Just two games tip off on Tuesday as part of the 2024 NBA Cup quarterfinals. The underdog Orlando Magic visit Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, while the Mavericks and Thunder renew their Western Conference rivalry in primetime. Despite the lack of big names taking the floor, there’s still plenty of ways to get in on the action with DraftKings Sportsbook, including DraftKings NBA Pick6 selections ahead of tonight’s exciting matchups.
Kyrie Irving over 4.5 assists
The Thunder will have their hands full trying to slow down the two-headed monster of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving tonight. So far this season, the later has been his normal, dynamic self, putting up 24.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 5.2 assists while shooting 50.4% from the field. In a matchup against Oklahoma City’s elite defense, Doncic might be forced to pass out of double-teams, giving Kyrie the chance to initiate the offense.
While he’s never been a pass-first point guard, Irving is still capable of dishing out some dimes. Since joining the Mavericks, the 14-year veteran has averaged 7.0 assists over nine games against the Thunder. In a game that will require Kyrie to handle the ball often, he should find plenty of ways to get his teammates involved.
Goga Bitadze over 18.5 points + rebounds
The Magic are without both Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, opening up plenty of touches for the rest of the roster. That includes sixth-year man Goga Bitadze, who is currently enjoying a breakout campaign. The 6’11” center is averaging 8.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks on 65.5% shooting despite playing just under 23 minutes per game.
In Orlando’s first game without their two stars, Bitadze stepped up. The big man posted an impressive 21 points, 16 rebounds and four assists over 31 minutes, his second double-double in the last four games. Despite the presence of Wendell Carter Jr., it’s clear that head coach Jamahl Mosley is committed to keeping both of his centers on the floor. Given the lack of reliable options on offense, Goga is a good bet to put up another solid stat line.
Cason Wallace over 6.5 points
Ever since the loss of Chet Holmgren (pelvic fracture) last month, the Thunder have been experimenting with their starting lineup. That includes shuffling between Cason Wallace and Isaiah Joe at guard. The former might not possess the most scoring ability, but he’s a reliable defender that can knock down some shots. Through 23 games (12 starts), the Kentucky product has generated 6.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 26.3 minutes.
Recently, head coach Mark Daigneault appears to be favoring Wallace. The second-year pro has started four of OKC’s last five games, going over this point total three times. He’s also taken 7.6 field goals per game during this stretch, an upgrade over his season-long total (6.7 FGA). Assuming this scrappy guard gets another starting nod, he’s set up nicely to produce seven or more points against the Mavs.
Khris Middleton over 11.5 points
The Bucks were already one of the NBA’s hottest teams, but the return of Khris Middleton could take this offense to another level. The three-time All-Star made his season debut last week after months recovering from offseason ankle injuries. The results haven’t been great so far; in just two games, Middleton is averaging 11.0 points, 2.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists on 27.8% shooting (33.3% 3PT) from the field.
Still, it’s not unusual to see a player struggle to get going after a long absence. Once Middleton begins to play more (21.5 minutes per game), his shot should begin to fall. That might occur as soon as Tuesday night, in a regular season contest with added importance. While the Magic are one of the NBA’s elite defensive units, Middleton has come close to this point total despite missing nearly three out of every four shots he’s attempted. A modest minutes boost might not even be necessary; slightly better luck getting the ball in the basket could deliver plenty of points for this sharpshooter.
Klay Thompson over 12.5 points
It’s been an up-and-down season in Dallas for Klay Thompson. The future Hall of Famer was always due for a statistical decline playing on a crowded Mavericks offense, but his numbers have been disappointing. Through 20 games, the former Warriors star has posted 13.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists on a mediocre 38.9% field goal percentage.
On the bright side, Thompson has looked like his old self over Dallas’ last two games, scoring a combined 31 points on 12 of 29 shooting. The Thunder are stingy when it comes to giving up points, but they have allowed the 14th-most three-point attempts to opponents this season (37.8 3PA). This matchup isn’t a slam-dunk for Klay, but the veteran should have some open looks with all eyes on Doncic and Irving.
Tristan da Silva over 7.5 points
As previously mentioned, the Magic are a team looking for answers without Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Although the team looked good in a 115-110 win vs. the Suns this weekend, there are still plenty of shots up for grabs in this new-look offense. That could allow for rookie Tristan da Silva to step up as one of the best shooters on Orlando’s roster.
While the Magic are stout defensively, head coach Jamahl Mosley might not have any other choice but to start da Silva. The first-round pick was selected for his sharpshooting, skills that haven’t quite translated to the pros so far. This season, the Colorado alum has produced just 7.2 points on 41.4% shooting (33.3% 3PT). Still, he’s poised for a much larger share of the offense with Wagner out of action. The Bucks have allowed the seventh-most three-pointers made this season (14.0 3PM), so don’t be shocked if da Silva has a breakout game in the NBA Cup.
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.
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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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