NBA DFS Picks & Lineup Advice: Wednesday (2/25)

Wednesday’s five-game NBA DFS main slate projects to be lower-scoring than usual, with every matchup carrying a total under 230 points. The highest total on the board is the San Antonio Spurs versus the Toronto Raptors at 228.5, while the lowest — and only game under 220 — is the Oklahoma City Thunder versus the Detroit Pistons at 217.5.

Most games are expected to stay competitive, though the Sacramento Kings versus the Houston Rockets matchup stands out with a 14.5-point spread. That lopsided line creates some blowout risk and could lead to reduced fourth-quarter minutes if Sacramento struggles to keep it close.

With several injury situations and multiple teams on zero days of rest, identifying the right game environments and finding lineup leverage will be key. Below are the top targets and value plays to consider for Wednesday’s slate.

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

Victor Wembanyama (PF, C – SAS)

  • DraftKings: $10,900
  • FanDuel: $11,800

Victor Wembanyama has been unstoppable over his last five games, topping 50 fantasy points in each contest while eclipsing 62 fantasy points three times during that stretch. He’s been dominant across the board, averaging 26.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, four assists, 1.2 steals and 3.6 blocks per game. That elite production highlights his massive ceiling, as he continues to impact the game in multiple ways and accumulate fantasy points through both scoring and defensive stats.

Wembanyama draws a matchup against the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, and while Toronto has typically been known for solid defense, the team will be playing on zero days of rest. Even in tougher matchups, Wembanyama has proven to be essentially matchup-proof given his usage and ability to contribute in every category. With the game carrying a modest 6.5-point spread, he’s also likely to see a full workload and should have plenty of opportunity to produce into the fourth quarter.

Cade Cunningham (PG – DET)

  • DraftKings: $10,700
  • FanDuel: $11,400

Cade Cunningham has been on a tear over his last five games, topping 50 fantasy points in each contest, highlighted by a massive 75-point fantasy performance on February 19th against the New York Knicks. During that stretch, he’s averaging 27.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 10.4 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.8 blocks, showcasing elite all-around production and one of the highest usage rates among guards.

Cunningham faces a tough matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, one of the top teams in the league, but they’ll be on the second night of a back-to-back. That could open the door for Cunningham to shoulder an even heavier workload as Detroit leans on its star guard to keep the game competitive. Given his recent form and massive role in the offense, Cunningham stands out as the top guard on the slate, especially for those who don’t pay up for Victor Wembanyama.

NBA DFS Cash Game Targets

Brandin Podziemski (PG, SG – GSW)

  • DraftKings: $6,500
  • FanDuel: $6,800

Brandin Podziemski has thrived in a bench role for the Golden State Warriors, consistently producing despite not being in the starting lineup. Over his last six games, he’s averaged a team-high 32.8 minutes per contest while posting 15.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game. His ability to contribute across multiple categories has made him a reliable mid-range option, especially with his minutes remaining steady.

Podziemski also draws a favorable matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, who rank 26th in defensive rating over their last five games. With his consistent workload and well-rounded production, he offers a strong combination of floor and upside and is in a good position to take advantage of a struggling Memphis defense.

Cason Wallace (PG, SG – OKC)

  • DraftKings: $6,500
  • FanDuel: $5,900

Cason Wallace has been a man on a mission over his last two games, averaging a team-high 23.5 points while adding six rebounds, 8.5 assists and two steals per contest. He’s recorded at least 47 fantasy points in both outings, stepping into a much larger offensive role and producing across the board. With the ball in his hands more often, Wallace has shown he can generate offense not only as a scorer but also as a facilitator, giving him a strong combination of floor and upside for DFS contests.

Wallace should continue to see heavy usage with Ajay Mitchell (abdominal, ankle) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) still sidelined for the Oklahoma City Thunder. As 7.5-point underdogs against the Detroit Pistons, Oklahoma City will likely lean on Wallace to help keep the game competitive. Given his recent production and expanded role, he stands out as one of the top guards on the slate with clear potential to deliver another strong fantasy performance.

NBA DFS GPP Targets

Brandon Ingram (SF, PF – TOR)

  • DraftKings: $8,600
  • FanDuel: $8,200

Brandon Ingram comes into this slate priced on the higher end, which is tough to justify given his recent production. Aside from a big outing on February 19th against the Chicago Bulls in which he posted 31 points, eight rebounds and six assists, Ingram has recorded fewer than 30 fantasy points in three of his last five games. That inconsistency makes him a risky option in cash formats, especially at his current salary.

However, Ingram becomes far more intriguing as a GPP play if Scottie Barnes is unable to suit up for the Toronto Raptors. Barnes appeared to be favoring his knee/quad late in the last game. With Toronto on the second night of a back-to-back, the team could elect to give him the night off.

If Barnes sits, Ingram would likely see a noticeable bump in usage and offensive responsibility, significantly raising his ceiling. That potential increase in opportunity makes him a strong tournament option, as he’d have a much clearer path to returning value at his elevated price tag.

Reed Sheppard (PG, SG – HOU)

  • DraftKings: $5,000
  • FanDuel: $5,700

Reed Sheppard has been playing well for the Houston Rockets, reaching double figures in scoring in six straight games. Over that span, he’s averaged 14.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, four assists and 1.3 steals in 25.8 minutes per contest, providing steady production with the ability to contribute across multiple categories.

Sheppard is also in a strong position for increased opportunities with Amen Thompson (quad) ruled out for Wednesday’s matchup against the Sacramento Kings. In one previous game without Thompson this season, Sheppard took full advantage of the expanded role, finishing with 16 points, three rebounds, six assists and three steals in 31.8 minutes.

With extra playing time potentially available again, Sheppard has a clear path to outperform his salary and offers solid upside if his minutes climb into the 30s.

NBA DFS Value Plays

Will Richard (SG – GSW)

  • DraftKings: $4,400
  • FanDuel: $4,100

Will Richard struggled in Tuesday’s 113-109 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, finishing with zero points, two rebounds and two steals in 17 minutes. Despite the quiet outing, there’s reason to expect a bounce-back performance against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Memphis has been far less effective defensively than New Orleans in recent games, creating a more favorable environment for secondary scoring options. Richard had shown signs of progress before Tuesday’s performance, recording at least 20 fantasy points in two straight games. His ability to contribute defensively gives him multiple paths to fantasy production when his minutes are there.

The Golden State Warriors are also playing on zero days of rest, which could lead to some rotation players sitting or seeing reduced workloads. De’Anthony Melton is one player likely to rest after logging a season-high 28 minutes on Tuesday, who typically does not play both ends of a back-to-back set.

If Melton sits, it would open up additional opportunities for Richard. With a softer matchup and the potential for increased minutes, Richard profiles as an intriguing value option with bounce-back potential on this slate.

Luguentz Dort (SG, SF – OKC)

  • DraftKings: $4,700
  • FanDuel: $4,100

Luguentz Dort is typically known for his defensive impact, but he’s taken on a larger role over the last two games with Jalen Williams (hamstring), Ajay Mitchell (abdominal, ankle) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) out.

During that span, Dort has averaged 13.5 points, four rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals while logging a team-high 34.8 minutes per game. His increased playing time has given him more opportunities to contribute offensively while maintaining his usual defensive production, making him a solid source of peripheral stats.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are playing on zero days of rest, but Dort should still be in line for heavy minutes given the team’s lack of depth. If Oklahoma City elects to rest additional players on the second night of the back-to-back, Dort could be asked to take on even more responsibility on offense. With his secure role and ability to rack up defensive stats, he offers a steady fantasy floor with the potential for increased usage in a shorthanded rotation.