It’s Sunday, February 23rd — the first Sunday since emerging from the Matrix. We’ve all had our dose of the blue pill, and now the red awaits, ready to reveal truths we never knew existed. Today marks the beginning of our journey toward that “He’s starting to believe” moment — a tipping point where the real and the surreal begin to merge.
As your eyes adjust to this newfound clarity (even if they protest a little at first), know that this moment is designed to recalibrate you for the “real” world. After a whirlwind of theatrical trades, All-Star showdowns and Super Bowl spectacles, it’s as if the architect himself was orchestrating a high-stakes game. Now, with the frenzy subsiding, we’re stepping into a season that’s about more than just fantasy — it’s about pure, unadulterated basketball.
While many may be in rest mode, it’s time for us to lock in. Expect games to be fiercely contested on the court even if fantasy matchups seem less predictable. Focus on players with solid, high-floor performances rather than those riding on volatile ceilings. The era of scoring 60 or 70 points may be waning; instead, breakthrough moments will come from those who push past their limits.
The message is clear: Teams are shifting their mindset — letting the passion for the game take precedence over the business side. New heroes, fresh legends and bold narratives are emerging for this new era… and the journey starts right now.
As always, our FantasyPros team is here to ensure you have everything you need to navigate tonight’s challenges. Tap into the expertise of Nick Rodriguez (@NickIsInNet), Ryan Coleman (@ryancoleman_98) and Daniel E. Dobish (@danieledobish), whose insights will elevate your game and sharpen your approach.
Tonight, let’s approach every game with relentless focus, creative ingenuity, and unshakeable confidence. The slate is set, opportunities are boundless and every second matters. It’s time to lock in and make every moment count. Game on.
View the best player prop bets for tonight’s slate with our NBA Prop Bet Cheat Sheet
NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer
NBA DFS Core Plays
Devin Booker (SG, SF – PHO)
- DraftKings: $8,900
- FanDuel: $9,200
Player Fantasy Narrative: His Light? He Gonna’ Let It Shine
Devin Booker’s brilliance may not be shining as brightly as fans, the franchise or the league once envisioned when the Suns unveiled their promising “Super-Team.” Yet, in a squad still finding its rhythm, his impact is poised to surprise, as the Suns gradually master how to deploy and maximize their talent, the unexpected will soon emerge.
Much like the classic tale of the tortoise and the hare, many teams are still trying to figure out whether they’re built for steady endurance or explosive moments by the race’s end.
Booker, however, is a study in duality. He’s the tortoise that can maintain a relentless pace and the hare that remains laser-focused when it matters most. A bona fide superstar and arguably one of the most underrated talents in the game, his production isn’t merely about flashy ceilings like those of Nikola Jokic or Luka Doncic; it’s about a dependable, high-floor performance that not only drives his own numbers but ignites the entire slate.
Whether he’s lighting up the scoreboard on his own or triggering a cascading “breaking effect” that elevates his teammates, Booker has that rare ability to transform a dim moment into an opportunity for brilliance. He’s got that inner light, and tonight — make no mistake — he’s gonna’ let it shine.
Toronto Raptors’ Opponent Stat Rankings (Per Game):
- Points: 25th
- Rebounds: 17th
- Assists Assists: 11th
- Blocks: 25th
- Steals: 25th
Recommendation and Strategy: Solar Power Savings… Electric Results
While a matchup against a competitive Raptors squad — one that seems to be navigating challenges similarly — might not initially appear ideal, it creates an environment where Booker can truly thrive. His price point is remarkably affordable, almost as if you’re uncovering unexpected savings with a solar power solution that still delivers electric results.
Booker’s value lies in his flexibility, offering you the opportunity to manage your capital wisely while still unlocking a high-ceiling performance. His ability to score and his overall floor versatility becomes even more potent against a Raptors team that can be targeted across multiple statistical categories — points, blocks and steals.
This multi-faceted approach not only boosts his individual output but also positions him as the top option on the slate in all formats.
Core Play Considerations
Kevin Durant (PF, SF, C – PHX)
- DraftKings: $9,200
- FanDuel: $9,600
De’Aaron Fox (PG, SG – SA)
- DraftKings: $8,800
- FanDuel: $9,700
Damian Lillard (PG – MIL)
- DraftKings: $9,500
- FanDuel: $9,000
Tyler Herro (SG, PG – MIA)
- DraftKings: $8,400
- FanDuel: $8,300
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
Cole Anthony (PG, SG – ORL)
- DraftKings: $5,100
- FanDuel: $5,800
Washington Wizards’ Opponent Stat Rankings (Per Game):
- Points: 30th
- Rebounds: 30th
- Assists: 27th
- Blocks: 21st
- Steals: 23rd
Recommendation and Strategy: New Tune: Finished With the Sideline Story
Cole Anthony‘s journey may be short but it is nothing if not compelling. In just five years in the league — including this season — he’s weathered the storm, entering right after the 2019-2020 bubble and during his team’s deep rebuild.
