Introduction

Welcome back, NBA fans! After a well-deserved All-Star break, the league is back in full swing. Tonight, February 25th, we have a nationally televised doubleheader on TNT/truTV/Max. The action kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET with the Cleveland Cavaliers visiting the Orlando Magic. The nightcap features a highly anticipated matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers, tipping off at 10 p.m. ET. This game is expected to be one of the most intriguing of the night, with Luka Dončić returning to face his former team.

Top NBA DFS Lineup Picks and Advice

Let’s dive into the top NBA DFS lineup picks and strategies for tonight’s slate.

NBA DFS Core Plays

Luka Dončić (PG – LAL) is undoubtedly a core piece for tonight’s lineup. He faces his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, who traded him to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and more. Dončić is expected to have a chip on his shoulder, given the circumstances.

Dončić should enter this game with a huge chip on his shoulder against his former squad in his new home.

— NBA DFS Analysis

In his last game, Dončić put up an impressive performance with 32 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and four steals against the Nuggets. He is averaging 23 points, 10.5 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 2.5 steals, and 2.5 3-pointers per game in his last two outings.

If you’re looking for an alternative to Dončić, Damian Lillard (PG – MIL) is a solid choice. He offers good value, especially at FanDuel, and has been performing well. Lillard averaged 44.6 fantasy points per game and faces a team with the 24th opponent rank. His recent performance against Miami, where he scored 28 points and added eight assists, showcases his potential.

Lillard has averaged 44.6 fantasy points per game and faces a team with the 24th opponent rank, so it’s a prime matchup for Lillard to do his thing in Houston.

— NBA DFS Analysis

Kevin Durant (PF, C – PHX) is another top pick. His salary is surprisingly low, making him a valuable addition to your lineup. Durant faces a strong matchup against Memphis, a team with a high opponent rank of 31. He has been averaging 43.6 fantasy points per game and is expected to overproduce in a high-scoring game.

NBA DFS Cash Game Targets

De’Aaron Fox (PG, SG – SAS) is a strong cash game target. He faces the New Orleans Pelicans, a team with a giving defense and an opponent rank of 26. Fox has been consistent, averaging 43.8 fantasy points per game. His recent performances, including scoring 23+ points in four of the past five games, make him a reliable choice.

Fox is averaging 43.8 fantasy points per game and the Pelicans’ opponent rank is 26. Things are aligned for Fox to have a big night.

— NBA DFS Analysis

Zion Williamson (SF, PF – NOP) is another standout option. Despite injury concerns, he has been performing well, averaging 28 points, 8.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.0 steals in his last three outings. His matchup against the Spurs, who no longer have Victor Wembanyama clogging the middle, is favorable.

Williamson went for 22 points with nine rebounds, three assists, two blocked shots and two steals in the front end of the back-to-back. He is averaging 28 points, 8.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.0 steals per game in the past three outings.

— NBA DFS Analysis

Ja Morant (PG – Mem) is a lower-end stud point guard option. He faces the Suns, a team with an opponent rank of 29. Morant is averaging 39.2 fantasy points per game, making him a solid choice for a high-scoring game.

NBA DFS GPP Targets

Stephon Castle (PG, SG – SAS) is a GPP target. Despite a recent poor performance, he has shown potential with a 33-point outburst against Charlotte. His matchup against the Pelicans, a giving team, could lead to a breakout game.

Castle is more intriguing on FanDuel for a much lower price. In his previous six games, Castle had 10+ points, including a 33-point outburst at Charlotte on February 7th.

— NBA DFS Analysis

Rui Hachimura (SF, PF – LAL) is coming off a huge showing in Denver, scoring 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting. Despite a tweaked back, he has been on fire lately and is worth a roll of the dice.

Hachimura has scored 17+ points in five of his past six games while grabbing at least six boards in four of those outings.

— NBA DFS Analysis

Jose Alvarado (PG – NOP) is a solid, yet unspectacular option. He managed 12 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists against the Spurs. His versatility makes him a reliable choice for a GPP lineup.

NBA DFS Value Plays

Kessler Edwards (PF, C – DAL) is a value play. With Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively II sidelined, Edwards will be relied upon heavily in the frontcourt. He is averaging 6.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.0 blocks, and three 3-pointers in his last four outings.

The former Pepperdine Waves standout is good for 6.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.0 blocks per game with a total of three steals and three 3-pointers in the past four outings.

— NBA DFS Analysis

Anthony Black (PG – ORL) is another value play. With Jalen Suggs nursing a quadriceps injury, Black has seen increased playing time. He led the team with 23 points and seven rebounds against the Washington Wizards. His potential for a high-scoring game makes him a solid choice.

Black led the team with 23 points on 7-of-12 shooting against the Washington Wizards last time out on Sunday. He also chipped in with seven rebounds, three assists, a blocked shot and a steal in 27 minutes.

— NBA DFS Analysis

Olivier-Maxence Prosper (PF-Dal) is a low-cost option with some upside. Despite a tough matchup, Prosper could see increased minutes due to frontcourt injuries. He has been averaging 6.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.0 steals in his last five outings.

Conclusion

As the NBA returns from the All-Star break, tonight’s doubleheader promises exciting matchups and high-scoring games. With key players like Luka Dončić, Damian Lillard, and Kevin Durant leading the charge, there are plenty of opportunities for DFS success. Whether you’re focusing on core plays, cash game targets, GPP targets, or value plays, there are strategic choices to maximize your lineup’s potential. Stay tuned for more insights and analysis as the NBA season continues to unfold.