DraftKings NBA picks February 20: It's Harden to go back to work

DraftKings NBA picks February 20: It’s Harden to go back to work

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 27: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts after a play against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on February 27, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks to Jimmy Butler (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

DraftKings NBA centers:

Best Bets:

Joel Embiid ($9,000): Embiid looked good in the All-Star game. His reward is getting to play Brooklyn for the first time this year on the flip side. This price is low for what Embiid is capable of. I think he’ll be the best point-per-dollar player out there tonight over $6,000. I don’t know how many lineups I’m making yet, but Embiid will be in many of them. I put Embiid right up there with Harden since Simmons is out. Tobias Harris is a strong play as well.

Bam Adebayo ($7,800): Bam had beaten up on the Hawks in the three prior meetings. He put up 148 DraftKings points in the three games. That’s well above the price range. I’m glad we can play two centers because there are some really good options out there for every budget.

Honorable Mention:

Jonas Valanciunas ($7,100): Jonas should be able to dominate this thin Sacramento front. Not that Dedmon provided much resistance either. Jonas put up 37.5 DraftKings points in the first meeting. There’s a lot to like about this matchup.

Marquese Chriss ($6,200): Chriss was a force for the Warriors going into the break. He had 122.5 DraftKings points over the three games going into the break. This is going to be a tougher matchup, but Chriss is athletic enough to stay on the court against Houston. This should be the right kind of matchup for him.

Dark Horses:

DeAndre Jordan ($5,300): This is a tough matchup against Philly, but the Nets have been sticking with Jordan when Allen struggles, which is quite often. Jordan is the safer of the two right now even though Allen has been better against Philly so far. That said, neither of them had to deal with Embiid. This is probably a situation best left alone.

Dewayne Dedmon ($4,800): Dedmon has been a solid pickup for the Hawks while they wait for Capela’s foot to quit bugging. He’s certainly a lot more consistent than Len. At any rate, it’s unlikely that Capela makes his Hawks debut, so Dedmon is a solid value pick even against a tougher Miami front.

Thon Maker ($4,500): Thon doesn’t need much to hit value. That’s a good thing because it was bare bones for him against the Magic and Knicks. He’s not a lock every game just yet, but he’s an able body at a position that Detroit is very thin at. I like the upside on Thon, but the Lopez brothers could give him fits and 25 DraftKings points is not a certainty here. His floor is low enough to hurt tonight.