NBA Fantasy: Top DFS Lineup Picks for Feb. 12

As we near the All-Star break, we are in for a jam-packed 15-game lineup. With a wide range of game totals from a high-flying 240 to a more conservative 204, there is a game to fit any DFS strategy. Whether you are looking for high-scoring affairs or bargain opportunities in defensive battles, tonight's slate offers something for every type of fantasy player.

This primer breaks down the key matchups, highlights the top plays at each position, and uncovers some valuable sleepers who could help you afford the stars. Let’s dive in and analyze the players that will give you an edge on this jam-packed Wednesday slate!

NBA DFS Core Plays

Nikola Jokić (C – DEN)

DraftKings: $12,500FanDuel: $12,900

Nikola Jokić is coming off a monster performance against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, where he put up a ridiculous stat line of 40 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals. He’s been playing at an MVP level all season, and with his ability to fill the stat sheet in every category, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him put up similar numbers against the Blazers once again.

As we all know, Jokić is always a threat to be the highest-scoring fantasy player on any given slate. He’s a matchup nightmare for any opponent, and with the Trail Blazers’ defense struggling recently, Jokić has a prime opportunity to dominate.

Damian Lillard (PG – MIL)

DraftKings: $9,500FanDuel: $9,500

With

Giannis Antetokounmpo

sidelined, Damian Lillard has stepped up as the primary offensive weapon for the Milwaukee Bucks. He’s been playing with a 32.6% usage rate and averaging 33.3 points, 9.3 assists, 6.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game in Giannis’s absence. Lillard is a dynamic scorer and playmaker who can take over games with his incredible range and clutch shot-making.

Tonight, the Bucks are 6.5-point underdogs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, a team dealing with injuries of their own. This could lead to a high-scoring affair, and with Giannis out, Lillard should continue to be aggressive and look for his shot. Expect him to shoulder a heavy offensive load and contribute across the board.

NBA DFS Cash Game Targets

Naji Marshall (SF, PF – DAL)

DraftKings: $5,300FanDuel: $5,500

The Dallas Mavericks are facing a potential frontcourt crisis with several big men dealing with injuries, and now

P.J. Washington

is questionable for tonight’s game against the Golden State Warriors due to a right ankle sprain. This leaves the Mavericks with limited options in the frontcourt, and they’ll likely need to rely heavily on Naji Marshall to fill the void.

In the Mavericks’ last four games, Marshall has averaged 26.5 minutes per game, and that number could increase significantly if Washington is ruled out. During this recent stretch, Marshall has been a solid contributor, averaging 16 points, four rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

Thomas Bryant (C – IND)

DraftKings: $5,000FanDuel: $5,500

Thomas Bryant has been a crucial player for the Indiana Pacers with

Myles Turner

sidelined due to a neck injury. He’s stepped up in a major way, providing a consistent presence in the paint and contributing valuable fantasy production. In his last three games, Bryant is averaging 14.3 points, nine rebounds and 4 assists.

Tonight, Bryant faces the Washington Wizards, a team that has struggled defensively. The Wizards rank 28th in defensive efficiency over their last three games, suggesting a favorable matchup for Bryant. With his recent strong performances and a vulnerable opponent, Bryant has a nice floor with the potential to outperform his value.

Max Christie (SG, SF – DAL)

DraftKings: $5,000FanDuel: $5,800

Since joining the Dallas Mavericks, Max Christie has been a revelation. He’s shooting a scorching 57.9% from beyond the arc and averaging 17 points, 5.3 rebounds, and three assists per game, showcasing his offensive efficiency and all-around contributions. Christie has quickly become a key part of the Mavericks’ rotation, averaging 33.2 minutes per game and demonstrating his ability to handle a significant workload.

Tonight, Christie faces the Golden State Warriors, and his role could expand even further with

Dante Exum

potentially sidelined due to an Achilles injury. If Exum is unable to play, Christie has a good chance of joining the starting lineup and seeing a bump in minutes. This would make him an even more appealing option, as he would likely be tasked with a larger offensive role.

