It has been a quiet week in the NBA as the league has been put on a bit of a pause to put the NBA Cup matchups on prime display. This mid-season tournament will be halted until tomorrow when the final four teams of the Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets, and Oklahoma City Thunder fight it out to ultimately be crowned the winner.
In the meantime, there are eight games of action taking place tonight with the typical regular season stakes on the line. We are past the 25% point of the season and the standings are beginning to be set. Several playoff hopefuls have plenty of work to do while some teams who got off to hot starts are fighting to maintain position.
This will feel like a more normal NBA slate compared to most of the week. There are several options for what to watch and even more opportunities to get involved in the action. One of the more unique features on DraftKings this year is Pick6 Fantasy Basketball!
This article will look at my top Pick6 plays for December 13th. We simply choose whether a player will record more or less of the set statistic. Here are my six favorite plays for Wednesday night’s action.
Nikola Jokic More Than 31.5 Points
While there can be plenty said about the underperformance of the supporting case, Nikola Jokic has been nothing short of excellent to start this season. The three-time MVP is playing the best basketball of his career even while considering the sky-high bar of expectation. Jokic is averaging 32.3 points, 13.6 rebounds (leads NBA), and 10.2 assists per game. Each of these marks career-highs for the six-time All-Star.
Heading into tonight’s game, the Nuggets will host the Clippers for the third matchup between these two teams already this season. Jokic scored 41 points in the first game but was then limited to 28 points in their December 1st matchup. He has recorded more than 31.5 points eight times this season including three of the four games since the last matchup with the Clippers.
While Los Angeles has a strong overall defense, most of their success comes with the ability to defend on the perimeter. Ivica Zubac is a fine rim protector but is not a player who will strike fear into Jokic’s heart. Denver’s lack of other reliable scoring options has forced Jokic into a score-first mode far more often than he prefers and this should be expected to continue tonight. Jokic and the Nuggets have been off since Sunday so should have fresh legs for this matchup. Look for the three-time MVP to build off the 56- and 48-point scoring outputs he has produced the past two games and record more than 31.5 points tonight.
Tyrese Haliburton Less Than 17.5 Points
The Indiana Pacers will play the Philadelphia 76ers tonight with neither team having gotten off to the start of the season that they desired. While injuries are at the heart of this for the Sixers, it has been inconsistent play from Tyrese Haliburton that has plagued the Pacers. The all-star guard has taken a notable step back from last year’s output and will need to get back on track if the team is to reach their ceiling. While there is a larger conversation to be had about this, don’t expect Haliburton to begin turning things around tonight.
Even amid all the injuries, Philadelphia enters this game ranking eighth in opponents points per game. They have a variety of impressive wing and guard defenders who will each get a chance to match up with Haliburton. Tyrese Maxey has taken a notable leap defensively this season and currently ranks fourth in the NBA in steals. Kelly Oubre Jr has also shown a renewed commitment defensively since joining the Sixers and makes use of his 7-foot-3 wingspan to swallow up smaller guards. When factoring in Haliburton’s unique shot release, this will be especially problematic.
Looking at Haliburton’s production, the Pacers star has recorded less than 17.5 points in 13 of the 25 games. He is shooting just 42.0% from the field and 33.6% on three-point attempts which each mark career-lows. With a solid defense in front of him and Haliburton’s struggles being evident, expect a focused effort from the Philadelphia defense. The franchise is playing with desperation driven by their slow start and has won four of their past five games leading into this matchup. Look for them to continue to lean on their defense and for Haliburton to be held to less than 17.5 points for the 14th time this season.
James Harden More Than 30.5 Points & Assists
James Harden is officially listed as probably for tonight’s matchup as the Clippers prepare to face the Denver Nuggets. The former MVP missed the previous game due to a groin issue which has been bothersome in the games leading up to him being kept inactive. Harden has not played since last Wednesday, so his legs will be fresh assuming he is cleared to suit up.
So far this season Harden is averaging 21.6 points and 8.5 assists per game. Overall he has recorded more than 30.5 combined points and assists in 11 of the 24 games he has played. He will now face Denver for the third time this season. In the first matchup, Harden finished with 23 points and 16 assists. He also finished with 39 points and 11 assists in the December 1st matchup.