Despite a humble collegiate background at UNC and stepping into a chaotic NBA amid an epidemic, Anthony is on the cusp of emerging as a bona fide star. Once pigeonholed in a “glorified ambiguous starter-sixth man” role, the Magic have now given him a starting opportunity that speaks volumes about his growth.
In a dramatic turnaround, Anthony has started in more than three times as many games this season despite limited minutes overall than in his previous two seasons combined. His recent stretch has showcased impressive offensive flair and defensive versatility, underscoring the trust his team is placing in him.
No longer confined to the bench, he’s ready to make his mark against a gritty Washington squad — a matchup that could reward his cost-effective price tag and deliver the kind of all-around performance cash game players crave.
That said, while there’s potential for him to light up the slate and tear the roof off the scoring column, the pragmatic nature of his team’s play could also mean a quieter night. Nevertheless, his attractive price and solid floor make him a value play with an enticing upside for a Magic upset.
Cash Game Target Considerations
De’Aaron Fox (PG, SG – SAS)
- DraftKings: $8,800
- FanDuel: $9,700
Damian Lillard (PG – MIL)
- DraftKings: $9,500
- FanDuel: $9,000
Tyler Herro (SG, PG – MIA)
- DraftKings: $8,400
- FanDuel: $8,300
De’Andre Hunter (SF, PF – CLE)
- DraftKings: $4,800
- FanDuel: $5,400
NBA DFS GPP Targets
Immanuel Quickley (PG – TOR)
- DraftKings: $6,400
- FanDuel: $7,000
Player Fantasy Narrative: Quick to Forget — He’s Still an Apex Predator
After a waiting period that tested his resolve, Immanuel Quickley has finally seized the moment to establish himself as a true premier force capable of anchoring his own team. His explosive skillset remains intact, ready to turn the game around in an instant, even after a challenging nine-game stretch following an extended layoff.
Don’t be too quick to overlook his talent. In an era where the towering T-Rexes grab all the headlines, Quickley’s nimble, relentless play reminds us that the raptor still reigns as the apex predator. With star power loaded onto teammates like Scottie Barnes, Quickley emerges as the vital missing piece.
Locked in and determined, he’s the catalyst this team needs to compete at the highest level — an apex predator poised to save the day.
Phoenix Suns’ Opponent Stat Rankings (Per Game):
- Points: 20th
- Rebounds: 24th
- Assists: 16th
- Blocks: 4th
- Steals: 19th
Recommendation and Strategy: Don’t be Quick to Dismiss
The Raptors aren’t in a position to deliberately tank — they’re battling every night. In such a competitive environment, if Quickley can remain healthy, he has a prime opportunity to re-establish himself and remind us just how potent he can be.
His rostership won’t be sky-high, partly because his floor is modest enough to make some nervous, yet his scoring is on an upswing. With the team’s health issues adding a sense of urgency, Quickley could assemble a full, dynamic game, dishing out assists, grabbing rebounds and even snagging a defensive stop or two. Essentially, he’s poised to serve as the spearhead for the Raptors’ resurgence.
Even though the matchup against the Suns isn’t a slam dunk, his versatility and all-around production across key categories make him a compelling candidate for GPP lineups, even if his price is slightly inflated and the matchup is less than perfect.
GPP Target Considerations
Cade Cunningham (PG – DET)
- DraftKings: $9,600
- FanDuel: $10,400
Damian Lillard (PG – MIL)
- DraftKings: $9,500
- FanDuel: $9,000
Jeremy Sochan (PF, SF – SA)
- DraftKings: $6,900
- FanDuel: $6,100
Jose Alvarado (PG – NO)
- DraftKings: $5,600
- FanDuel: $6,200
NBA DFS Value Plays
Damian Lillard (PG – MIL)
- DraftKings: $9,500
- FanDuel: $9,000
Player Fantasy Narrative: Still Dame’s Time
Damian Lillard has always reigned among the elite, operating on his own schedule. Now, in just his second season with his new team, he continues to defy expectations. Although he possesses the talent to lead this squad to championship glory, it may take some time for that vision to fully materialize. The beauty of it all is that it’s still Lillard’s time.
Paired with one of the league’s most dominant figures in Giannis Antetokounmpo, Lillard’s arrival from a Trail Blazers team of lesser renown had fans convinced an explosive turnaround was imminent, even if early drama and off-court narratives have sometimes obscured the undeniable talent of this Bucks squad.
