Christmas has arrived and with it, the official launch of the NBA season reaching center stage of the sports world. There are five notable matchups taking place throughout the holiday with each holding an intriguing storyline or backstory.
Victor Wembanyama walked into the Madison Square Garden to go toe-to-toe with the Knicks and showed flashes of what a special talent he is once again. Next, the Minnesota Timberwolves are facing off with the Dallas Mavericks in a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Finals. After that, the Philadelphia 76ers will continue to attempt to climb out of the self-created hole from their slow start against the defending champions. The Sixers need a statement and the opportunity is on the table.
In the later games, the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors will face off for the first time all season. These types of matchups should not be taken for granted as who knows how many more times we will see LeBron James and Steph Curry both on the floor together. Finally, the Phoenix Suns will host the Denver Nuggets in the second consecutive matchup between these teams.
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 25th. We simply choose whether a player will record more or less of the set statistic. Here are my six favorite plays for the Christmas Day action.
Joel Embiid More Than 27.5 Points
It has been a nightmare start to the season for Joel Embiid. The former MVP has played just eight games this season and has missed time due to a variety of injuries, a three-game suspension, and most recently was ejected on Monday in a game against the Spurs. Even when he has been on the floor, Embiid has not reached his sky-high bar of expectations. Through the opening eight games he has played, Embiid is averaging just 20.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.
While the raw numbers remain ugly, there have been some positive eye-test takeaways from Embiid in recent games. The seven-time all-star looks noticeably slimmer on the floor and has moved better in his most recent stretch of play. Excluding his ejection on Monday, Embiid had scored 31 or more points in three of the previous four games he played.
The only way to wash away the sour taste from the start of the season for Embiid and the Sixers is to perform better on the floor. Embiid has averaged more than 25.5 points per game in each of the past four seasons and is beginning to look more like himself. Looking at last year’s production, Embiid recorded more than 25.5 points in 35 of the 39 games played last year. The Sixers still go as Embiid takes them and expect him to be in attack mode against the defending champions. Count on him to record more than 27.5 points and don’t be shocked if today’s matchup serves as a reminder to the league of what a talent Embiid is.
Kevin Durant More Than 2.5 Made Three-Pointers
Tonight will make the second consecutive game played between the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns. Monday’s game resulted in a 117-90 blowout in favor of the Nuggets in which the Suns were held to just 11 points in the fourth quarter. Kevin Durant finished with 23 points in the loss, but was limited to just 15 shot attempts.
The Suns will continue to be without Devin Booker in this matchup, as he remains sidelined with a groin injury. This will continue to put more offensive responsibility on Durant’s plate, as the Suns will be without the 25.1 points and 7.7 three-point attempts that Bookers provides. The four-time scoring champion is more than capable of stepping up and is averaging 27.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists this season. He also is shooting 42.7% from beyond the three-point arc, while launching 6.1 perimeter shots per game. This will be Durant’s 11th career game on Christmas and he has averaged 28.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists on 51/41/87 shooting splits across the previous 10 matchups. Durant has made more than 2.5 three-pointers in nine of the 18 games this season.
Looking at the matchup, the Nuggets rank 23rd in opponents’ points per game, 13th in opponents’ three-point percentage, and 25th in opponents’ three-point attempts. Expect some increased aggression for Durant without Booker sharing the floor with him. Count on him to record more than 2.5 made three-pointers and shine with the bright lights of the Christmas Day matchup upon him.
Bradley Beal More Than 28.5 Points, Rebounds, & Assists
It is difficult to assess Bradley Beal’s tenure in Phoenix thus far. He has been far from the biggest issue with the Suns, yet you also can’t separate how limited their roster options have become since taking on his contract. These concerns have been further brought to the surface following the recent Jimmy Butler trade rumors. While those conversations will likely continue behind the scenes, Beal must keep performing on the court.
