in their win in Atlanta!

💪 36 PTS
💪 10 PTS
💪 5 AST pic.twitter.com/IOgeP7haaG

— NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2025

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.

Jalen Duren has ALWAYS had the tools to be an impactful, if not elite, defender at the NBA level, but he’s struggled to realize that potential due to poor position, poor motor, or mental lapses

He’s cleaned up those issues in a big way this year, especially since January 1st pic.twitter.com/YjUnkf42dG

— Point Made Basketball (@pointmadebball) February 12, 2025

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)

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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.

Since the Max Christie trade:

Luka — Max —
14.7 PPG 17.3 PPG
35.6 FG% 48.6 FG%
20.8 3P% 45.5 3P%
58.3 FT% 82.6 FT% pic.twitter.com/rdzd61lDjY

— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 20, 2025

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.

#Magic coach Jamahl Mosley on Wendell Carter Jr. (9 pts, 15 rebs):

“I think he was incredible … He continues to be selfless, to sacrifice for his guys and do whatever’s necessary in whatever role he’s asked.”@therealBeede follows up about his decision to put WCJ back in the… pic.twitter.com/lWwggtn7lo

— Mason Williams (@mvsonwilliams) February 21, 2025

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.

MILES MCBRIDE TONIGHT:

23 POINTS
6 REBOUNDS
3 ASSISTS
3 STEALS
3 BLOCKS

🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/vYHMHTr15d

— BrunsonMuse (@BrunsonMuse) February 21, 2025

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.

Bismack Biyombo needs to stay on the team. Him & Chris Paul together is just an amazing duo man.

CP3 ➡️ Bizzy Slam

🎥: @spurs pic.twitter.com/J5p2DH5eis

— CP3REGION (@cp3region) February 21, 2025

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)

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

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