NBA DFS value plays for Sunday, February 21st

Sunday’s main NBA slate will feature seven games and won’t include the 3:30 matchup between the Boston Celtics and New Orleans Pelicans. The slate will begin at 7:00 p.m. ET and the final tip of the weekend is set for 9:00 p.m. ET. Taking advantage of underpriced players can be key to taking down GPPs on DraftKings, and we’ve identified a couple of plays worth keeping an eye on.

That being said, it is a great time to give you some value plays for your DFS contest. Unlike NFL DFS, where one pick can make or break your lineup or it’s tough to find quality low-tier value.

In NBA DFS, you can find quality value plays under $5K that can give you a quick 10 points off the bench, grab some rebounds, or stuff the stat sheet. It does not matter if you are playing a 50/50 or Double Up contest, we are going to provide you with three players that you need to put in your lineup.

Cedi Osman, Cleveland Cavaliers, $5,500

We usually aim to target players cheaper than $5K for value options, but we’ll make an exception for Osman in this slate. Andre Drummond is sitting out until he’s traded while Taurean Prince has been ruled out with an ankle injury. Osman should get plenty of burn while the frontcourt rotation is shallow and has averaged 32.9 DKFP since Drummond was benched. His rebounding could get a boost against an Oklahoma City Thunder team that gives up more rebounds per game to opposing teams than any other squad in the league.

Nic Batum, Los Angeles Clippers, $4,800

Batum was underwhelming after returning from a two-game layoff caused by a concussion on Friday but has had more time to recover ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Brooklyn Nets’ poor defense. The swingman eclipsed 30 DKFP in four of the seven games that proceeded his concussion. Brooklyn’s frontcourt defense will be at a disadvantage without Kevin Durant, so Batum should be able to get back to his usual all-around game against Jeff Green, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, and anyone else the Nets play at the 4.

Dennis Smith Jr., New York Knicks, $4,000

Smith tallied 23.5 DKFP in 23 minutes despite going an abysmal 0-for-7 from the field against the Memphis Grizzlies. He was able to contribute in other areas though and tallied 4 boards and 5 rebounds to go along with 3 steals. If he gets a few shots to fall against an Orlando Magic team that’s short on point guards, he could return a lot more value. The Magic rank 25th against opposing point guards on DraftKings.