Across the 18 games he has played this season, Beal is averaging 18.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. Beal also will be expected to step up in the absence of Devin Booker. He had flashed his ability to be the primary offensive option during his 11 years with the Wizards and must regain some of this form with higher offensive expectations. Beal has only recorded more than 28.5 combined points, rebounds, and assists four times this season. This Pick6 number has rightfully grown due to Booker’s injury and it should not be a shock if tonight ends up being Beal’s best output of the season against a struggling defense and with the Suns needing his production.
Beal also has shown an increased willingness offensively in recent games. He scored 23 and 26 points in the two previous games and has attempted 17 or more shots in four of the past six games after just twice across the first 12 games. He is averaging 14.1 field goal attempts per game on the season. Keep all game script options open by targeting the combined points, rebounds, and assists, and expect Beal’s fingerprints to be all over this game and he records more than 28.5 on the combined total.
Paul George More Than 10.5 Assists & Rebounds
It has not exactly looked like a perfect match from day one, but there have been some encouraging signs regarding Paul George’s outlook with the Sixers. The nine-time All-Star suffered two bone bruises in his knee and his injury issues have been a part of the underwhelming start to the season for the Sixers. Across the 17 games he has played, George is averaging 16.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists.
While there still has yet to be an extended sample size of what the Sixers look like when they are fully constructed, George has stood out with his ability as a playmaker for the Sixers. Philadelphia is a bit limited in their number of offensive creators and George has welcomed the additional opportunities to attack the paint and create for others. George is second on the team in assists, just 0.1 per game behind Tyrese Maxey, and third in rebounds. As a team the Sixers rank 28th in total rebounds and dead last in assists per game across the NBA.
With Embiid beginning to return to form, expect George to continue making his impact felt as a playmaker and on the boards. He has recorded more than 10.5 assists and rebounds in nine of the 17 games played with a minutes limit playing a role in several of these games. All restrictions are off and the Sixers now have to play like a desperate basketball team. Expect George to leave it all on the table and record more than 10.5 combined assists and rebounds as the Sixers attempt to take down the defending champions on Christmas.
Dennis Schroder More Than 16.5 Points & Assists
The Golden State Warriors are desperately trying to keep the championship window open around Steph Curry. Steve Kerr has dug deep in his bag and is attempting everything he can to elevate this Warriors team. The organization recently traded for Dennis Schroder to add another weapon. Across the 23 games he spent with the Brooklyn Nets to start the season, Schroder averaged 18.4 points and 6.6 assists. He recorded more than 16.5 combined points and assists in 19 of the 23 games.
Tonight will make just the fourth game that Schroder will suit up in a Warriors jersey. He has yet to fully break out and is averaging just 7.7 points and 3.7 assists while shooting an uncharacteristic 27.6% from the field and 9.1% from beyond the three-point arc. While the German guard has yet to fully settle in with his new team, he has logged 21:56 or more of game time in all three games and there is a clear need for him on the roster.
Golden State needs another offensive creator and Schroder will settle into this role. Expect some positive shooting regression as the Warriors face a Lakers defense that ranks 18th in opponents’ points allowed and 21st in defensive efficiency. Count on Schroeder stepping up and producing his best output with the Warriors as the 31-year-old records more than 16.5 combined points and assists.
Anthony Wiggins Less Than 16.5 Points
Part of the reason for the underwhelming start to the season for the Warriors has been the inconsistent level of play for Andrew Wiggins. This has been the case for the former number-one overall pick since he played a key role in the 2021-22 NBA Championship run. Looking at this year’s output, Wigging is averaging 17.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.
Wiggins had some impressive offensive outputs to start the season but has been a bit limited since. Entering this matchup, Wiggins has been held to less than 16.5 points in back-to-back games and in 12 of the 24 games overall.
While the Lakers have struggled defensively at times, Anthony Davis and LeBron James are still capable of anchoring an excellent defense when they are locked in. The two stars are listed as questionable, so monitor their outlook ahead of tip-off, but there seems to be optimism both stars will play. Wiggins will also be impacted by the addition of Dennis Schroder as his offensive role is scaled back slightly. The Kansas product is currently recording a 23% usage rate which is his highest since the 2021-22 season. Expect Wiggins to record less than 16.5 points against James and the Lakers for the 13th 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!
The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!
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.
