The NBA Cup is over, but the road to the playoffs is just getting started. Most of the association returns from a three-day hiatus on Thursday, with thirteen games for basketball fans to dive into. Among the many exciting matchups, Karl-Anthony Towns’ return to Minnesota makes Knicks vs. Timberwolves one to watch. With so many teams playing, there’s plenty of ways to get in on the action with DraftKings Sportsbook, including DraftKings NBA Pick6 selections ahead of tonight’s loaded slate.
Jaylen Brown more than 5.5 rebounds
The defending champs are rolling, even with Jaylen Brown’s uneven start to the season. The reigning Finals MVP is putting up plenty of counting stats: 23.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists. However, his efficiency has left much to be desired, shooting just 44.1% from the field (34.4 3PT%). Over his previous two games, the guard has scored just 25 total points.
It’s tough to bank on Brown’s offense right now, but that doesn’t mean he can’t contribute. Tonight’s matchup with the Bulls is the perfect opportunity to get involved in other ways, especially on the glass. This season, Chicago is giving up the third-most rebounds to opponents (55.0). JB has always been an all-around threat, so look for him to snatch plenty of boards on both ends of the floor.
Victor Wembanyama more than 11.5 rebounds
Speaking of all-around threats, Victor Wembanyama can do just about anything on the basketball court. The Rookie of the Year has already shown plenty of improvement this season, averaging 23.6 points, 10.3 rebounds and 3.9 assists on 47.3% shooting from the field (33.3 3PT%). Over 21 games played, the Frenchman has produced ten double-doubles.
What makes Wemby so compelling tonight is a date with the Hawks. Although Atlanta has some solid interior defenders on the roster, they’ve given up the tenth-most rebounds to opponents (53.2). On paper, the 6’10” duo of Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu might struggle to box out a 7’3″ center. Following a 12-board outing against the Timberwolves on Monday, San Antonio’s young superstar will look to dominate the glass once more.
Payton Pritchard more than 3.5 assists
There are several driving factors behind Boston’s 21-5 start, but Payton Pritchard stands out. The guard has taken his game to another level this season, producing 16.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists on a stellar 48.5% field goal percentage (43.5 3PT%). As it stands, the Oregon product is in line to take home Sixth Man of the Year honors this spring.
What makes Pritchard so dangerous is that he can thrive in any role. Tonight’s game might require a creator, as the Bulls are giving up the second-most assists in basketball (29.2). The Celtics should have all of their stars available on Thursday, but head coach Joe Mazzulla isn’t afraid to go to his bench. There’s also blowout potential here, as Boston enters the contest as massive 14-point favorites. If this one gets out of hand, Pritchard should comfortably clear 30 minutes.
Chris Paul more than 1.5 three-pointers made
As we near the end of December, the Spurs are still in the postseason picture with a 13-13 record. The obvious, and deserved, focus will go towards Victor Wembanyama, but there’s plenty of praise to go around. Chris Paul has been worth every penny since signing a one-year, $10.46 million dollar deal with San Antonio this offseason. The future Hall of Famer has produced 9.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and a team-leading 8.4 assists, serving as a much-needed distributor out of the back court.
Paul is a pass-first player, but his shooting shouldn’t be ignored. So far, the veteran is nailing 34.9% of his three-pointers on 5.0 attempts per game. The point guard has also made multiple threes in six of his last eight appearances. The Hawks play poor defense on the perimeter, allowing an NBA-worst 37.9% of shots from beyond the arc. In a potentially high-scoring matchup, CP3 is in line to nail a few buckets from deep.
Ochai Agbaji more than 10.5 points
An injury-plagued start to the season has left the Raptors without some of their best players, including former All-Star Scottie Barnes. Still, despite Toronto’s 7-20 record, a rebuilding team now has an opportunity to give its younger role players more of an opportunity. That includes former Kansas Jayhawk Ochai Agbaji, who has put up 11.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists through 27 games.
The third-year pro is in line for even more work going forward. In 13 games played without Barnes this season, Agbaji is averaging 13.4 points on 52.7% shooting. During those outings, the 24-year-old has scored double-digit points in all but three games. Against a middling Nets defense (15th in points allowed), this young Raptor is one of the safer points plays on tonight’s board.
Jamal Murray more than 5.5 assists
The Nuggets have gotten off to an uneven start, trading winning and losing streaks for most of the season. That level of inconsistency mirrors the play of Jamal Murray, who hasn’t looked like himself over the past two months. This season, the former NBA champion has averaged 18.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists on subpar 42.5% shooting from the field (34.8 3PT%).
Although Murray has struggled to find his shot, he’s done a solid job as a playmaker in recent weeks. The guard has dished out six assists or more in eight of his last ten games. The Trail Blazers aren’t defensive juggernauts, allowing the seventh-most assists in the NBA (27.8). It’s only a matter of time until Denver’s second star gets going on offense, but backing him as a passer feels safer than backing him as a scorer.
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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