A six-game, 12-team NBA slate is on tap for basketball fans on Thursday. Among the matchups to watch, the Celtics and Mavericks meet in Boston for a Finals rematch. Later on, LeBron James and the Lakers host Stephen Curry and the rival Warriors. There’s plenty of ways to get in on the action with DraftKings NBA Pick6 fantasy basketball selections ahead of tonight’s matchups!
Kyrie Irving more than 25.5 points
All eyes will be on Anthony Davis tonight as the big man will (likely) play in his first game with the Mavericks. However, don’t let AD’s debut distract you from the other superstar on Dallas’ roster. Kyrie Irving has been carrying a heavy load without Luka Doncic, serving as the team’s leading scorer and distributor. Over his last ten games, the point guard is averaging 25.1 points and 4.6 assists while shooting 45.4% from the field.
Kyrie’s struggles against the Celtics are well-documented, but he did notch 22 points the last time these teams met in January. With so much roster shuffling for Dallas, there should be even more touches for the eight-time All-Star on Thursday. After scoring 62 combined points over his last two outings, the veteran should keep his hot streak going tonight.
Mike Conley less than 1.5 three-pointers made
After 18 seasons in the NBA, Mike Conley remains a valuable role player for the Timberwolves. Unfortunately, the point guard’s days as a dependable option on offense are over. This season, he’s put up 8.1 points and 4.6 assists while shooting 36.1% from the field (37.9 3PT%). Still, the veteran has remained in the starting lineup for a Timberwolves team that struggles to score.
Conley has shown some skill from beyond the arc, nailing multiple three-pointers in seven of his last 11 outings. However, that trend might not carry over to tonight’s contest. Minnesota’s opponent, the Rockets, have allowed 12.3 three-pointers made per game, second-lowest in the NBA. When these teams last played in December, Conley shot one-of-four from long-distance. The former All-Star makes plenty of sense as a fade on Thursday.
Paolo Banchero more than 27.5 points + assists
It’s been a rough stretch for the Magic, who have lost 11 of their last 15 games. Surprisingly, the return of both Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero last month haven’t led to more wins for Orlando. The latter hasn’t looked great, which is somewhat expected after suffering a torn oblique. However, a 23-point, nine-assist outing last night vs. the Kings could be a sign of good things to come.
Now, the former Rookie of the Year will hope to lead the Magic to a second straight win on Thursday. That won’t be easy against the Nuggets, but there are plenty of ways to beat their defense. This season, Denver has allowed the most assists (29.7) and the seventh-most points (117.5) per game. Banchero isn’t the most consistent star, but he’s talented enough to put together a solid performance in this one.
Draymond Green more than 6.5 rebounds
After a late-night trade for Jimmy Butler, the Warriors will be missing several front-court pieces during tonight’s contest. That should open up plenty of minutes for Draymond Green. The veteran has had an up-and-down season so far. Through 36 games, he’s posted 8.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists while shooting just 41.3% from the field.
The Lakers have also been active this week, trading away Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic and acquiring Mark Williams. That leaves the Purple and Gold thin down low heading into Thursday’s primetime matchup. Draymond has snagged at least seven boards in seven of his last eight meetings with Los Angeles. Against a depleted front court, the four-time All-Star should have his way on the glass.
Jaxson Hayes more than 6.5 rebounds
Speaking of Jaxson Hayes, the big man had a fun week as Los Angeles’ starting center. That run appears to be over now that the Lakers have traded for Mark Williams. Still, the former first-round pick should get one more crack in the starting five on Thursday. Over his last three games, Hayes has averaged 6.7 points and 6.0 rebounds while shooting 75.0% from the field.
Those numbers aren’t the most encouraging, including a modest 23.5 minutes per game. That might not matter tonight against a Warriors team that struggles to box out. Golden State has given up 53.2 rebounds per game to opponents, sixth-most in the NBA. Without many big bodies to contend with, Hayes could easily snag a few boards in limited action. Look for the 24-year-old to make an impact in what may be his last game as a starter.
Keegan Murray more than 11.5 points
A busy week of wheeling and dealing has reshaped Sacramento’s roster. Yet while the Kings may have some new faces, there’s still plenty of capable pieces on the roster. That includes Keegan Murray, a talented forward that has struggled to find his shot for most of the season. Lately, the 24-year-old has begun to turn things around. Since January 1st, he’s scored 12.7 points while shooting 48.4% from the field (40.2 3PT%).
Sacramento’s opponent on Thursday, the Trail Blazers, have won nine of their last ten games. Still, Portland has surrendered the eighth-most points per game (117.3) and the ninth-highest three-point percentage (36.5%). Murray has reached 12 points in five of his last eight appearances; I like his chances to reach that total one more time 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.
Play at DraftKings Pick6 or by downloading the DraftKings Pick6 app on Apple or Google!
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