NBA DFS GPP Targets

Naz Reid (PF, C – MIN)

DraftKings: $7,100FanDuel: $7,400

Naz Reid’s price has been skyrocketing this month, and rightfully so. He’s been a dominant force for the Minnesota Timberwolves, showcasing his offensive versatility. Over his last five games, Reid is averaging 20 points, eight rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.6 blocks, demonstrating his well-rounded skillset and fantasy-friendly game.

Tonight, Reid faces the Milwaukee Bucks, a team that will be without Giannis Antetokounmpo. This absence creates a significant void in the Bucks’ frontcourt defense, and Reid should be able to take advantage. With the Bucks likely relying on players known more for their offensive than their defense, Reid has a prime opportunity to dominate the paint and put up big numbers.

Anfernee Simons (PG, SG – POR)

DraftKings: $6,300FanDuel: $6,600

With the Portland Trail Blazers dealing with numerous injuries, Anfernee Simons has stepped up as a primary scoring option. He’s been on a tear recently, logging at least 21 points in four out of his last five games while consistently knocking down 3-pointers. Simons is a dynamic scorer with a smooth shooting stroke and the ability to create his own shot, making him a valuable asset for the Trail Blazers.

Tonight, Simons faces the Denver Nuggets, a team that has been playing well lately. However, if the Trail Blazers want to keep this game close, they’ll need Simons to continue his offensive production. He’s a player who can get hot in a hurry and carry the scoring load, and his ability to hit from deep could be crucial against a Nuggets team that can be vulnerable on the perimeter.

Julian Strawther (SG, SF – DEN)

DraftKings: $4,800FanDuel: $4,500

Julian Strawther has emerged as a key player for the Denver Nuggets with

Michael Porter Jr.

sidelined for the past two games. In Porter’s absence, Strawther has stepped into a larger role, averaging 18 points, five rebounds and 1.5 assists in 36.7 minutes of action. He’s a versatile player who can contribute in multiple areas, and his recent performances have showcased his offensive potential.

Tonight, Strawther faces the Portland Trail Blazers, a team that has struggled defensively in recent games. The Trail Blazers rank 25th in defensive efficiency over their last three games, suggesting a favorable matchup for Strawther.

NBA DFS Value Plays

Steven Adams (C – HOU)

DraftKings: $4,400FanDuel: $4,900

Steven Adams could be in line for a larger role tonight if

Alperen Sengun

is unable to suit up for the Houston Rockets. Sengun’s status is uncertain due to a back injury, and if he’s sidelined, Adams should see 20+ minutes tonight.

Adams has been playing well in recent games, averaging 8.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists in his last five outings. He’s a physical presence in the paint, capable of controlling the boards and providing solid defense.

Tonight, the Rockets face the Phoenix Suns, a team that has struggled against opposing centers, allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to the position over their last five games. This vulnerability, combined with Adams’ potential for increased minutes, makes him an intriguing option.

Day’Ron Sharpe (C – BKN)

DraftKings: $4,300FanDuel: $4,900

Day’Ron Sharpe could be a valuable addition to your DFS lineups tonight if

Nic Claxton

is ruled out for the Nets. Claxton is dealing with a right ankle sprain and is questionable for the Nets’ final game before the All-Star break. If he’s unable to play, Sharpe should see a boost in minutes. Even with limited playing time recently (17.9 minutes per game over his last five contests), the 23-year-old has been productive, averaging 11 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.4 blocks per game.

Sharpe is a skilled big man with a knack for scoring around the basket and contributing on the boards. He’s also shown flashes of playmaking ability and rim protection, making him a well-rounded fantasy option. Tonight, the Nets face the Philadelphia 76ers, a team that ranks 22nd in defensive efficiency over its last three games.

Sam Hauser (SF, PF – BOS)

DraftKings: $3,900FanDuel: $4,000

Sam Hauser could earn a spot start tonight if

Jaylen Brown

is ruled out for the Boston Celtics. Brown is dealing with right knee swelling, and with this being their last game before the break, it wouldn’t be surprising if they opted to give him some extra rest. In their last game, with Brown sidelined, Hauser stepped into the starting lineup and played 24 minutes, contributing 15 points, four rebounds, and two assists.