Daily Fantasy Basketball 2015: Best Last-Minute NBA DraftKings Picks for Feb. 28
The new-look Detroit Pistons have become quite the source for DraftKings standouts since the NBA trade deadline passed. Specifically, Andre Drummond ($7,800), Greg Monroe ($7,900), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ($4,400) and the newly acquired Reggie Jackson ($6,100) have been performing well.
In the last four games, the four players have scored in double figures in each contest. All of them have had a 20-point game. Drummond is averaging 18.5 points and 15.2 rebounds per game in that span. The only center in the NBA producing stats on that level over the last week is the Los Angeles Clippers' DeAndre Jordan.
On Saturday, the Pistons visit a Washington Wizards team that has lost six games in a row.
Detroit is playing with as much fire and intensity as it has all season. It is on the road, but up against a reeling team that is trying to stop the bleeding. Expect all four of the aforementioned Pistons to produce good fantasy numbers against a team that is ripe for the pickings.
While it may not be wise to grab all four guys for your Saturday lineup, taking two makes sense. One from the perimeter and another from the post should be fine. I'd advise drafting KCP and Drummond.
Here's a look at my picks for an optimal DK lineup for Saturday with a distinct Motown feel. Just below the table is a look at three other players you'll want on your radar as well.
| PG | Brandon Knight | San Antonio Spurs | $6,200 |
| SG | Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | Washington Wizards | $4,400 |
| SF | Luol Deng | Atlanta Hawks | $5,900 |
| PF | Ersan Ilyasova | Utah Jazz | $4,400 |
| C | Hassan Whiteside | Atlanta Hawks | $7,800 |
| G | Kyle Lowry | New York Knicks | $6,800 |
| F | Markieff Morris | San Antonio Spurs | $6,600 |
| UTIL | Andre Drummond | Washington Wizards | $7,800 |
Markieff Morris ($6,600) vs. San Antonio Spurs
He's been a little inconsistent, but Markieff Morris has shown the type of explosive scoring ability that can be the difference between winning and losing a DK contest.
On Thursday night, Morris scored 29 points on 12-of-26 shooting from the field and grabbed 11 rebounds against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Morris and the Phoenix Suns face the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night, and he should have more opportunities to score.
The Spurs' defense has been porous of late. The team is allowing 107.5 points per game in that span, and that's not a good look as they visit the high-scoring Suns.
This looks like a game where Morris can score 20-plus again. That makes him a good value at $6,600.
Hassan Whiteside ($7,800) vs. Atlanta Hawks
Arsenals that are predicated on defense, rebounding, dunks and three-foot shots don't fall into slumps. That's the reason Hassan Whiteside has been such a consistent DK performer.
In his last 10 games, Whiteside has had six double-doubles and he's produced at least 29 fantasy points in all but one of those contests.
On Saturday, he and the Miami Heat play host to the efficient Atlanta Hawks. If Atlanta has a major weakness, it's size on the inside. The 7-foot Whiteside should have a solid game on the boards, and that should create a few put-back opportunities for him.
His burgeoning post-game will also entice Dwyane Wade and Goran Dragic to give the big man some looks on the block. The result should be another double-double performance for one of the NBA's most improved players.
Ersan Ilyasova ($4,400) at Utah Jazz
It seems Ersan Ilyasova's game has been energized by the trade of Brandon Knight. In his last two games, Ilyasova has averaged 14.3 points and 9.6 rebounds. He has also made five of 15 three-point attempts.
He seems to be getting increased minutes of late. Over the last two games, Ilyasova has played an averaged of 29 minutes per contest. The recent boost in production began with Ilyasova getting his first start since January on Tuesday.
Per Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal-Sentinel, Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd hinted that Ilyasova might see more run in the future.
He said: "Ers had a good game and he had quality minutes. We've got to build on that." Ilyasova figures to see a healthy amount of playing time against the Utah Jazz's large frontcourt.
The 27-year-old is playing with confidence and he's been slightly more productive on the road this season. He could be a bargain selection for DK players.
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