Pistons' Cade Cunningham, Paul Reed Emerge as Top NBA DFS Picks

DFS expert Mike McClure highlights Cunningham and Reed as top daily fantasy basketball options for Thursday's slate

Feb. 25, 2026 at 10:39pm

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With a 10-game NBA schedule on tap for Thursday, DFS expert Mike McClure has identified Pistons guard Cade Cunningham and center Paul Reed as two of his top daily fantasy basketball picks. Cunningham has been on a tear lately, averaging 25.5 points over his last 10 games, while Reed is poised for increased playing time with Detroit missing key frontcourt players. McClure believes stacking Cunningham and Reed could be a winning strategy for DraftKings and FanDuel contests.

Why it matters

Cunningham and Reed represent strong value plays in the NBA DFS player pool on Thursday, as both have shown the ability to produce big fantasy numbers in recent games. Identifying underpriced players who can outperform their salaries is crucial to building winning DFS lineups, and McClure's analysis suggests Cunningham and Reed fit that bill.

The details

Cunningham has been on a tear lately, averaging 25.5 points, 9.0 assists and 7.0 rebounds over his last 10 games. In a recent win over the Raptors, he scored 28 points while adding 9 assists and 7 rebounds. Reed has also played well, scoring 22 points with 5 rebounds and 4 blocks in that same Raptors game. With Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart suspended, Reed is in line for increased playing time and could provide strong value at his modest salary.

  • Cunningham has averaged 25.5 points over his last 10 games.
  • In a 113-95 win at Toronto on Feb. 11, Cunningham scored 28 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds.
  • In a 110-104 win at Charlotte on Feb. 9, Cunningham scored 33 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists.
  • Reed scored 22 points, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks in the Feb. 11 win over the Raptors.
  • Reed scored 12 points and 3 rebounds in the Feb. 9 win over the Hornets.

The players

Cade Cunningham

A 24-year-old guard for the Detroit Pistons who has emerged as one of the top young players in the NBA.

Paul Reed

A 23-year-old center for the Detroit Pistons who is in line for increased playing time with key frontcourt players out.

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What they’re saying

“Cunningham has averaged 25.5 points over the past 10 games.”

— Mike McClure, DFS Professional

“Reed has played well of late, scoring 22 points, while adding five rebounds and four blocks in the win at Toronto on Feb. 11.”

— Mike McClure, DFS Professional

What’s next

With key Pistons players out, Cunningham and Reed could continue to see increased production and playing time, making them strong DFS options again on Saturday.

The takeaway

Identifying underpriced players who can outperform their salaries is crucial in NBA DFS, and Cunningham and Reed fit that bill on Thursday's slate. Stacking the two Pistons could provide a winning formula for DraftKings and FanDuel contests.