Welcome back, everyone! After a short break, we’re diving back into NBA DFS with a fresh slate for Thursday, Feb. 20. I’m excited to break down today’s best DraftKings NBA DFS picks according to Stokastic’s NBA DFS Sims, NBA DFS projections and NBA DFS ownership projections. Keep an eye on injury news, especially from Charlotte and New York, as that could shift some value around before lock. Now onto the best plays today!
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DraftKings NBA DFS Picks Today, February 20
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5 – Trae Young
Position: PG | Salary: $9,400
Projections: 27.0 Points, 3.0 Rebounds, 10.2 Assists, 1.3 Stocks
The matchup with Orlando may not be ideal, but Young’s salary makes up for it and makes him a great mid-tier pay-up option on a slate where we don’t have much value to squeeze in the higher-priced studs like Nikola Jokic. I have Young projected for 37 minute and a double-double baked in, so it won’t take much more production for him to smash at this price.
4 – Karl-Anthony Towns
Position: C | Salary: $9,700
Projections: 26.7 Points, 14.8 Rebounds, 3.0 Assists, 1.9 Stocks
Towns could be in an even better spot if O.G. Anunoby ends up sitting this one out, but even if Anunoby plays, Towns is in a fantastic situation. The Bulls are a dream matchup for opposing big men — bad defense and a fast pace. That sets up Towns for a dominant performance. The only reason he’s not higher on this list is that he’s center-only, which limits flexibility in lineup construction. But with his price $2,800 below Jokic’s, Towns is an easy click on today’s slate.
3 – Jalen Brunson
Position: PG | Salary: $8,400
Projections: 28.5 Points, 3.1 Rebounds, 7.0 Assists, 1.1 Stocks
Just like Towns, Brunson is benefiting from an elite matchup against the Bulls. The Knicks are dealing with injuries, with Josh Hart already ruled out and Anunoby questionable. That could mean even more opportunity for Brunson, who is already set for a strong role. The Bulls backcourt defense is lacking, and at $8,400, Brunson is one of the best plays on the slate. Expect him to be one of the highest-owned players today, and for good reason.
2 – Elfrid Payton
Position: PG | Salary: $4,000
Projections: 8.2 Points, 3.9 Rebounds, 5.8 Assists, 1.6 Stocks
Now, this one is a bit up in the air. The Charlotte Hornets are on a back-to-back, and we don’t yet have their final injury report. If Mark Williams and LaMelo Ball sit, Payton could slide into the starting lineup, making him a top-tier value play at just $4,000. I have him projected for 28 minutes, and if Payton gets the start, he’ll be tough to avoid in cash games and GPPs alike. Keep an eye on Charlotte’s lineup news before lock — if it’s not Payton, another value option could emerge from this backcourt rotation.
1 – De’Aaron Fox
Position: PG/SG | Salary: $7,900
Projections: 25.0 Points, 4.5 Rebounds, 6.9 Assists, 1.9 Stocks
With Victor Wembanyama listed as doubtful, Fox is in position to take over the Spurs offense against a Suns team that struggles defensively. Without Wembanyama, there’s extra usage and playmaking responsibility up for grabs, and Fox is the guy to take advantage of it. I have him projected for 36 minutes, and the dual-position eligibility, plus the solid price tag, makes him the best overall play on today’s slate. Everything aligns perfectly for Fox, and he should be one of the most popular plays in all formats.
