A loaded nine-game, 18-team NBA slate is on tap for basketball fans on Saturday. Among the matchups to watch, the surging Sacramento Kings visiting the Western Conference-leading Thunder. Later on, LeBron James and the Lakers take on the Knicks at Madison Square Garden in a primetime showdown. There’s plenty of ways to get in on the action with DraftKings NBA Pick6 fantasy basketball selections ahead of tonight’s matchups!
Pascal Siakam more than 21.5 points
Indiana’s lone All-Star representative is Pascal Siakam, and for good reason. The former Raptors star has been terrific this season, averaging 20.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists while shooting 53.2% from the field (41.8 3PT%). It’s been much-needed for the Pacers, who have stayed afloat despite inconsistent production from point guard Tyrese Haliburton.
Following a 37-point outing vs. the Pistons, Siakam appears to be playing his best basketball. That should continue tonight against the Hawks, who are now without forward Jalen Johnson (shoulder). This season, Atlanta has surrendered the fifth-most points per game (118.8) and the most three-pointers made per game (14.5). With those numbers in mind, there’s no reason to assume Siakam’s stellar play will slow down on Saturday.
Jamal Murray more than 30.5 points + rebounds + assists
The Nuggets are thought of a one-man show by casual fans, as Nikola Jokic’s dominance is hard to ignore. However, Jamal Murray has stepped up following a slow start to the season. Through 42 games, the Canadian has recorded 20.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists while shooting 46.0% from the field (36.7 3PT%). As one of the association’s more well-balanced guards, the former champion’s production can be difficult to predict.
Tonight, the Nuggets face a 12-33 Hornets team in disarray without leading scorer LaMelo Ball (ankle). Charlotte has allowed a league-average mark of 112.8 points per game, so they aren’t pushovers on defense. Still, Murray has been on fire recently. The eighth-year pro is averaging 25.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 6.3 assists during his last ten appearances. Denver’s second-best player should have another solid all-around performance on Friday.
DeMar DeRozan less than 2.5 assists
De’Aaron Fox trade rumors are swirling; the point guard’s days in Sacramento appear to be numbered. As of this writing, a deal has yet to be materialized. Until we get to that point, the Kings’ offense remains a three-headed monster. Fortunately, there’s more than enough scoring to go around between Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and DeMar DeRozan. The latter, acquired this summer, has posted 21.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists this season.
On a high-powered offense, three assists doesn’t seem like a daunting total. However, the Kings have the misfortune of traveling to Oklahoma City on Friday. The Thunder are a dominant defensive unit, giving up the fewest points per game (103.2) and the third-fewest assists per game (24.1). DeRozan has reached this number only once over his last six outings; that’s unlikely to change against OKC.
Karl-Anthony Towns more than 24.5 points
A thumb injury hasn’t stopped Karl-Anthony Towns, but it’s certainly slowed him down. The All-Star game starter has put up 18.8 points, 12.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists over his last five games. Those statistics are nothing to sneeze at, but they do represent a significant decline from his season-long output. The biggest struggle for the center during that time has been from three-point range, where he’s shot just 16.7%.
A marquee matchup on Saturday could be the perfect spot for KAT to get back on track. The Lakers will be without Anthony Davis (abdomen), one of the best interior defenders in basketball. Even with the big man, Los Angeles has allowed the fourth-most points in the paint per game (50.7) this season. Going against backup center Jaxson Hayes, Towns should be aggressive to start this contest. The Knicks star has a terrific scoring opportunity ahead of him tonight.
Austin Reaves more than 2.5 three-pointers made
Staying in Madison Square Garden, let’s take a closer look at the visiting team. The 27-19 Lakers, for all their flaws, are a playoff contender in the Western Conference. Davis and LeBron James have led the charge, but Austin Reaves deserves some credit. The guard is enjoying a career year, averaging 18.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 6.1 assists. Now, with AD out for at least a week, the fourth-year pro is set for a bigger role on offense.
Reave’s top skill is his shooting; the Oklahoma alum has knocked down a team-leading 2.6 three-pointers per game (36.6%). That should come in handy on Saturday night against the Knicks. This season, opposing teams have made 37.7% of their three-pointers against New York, the highest mark in the NBA. With LeBron James drawing in several defenders, Los Angeles’ sharpshooter will have open looks from beyond the arc.
Nick Richards more than 9.5 rebounds
Phoenix made a bold move two weeks ago when they traded for Nick Richards. The center was stuck in a committee down low, sharing time with fellow big man Mark Williams. Now with the Suns, the fifth-year pro has far less competition for minutes. The results have been terrific so far: 11.4 points and 11.0 rebounds through seven games.
It’s become apparent that a somewhat undersized Suns team needed a big body down low. Richards, while inconsistent on defense, has a knack for grabbing boards. This season, the seven-footer has notched eight double-doubles in just 28 appearances. Saturday’s opponent, the Trail Blazers, have allowed the eighth-most rebounds per game (53.0). Once again, Phoenix’s newest contributor should find a way to reach double-digit boards tonight.
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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