DraftKings NBA picks February 9: Blazing that trail
By Mike Marteny
![PORTLAND, OR - JANUARY 20: Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Portland Trail Blazers and Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers after the game on January 20, 2020 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) PORTLAND, OR - JANUARY 20: Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Portland Trail Blazers and Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers after the game on January 20, 2020 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/e8c6292a306493c06dc6a080820d45ab4db0016f3010c6f66546324686fa455f.jpg)
DraftKings NBA Small Forwards:
Best Bets:
Ben Simmons ($8,600): If Embiid is out, then lock in Simmons. Simmons put up a strong 46.75 DraftKings points against the Bulls in the first meeting. In all honesty, Simmons has been playing pretty well even with Embiid on the court. He should be a strong play against the Bulls regardless.
Paul George ($8,100): As per usual, both Kawhi and PG had about the same production on the court together, but the price is $1,500 less for George. Neither were good in the bludgeoning by the Timberwolves. In the second game of a back to back, especially against a weaker team like Clevleland, one of the two may rest. If that’s the case, lock in the other.
Honorable Mention:
Tobias Harris ($7,000): Harris has back to back games over 40 DraftKings points after being mired in a miserable slump. It could help with Embiid out. Me? I prefer not to play roulette. That’s exactly what Philly is right now. I don’t really trust any of them, but at least Simmons handles the ball enough to remain relevant. Harris and Embiid sometimes disappear.
Bojan Bogdanovic ($6,000): Bogdanovic is a high-level scorer, but often doesn’t do much else. His rebounds are trending upward lately, which helps raise the floor. His ceiling was never the issue. We all know Bojan can drop 50 if he gets hot, especially against a team like the Rockets. The Jazz can run small with Houston like Phoenix did. That bodes well for the playing time of Bojan.
Dark Horses:
Duncan Robinson ($5,200): I’m still high on Robinson with Butler and Herro out. Most of Miami’s new assets will affect the front line rotation, not the guards. Robinson has hit 20 DraftKings points in all three games with Herro out. That’s not enough at this price, but Robinson got 36.25 on Friday with both Butler and Herro out. He’s a strong value play again tonight.
Kevin Porter ($3,900): Porter has three straight games of more than 20 DraftKings points. His upside is still capped since Porter isn’t one of the top options in this offense. He’s still a solid play at this price, but he’s not going to be enough to help you win a GPP.