NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
It’s Friday, February 21, and there are nine NBA matchups on the docket, including two games that will be broadcasted nationally on ESPN. The New York Knicks will face off against the Cleveland Cavaliers at 7 PM ET at Rocket Arena, and the Minnesota Timberwolves will go head-to-head with the Houston Rockets at 9:30 PM ET.
Here are our top recommendations for NBA DFS lineups and strategies for the evening.
**Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF, C – MIL)**
Investing in Giannis Antetokounmpo will hit your wallet hard, but he’s a solid choice against the defensively challenged Washington Wizards. The Wizards rank last in the league, giving up an average of 121.8 points per game, while teams hit nearly 48% of their field goal attempts and 36.8% from three-point range. Stacking him with other Bucks players could definitely pay off.
The Greek Freak is currently averaging 59.9 fantasy points per game. After an 18-day absence, he scored 23 points with 10-of-14 shooting against the Clippers on Thursday, contributing eight rebounds, four assists, and a block—significantly below his typical performance. Before the All-Star break, he recorded 20 consecutive double-doubles, so DFS players who counted on him last night were likely disappointed. That trend won’t persist.
**Damian Lillard (PG – MIL)**
If you can fit Damian Lillard into your roster alongside Giannis, now’s the time. Despite struggling with a shocking 2-for-12 shooting against the Clippers, he still managed to score 15 points, along with seven assists, seven rebounds, and two steals, including a pair of successful three-pointers.
Earlier this season, on November 30th, Lillard had an impressive performance against the Wizards, racking up 25 points, 10 assists, five rebounds, three steals, a block, and five three-pointers during a 124-114 win at Fiserv Forum.
**Kyrie Irving (PG – DAL)**
For those hesitant about splurging on two players from the same team, Kyrie Irving presents an excellent option against the struggling New Orleans Pelicans.
Before the All-Star break, Irving recorded a stellar 42 points, seven rebounds, and seven three-pointers against the Golden State Warriors on February 12, shooting 15-of-25 in a 111-107 victory. He has scored over 25 points in five of his last seven regular-season games. In his latest encounter with the Pelicans on January 29th, Irving notched 25 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and a steal, along with three three-pointers in 39 minutes.
**Paolo Banchero (PF, SF – ORL)**
Rest seemed to benefit Paolo Banchero, as he delivered 36 points on 11-of-25 shooting, complemented by 10 rebounds, five assists, and three three-pointers in 37 minutes during a 114-108 win in Atlanta on Thursday. In February, he has consistently performed well, averaging 22 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.4 assists across eight games, including 11 three-pointers in the last three outings.
**Bam Adebayo (PF, C – MIA)**
Bam Adebayo is positioned for a strong outing against the Toronto Raptors in a favorable matchup. The Raptors permit 116.5 points per game, ranking 25th in the league, while allowing opponents to shoot 46.9%, which ranks 19th.
The Raptors sit 12th in three-point defense, allowing 35.7%. In a previous encounter against Toronto on December 12th, Adebayo scored 21 points, grabbed 16 rebounds, and provided five assists in 35 minutes. Additionally, he recorded a triple-double in NBA Cup group play against the Spurs on November 29th, posting 14 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, three steals, and two three-pointers.
**Jordan Poole (PG – WAS)**
Jordan Poole made an explosive return before the All-Star break, scoring 42 points on 15-of-29 shooting against the Indiana Pacers on February 12. He also contributed five rebounds, five assists, two steals, and six three-pointers in 41 minutes of play. This marked his second 40-point game in his last four appearances.
In the last clash with the Bucks on December 21st, Poole scored 26 points, added five rebounds and three assists while sinking eight three-pointers in 36 minutes, albeit with seven turnovers. This season, he is averaging 28.5 points, 5.0 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.5 three-pointers across two games against the Bucks.
**Kyle Kuzma (SF, PF – MIL)**
With Bobby Portis Jr. sidelined for 25 games due to a violation of the league’s anti-drug policy, opportunities open up for players like Kyle Kuzma, Brook Lopez, and Taurean Prince. Kuzma started against the Clippers on Friday, posting 13 points, seven rebounds, and three three-pointers in 37 minutes. He could provide substantial value at his price point.
**Jalen Duren (C – DET)**
Jalen Duren’s challenge on Friday just became more manageable following news regarding Victor Wembanyama. Instead of matching up against the highly skilled French star, he’ll face veteran Bismack Biyombo.
Duren recorded a double-double in his last game before the break on February 12th in Chicago, finishing with 16 points and 14 rebounds, along with two blocked shots. He has accumulated three double-doubles over his last four games, consistently achieving eight or more rebounds in 20 straight contests.
**Precious Achiuwa (PF, C – NYK)**
With Josh Hart dealing with patellofemoral syndrome in his right knee, Precious Achiuwa is expected to see increased playing time and production. With Hart unavailable and OG Anunoby listed as questionable, Achiuwa could provide significant output at a reasonable cost.
**Jeremy Sochan (PF, C – SAS)**
Jeremy Sochan contributed 12 points, five rebounds, four assists, and a steal with a three-pointer in 28 minutes against the Suns on Thursday, achieving 5-of-8 shooting from the field. With Victor Wembanyama on the sidelines, Sochan will likely take on more offensive responsibilities.
**Bismack Biyombo (C – SAS)**
The Spurs received unfortunate news regarding Victor Wembanyama’s expected absence for the remainder of the season due to deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. In his first start at center, Bismack Biyombo played against the Phoenix Suns, going 4-for-4 from the field, scoring eight points, along with three rebounds, two assists, and a steal in 16 minutes during his inaugural appearance of the 2024-25 NBA season.
**Luguentz Dort (SG, SF – OKC)**
In the two games leading up to the All-Star break, Luguentz Dort elevated his play, averaging 15.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and making 2.0 three-pointers per game. He shot 13-of-20 (65.0%) from the field, averaging 32 minutes on the court.
