A five-game, ten-team slate is on tap for basketball fans on Thursday. Among the matchups to watch, the conference-leading Cavaliers and Thunder will meet for the second time this month. The last time these two played each other, Cleveland earned an impressive 129-122 victory. Later in the evening, the 27-12 Rockets will travel to Sacramento to take on a red-hot Kings squad.
With several big names suiting up, there’s plenty of ways to get in on the action with DraftKings NBA Pick6 selections ahead of tonight’s matchups!
Tyus Jones more than 5.5 assists
Now that both Kevin Durant and Devin Booker are healthy, there’s been less touches for everyone else on the Suns. That’s no surprise when playing with two superstars, but head coach Mike Budenholzer’s lineup shuffling hasn’t helped. Among those most effected, Tyus Jones stands out. Since December 15th, the point guard is averaging 9.9 points and 4.3 assists while logging just 26.4 minutes per game.
The good news on Thursday is that Jones doesn’t need a large workload to put up numbers. Tonight’s matchup is the perfect spot, as the Wizards are allowing the most points (122.4) and the fourth-most assists (28.4) in basketball. Over his last nine outings, the guard has dished out five or more assists in five different contests. Expect him to deliver a solid performance against the association’s worst team.
Evan Mobley more than 29.5 points + rebounds
Sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference with a 34-5 record, the Cavaliers have turned heads. A balanced Cleveland roster has depended heavily on its front court, lead by Evan Mobley. The power forward was already one of the game’s better defenders, but his offense appears to be catching up. This season, the USC alum has put up 19.0 points and 9.0 rebounds while shooting 57.7% from the field.
The Cavs will have their hands full tonight against the Thunder, who have allowed an NBA-best 103.2 points per game. Still, if Oklahoma City has any weakness, it’s on the glass; the team has given up the second-most rebounds to opponents (55.7). The last time these two met on January 8th, Mobley recorded 21 points and ten rebounds. A follow-up performance in primetime is more than likely.
Ryan Dunn more than 9.5 points
As mentioned previously, Mike Budenholzer has resorted to drastic lineup changes in order to turn the Suns around. That’s meant shifting former All-Star Bradley Beal to the bench and promoting rookie Ryan Dunn to the starting five. While he’s known mainly as a defender, the Virginia product has shown some flashes on the other end of the floor. Dunn has tallied 10 or more points over his last three outings.
Those numbers on their own might not be enough to warrant a Pick6 selection. However, the Wizards can’t defend anyone, even an offensively-limited player. Washington has surrendered 14.7 three-pointers to opponents, second-most in the NBA. This season, Dunn is taking 57.8% of his field goal attempts from beyond the arc. If the wing manages to knock down a few shots from deep, he could clear this total with ease.
James Harden more than 22.5 points
Kawhi Leonard’s much-anticipated return has been great for the Clippers. Not so much for fantasy managers that spent over two months backing James Harden. The Beard has put together a terrific campaign, posting 21.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and a team-leading 8.0 assists. However, a usage rate of 30.0%, tenth-highest in basketball, means that his production isn’t sustainable with Leonard back.
Luckily, Thursday is the second leg of a back-to-back, which means Kawhi will almost certainly be rested. That means plenty of work for Harden, who only played 23 minutes during Wednesday’s 126-67 drubbing of the Nets. Los Angeles’ opponent, the Trail Blazers, are giving up the eighth-most points in the NBA (117.3). With full control of the Clippers’ offense, the Beard should be able to clear this modest total.
Toumani Camara less than 6.5 rebounds
One of the bright spots in a forgettable season for the Trail Blazers has been Toumani Camara. The Belgian baller has emerged as a solid role player this season, producing 9.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists. Portland head coach Chauncey Billups clearly values the former second-round pick, as he’s started in all 38 of his appearances.
The 6’8″ forward’s biggest strength is on the glass; he’s snagged seven or more boards thirteen times this season. That might not matter on Thursday; the Clippers have given up the fifth-fewest rebounds to opponents (50.5). When these two teams last met on December 3rd, Camara only recorded four rebounds. This number is simply too high against a Los Angeles squad that knows how to box out.
Fred VanVleet more than 2.5 three-pointers made
Fred VanVleet isn’t the most reliable player. This season, he’s shot an atrocious 38.8% from the field (32.9 3PT%). Still, the ninth-year pro is the perfect leader for an inexperienced, but talented, Rockets squad. Head coach Ime Udoka knows this, which is why he’s usually willing to keep the veteran on the floor. That makes FVV an intriguing target for counting stats on most nights.
The former All-Star has looked much better over his last five games, averaging 16.2 points and 2.8 three-pointers. That shooting success should continue tonight vs. a Kings team allowing opponents to hit 37.6% of their shots from beyond the arc, fifth-most in the NBA. As long as VanVleet remains on the floor, he has a strong chance at knocking down some treys against Sacramento.
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!
Apple DraftKings Pick6 App
Google DraftKings Pick6 App
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.