Amid injuries, coaching shifts and a carousel of forced narratives, the team has struggled to meet lofty expectations for a better sophomore season. Yet, Lillard is proving his mettle; he’s posting an improved all-around game, even as a fluctuating rotation tries to mask his true potential.
Currently anchoring a team that sits fifth in the Eastern Conference, he continues to deliver results. While the spotlight may be divided in a season brimming with unpredictable storylines, let’s not lose sight of the fact that when it comes to clutch moments and game-changing performances, it’s still Lillard’s time.
Miami Heat’s Opponent Stat Rankings (Per Game):
- Points: 7th
- Rebounds: 25th
- Assists: 21st
- Blocks: 15th
- Steals: 6th
Recommendation and Strategy Section: Timing is Everything
A matchup against the Heat is hardly ever a dream scenario, but at this stage of the season, when teams are locking in for the endgame, it presents a unique opportunity. Lillard is currently nursing some ailments — hamstring issues that could limit his minutes — but his “probable” tag still suggests he’s set to play. Given his price point, this makes him one of the most intriguing value plays of the night.
While his rostership might not be sky-high due to a modest floor, his scoring upside remains enticing. The matchup, combined with his probable status, positions him as a compelling option in both GPPs and cash games. His role as a core play is solid if he suits up, as he should get significant minutes.
Although his health and the team’s overall consistency don’t mirror the “set-it-and-forget-it” aura of someone like Devin Booker, Lillard’s production, especially his ability to exploit competitive matchups and drive the team’s postseason hopes, forces him to catch fire soon.
Timing is everything with Lillard. He’s progressing nicely in his second season with high expectations, and as a low-rostered, trusted contrarian play, he has the potential to outperform his value and emerge as a top play on this slate when the elite begin to shine.
NBA DFS Value Plays – Pivot
Tyler Herro (SG, PG – MIA)
- DraftKings: $8,400
- FanDuel: $8,300
Player Fantasy Narrative: Not Dame Time? All Good, It’s Time for a Herro
Not on that type of timing? It’s time to pivot. While his injury tag isn’t ideal, Tyler Herro has emerged as the next Hero of Miami — ready to transition to primary-priority lift for the team as the rising tide, and not just as a primary-priority complimentary life for the team as the supporting rising tide.
With the departure of Jimmy Butler, the organization is recalibrating on every front, most importantly transforming an unproductive, divisive culture into one built on unity and purpose.
His aggressive, dynamic play — reminiscent of LaMelo Ball but executed within the disciplined framework of coach Erik Spoelstra’s Miami — positions him as the pivotal force in this evolving franchise.
Herro may not carry the same elite and legendary mystique as Lillard, but he ignites a different kind of Heat — one that signals perennial All-Star potential as soon as next season.
It’s time to pivot because Herro is poised to shine.
Milwaukee Bucks’ Opponent Stat Rankings (Per Game):
- Points: 13th
- Rebounds: 26th
- Assists: 9th
- Blocks: 2nd
- Steals: 9th
Recommendation and Strategy Section: Easier to Heat a Shoulder Than a Hamstring
A sore shoulder is far more manageable than a hamstring injury, and since Herro saw action on February 21st, his deployment seems inevitable. Given his attractive price point and robust overall health, he’s positioned to be a popular play on the slate, even with his injury tag.
Herro might be more valuable as a cash game favorite or deployed as part of a core play strategy, even if he can break the slate on his own as a GPP option.
This matchup delivers ample upside through its competitive intensity, strategic timing and the imperative for teams to ramp up as they prepare to send a statement heading into what could be the best season yet in 2025-2026.
Expect a tightly contested, offensively charged game where these two explosively capable teams, renowned for their hard-earned, high-quality production, will exploit every advantageous opportunity on the court.
Value Play Considerations
Cole Anthony (PG, SG – ORL)
Primary Format(s): GPPs and Cash
Primary Appeal(s): Production Potential, Ownership, Price
- DraftKings: $5,100
- FanDuel: $5,800
Santi Aldama (PF, C – MEM)
Primary Format(s): GPPs and Cash
Primary Appeal(s): Ownership, Production Potential, Price
- DraftKings: $4,800
- FanDuel: $5,700
Nick Richards (C – PHO)
Primary Format(s): GPPs
Primary Appeal(s): Price, Production Potential
- DraftKings: $4,800
- FanDuel: $5,100
Kevin Porter Jr. (SG, PG – MIL)
Primary Format(s): GPPs
Primary Appeal(s): Contrarian, Production Potential
- DraftKings: $4,800
- FanDuel: $5,200
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