It's game day, NBA DFS fanatics! Tuesday, February 24th, delivers a massive 11-game slate, with our focus zeroing in on an action-packed eight-game main slate tipping off between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. ET. Get ready to load up your DraftKings and FanDuel lineups because we've identified the must-have players and cunning value plays to propel you to the top.
Key DFS Takeaways for Feb. 24
- Jalen Johnson is poised for a monster night against a porous Wizards defense.
- Tyrese Maxey steps into a primary scoring role, especially if Joel Embiid is out.
- Donovan Mitchell thrives in matchups against the New York Knicks, offering elite guard production.
- Look for strong value with young guns like Brandin Podziemski stepping up.
Elite Core Plays: Building Blocks for Victory
Jalen Johnson (PF – Atlanta Hawks)
DraftKings: $10,800 | FanDuel: $11,300
If you're building a winning lineup, Jalen Johnson is non-negotiable tonight. The Hawks' forward has been a fantasy points machine, averaging a staggering 51.7 fantasy points per game. Tonight, he faces the Washington Wizards, a team that ranks dead last (30th) in opponent fantasy points allowed. This matchup is a DFS dream, and while you're paying a premium, Johnson's sky-high ceiling makes every dollar worth it. Expect a potential mini-stack of Hawks players to feast on the Wizards' defensive woes.
Tyrese Maxey (PG – Philadelphia 76ers)
DraftKings: $9,800 | FanDuel: $10,700
The question always looms: will Joel Embiid play? While his absence is tough for the 76ers, it's a golden ticket for fantasy managers rostering Tyrese Maxey. Maxey takes on a significantly expanded offensive role, consistently delivering around 48.8 fantasy points per game. His opponent, the Indiana Pacers, rank 27th in defensive efficiency, presenting a prime scoring opportunity. Maxey's ability to explode without Embiid makes him a high-upside play you simply can't ignore.
Donovan Mitchell (SG – Cleveland Cavaliers)
DraftKings: $9,500 | FanDuel: $9,700
Donovan Mitchell and the Cavaliers are hosting the New York Knicks tonight, a nationally televised clash on Peacock. Mitchell has been solid post-All-Star break, putting up 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game in his last two outings. His perimeter shot might be a bit cold recently, but his history against the Knicks speaks volumes. In their Christmas Day showdown, Mitchell dropped a massive 34 points, 7 boards, 6 dimes, 4 steals, and 4 treys. He clearly relishes these matchups, making him a potent shooting guard choice.
Cash Game Crusaders: High Floor & Reliable Production
Brandon Miller (SF – Charlotte Hornets)
DraftKings: $7,900 | FanDuel: $7,900
Brandon Miller and the Hornets head to Chicago to face the Bulls, who present a favorable 24th opponent rank. Miller has been on an upward trend, particularly after a few rough starts to February. He recently torched the Washington Wizards for 22 points on 8-of-14 shooting and has knocked down at least four 3-pointers in four of his last five games. With 22+ points in three of those outings, and a strong prior performance against the Bulls (22 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 threes), Miller offers a solid floor with significant upside for his price.
Zion Williamson (PF – New Orleans Pelicans)
DraftKings: $7,700 | FanDuel: $8,200
Zion Williamson brings an enticing blend of production and value tonight against the Golden State Warriors, who sit at 25th in opponent rank. At just $7,700 on DraftKings, Williamson’s average of 37 fantasy points per game is a steal. He’s been on a tear, averaging 26 points, 4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists over his last three games. His remarkable efficiency, shooting 63.2% or better from the field in four of his last five outings, makes him a highly reliable cash game play.
GPP Gambles: Unlocking Tournament-Winning Upside
Onyeka Okongwu (C – Atlanta Hawks)
DraftKings: $7,000 | FanDuel: $7,200
If you're looking for a center with a high ceiling in GPPs, Onyeka Okongwu is your guy. Averaging 35.2 fantasy points per game, he’s outperforming many players in his price range. He gets a fantastic matchup against the Washington Wizards, whose interior defense ranks 29th. Okongwu recently posted a double-double (13 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks) against the Nets and has scored 12+ points in nine of his last ten games. This is a prime spot for him to smash expectations.
Kyshawn George (SG, SF – Washington Wizards)
DraftKings: $6,700 | FanDuel: $6,200
Staying in the Wizards-Hawks matchup, Kyshawn George offers intriguing GPP value. After a slow start to February, George has picked up his scoring, hitting 13+ points in three of his last four games. While his shooting percentage has been low (34.9% across the past four games), his volume is undeniable, consistently attempting 10-12 shots per game. There's no penalty for missed shots in DFS, and if his perimeter game clicks against the Hawks, he could deliver massive value.
Brandin Podziemski (PG, SG – Golden State Warriors)
DraftKings: $6,200 | FanDuel: $6,500
With Stephen Curry sidelined due to a knee injury, Brandin Podziemski has stepped up as a dynamic playmaker for the Warriors. His last outing against the Denver Nuggets was spectacular, with 18 points, 15 rebounds, and 9 assists, along with a steal and three triples. Podziemski has scored 11+ points in five straight games, and his all-around production (15 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists per game over his last five) makes him a fantastic GPP target against a Pelicans team ranking 28th defensively.
Value Spotlights: Budget-Friendly Boosters
Noah Clowney (PF – Brooklyn Nets)
DraftKings: $4,800 | FanDuel: $4,900
For those looking to save salary, Noah Clowney presents an interesting, albeit volatile, option. The young big man has seen consistent minutes for the Nets, averaging around 25 minutes per game in February. While his results are erratic, Clowney has shown flashes of brilliance, like his 22-point, 6-rebound performance against the Chicago Bulls. In favorable matchups, he possesses the ability to significantly exceed his modest salary expectations.
Grant Williams (PF – Charlotte Hornets)
DraftKings: $4,600 | FanDuel: $5,300
Grant Williams steps back into the starting five for the Hornets as Miles Bridges serves the final game of his suspension. Williams has been logging heavy minutes, playing at least 26 minutes in his last four games. His production can be feast or famine; he recently delivered a disappointing 5 points against Washington but exploded for 20 points and 9 rebounds on efficient shooting (7-of-10, 4-of-5 from deep) against Houston. If his shot is falling, Williams is a strong value play at this price point.
