A loaded 11-game, 22-team NBA slate is on tap for basketball fans on Saturday. Among the matchups to watch, Anthony Davis is expected to make his Mavericks debut when the team hosts the Rockets. Later on, title contenders meet at Madison Square Garden when the Celtics visit the Knicks. There’s plenty of ways to get in on the action with DraftKings NBA Pick6 fantasy basketball selections ahead of tonight’s matchups!
Onyeka Okongwu more than 10.5 rebounds
For years, the Hawks have rolled with a near-even split in playing time at center. Veteran Clint Capela started most games, with backup Onyeka Okongwu coming off of the bench. That dynamic has been flipped by head coach Quin Snyder, with the latter now getting the majority of minutes down low. Since January 20th, Okongwu has averaged 14.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.9 assists.
The 24-year-old has enjoyed two straight 12-rebound performances. That streak should continue tonight against an awful Wizards team. Washington has struggled mightily on the glass, surrendering the most rebounds per game to opponents (56.5). When these teams last met in November, Okongwu delivered a 13-point, 13-rebound double-double in just 26 minutes. The center won’t need much time on Saturday to grab some boards.
Bilal Coulibaly more than 24.5 points + rebounds + assists
Staying in D.C., Bilal Coulibaly’s growth has been a bright spot for the Wizards. This season, the second-year pro has posted 12.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists while shooting 42.5% from the field. A flurry of trade deadline deals has depleted Washington’s depth, giving the 20-year-old an even greater role on offense. It helps that the Frenchman has logged 36.8 minutes per game over his last four appearances.
With a large workload and little competition on the roster, Coulibaly is set up for a terrific second half. That includes tonight’s game vs. the Hawks. This season, Atlanta has given up the fifth-most points (118.8) and the fourth-most assists (28.6) to opponents. The wing has gone over 24.5 points+rebounds+assists in each of his last three outings. Expect another all-around performance for Washington’s talented youngster in this one.
Jalen Williams more than 4.5 assists
The 41-9 Thunder currently own the NBA’s best record. Most of the praise will go to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but the point guard isn’t the only big name in Oklahoma City. Jalen Williams has enjoyed his best season as a pro, earning his first-ever All-Star Game selection. The wing does a little bit of everything on the court; through 47 games, he’s averaged 21.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists.
If there’s a team that leads directly to fantasy points, it’s the Grizzles. Memphis plays at the fastest pace in basketball, leading to plenty of possessions for both sides. In this spot, Williams has usually thrived as a playmaker. Over the last seven meetings between these two teams, the 23-year-old has dished out five or more assists five different times. Game script should lead to plenty of passes from OKC’s second-best player tonight.
Mikal Bridges more than 2.5 rebounds
In the most anticipated matchup on Saturday’s slate, the Knicks will look to take down the defending champion Celtics. If New York has any hope of pulling off a signature win, they’ll need someone other than Jalen Brunson or Karl-Anthony Towns to step up. Mikal Bridges, acquired from the Nets last summer, certainly fits the bill. This season, the wing has posted 18.2 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists while shooting 49.4% from the field (36.0 3PT%).
An easy way for New York’s newest star to make an impact is on the glass. The Celtics, for all their strengths, have allowed 53.3 rebounds per game to opponents, fifth-most in the NBA. During his last ten meetings with Boston, Bridges has snagged three or more rebounds on seven different occasions. At such a low number, this play makes plenty of sense on Saturday night.
Devin Booker more than 6.5 assists
A tumultuous trade deadline has come and gone for the Suns. While a few moves were made, the team’s core of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker remains intact. The latter has acted as a distributor this season, recording a team-leading 6.7 assists per game. Combined with elite scoring ability (26.4 PPG), the four-time All-Star has earned his reputation as a dual-threat guard.
The Suns will have their hands full on Saturday against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. However, Denver has given up 29.5 assists per game, the highest mark in basketball. Booker’s production can be difficult to predict when sharing the court with a scorer like Durant. Still, the 28-year-old has always been a fantasy basketball superstar. In a game that should see a ton of points, Phoenix’s point guard will thrive as a passer.
Walker Kessler less than 10.5 points
Walker Kessler has been a hot commodity in trade rumors; plenty of teams would love to have an elite rim protector. However, the Jazz opted to keep the big man, still just 23 years of age. The Auburn alum has enjoyed his best season in the NBA, generating 11.2 points, 11.9 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game. Most impressive has been the center’s efficiency, as he currently leads the league with a 71.0% field goal percentage.
On most nights, Utah’s talented shot-blocker is capable of reaching double-digit points. That might prove difficult tonight; the Clippers have allowed the fifth-fewest points (107.8) and second-fewest rebounds (50.0) per game. In Kessler’s seven career meetings with Los Angeles, he’s reached 11 points only once; I’d feel confident fading him once again on Saturday.
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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