Denver has struggled defensively this season. They rank 24th in opponents points per game and 20th in defensive efficiency. Nikola Jokic has been forced into a heroic level of offensive output on a nightly basis with the supporting cast not being nearly good enough on either side of the ball. Harden has had success in both matchups already this year and is at his best when he has expanded time to rest. The 35-year-old will be coming off his most extended rest since the start of the season and should be able to pick up right where he left off. Expect a renewed pep in his step and for Harden to continue producing at a high level against a defense he has had success. Count on Harden to record more than 30.5 points and assists for the 12th time this season and the third time against the Nuggets.
Donovan Mitchell Less Than 35.5 Points, Rebounds, & Assists
The best and worst teams in the Eastern Conference will face off tonight. Cleveland will enter with a 21-4 record and host the lowly 3-19 Washington Wizards. This will be the third matchup between the two teams with Cleveland winning both games by a combined margin of 50 points.
So far this season Donovan Mitchell is averaging 23.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. He has been held to less than 35.5 combined points, rebounds, and assists in 14 of the 24 games thus far. This includes one of the two matchups with the Wizards.
While Mitchell is more than capable of dominating the game statistically, it simply will not be needed in this matchup. Washington has struggled in just about every category this season. They are dead last in opponents’ points allowed and rank 29th in defensive efficiency. Expect this to be a matchup where Mitchell is more than comfortable taking a backseat and allowing others to take over. Pencil him in for some expanded rest as this game is likely to get out of hand early. Expect Mitchell to record less than 35.5 combined points, rebounds, and assists for the 15th time this year as he takes in the victory from the bench for more time than usual.
Paul George More Than 4.5 Assists
While Joel Embiid steals the spotlight, Paul George also has been a notable part of the Sixers injury issues. The prized free agent has suffered two bone bruises on his knee already and has been available for just 12 of the 22 games thus far. George’s injuries seem to be in the rearview mirror at least for the time being and the Sixers are beginning to build some team continuity for the first time this year.
Across the 12 games he has played, George is averaging 16.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. His ability as a playmaker has shined and this is a major area of need for the Sixers. With Tyrese Maxey still holding questions about his ability to be a true point guard and age-catching up to Kyle Lowry, the Sixers have not excelled at creating shots for each other. Philadelphia ranks dead last in the league in assists per game with just 21.8 on average.
Overall, George has recorded more than 4.5 assists in seven of the 12 games he has played. He has tallied nine assists twice this season and has had great success attacking the paint and kicking out to shooters on the perimeter. This will continue to be a need for the team and George can deliver in the role that is asked. Expect this to be shown against the up-tempo style of play from the Pacers. George has averaged more than five assists in three of the five seasons with the Clippers and is being called on for this role more than expected with the Sixers. Count on this to continue and for George to record more than 4.5 assists for the eighth time this season tonight.
Brandon Miller More Than 3.5 Made Three-Pointers
LaMelo Ball has rightfully received plenty of praise for his growth this season. However, not enough attention has been paid to Brandon Miller taking the next step in production right along with him. The Alabama product is averaging 22.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists so far this season. He has been committed on both sides of the ball and is showing signs of being the running mate that Ball needs.
Looking at his production beyond the three-point arc, Miller is attempting 11.0 three-pointers per game and connecting at a 36.5% rate. He ranks second in the NBA in three-point attempts, trailing only his teammate LaMelo Ball for volume across the entire league. This level of output comes out to 3.7 made three-pointers per game and Miller has recorded more than 3.5 long-range makes in nine of the 20 games he has played.
Charlotte is set to face off with the Chicago Bulls tonight. The Bulls rank 25th in the NBA in opponents’ three-point attempts and are 29th in opponents points allowed. Miller has only been held below seven three-point attempts once this year and has launched 11+ three-point attempts in 14 of the 20 games. Chicago does not have the personnel to limit this amount of volume and Miller is a good enough shooter to connect on at least four of these attempts. Expect the second-year standout to connect on more than 3.5 three-pointers for the 10th time this season.
What is DraftKings Pick6?
Pick6 is a peer-to-peer fantasy variant where you build a lineup (your “Pick Set”) of at least two players and select whether 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 cannot pick the same player twice and you must select 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 seanbarnard) 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.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.Must be at least 18 years or older. Higher age limits may apply in some states. Eligibility restrictions apply. Valid only in states where DraftKings Pick6 operates. Void where prohibited. For entertainment purposes only. Winning a contest on DraftKings depends on knowledge and exercise of skill. See terms at pick6.draftkings.com.
