NBA DFS Preview – First Look (2/24)

After an All-Star break that felt like forever, the NBA is back. Thursday presents a nice seven-game DFS slate that has already had some news break, while a handful of injured players are returning to the lineup after some time off. Let’s take an early look at the slate.

Be sure to check out the FTN NBA Optimizer. 

NBA Vegas Data for February 24 | NBA DFS First Look

Cleveland Cavaliers @ Detroit Pistons

CLE -7, total: 208.5
Pace: CLE (26th), DET (12th)

Situations to monitor:

• Darius Garland continues to deal with a sore back and has been ruled out. Meanwhile, Caris LeVert stepped on a teammate’s foot in practice and will be out for this game and listed as day-to-day. Lauri Markkanen, however, is listed as probable after missing the last 11 games.

Boston Celtics @ Brooklyn Nets

BOS -7.5, total: 214
Pace: BOS (24th), BKN (10th)

Situations to monitor:

• Kyrie Irving will be unavailable for Brooklyn but will soon be able to play home games again. Meanwhile, Ben Simmons will not make his Brooklyn debut yet.
• For Boston, both Marcus Smart and Robert Williams are off the injury report and will play.

Atlanta Hawks @ Chicago Bulls

CHI -4, total: 235.5
Pace: ATL (20th), CHI (15th)

Situations to monitor:

• Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso and Patrick Williams will remain sidelined for the Bulls. Zach LaVine is off the injury report.
• John Collins (foot) is listed as doubtful for Atlanta. Danilo Gallinari will likely start at power forward again.

Memphis Grizzlies @ Minnesota Timberwolves

MEM -3, total: 239
Pace: MEM (4th), MIN (3rd)

Situations to monitor:

• Dillon Brooks, who hasn’t played since Jan. 8, could return to the lineup in early March. 

Phoenix Suns @ Oklahoma City Thunder

PHX -10, total: 215
Pace: PHX (8th), OKC (16th)

Situations to monitor:

• Chris Paul will likely miss the remainder of the regular season with a thumb injury. Meanwhile, Cameron Payne will remain sidelined (wrist).
• For Oklahoma City, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will return to the lineup following the All-Star break. However, Luguentz Dort, Ty Jerome, Kenrich Williams and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl are all out.

Denver Nuggets @ Sacramento Kings

DEN -4.5, total: 231.5
Pace: DEN (21st), SAC (7th)

Situations to monitor:

• None.

Golden State Warriors @ Portland Trail Blazers

GSW -9.5, total: 223
Pace: GSW (13th), POR (17th)

Situations to monitor:

• Jusuf Nurkic will miss the next four weeks with plantar fasciitis.
• Draymond Green will remain sidelined for Golden State, while Gary Payton will remain in the starting lineup.

Matchups to Target | NBA DFS First Look

Devin Booker vs. Oklahoma City Thunder