Seven NBA games tip off on Saturday, and there’s no shortage of star power. Some of the game’s best, including Donovan Mitchell, Luka Doncic and Jayson Tatum are expected to suit up for a jam-packed slate of basketball. With so many names to choose from, there’s plenty of ways to get in on the action with DraftKings Sportsbook, including DraftKings NBA Pick6 selections ahead of tonight’s exciting matchups.
Trey Murphy more than 13.5 points
The Pelicans have been one of the NBA’s most disappointing teams, with injuries to just about every important piece on the roster. That includes forward Trey Murphy III, who missed the first ten games of the season due to a hamstring strain. Since making his return on November 11th, the sharpshooter hasn’t been himself, connecting on just 40.7% of his field goal attempts (32.1% 3PT). Still, due to the amount of players missing, the _-year veteran has been able to put up 17.5 points per game, a career-best.
Even though the Pelicans have gotten most of their best players back, they’re still without Zion Williamson in the front court. That should ensure Murphy stays on the floor for 30+ minutes going forward. Even though the Thunder have one of the game’s best defenses, New Orleans’ talented wing has gone over this point total in eight of his last ten outings. Precedent and opportunity favor another repeat performance.
Scottie Barnes more than 8.5 rebounds
They might not scare any contenders, but the Raptors are a different team when Scottie Barnes is playing. Since returning on November 21st from an orbital bone fracture, the forward has lead the team to a 4-4 record, averaging 22.1 points, 9.3 rebounds and 7.9 assists during that time. The 23-year-old’s strong all-around game gives him plenty of avenues for fantasy production.
For Saturday’s matchup against the Mavericks, look to back Barnes on the boards. Over his last eight games, the former Rookie of the Year has gone over this number five times. This season, Dallas is giving up the ninth-most rebounds to opposing teams (53.0 RPG), so there should be plenty of opportunities tonight.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander more than 5.5 rebounds
The Thunder are sitting pretty at the top of the Western Conference, and much of the credit goes to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The MVP candidate has gotten off to a blistering start, producing 29.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.5 assists on 50.7% shooting through 22 games. The two-time All-Star has been deadly as a scorer this month, putting up 30 or more points in four of his last five outings.
However, Gilgeous-Alexander’s skill on the glass is what separates him from most other ball handlers. The 6’6″ guard has a great matchup tonight against the Pelicans, who are allowing the sixth-most rebounds to opposing teams (54.2 RPG). After going over this total in four of his last five appearances, SGA is a good pick to hit the mark one more time.
Darius Garland more than 27.5 points + rebounds + assists
Darius Garland might not get the same level of attention as Donovan Mitchell, but he’s been just as important to Cleveland’s NBA-best 20-3 record. THe former All-Star’s passing numbers have remained the same, but he’s had a statistical increase almost everywhere else this season despite playing fewer minutes (30.1 MPG). Through 22 games, he’s posted 20.5 points, 6.6 assists and 2.3 rebounds on an efficient 49.1% field goal percentage.
The Hornets aren’t pushovers on defense, ranking around league average in most categories. However, this is a spot Garland has thrived in before, putting up 20.2 points, 9.4 assists and 4.6 rebounds over his last five games vs. Charlotte. There’s always a chance that the Cavaliers finish this one up by the fourth quarter, but there’s still a lot to like about their point guard tonight.
Jalen Williams more than 4.5 assists
As previously mentioned, the Thunder have a dream matchup tonight against an awful Pelicans squad. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is sure to lead the charge on offense, don’t sleep on Jalen Williams. Injuries at center have forced the wing to play down low, but the return of Isaiah Hartenstein from injury has allowed J-Dub to return to the perimeter. Since November 20th, the former lottery pick is averaging 22.9 points, 5.1 assists, and 5.0 rebounds.
With so much firepower on this Oklahoma City roster, good passes are easy to come by. That’s especially true against a New Orleans team giving up the fourth-most assists to opponents (28.7 APG). Williams has hit this number in each of his last three outings against the Pelicans, making him a prime target to go over once again.
Nikola Jokic more than 1.5 three-pointers made
Despite a lackluster start to the season for the Nuggets, Nikola Jokic has been his usual dominant self. The three-time MVP is currently posting a 29.9-point, 13.4-rebound, 10.4-assist stat line, including a league-leading nine triple-doubles. The Joker has shown more prowess from beyond the arc this year, with career-highs in three-pointers (2.1 3PM), three-point attempts (4.2 3PA) and three-point shooting percentage (50% 3PT).
The Serbian’s skill as a shooter should come in handy on Saturday. While Denver doesn’t need much help beating the hapless Wizards, they should take advantage from long range. Washington has allowed 14.7 three-pointers this season, third-most in the NBA. Rather than battle down low, a savvy superstar like Jokic should be content taking open shots against a terrible defense.
What is DraftKings Pick6?
Pick6 is a peer-to-peer fantasy variant where you build a lineup (your “Pick Set”) of 2+ players and select whether or not you believe each will outperform their listed stat projection. Enter your Pick Set in Pick6 contests to compete against other users. Get enough picks correct and win a share of cash prizes.
How to Play DraftKings Pick6
Create a Pick Set
Create a Pick Set by choosing 2+ players from the same sport and Pick Group (a set of picks available from a group of set competitions). For each player, simply select if you think they’ll have more or less than their listed stat projection. In each Pick Set, you can not pick the same player twice and you must pick players from at least two different teams.
Enter an Amount
Once you finalize your Pick Set, choose your entry fee amount. Your entries will be automatically distributed into available contests, subject to your confirmation.
Sweat Your Picks
When the games go live, use the My Picks tab to follow your picks in real time to track how your players are performing against their projections and how they stack up against other users.
Compete for Prizes
Make enough correct picks and win a share of the contests’ guaranteed prizes. Any prizes won will be credited to your DraftKings account after contests are finalized.
Play at DraftKings Pick6 or by downloading the DraftKings Pick6 app on Apple or Google!
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is barmy) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
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