DraftKings NBA picks February 26: Another big night for Embiid
By Mike Marteny
![ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 28: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after hitting a three-point basket against the Atlanta Hawks in the second half at State Farm Arena on October 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 28: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after hitting a three-point basket against the Atlanta Hawks in the second half at State Farm Arena on October 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/5376f4498260e89df44795e56438304cf1742893391e7cb699e4f992b2eee5af.jpg)
DraftKings NBA Power Forwards:
Best Bets:
Jayson Tatum ($8,800): This is not a great matchup for Tatum, but his usage is so high with Kemba out that it might not matter. It’s no coincidence that Tatum has cleared 50 DraftKings points in every game without Kemba. Even if he doesn’t quite hit that mark tonight, he should clear 5x value with ease.
Aaron Gordon ($7,800): You can’t argue with Gordon’s recent production. Those of us that have rode this wave before are just waiting for it to crash down. I don’t think that happens against Atlanta. Gordon has been huge since the break and has four straight games of at least 42 DraftKing points. The price looks high, but I have no doubt that Gordon is going to hit value against the Hawks. The meltdown will have to come later.
Honorable Mention:
Jae Crowder ($5,900): Crowder has shored up the only sore spot on Miami’s team. He is buying into Miami’s philosophy and is doing well in the minutes given to him. This price looks a bit high, but Minnesota is not a strong defensive team at all. We should see another strong game out of Crowder.
Rui Hachimura ($5,900): Rui played a whopping 46 minutes against the Bucks on Monday with Bertans out. He should be afforded extra run tonight as well. I expected Vucevic to erupt on Brooklyn, but it was Gordon that went nuts instead. One of the Washington front guys likely will as well. My guess is that it will be Rui.
James Johnson ($5,300): Johnson is limited, but he’s still putting up good numbers for Minnesota with KAT out. Johnson has been remarkably consistent for Minnesota and will find himself close to 6x vlaue here again. You know he wants a crack at his old team to show them that they didn’t really need to replace him with Crowder.
Dark Horses:
Maxi Kleber ($4,600): It was another good showing for Kleber on Monday night, but his price is rising to the point that it’s going to be hard to squeeze value out of him with Porzingis on teh court as well. However, with LMA out, this San Antonio front is going to be dominated. It’s going to be easy pickings for Kleber, Porzingis, and WCS if he plays.
Josh Jackson ($4,500): Jackson is in for all the minutes that he can handle here. Clarke and Jaren Jackson are both out. Josh played 26 minutes last game with Jaren out and Clarke leaving in the first quarter and turned in his third straight game of more than 24 DraftKings points. I don’t think Jackson has a whole lot of upside, but he might against Houston. This is an intriguing matchup.
Rudy Gay ($3,300): Someone has to fill in for Aldridge. Gay should take part of those minutes. He put up 27 DraftKings points in just 18 minutes on Sunday. Gay could be in for another really strong game for the price against Dallas. Someone has to play!